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DEL.ICIO.USIsakson says he won’t run for governor, will seek re-election to U.S. Senate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson held a meeting with this staff this morning and told them he’s decided to seek another term in the U.S. Senate rather than run for governor in 2010.
The meeting was confirmed by Joan Kirchner, Isakson’s deputy chief of staff.
“Johnny loves serving in the U.S. Senate, and he thinks this presidential election — no matter who wins — will be one of the most important in the country’s history,” Kirchner said. “And in the next administration, the U.S. Senate will be where all the action is.”
State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, also a Republican, has already announced his candidacy for governor in 2010. But Isakson’s decision is sure to set more Republicans — not to mention Democrats — thinking about an attempt to succeed Gov. Sonny Perdue.
With the two most recent sessions of the General Assembly devolving into fights among the House speaker, lieutenant governor and governor, the Georgia business community had been pressuring Isakson to return home for the governor’s race.
But some close to the senator, whose residence is in east Cobb County, said the very nature of the infighting was a discouragement to Isakson.
Comments
By Dr. R
May 8, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
That leaves Casey vs. Hot Lips Richardson in a battle royale. Though we might see a GOP congressman come home to run, perhaps Kingston. Oxendine will never win because a) he has a weird name, b) his speaking voice sounds like it’s from a Warner Brothers cartoon, and c) his little driving escapade in a state vehicle will come back to haunt him. Anyway, insurance chief is hardly the steppingstone to high office.
By BUSHWACKER
May 8, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this
If he and Saxby don’t do something about the oil companies ramming from behind, they both will be looking for work after the next election!!!!
By Denise
May 8, 2008 11:59 AM | Link to this
No offense to Mr. Isakson or his fans (yes, I did vote for him), but I don’t feel that he has really done anything in the Senate. It’s just my opinion before everyone goes postal. Taking the job as Governor would mean real work and who wants that after having the “cushy” job of a Senator? No more playdates and lobby luncheons. (Sigh).
By wirelessg
May 8, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Republican or Democrat, please give me a better person to vote for than Silver Spoon Isakson. Sounds like he is enjoying all of the perks of the Senate without any of the responsibility.
By Michael
May 8, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
“Where the action is”? I think he means where he can best fatten the pocketbooks of himself and his buddies. Let’s get somebody in there who represents the majority for a change. WAKE UP PEOPLE!
By Gold standard
May 8, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
Keep the GOP in office they love you. They show you every day. Show your love!!
By Stan
May 8, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this
Bushwacker,
I am confused….What do they need to do to the oil companies?
By Mike
May 8, 2008 12:05 PM | Link to this
Oxendine is clearly the front runner. The Dems have no shot.
By Mike
May 8, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Oxendine is clearly the front runner. The Dems have no shot.
By Gene
May 8, 2008 12:21 PM | Link to this
Isakson certainly enjoys junkets to New Orleans with his friend, Mike Adams. Maybe he will help Adams fix the BCS.
By kreedham
May 8, 2008 12:24 PM | Link to this
The Dems do have a shot. There is no incumbent to overcome!
Anyhow it has been rumored Lynn Westmoreland wants to run. I hope so…not to be governor but to get him out of Congress.
By Eric
May 8, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
I have voted for Saxby many times in the past and have always supported him; however, I plan to not vote for any incumbet candidates because they are not doing their job. We need people who can make America stronger not just sit in office and do not do anything. Good luck in the real world incumbents!
By Rich
May 8, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this
He’s a loser
By Matt
May 8, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this
Oxendine is the front runner for…dog catcher maybe.
By GeorgiaValues
May 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
I am proud to stand with Saxby Chambliss for reelection this November! He has done a wonderful job in Washington and we need him experience.
By bb
May 8, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this
cagle v. richardson v. handel v. westmoreland v. oxendine v. olens v. kingston v. rogers…GOP game on!
franklin v. jones v. porter v. marshall v. thurmond v. baker…dems kind of lacking in star power.
By David
May 8, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this
I am sorry Isakson is not running for governor. The remaining GOP candidates are jokes with the possible exception of Karen Handel.
Oxendine is creepy. He has no chance. He has taken advantage of the insurance companies for years—forcing them to write big checks. He represents what is wrong with politics in Georgia.
And Cagle and Richardson have shown their colors the last two years. Neither can be trusted with control of our state.
Anyone by Oxendine, though. The only thing good about his runing is that we’ll be rid of him after the primary in 2010.
