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DEL.ICIO.USYou can’t say he’s out, because he was never in
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
First, let’s dispense of the rumor.
Word out of Washington this morning was that former University of Georgia athletic director Vince Dooley was interested in joining the race to replace the late U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood of Augusta, as a Democrat.
Not so.
We first got hold of his wife Barbara, a Republican. “If he is, please tell him to call me and let me know,” she said.
A quick call to her husband, who thought about running for U.S. Senate in ’86 and governor in ‘90, dispelled any doubt. No, he’s not thinking about it. And no one’s talked to him about it. Consider the rumor killed.
As you know, the field of candidates for the 10th congressional district has already shrunk by one.
On Monday, state Sen. Jim Whitehead (R-Evans) announced for the 10th District congressional seat. With him was state Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem) who — until that day — was in the race.
Fleming was at the House caucus meeting on Tuesday morning. Fleming said it was apparent that Whitehead, a good friend, would not back out of the race.
“That left the decision to me,” said Fleming, who had spent months quietly making plans. Much of Fleming’s decision could be traced to the ages of the two men.
Whitehead is 64. Fleming is 41, and has plenty of time. But Fleming said the Columbia County and Augusta establishment also weighed in. They were fearful that the two legislators would split the vote in the Augusta region, giving an edge to state Sen. Ralph Hudgens of Comer, whose strength lies in the Athens area.
Also Monday, Brian Kemp of Athens, who resigned his seat to run for state agriculture commission, declared his intention to return to the Senate — by going after Hudgens’ seat.
Both Hudgens and Whitehead must resign to run for Congress, but the timing is still being worked out.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Peyton Walters
February 20, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
Isn’t it true some female GBI agent said Dooley propositioned her and that’s why he can never run for office?
By Carl
February 20, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
I can hardly see how a supposed propositioning of a GBI agent can stop a person from running for anything in this country—everything from President of the USA or you local dog catcher. Americans thrive on the salacious!
By george
February 20, 2007 1:05 PM | Link to this
Carl, you’re correct. Best example, President Clinton not only was propositioned by many, but he obviously propositioned many more back and that didn’t stop him from running or being re-elected!
By Elbert
February 20, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
Hudgens might want to re-think this race now that Whitehead is running. Take a look at the track record …. Hudgens ran and lost the 2nd GA district race in ‘88, got a “pity” appointment and moved to Athens, then ran and lost to Don Johnson for GA’s 10th, lost to Norwood in the primary for the 10th, got a fake address in order to run for the General Assembly, and now has to run against a close personal friend of Charlie’s. Ralph “Opportunist” Hudgens just might have to look for a private sector job in about 30 days.
By Joe
February 20, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
This nation is going to hell in a basket, and the most importanthing we can read aboutis if Vince is going to run for congress. Who really cares?? Surely thre’s something more important.
By Peyton Walters
February 20, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
Yeah, but Dooley has a legend to protect. He wouldn’t want that picked apart.
By cneto
February 20, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this
This rumor about Vince Dooley running for Congress as a Democrat sounds like some serious wishful thinking on behalf of some desperate Democrats.
By Jan Kemp
February 20, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
Vince Dooley would fit in well in Washington. He lies, cheats, and attempts to find ways to bend the rules in his favor. This has all the hallmarks of a great politican. Considering how often UGA football has been on probation for NCAA violations, Dooley has a great start to a perfect political career.
By toemeetsleather
February 20, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
wish coach dodd were here
By buck
February 20, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this
anyway to get Hudgens out of office…
By Hiram
February 21, 2007 8:21 AM | Link to this
My sympathy first to the family of our beloved Congressman Norwood.
I have the most respect for Senator Whitehead. He is an established businessman, committed to strong family values, has an understanding as an elected official having served as a county commissioner and state senator.