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DEL.ICIO.USAustin Scott confirms he’ll join 2010 race for governor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At a meeting of the House Republican caucus this morning, state Rep. Austin Scott of Tifton confirmed that he is indeed jumping into the 2010 race for governor.
The south Georgia lawmaker’s entrance is something of a surprise, though word had leaked out over the last few days as the legislator had shopped for advice and a staff.
He becomes the fourth Republican in the contest, and increases the likelihood of a costly runoff. Estimates are already floating around that a candidate will be required to raise between $3 million and $5 million to stay competitive.
Scott, 39, has charted his own course in the Legislature. He was one of the first to come to the defense of Glenn Richardson last year when the House speaker was challenged by David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge).
But you’ll remember that Scott was also the lone Republican in the small circle constructed by Gov. Roy Barnes, a Democrat, to orchestrate the hauling down of the ’56 state flag and its Confederate battle emblem.
Scott won a seventh term just last November, beating Democrat John Tibbetts by 53.5 to 46.5 percent.
Comments
By Mountain Dawg
January 27, 2009 12:53 PM | Link to this
Austin Scott is proof of the American dream-any idiot can run for public office. It don’t mean he will win, but he can run.
By Jill
January 27, 2009 3:57 PM | Link to this
Go Austin Scott! Give them hell! It is nice to see a young man running for Governor he might be what we need since we will likely have a Republican Governor anyway. Breath of Fresh air!
By CD
January 27, 2009 4:20 PM | Link to this
Mountain Dawg, What makes Austin Scott an idiot? Is it just because he is running without having statewide name recognition yet? I had not heard of Barack Obama four years ago, but now he is our president.
By rural
January 27, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this
If John Tibbetts will be the favorite to pickup that seat if he decides to run again in 2010.
By Tiftonite
January 27, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this
Hey “rural”: There’s a young lawyer in Tifton that might have something to say about Tibbetts being the favorite
By CB
January 27, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
Go Austin! This man is smart, current, and willing to take on a challenge. It is time we get some new direction for Georgia. He is at somewhat of a disadvantage by being a Rep. from South Georgia (not known by many in Metro-Atlanta), but if he has good support down there, that could greatly benefit him when the votes are counted. He will need to get out early to introduce himself to the Atlanta area, but I have no doubt that if his campaign is managed well from the start, he has a good chance of winning….maybe not in 2010, but 2014 definitely. You have my family’s support! Go Austin!
By Rural is good, but not Austin Scott.
January 27, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this
Um excuse me, but have people forgotten that Austin Scott is a vocal supporter of King Richardson? Let me remind you, that people do not change over night, despite what Richardson and his ragtime gang says. Austin Scott is just a cronie of the speaker, and the sooner he gets out of the House, along with Glenn Richardson and his other pals, the better the State is.
By concerned republica
January 27, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this
Go Austin..its about time Ga. gets some fresh new blood in there…You have our support!! Rural and Mountain Dawg get a LIFE!
By Georgian
January 27, 2009 10:05 PM | Link to this
Hmmm, defender of Glenn Richardson?? No thanks.
By Sowega
January 27, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
He’s actually a pretty smart fellow and rather upright for someone choosing to jump in to a guvnuh’s race. He would definitely bring some fresh energy to the job along with a decent understanding of rural issues. I know he would make it a FULL time job.
Tibbets would definitely be the favorite for his seat. Believe it or not, you can’t just put any clown up as a candidate and have folks vote for him just because he’s a Republican, although that’s definitely happened in some recent races.
By Surely you jest
January 28, 2009 8:54 AM | Link to this
I’m just curious. Who is the young lawyer in Tifton you are referring to Tiftonite? So far I’ve only heard of yet another former Superior Court judge tossing his hat into the legislative arena.
By Surely you jest
January 28, 2009 9:00 AM | Link to this
I’m just curious. Who is the young lawyer in Tifton you are referring to Tiftonite? So far I’ve only heard of yet another former Superior Court judge tossing his hat into the legislative arena.
By clipper
January 28, 2009 2:40 PM | Link to this
First thing Austin will learn is that it takes money and my bet is there won’t be a lot forthcoming for a maverick wishing to take on Casey Cagle.
By preacher
January 28, 2009 3:16 PM | Link to this
The last thing we need is a small town Lawyer trying to change the laws to suit themselves. Thats what Barack Obama is trying to do now! Look what kind of trouble we will really be in then! WE need someone too look out for us, not overrun us!
By CD
January 28, 2009 3:54 PM | Link to this
preacher, Mr. Scott is not a lawyer as you state, another article notes he owns an insurance agency in Tifton.
By CB
January 28, 2009 5:21 PM | Link to this
Austin owns a small insurance firm in Tifton. He is a hard worker, business owner, knows the needs of rural Georgia, and is familiar with the needs of metro-Atlanta having served at the Capitol for almost 14 years. He is a family man and true conservative, not afraid to “work together” with Democrats. If you are expecting perfection from any political candidate…good luck. He has his flaws just as every other breathing American does, but his heart is truly in the right place. He wants to do what is best for Georgia and that means standing alone sometimes. I believe whole-heartedly that he will surprise people in this campaign. He will appeal to a lot more than you may think. I am behind him and I am going to get the word out early that he is the one to support. Go Austin!
By SGa.
January 29, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
Mountain Dawg, what makes him an idiot? Just curious. When you reply, make sure you back it up with facts.