By pcdu
May 8, 2008 12:49 PM | Link to this
I would never vote for Johnny because of the way he tagged along behing Bush no matter what. When party loyalty trumps intelligence, forget it!
By pcdu
May 8, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this
I would never vote for Johnny because of the way he tagged along behing Bush no matter what. When party loyalty trumps intelligence, forget it!
By no way!
May 8, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Give me a break! Oxendine is FAR from the “front runner.” He has NEVER run a race for an office that people actually care about! His current gig is based almost 100% on name ID. And with all the money he extorts from insurance companies, he can buy plenty of that! Isakson’s vacuum will be filled soon and it WON’T be from Oxendine!
By BPJ
May 8, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry to hear this. He is the one figure likely to get people at the capitol to play together, and one of the few Georgia political leaders who understands Atlanta’s transportation needs.
The Democrats’ margin in the US Senate is almost certain to increase next year; Isakson will find little “action” in D.C.
By Hank
May 8, 2008 12:56 PM | Link to this
Let this message resound across the nation: Voters, make noise at the ballot box this year. With gas prices the way they are, no fix on immigration, and an unpopular war that continues to spin in circles, make noise! Vote incumbents out!
By hi jack
May 8, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this
Dr. R, if Oxendine speaks like a cartoon character then we won’t be any worse off as cartoon characters are what we have at the capitol now.
By Ellen
May 8, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
He’s been a do-nothing in the Senate, much like Sonny has been as governor, except his just-for-me tax cut.
If Glenn Richardson is elected I will move to a bordering state.
By Abomi Nation
May 8, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
ANGELA SPIER for GOVERNOR!!!
By Tommy
May 8, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
Is Johnny still smoking five packs a day?
By Beni Dakar, Duluth, GA
May 8, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
The Democrats in Georgia have an opportunity to regain the Governor’s mansion in 2010. You need not the politically correct candidate, but a strong conservative Democrat that has appeal to enough Republicans that we can win. It is possible to make a comeback; but you need people with vision, political savvy, and fundraising skills to start now (two years early) in anticipation of the opportunity.
By Patrick
May 8, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this
Saxby as done the same thing Johnny has done during his tenure, nothing. Let them both stay in Washington where nothing is going to happen anyways and elect a govenor who is battle tested.
By David D
May 8, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
Herman Cain….because he doesn’t think we’re stupid.
By Steve
May 8, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
. The ONLY Thing that Saxby has done that I can think of, is go to Dubai to plead and beg for forgivness, over the Dubai Ports World Controversy …
THAT is a Crock of Sheeee-ut …
.
By Dr. R
May 8, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
So who is this wise, well-funded, middle-of-the-road Democrat who is going to save the state party by winning the governor’s mansion? And if he or she actually exists, wouldn’t they already be running for Senate against Saxby? The only powerbase left among Georgia Dems is in Metro Atlanta, and candidates who have strong support there can’t win over the rest of the state. Not gonna happen.
By claudehavemercy
May 8, 2008 1:31 PM | Link to this
Come on GLENN R.! We need a Gov. That will do something like not have prayer on the capitol steps when rain is predicted. Plus! Richardson said “IT is going to rain again” responding to the water issues. I loved that one so much.
By Spence
May 8, 2008 1:33 PM | Link to this
This state desperately needs competent leadership.
What a sad state of affairs it is when our only choice for Governor so far are Richardson, Cagle, and Oxendine. Of course the state Democrat party is dead so there is no hope there either.
What a mess.
By Max
May 8, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Let Johnny stay in DC and fight off the mobs when the food and gas riots occured…No doubt this will happen and Johnny will flee to Dick Cheney new middle east resort home. Nothing like retirement on the beach?
By Jogger
May 8, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
Hey some of you- Sonny is not running for re-election. Just be happy that Vernon Jones is not running for gov-although he is for senate.
By boots
May 8, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
I know Johnny and know him to be a honest man and very concerned about others. The state capitol is full of idiots, and someone like Johnny could have helped move things in the right direction. He is a good man, and those jerks posting stupid comments here just don’t know him. I for one wish he would have run.
By Andrew Z
May 8, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
The last time Georgians were stuck with Democrats, they stuck more than 100years. Now they are stuck with Republicans. It’ll be another 100years before they can see light coming out.
What do you expect them to elect?
By Rocko
May 8, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
Whatever happened to Pierre Howard and that kid who ran too early who was secretary of state before Cathy Cox?
