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February 14, 2007

Regarding the 10th Congressional District

I didn’t know much about US Rep. Charlie Norwood before his death yesterday, but everything I’ve read since indicates he was an independent minded man, a fine public servant and much admired on both sides of the aisle. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and colleagues of all political stripes.

Therefore, my apologies in advance if some of you find this post inappropriate. The passing of Rep. Norwood has triggered a special election, and on it hangs the balance of power for the GA US Congressional delegation. There isn't much time (if any), to speak up before everything locks into place.

Politico reports on the process as follows:

Gov. Sonny Perdue, a Republican, is required to ask the secretary of state within 10 days for a special election date. The election would then be held at least 30 days later. Traditionally, special elections in Georgia have been held within about two months of a vacancy.

On the Republican side, State Sen. Ralph Hudgens, State House Majority Whip Barry Fleming and State Sen. Nancy Schaefer are all reported to be considering a run for the seat. The 10th Congressional is a traditionally Republican district, after all.

On our side, Terry Holley, Carol Jackson and Alan Powell have been mentioned as possible contenders. Of those, Jackson is the best and most strategic choice. Here's why:

First, we can't afford to lose Alan Powell's House seat on a somewhat risky run for US Congress. Even if another D runs to replace him, the seat could be lost. Remember what happened to our incumbents who stepped out of their seats last year? Next, Terry Holley is (sorry Amber I know you hate this term), a non-starter. He's already had at least one shot at this seat when he ran against Norwood in 2006 and only pulled 33%. He could only raise about $28,000 for that race, which is considerably less than most State House candidates raise.

In 2002, Jackson won her (Northeast GA), State Senate district with 55% of the vote. In 2004, the Republicans redrew her district and she didn't run. In 2006 (while battling health problems of her own from which she has fully recovered), she took 47% of the vote against Nancy Schaefer, losing by only about 2,000 votes.

And there's the money issue. Remember Holley's puny $28K? Jackson raised almost $125,000 for her State Senate race in '06. If that's not enough, Jackson is a firecracker. She's a feisty, likeable, well-spoken woman with high name recognition in the district and no current commitments. She's a moderate/conservative Dem, who (to paraphrase Harold Ford), goes over well up there. And if (as I suspect), one or more white male Republicans run in this non-partisan race, Jackson offers the voters the only choice.

A concerted, focused effort with paid media and phone banking could push Jackson over the top. The tide is shifting, and Jackson is the ONLY choice to catch this wave.


Related links: Jockeying begins for Norwood's seat, from AP.

More on Carol Jackson, plus stats, from PeachPulpit.

Protocol Secondary for Would-Be Successor to Norwood, from CQ Politics.

Posted by Mel at February 14, 2007 12:30 AM

Comments

I totally agree. I posted on Kos the other day in response to someone saying that no one should send $$ to this race that its the ONLY race going on (except for MS LA and KY Gov but they arent active now), and we shouldnt hold ANYTHING back. Its not like were diverting resources.

Posted by: indie_rock_elitist [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 14, 2007 09:22 AM

Every county cmte and activist group should be planning on spending a couple of days calling and canvassing in the 10th.

I'm guessing the DPG will try to clear the decks for ONE person to run. Prepare now, organize your folks, get them ready.

Posted by: sndeak [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 14, 2007 09:33 AM

Depending on who else runs, there will be at least two races. It could get crazy with a bunch of electeds running, which would then trigger other elections for their seats, and so on.

Posted by: MelGX [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 14, 2007 11:03 AM

Here's the code section, 21-2-543:

Whenever a vacancy shall occur or exist in the office of Representative in the United States Congress from this state the Governor shall issue, within ten days after the occurrence of such vacancy, a writ of election to the Secretary of State for a special election to fill such vacancy, which election shall be held on the date named in the writ, which shall not be less than 30 days after its issuance. Upon receiving the writ of election from the Governor, the Secretary of State shall then transmit the writ of election to the superintendent of each county involved and shall publish the call of the election.

Posted by: JerryT [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 14, 2007 12:12 PM

If I hear anything from the Democratic Party in Columbia County (which two of the potential contenders represent), I'll y'all know.

Posted by: Jen B. [TypeKey Profile Page] at February 14, 2007 12:14 PM

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