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DEL.ICIO.USIsakson for governor in 2010? It could happen
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Note: With this posting, the Insider will take a much-needed break. Enjoy the week.
Never mind the ’08 race for the White House.
In Georgia, the climbers, the ambitious, the men and women who see themselves as the Admiral Farraguts of politics — damn the focus groups and full speed ahead! — are all about the campaigns that will peak three years hence.
In 2010, the state will elect a governor, a U.S. senator, and innumerable constitutional officers — not to mention the usual crop of congressmen and members of the state Legislature.
For the last few months, back-room conversation has been building around the one Republican widely seen as the lead domino in the chain of decisions that will determine the look of the GOP field in ’10.
That would be U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson.
Isakson’s first term as senator expires in 2010. He’s in a safe seat. He’s made a significant mark in Washington, despite his junior status. The odds — plus good poll numbers and an efficient fund-raising machine — say his way to re-election would be greased.
But certain voices, particularly in Georgia’s business community, have begun talking up Isakson as a successor to Gov. Sonny Perdue.
The speculation has increased since the Legislature’s untidy finish this spring, which ended with a raft of vetoes from Perdue and an effort — since abandoned — by lawmakers to call themselves back into session for revenge.
“I hear a lot of quiet talk,” said Kessel Stelling, president of the Bank of North Georgia and a close Isakson ally. “If he was willing, I’d be for it. Johnny’s style of leadership would be very helpful and productive to our state.”
In particular, says Stelling and others, they’re looking for someone who’s willing to tackle head-on the issue of transportation north of I-20.
An Isakson entry in the race for governor would cause turmoil in Republican ranks. He would immediately inherit the mantle of front-runner.
But those who might be squeezed out by Isakson’s presence would have a major consolation prize that should put a sock in any whining: A rare, open U.S. Senate seat.
U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland (R-Sharpsburg) is among those considering the 2010 race for governor. “Lynn’s already told Johnny, ‘If you run for governor, I’m with you,’” said Westmoreland’s chief of staff, Chip Lake.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle also has his eye on the office. But he’s only 41, and can afford to bide his time. Brad Alexander, Cagle’s chief of staff, said it’s too early to speculate about such matters.
“Senator Isakson and the lieutenant governor are close friends, and there’s no doubt they’ll continue to maintain that relationship and communicate on a regular basis,” he said.
That’s politi-speak for “When Isakson makes his decision, my boss will be among the first to know.”
Talking to some of Isakson’s closer associates, the decision facing the senator is a mixture of the personal and professional. On the personal side, he’s got seven grandkids in Georgia, and a job that requires non-stop commuting.
But Isakson has also built up a small cache of clout in Washington as a skilled negotiator. He maneuvered a Bush-approved stem cell bill through the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate this spring. For a time, he was at the center of negotiations over the immigration reform bill.
For this, Isakson took some heat from his party’s right. But when Isakson — and his senior partner, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss — walked away from the deal, the bill’s fate was sealed. Other Southern Republicans quickly joined the stampede away from the measure.
In D.C., a proven ability to make or break a bargain speaks volumes.
The key question may be whether Isakson’s talent for forging compromise in Washington will be nearly as valuable after the ’08 elections. For the moment, Democrats rule the Senate with a single vote to spare.
Next year, 33 Senate seats are up for re-election. Only 12 of them are held by Democrats. Republicans must defend 21. Given the war in Iraq and conservative disappointment with President Bush, early guesses are that Democrats could pick up three or four seats.
Which could marginalize Isakson — or at least make deals harder to cut. Then, of course, there’s also the matter of who wins the White House.
Risk is another factor. The Senate race that Isakson won in 2004 came after two failed statewide efforts.
Don’t expect a decision from Isakson before November of next year. But if you’re looking for a clue, watch what happens when the Legislature convenes next year in Atlanta.
“If you have another session like [last year’s], it’ll be hard for Johnny not to run,” said Lake, aide to Westmoreland.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By BackfromIraq
July 8, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this
My political money if on Chip for Govenor in ‘10. Saxby and Johnny’s political careers will end with their current terms.
By GJJ
July 8, 2007 11:55 PM | Link to this
Johnny Isakson would be the PERFECT person to lead Georgia in 2010 and beyond.