By youpplarenuts
May 8, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this
You people have lost your mind. You say Isakson hasn’t done anything? Let’s look at some things he, indeed, has done recently. How about making sure that Delta employees pensions’ are secure. Ever thought of that? How about him trying to stimulate the slumping housing market by offering tax credits to folks that are buying new or foreclosed homes. Guess you didn’t hear about how he has voted in favor of domestic drilling and outlawing oil cartels, which is something that would have increased domestic supply of crude oil. Oh yeah, that’s right, the Democrats shot that one down. Lunch with lobbyists? Considering that the Senate Ethics committee, which Isaskon is a member of, outlawed law makers and their staff from having lunch with those roaches, I doubt he is violating a rule he helped put in place. Do something about the oil companies? When are you people going to realize that Congress can DO NOTHING about the price of gas. They do not approve the price of gas. The price of gas is high. If you can’t afford it, ride a bike, walk, or get another job to help pay the bills. Trips to the Sugar Bowl with Adams? Seeing that Isakson is a graduate of UGA, that’s not a huge shocker. Don’t be mad at Isakson because he was with Adams, he (Adams) is making your degree more valuable, if you did graduate from UGA. Sure, it is your right as a citizen to vote for whoever you please. Just do your homework before you vote. I encourage you to look at the man first and then the good job he has done. We finally have some folks in Washington, as our Senators, that are good people and doing a great job. I urge you to not mess that up…
By Ralph
May 8, 2008 1:51 PM | Link to this
Senator Isakson (A BUSH YES MAN) is one of the worst senators that we ever had and needs to just quit politics and retire to that Ranch like his best friend forever (BFF) Bush will do in January. Ranchers and politics don’t mix for well mainstream america, just look at the past 7 years.
By Tommy
May 8, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this
boots, you’re his buddy, is Johnny still smoking five packs a day?
By Melba Washington
May 8, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this
I lost my virginity to “Ox” in a peach field on the county line. He was tender as a tick on a horse’s arse, we need a man with soft hands to guide the confederate back to it’s righteous state of nobility.
By Billy McKinney
May 8, 2008 2:09 PM | Link to this
Cynthia McKinney for Governor!!!
Cynthia McKinney for Governor!!!
Cynthia McKinney for Governor!!!
Cynthia McKinney for Governor!!!
Cynthia McKinney for Governor!!!
Cynthia McKinney for Governor!!!
Cynthia McKinney for Governor!!!
Cynthia McKinney for Governor!!!
By Will Jones
May 8, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this
Karen Handel is a barren Roman Catholic carpetbagger inserted in Georgia politics to mop up the conquest uncompleted by Sherman…the same effort the GOP is engaged in all over the country.
Why do you think their spokesmodel Limbaugh is a draft-dodging pill-popping pederast who said “The Roman Catholic Church is the rock-ribbed backbone of America moral values” when his fellow pedophiles in their priesthood started going to jail?
By Disappointed
May 8, 2008 2:20 PM | Link to this
Johhny Isakson NOT coming home from DC is a complete travesty for the State of Georgia. He is the one man with the common sense, maturity and leveled headedness to pull the fractured Republican party and Democrats together. This is a shame. The three people currently running this state, Richardson, Cagle and Perdue are either too egotistical, immature or wishy-washy to make things right.
By Al
May 8, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this
Herman Cain for Governor
Larry Wachs for Lt. Governor
Herman Cain for Governor
Larry Wachs for Lt. Governor
Herman Cain for Governor
Larry Wachs for Lt. Governor
Herman Cain for Governor
Larry Wachs for Lt. Governor
Herman Cain for Governor
Larry Wachs for Lt. Governor
Herman Cain for Governor
Larry Wachs for Lt. Governor
Herman Cain for Governor
Larry Wachs for Lt. Governor
By Will Jones
May 8, 2008 2:26 PM | Link to this
Oops! I also forgot to mention that I’m a MORON!
By Steve
May 8, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
.
Hey Billy and Al …
Stop Being So Annoying …
Wait …
That’s Billy’s M.O.
.
By Billy McKinney
May 8, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Steve, if I wanted to be annoying, I’d talk about how Cynthia is gonna get all them jews outta Georgia!
By Hmmmmm
May 8, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
The state of affairs with politics is tragic. Why wouldn’t he want to stay in Washington. He has no accountability to anyone or anything! I can only hope that the people of this country WAKE UP and realize that we need to vote every NO GOOD politician out of office. We need to start over from scratch…. Get rid of all the trash in Washington and in our state. Its people like boots and youpplarenuts that really bug me. There are NO GOOD POLITICIANS. A good person would not submit him/her self to such CRAP!
