McDonald regains PSC seat

Republican former Public Service Commissioner Lauren McDonald regained the post he lost in 2002 Tuesday, besting Democrat Jim Powell in Tuesday’s runoff for a spot on the utility-regulating commission.

With 90 percent of the precincts reporting, McDonald had 58 percent of the vote.

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Lauren McDonald, Republican.

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Democrat Jim Powell.

• Georgia Public Service Commission results

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Dec. 2 runoff voting:

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Nov. 4 voting:

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Powell led McDonald in the Nov. 4 general election 47.9 percent to 47.2 percent. But because of votes cast for a Libertarian candidate, neither candidate got a majority, forcing a runoff.

In Tuesday’s runoff, McDonald dominated Powell in rural and suburban counties, and the Democrat failed to make up the ground he needed in Dekalb and Fulton counties.

McDonald will replace Republican Angela Speir, who is leaving the commission after one term.

McDonald, 69, a longtime Democratic state lawmaker, served on the PSC until he was beaten by Speir in 2002.

Speir endorsed Powell, 59, of Hiawassee, a retired executive from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Speir said McDonald was too chummy with the utilities that the commission regulates when he served on the PSC.

McDonald raised twice as much money as Powell, getting several contributions from utility company executives. Powell, meanwhile, has raised about one-third of the $100,000 he’s taken in from labor unions.

Both candidates also got financial help from their parties.

McDonald campaigned on his experience in public office and in business.

Powell said he ran to give consumers an independent voice on the commission.

During the general election, McDonald polled heavily in rural areas and Republican strongholds. Powell, meanwhile had strong support in DeKalb and Fulton counties and Democratic-leaning cities.

Turnout was heavy in those areas on Nov. 4 because of the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama, political experts said. In the runoff, turnout was lower.

There were times this year when it didn’t look like Powell would even make it onto the ballot.

Handel, a Republican, declared Powell ineligible to run for the District 4 seat because she said he did not meet residency requirements.

However, Powell fought Handel’s decision in court and the Georgia Supreme Court sided with him on the Thursday before the general election.