Home > Political Insider > Archives > 2008 > April > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USNotes from qualifying: Military medals and a PSC race
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Qualifying started this morning. No surprises yet.
Click here for an up-to-date look at the list on Secretary of State Karen Handel’s web site.
The most interesting roll-outs of the day were four Democratic congressional candidates. All ex-military and all — here party chairman Jane Kidd crosses her fingers — unopposed in the primary.
Bill Gillespie of Chatham County, a retired lieutenant colonel, showed up in a business suit with a chestful of medals. He’s running against Republican incumbent Jack Kingston of Savannah.
On Gillespie’s chest: Airbone wings out of Fort Benning. A combat action badge. A Legion of Merit. A Bronze Star from combat in Iraq. A meritorious service medal. And an Iraqi campaign medal.
Bobby Saxon un-retired after 9/11, then did three tours in Afghanistan and 12 months in in Iraq. He’ll take on Paul Broun (a former Marine) — or whatever Republican emerges from the 10th District race. Saxon sported a lapel pin that marked him, too, as a recipient of the Bronze Star.
Bill Jones, a former Air Force pilot, signed up for the 6th District race against U.S. Rep. Tom Price. And Doug Heckman, a former Green Beret, put up his money to run against U.S. Rep. John Linder.
All are white, all pledged to run to the center. Heckman was the only one to call out his opponent by name, noting that Linder had voted against the fiscal stimulus package — the checks start going to taxpayers today — and an extension of the Voting Rights Act.
Kidd says Democrats will challenge Republican incumbents in six of the seven districts they hold. Who’s likely to get the free ride? Nathan Deal, up north Georgia way.
Republicans, too, are relying on a military name in a congressional race. Retired Air Force major general Rick Goddard was among the first to qualify Monday. He’s aiming at Democratic incumbent Jim Marshall of Macon — a former Army ranger.
As promised, Lauren “Bubba” McDonald showed up to reclaim his seat on the Public Service Commission, after a six-year absence.
We’re told Mark Musselwhite of Gainesville has decided to pass on the PSC race.
McDonald is a former Democrat, of course, but made his party switch in 2004, before his unsuccessful race against state Sen. Bill Stephens.
“I’m delighted to be here, because I’m a strong believer in John McCain,” McDonald said. “The interests of the Georgia GOP track mine.”
But he has another reason for running. “Really, you can just play so much golf,” he said.
State Rep. Ben Bridges (R-Cleveland) showed up, even though he’s bowing out of the Legislature. Bridge said he’s angling for the seat on the state transportation board vacated by Mike Evans.
Services »
Comments
By Leigh E. Wise
May 22, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
If you are tired of the same ole “qualifying” candidates who make it to this juncture via the the funding of special friends and interests, please see our grassroots candidate Mr. Jeffrey A. Trueman, Founder, CEO, Veterans’ Equal Rights Protection Advocacy, (V’ERPA”) and his platform. Mr. Trueman is an “Independent” candidate for the 8th District of Georgia and is a genuine “Harry Truman-Type Candidate.”
Our site is www.truemanforcongress.us
Thank you.
Leigh Wise Manager USAF (Ret.)