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Monday, June 12, 2006
The one-exception rule strikes another candidate
Georgia Right to Life PAC puts out its list of endorsements for the July primary
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Right to Life’s political action committee on Monday released its list of endorsements for the July 18 primary.
It’s often a crucial ingredient in Republican contests - though not so critical among Democrats.
Among Republican statewide candidates, the winner may be Bill Stephens, the only GOP candidate for secretary of state to get GRTL’s stamp of approval.
Karen Handel, Stephens’ primary rival and the Fulton County Commission chairman, lost out. “She didn’t meet our criteria,� said Caryl Swift, the GRTL president. She wouldn’t elaborate.
It looks like Handel ran afoul of the group’s “one-exception� mandate, adopted four years ago. Handel opposes abortion, but supports exceptions in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in danger.
The only exception sanctioned by GRTL is the life of the mother. Two years ago, the group withheld its endorsement from Johnny Isakson in the race for U.S. Senate. Isakson, of course, won without a run-off.
In the Republican race for lieutenant governor, GRTL endorsed both Casey Cagle and Ralph Reed. That wasn’t unexpected, but it does lend fuel to speculation that evangelical conservatives are fracturing over this one.
The group also endorsed two Republican candidates for commissioner of agriculture: Gary Black and Brian Kemp. And Gov. Sonny Perdue, of course. And Perry McGuire for attorney general, who’s running against Democratic incumbent Thurbert Baker.
Only one statewide Democrat received GRTL’S imprimatur of approval. That went to Walter Ray, who’s running for secretary of state. Ray is a former state legislator who went on to become chairman of the state Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Along with fellow board member Bobby Whitworth, Ray was forced from his position by Gov. Roy Barnes during a corruption investigation. Whitworth was convicted of taking a $75,000 payoff to influence legislation that could financially benefit a private probation company.
Ray was not charged.
Swift, the GRTL president, said the group was aware of Ray’s travails when they made the endorsement.
Go here for GRTL’s complete list.
