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DEL.ICIO.USUneasy thoughts on Charlie Norwood and the 10th District
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Politics is full of crass moments, and this may be one of them.
No one wants to see U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood of Augusta leave the stage. This is a fellow who, back in 2000, we put money on as the first GOP governor of Georgia. But already several figures are said to be making contingency plans for the quick, a one-month, non-partisan campaign that would result if the seat becomes vacant.
We’re hearing that the House would line up very strongly behind state Rep. Barry Fleming of Harlem, who represents Norwood in the Legislature. Other names we’ve heard include state senators Ralph Hudgens and Jim Whitehead. Democrats tell us they’re certain to participate.
One thought dominates: A race for the very conservative 10th District in northeast Georgia could be one of the first federal elections in the post-’06 climate, a test of what the GOP base now thinks of Iraq and the remaining months of the Bush administration.
And it might become a guidepost for any Republican facing election in ’08.
We’ll leave it at that.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Todd Tibbetts
February 8, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Charlie is a good man. I would encourage you to refrain from politics at this time and have respect for Congressman Norwood. Please pray for comfort for Charlie and his family.
For more information about Congressman Norwood, visit his bio link: http://www.house.gov/norwood/bio.shtml
By south ga conservative
February 8, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
If norwood retires from office then it would open up the seat for possibly a democrat like a carol jackson or a j.b. blythe to win in 2008.
By Mars Attacks
February 8, 2007 11:45 AM | Link to this
Norwood never should have run for re-election in 2004. He knew he was seriously ill and has left his district effectively unrepresented for more than 2 years. Now it will cost the taxpayers thousands of dollars to have special election when he dies over the weekend. the “power” of Congress is a powerful narcotic. At least ‘term limits’ exist de facto if not de jure. It doesn’t matter who replaces him; politicians are all dishonorable creatures who lack even the loyalty a dog possesses.
By CobbGOPer
February 8, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this
I wouldn’t say the district has been unrepresented for the last two years. Norwood worked as much as he could, rolling around in his moterized chair with oxygen. You can’t blame the guy for being optimistic in his treatment. It just appears that he’s come to the realization that further treatment isn’t going to help.
By mo
February 8, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
A dying man is a dying man. First of all, we need to stop and pray for that man.
As far as the political dealings, it is rare that a Democrat will take his seat in this case. The GOP will have a massive rallying theme in Norwood.
By Mary
February 8, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
Not running would have been an admission to himself that he was dying. No one wants to do that. Let’s not vilify him for being human.
By HB
February 8, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
The Congressman was honest with his constituents, they knew his condition, and a majority gave him their vote of confidence to return and serve them. He and the voters made the decision that he should return to Congress together. There’s nothing dishonorable about that.
By Mad Dog
February 8, 2007 7:00 PM | Link to this
“Let’s not vilify him for being human”
Sure. Let’s vilify for being a GOP Congressman.
By truebeliever
February 10, 2007 1:00 PM | Link to this
I would direct those who believe Congressman Norwood left his constituents “unrepresented” in recent years to the press section of his website. Take a moment to see how “inactive” he has been and consider what you’ve done to change the world in the same amount of time. You may also want to talk to one of the hundreds of people who have been given assistance navigating federal bureaucracies through his office. Please think (and God forbid, research) before you speak.
By Jack
February 12, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
Thank you truebeliever!! Just because someone isn’t in top health doesn’t mean they aren’t active.