Let the race for Governor begin
Woah, this really caught me by surprise. It seems that Sen. Johnny Isakson will not run for Governor in 2010. The nomination had been almost conceded to Isakson, but this changes everything:
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson held a meeting with this staff this morning and told them he’s decided to seek another term in the U.S. Senate rather than run for governor in 2010.Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine is already running. Casey Cagle is almost certainly going to run. State House Majority Leader Jerry Keen had thrown out the idea of running for an open Senate seat. You have to think that Lynn Westmoreland would consider it as well.The meeting was confirmed by Joan Kirchner, Isakson’s deputy chief of staff.
“Johnny loves serving in the U.S. Senate, and he thinks this presidential election — know matter who wins — will be one of the most important in the country’s history,” Kirchner said. “And in the next administration, the U.S. Senate will be where all the action is.”
Who else?
Comments
Henry County's own - Herman Cain. If I can't have Johnny, let's get the guy who came in second to him in the primary. At least we can have a governonr who doesn't think we're stupid. Seriously a conservative Black Republican - what's not to like?
Posted by: DMZDave | May 8, 2008 02:01 PM
Henry County's own Herman Cain. A Black, Republican Governor of Georgia who understands business and can lead - what's not to like?
Posted by: DMZDave | May 8, 2008 02:06 PM
Sorry, my computer froze and I thought I had killed the first post with the typo.
Posted by: DMZDave | May 8, 2008 02:10 PM
Herman Cain may have been second on your ballot but he was first on mine. I have to agree with you that he would be a great governor and one that the liberals and conservatives alike would probably not want to see in that office as he has too much common sense for most of them.
And just a comment what does his being black have to with it. I think he is brilliant even if he were white.
Posted by: Don | May 8, 2008 02:11 PM
Don: Herman Cain's race is of interest to me because beyond his ability to provide common sense leadership, he would appeal to a lot of voters who would not normally vote for a Republican. If you read his book, you will get a sense of how he was able to channel his experiences growing up in a segregated South in a positive way. Given Georgia's population, our wealth, our resources, there is simply no excuse for our national ranking in a host of areas including education except for an absence of leadership. And Don, now that I think of it, you are right, Herman should have been my first choice.
Posted by: DMZDave | May 8, 2008 03:59 PM
I've been saying for months that Herman Cain's talk show was built on the premise gaining more name recognition throughout the state. If you've heard him publicly speak recently, he sure sounds like a candidate.
He told me a few weeks ago that hewould consider another run at elected office if it was "God's will." Unfortunately, I think he may view this as His will.
I don't see him as being interested in state politics. When he speaks, he talks about national issues. His radio show is focused on national issues.
I'd like to think that I am wrong, as I think his experience in the private sector has proven that he is an effective executive. It's just my opinion, but I firmly believe that he had his sights set on a vacant U.S. Senate seat rather than our state's governorship.
Posted by: Danny | May 8, 2008 07:27 PM
If Westmoreland runs, the race will be doubly interesting for Henry Countians because of the potential candidates for his U.S. House seat. It's almost a given that a current state legislator (or several) will run, which throws that seat open, etc. Who knows when the dominoes will stop falling.
Posted by: Monroe Roark | May 8, 2008 10:13 PM
It's almost a given that a current state legislator (or several) will run, which throws that seat open, etc.
There are several legislators that would be interested in that seat, not all of them are from Henry County. I would expect that they would discuss and determine who will run long before qualifying.
Posted by: Jason | May 8, 2008 10:16 PM
You are correct sir. They will pick the one with the best name recognition, voter appeal, and track record for the party they represent. Politics 101 states that you run the person who gives you the most bang for the buck.
The Doctor
Posted by: The Doctor | May 8, 2008 10:56 PM
I'm fairly convinced Westmoreland is going to be the next Governor of Georgia, and rightfully so, he's a good man.
Ronnie Chance might take a stab at that Congressional seat. I wouldn't mind seeing Steve Davis go for it myself, if he lives within that district.
Posted by: Kyle | May 9, 2008 10:30 AM