By Tom Jones
July 9, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
“Saxby and Johnny’s political careers will end with their current terms.”
Why, for trying to solve Georgia’s biggest problem and then voting against the bill because it wasn’t good for their constituents? Hmm…
By Nick
July 9, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
Isakson has been a failure as a US Senator and will be a failure as Governor. His 04’ campaign was one of the biggest frauds this state has seen in years. His lack of leadership on Immigration is the perfect example of why he can’t lead.
By Taxpayers' Friend
July 9, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
A few years ago when the State House was in disarray, these same pundits suggested Johnny giveup his Congressional seat to run for his old state house seat so he could become Governor and clean up the mess. Nice thought but a big step down. Johnny has always proved himself to be an effective leader while bringing people together. He has too much bi-partisan clout in DC to give it up to be close to home. Yes he would make a great governor, but this difficult times need his national leadership. Potential VP if a non-Senator gets the GOP nomination (Giuliani, Romney). However, it goes, Johnny has my vote.
By Andy
July 9, 2007 11:16 AM | Link to this
Dishwater is perfect term to describe Johnny Isakson. He stands for nothing and yet everything. Georgia would do well sending him home to take care of his grandkids.
By JK
July 9, 2007 11:40 AM | Link to this
Isakson’s people are always very nice when they politely explain to me that my lil’ ol’ opinion (that of an average working citizen, not a CEO, religious leader, or wealthy contributor) means slightly LESS THAN NOTHING to the Senator, just as when he was my Congressman. They are strangely silent, however, whenever I remind them that the Senator does not actually work for the GOP as he seems to think, but rather, for the people of Georgia. Go figure.
By deegee
July 9, 2007 3:06 PM | Link to this
Johnny Isakson is rated 91 out of 100 in power ranking posted on the conservative opinion.com site. He’s a flip-flopper. He might as well be thinking about what he is going to do after his one-term senate run. I want to hear how Chambliss and Isakson are going to explain to the people of Georgia that they voted for immigration reform before they voted against it.
By deegee
July 9, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
That should be www.congress.org. Here’s the link, see for yourself what a bunch of losers Georgia elects to congress. My representative has been there for 15 years and can’t do any better than 267 out of 439. What a waste of time.
By deegee
July 9, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this
The link:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/power_rankings/overall.tt
By Odd Ogg
July 9, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Baxter quits and then you take a “vacation” — as if you hadn’t been on vacation all along, you slacker! I’m going to read the competition … oh, wait.
By haha
July 10, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Are you going to join the living vent guy on your vacation?
By JP
July 11, 2007 12:16 AM | Link to this
Maybe I need to move.
By GodHatesTrash
July 11, 2007 4:24 AM | Link to this
Isakson is a clown, for sure. But compared to Goobernor Perdoofus, Saxby Chickenhawk Chambliss, and Moron Westmoreland, he’s the Second Coming.
Glad I don’t live there any more. I wish nobody did. Or fence the state in and declare it a home for the stumpbroke retarded.
Trash.
By Sarah
July 12, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
“Isakson for governor in 2010? It could happen”
It could happen…and monkeys might fly out of my butt!
By Will Jones
July 13, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this
Isakson, Chambliss, Perdue, and the whole lot of draft-dodging, closet-queen Bush’s fellowtravellers are toast. The People of Georgia know Bush and Cheney committed 9-11, that the Democrats, led by “Pinky” Reid, and RC Pelosi, are doing nada for America but stocking Rome’s church rosters with illegals. A new $2 bill party shall arise and cast out the bi-partisan demons of fascist plutocracy. Georgia’s wisdom shall lead The Nation.
By FacingTheSharks
July 14, 2007 11:27 PM | Link to this
I’m curious as to what “efficient fund-raising machine” Isakson is using, because I’m doing some research and learning politics.
I’ve done a “politically ignorant” review of Dale Cardwell’s comments about PACs, which led to me trying to sort out who Chambliss, Isakson, Marshall and Purdue really work for. My review of Cardwell’s strategy can be found here if you’re interested. Is Dale Cardwell for real?
Politics is interesting, but I would like to some day get back to the art world.