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DEL.ICIO.USLet the games begin, slowly
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In another year, the departure, sans farewell speech, of a Sam Zamarippa or a Jeff Brown might not be such a big deal. Zamarippa, a Senate Democrat, and Brown, a House Republican, were promising legislators, but they haven’t been around long enough to be in the top rungs of leadership.
These days a little institutional memory goes a long way, however. And the overall pool of candidates willing to put up with long hours for a lot of free Brunswick stew doesn’t seem to be getting any larger. Which is why we ought to look with just a little concern at that pageant of political ambition called qualifying week.
Republican consultant Mark Rountree, who keeps up with this kind of thing, estimated Monday the overall number of candidates qualifying for legislative races will be down 25 percent. And he was standing on what was, on Monday at least, the lively side of the Capitol. Things were a lot slower over on the House side, where the Democrats were signing up.
A lot of the Republican incumbents have become more entrenched and all the redistricting changes of this decade have discouraged potential candidates by making it hard to plan for and execute a race. But another, more ominous factor is that the price of public service has gone up, and priced a lot of qualified people out of the game.
Comments
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By Oliver Brown
April 25, 2006 06:15 AM | Link to this
You guys are one the most rewarding thing that I look forward to durning Legislature session. Its always the unknown and unexpected that I enjoy the most! Of course I definite expect to get the “Inside Information” from THE INSIDER!
Good hunting boys in 2007! Oliver
By Nicholas
April 25, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
The loss of Sen. Zamarippa will in my opinion be felt. His since of principle to stand up to the Immigration bill that the Republicans forced down our throats will not soon be forgotten. Its a loss for all of Georgia that he will not seek re-election.
By bill kecskes
April 25, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this
I went to the Gold Dome yesterday - I put up my $400 to qualify for House District 18 - like many others, I really don’t have the time that is required of this part-time citizens legislature BUT two overriding reasons compelled me to go and sign up: 1. How can I complain if I don’t get involved - we all have an obligation as citizens to do community service - this is truly going to be community service. 2. The current House District 18 incument has done NOTHING these past 4 years - I’ve complained a lot about that - and the only piece of legislation he’s gotten passed was unanimously reversed by the Georgia Supreme Court in September 2005 on a lawsuit I helped author. No, I’m not a lawyer - I’m a school teacher of 8th graders. Wish me luck!
Bill Kecskes
By Cobb County
April 25, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Good luck to anyone willing to run! I just hope that we send a signal to Washington that the Republicans have ruined enough things that we don’t want to see them for a long time. I was a Republican but after the Bush administration and the constant lies, enough is enough. I don’t trust my own party. I still agree with the family values, but if the biggest obstacle is gay marriage, who cares?! Good luck Democrats. I know a lot of people share my opinion.
Support our troops by bringing them home. And how about controlling gas prices. I hear the oil companies are having another quarter of record breaking profits again while the American people are paying record breaking prices.
By BlingBling
April 25, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
FYI: I’m excited that Democrats might hold the SOS’s office.
Walter Ray qualified yesterday to run for Secretary of State. He is has the most experience. I say:
Election day: Vote Walter Ray
By NutsnBolts
April 25, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this
We like Walter Ray’s chances for Secretary of State, too.
He’s accessible, traveling the state meeting the good citizens and proactive.
In a recent press release Mr. Ray asked all other candidates to support a national model for archivists.
In the piece, he said “Katrina clearly demonstrates Georgia’s need to be better prepared.” We agree.
Walter Ray’s the person for Georgia SOS.
By Melissa
April 26, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
I am for Shyam Reddy!
By Beth
April 26, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
Today the most qualified person for SoS qualified - Karen Handel. She is the only person in the race with the combination of business and political experience necessary to run the SoS office. She is also the only person in the race that has a plan for elections reform.