By Rod
May 8, 2008 2:51 PM | Link to this
Hey Hmmmmm - what kind of argument is that? You said “There are NO GOOD POLITICIANS.”
You want to start over from scratch - who are you going to vote for? Even a new person running would be considered a POLITICIAN if they ran for office - and you already said they’re all no good!
According to you, don’t vote!
How Un-American are you?!?!
By Denise
May 8, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this
youpplarenuts, I thought I told you not to go postal on me. We all are just expressing our opinions and how we feel. No need to call us nuts. It’s all good. Johnny is an elitist…it is what it is. I am not mad at him. I just don’t feel that he has done anything significant for his constituents. That’s all. I’ll drop you a few Hershey Kisses in the mail. That may help ease some of the pain.
By Denise
May 8, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Rod, we are all entitled to our opinions. I don’t think it’s fair that you call someone un-American because of how they feel. You don’t personally know this person. Now that’s un-American. Just express how you feel. It’s that simple.
By Adopted American
May 8, 2008 3:28 PM | Link to this
I was born a poor white child near Chernobyl, dropped of at an orphanage, sold to a couple in AMerica on the black market. I guess I’m un-American-but I do no in my soul this is the greatest country on Earth. Stop the name-calling and debate, fight for your arguments because here you can and it is protected by freedom.
By Hmmmmm
May 8, 2008 3:29 PM | Link to this
Rod The politicians I am referring to are the career politicians that have found their way into our pockets, that are supposed to be representing “we the people”. If you are one of the very few who still think we are getting good representation from our current system then so be it…. It’s no wonder that we have millions voting for Hillary who is criminal at best. Millions who are voting for the other guy who has NO experience and only wants to raise TAXES to fix all our problems. Good GRIEF! It’s no wonder that the majority of this country DOES NOT vote, there is NOBODY to vote for. We as a people are more interested in who wins American idol. “We the people” are not interested in the fact that we have a government that has the most oppressive taxing authority in the world. We don’t care that ALL our career politicians have totally abandoned the people of this country! WE JUST DON’T CARE!
By David D
May 8, 2008 3:37 PM | Link to this
Cain is Able How cool would it be to have a Black Conservative Republican Governor who knows a thing or two about leadership?
By Hmmmmm
May 8, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this
Denise
Thanks for the backup…..Appreciate the thought! I can take being called Un-American. I can tell you that if I didn’t care and I had NO passion for this country…. Then that, really would be un-american!
By American worker
May 8, 2008 4:22 PM | Link to this
Where the action is? Like the McCain Kennedy amnesty for illegal aliens attempt do over that will surely come in 2009? - no matter who is president?
By Ron
May 8, 2008 6:36 PM | Link to this
Karen Handel for Lt. Governor? Please. How has her high school degree and her time as Marilyn Quayle’s personal assistant prepared her for that?
Can she spell potato?
By ABBSBTGoG
May 8, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
Question for Ron: Do college degrees = success in government?
Dr. Howard Dean has an M.D. but practiced medicine for about as long as I have. Plus, he’s a blithering idiot.
Karen Handel apparently has experience in private business, which is anathema to liberals.
In addition to hating people with experience in the private sector and holding eggheads in high esteem, what other quirks make you the unique person you are? Hmmmm?
“As the President and CEO of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce Secretary Handel was directly responsible for working with state, local, national and international organizations to bring job growth to north Fulton County. She has also served as an executive at several Fortune 500 companies, including global eye care company CIBA Vision and international accounting firm KPMG.”
By Ron
May 8, 2008 8:06 PM | Link to this
Did I say a college degree equals success in government?
The ability to complete a rigorous course of study demonstrates a lot about a person. It shows maturity, commitment, intelligence, the desire to invest in your future, etc. Karen Handel holds a very important government position that affects the professions of thousands of college educated Georgia professionals. I simply think someone who hasn’t shown maturity, commitment, and intelligence academically has no business governing those who have. Karen Handel has traded too long on her “business” experience. Don’t be fooled. She wasn’t making executive decisions at those companies. She was handling public relations.
By Mike
May 8, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
Herman Cain SHOULD think we’re stupid. Do you read the comments on here about gas prices?
By Howard Roark
May 8, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this
Herman Cain for Governor.
Herman Cain for Governor.
Herman Cain for Governor.
The perfect situation would be if he beat Glen Richardson in the primary.
Herman Cain for Governor.
By Mr. WhatDoIKnow
May 8, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this
Will Jones …
Have you put yourself in a position where you have had your arse whooped lately?
