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DEL.ICIO.USLanier won’t endorse; will back nominee
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Josh Lanier finished fifth in Tuesday’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary and said Thursday he isn’t inclined to endorse one of the two still gunning for the Aug. 5 runoff.
Lanier, a retired businessman and former Senate staffer, said he has spoken with both Vernon Jones, the DeKalb County CEO who finished first, and former state lawmaker Jim Martin, the runner-up.
“I’m standing by to be of help to whoever the Democratic nominee is,” Lanier said. “It doesn’t have any reflection on either of the guys.”
Lanier ended up with about 4 percent of the vote. Former WSB reporter Dale Cardwell, who finished third, and Atlanta businessman Rand Knight, was was fourth, have both endorsed Martin.
But Lanier is pragmatic and realizes his 4 percent isn’t likely “to make a big difference” in terms of an endorsement.
But Lanier also said he has issues he’d like to see addressed in the runoff and beyond
“I still hope to be supporting a Democrat who supports campaign reform and will be nudging Jim and Vernon on that,” Lanier said.
—Aaron Gould Sheinin
Jim Galloway is out of town, but will return soon. If you’ve got news, pop an e-mail to our political team: editor Susan Abramson at sabramson@ajc.com; staffers Aaron Sheinin at asheinin@ajc.com; James Salzer at jsalzer@ajc.com; and Ben Smith at bsmith@ajc.com.
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Comments
By Knight Supporter
July 17, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
I like Josh Lanier!!! Too bad elections can’t be won without megabucks for TV. The best, most qualified people with the most integrity often have the least money. So it’s the w——s like Chambliss who get the job.
Time for reform, people! Then we can start hiring the best people for these jobs, not the best fundraisers and special interest schmoozers.
By MT
July 17, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
And yet Jim Martin lied and said that Lanier had endorsed! I have the email right here!
I can’t believe he would lie like that. I am truly saddened.
I’m voting for Vernon as a protest vote.
By Robert
July 18, 2008 5:27 AM | Link to this
And yet Vernon lied about the Obama endorsement…I’m voting Martin to cancel your vote out.
By Rand fan
July 18, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
This just shows how big Josh’s ego is.He is willing to stand aside and possibly let a scumbag like Vernon win.SHAME ON YOU JOSH!
By DJ
July 20, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this
Seems like Lanier is trying to position himself for some extra attention and he can’t figure out who will win…. that’s a problem when you want to be looked upon favorably by the next US Senator from Georgia. By waiting a few weeks until August, he can be best buds with Jones or Martin and doesn’t risk picking a losing horse. It’s all politics and games. I’m supporting Martin, so I’m biased, but I suppose that Jones is more likely to hold a grudge than Martin. So, maybe Lanier wants to pick Martin, but is afraid that if Jones wins, he will hold it against Lanier. But, possibly he can’s support Jones in good conscience?