At the state Capitol, House Republicans on Monday smoothly re-elected their current slate of officers. But on the Senate side, GOP trouble has just erupted.
We mentioned several weeks ago that Butch Miller of Gainesville had announced his candidacy for majority leader, to replace the exiting Ronnie Chance of Tyrone.
We know not why, but over the weekend, Miller apparently decided to up his game, and will challenge the No. 2 leader of the Senate, incumbent President pro tem David Shafer of Duluth. Renee Unterman of Buford is already challenging Shafer for his job.
We’ve put in a call to Miller, but have not heard back. Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga, the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, confirmed that Miller has been placing calls for support. But Mullis said he committed to Shafer several weeks ago and intends to nominate him next Monday.
Mullis said he had also promised to support Miller for majority leader – if Miller decides to reassess his latest move.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, we're told, is maintaining a fierce neutrality.
We’re told that Bill Cowsert of Athens would replace Miller in the majority leader slot, offering opposition to Judson Hill of Marietta.
Given that Cagle, like Gov. Nathan Deal, claims Gainesville as home, a successful Miller bid for Senate president pro tem would give Hall County even more clout than it already has. A Cowsert victory, too, would emphasize the north Georgia flavor of GOP leadership.
Senate Republicans will gather Monday to hash things out. The location of the meeting is secret, but we’re told that if you’re outside the private Commerce Club in downtown Atlanta at 2 p.m., you’ll be able to hear the shouting.
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