By ABBSBTGoG
May 8, 2008 11:04 PM | Link to this
Well, it’s just too bad that we don’t have a “community organizer” running for governor.
With experience as a “community organizer”, one is qualified to be commander-in-chief, an expert on the economy, energy expert, health care sage, foreign policy honcho, etc.
Maybe someone should air a commercial of the “No, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express” variety—“No, but I was a community organizer.” Sheesh.
By ABBSBTGoG
May 8, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
Ditto on Herman Cain for Governor. We need someone with character and integrity as governor. I voted for him over Johnny and would vote for him again.
Weeknights 7-10 p.m. on Newstalk 750 WSB.
By SUBURBAN OVERLORD
May 8, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Anyone (except Cagle) will be an improvement over the King of Middle and South Georgia, Sonny Perdue.
Since 2002, Sonny has held court over the largest redistribution of wealth in Georgia history by soaking metro Atlanta with taxes to support municipal welfare projects like job programs and road building for rest of the state.
Even Richardson, although certifiably crazy, is a better alternative because of his can-do energy and drive.
10 years from now, Sonny will be remembered as the worst Governor in Georgia history. He helped kill the state’s Golden Goose in metro Atlanta through inaction and obstruction on water, transportation, and tax policy.
Only Sherman did more damage to Atlanta than this joker.
What a failure. All true Republican’s should be horrified with his anti-business attitude toward metro Atlanta and these nutty rural social engineering programs.
By Will Jones
May 9, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
Isakson says he won’t run for governor, will seek re-election to U.S. Senate
Isakson showed who he really serves in the Senate when he backed amnesty for illegal immigrants with the soon-to-be-hanged-for-treason Bush, and the soon-retiring Chambliss, DV.
‘Nuff said, he’s done malserving the People of Georgia.
Dale Cardwell and Barack Obama will serve Georgia honestly and well in Washington. May the People make them elect.
By VAE
May 9, 2008 1:14 AM | Link to this
Well, I imagine Karen Handel just finished filling out her campaign committee paperwork. It will take a lot of dough though to get through the runoff with the Westmoreland/ Richardson/ Cagle survivor…
By Rod
May 9, 2008 6:56 AM | Link to this
Denise @ 3:16. Please pay closer attention.
I said he’s Un-American because through his comments, he was encouraging people not to vote. Please re-read his and my comments. If you think that is American to encourage people not to vote, then fine - stay in your fairly land.
By Denise
May 9, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Rod, I am an excellent reader and I did go back to read HMMMMM’s comment posted 5/18/09 @ 2:40 p.m. and I do not interpret that comment as “don’t vote.” It seems that you have an issue with putting unspoken words into the mouths of others. Again, all we are doing is expressing our feelings. That’s the beauty of this great country of ours. Not sure why you direct your hostility towards us. Have you considered eating more fiber in your diet? That usually helps me. Have a safe and wonderful weekend.
By Denise
May 9, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
HMMMM, you are welcome. Have a great weekend.
By Rusty
May 9, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this
How bout Denise Majette? She hasn’t run for Gov yet right? How bout Andy Young? Max Cleland?Havn’t heard from Guy Milner in a while. How bout King Roy serving a second term? I did like that kid that served as Sec of State that is married to the deaf girl who served as Miss America.
By rupert cheshire
May 9, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
That kid you refer to is Lewis Massey is not a kid, but a very influential lobbiest. No longer needs politics..
Let me give you a better Senario:
fomer Rep. Larry Walker from Perry for Govennor, strong leadership as Dem majority Leader, got along with Republicans well. Very good reputation and very smart man. Good friends all over the state and country, and is Sam Nunn’s Lawyer. He got stiffed by the Dem’s in the Speaker fight after Speaker Murphy was beaten, maybe its time to make amends. he was elected to the transportation Board without oppostition in the 8th cong. district.
Former Speaker Terry Coleman for Agriculture commissoner, I think this is Mr Irwins last term. Terry works there now and will make a good one
How bout one of the Young republicans that has come into being, such as Sen. Greg Goggans from Douglas for Lt. Govenor or Rep. Jan Jones in the House, a fantastic individual and very hard worker. either would be great. this is if Casey runs for Gov.
how bout Appeals Court Judge John Ellington for Govennor if Larry won’t run. Very good with people, young and electable.
There may even be some darkhorses out there from the rural areas that might be good candidates for either race, Rep. Ben Harbin from Evans Ga, the appropriations Chairman, or Rep Jim Cole from Forsythe.
By AO
May 9, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
A lobbyist who no longer needs politics? Oxymoron?