Athens - Georgia GOP chair John Padgett won a tight re-election battle against an upstart challenger who claimed the GOP had lost its edge.
Padgett, an Athens businessman, defeated Atlanta attorney Alex Johnson by a 807-612 vote in a bid for another two-year term as state GOP chairman. That's a 57 percent tally for Padgett, just slightly less than the 60 percent total he earned against Johnson in the final ballot in 2013.
The vote came after an aborted attempt to tap the nominating committee's slate of leaders - led by Padgett and other establishment types - without a debate. That was shot down after an outburst of criticism from grassroots organizers who called it parliamentary trickery.
Padgett helped direct last year's 2014 GOP sweep but faces criticism over his fundraising ability and two pending lawsuits. The 69-year-old had the support of most of the party's establishment, including former Rep. Jack Kingston, who hailed him as an ace fundraiser.
"We've had a great run. We won everything that we could have won in last year's election," said Padgett. "I thought we did a great job and that we did great things.
Johnson, who is 30, cast himself as a fresh-faced ideological purist who would lead a more aggressive GOP. He vowed to launch a campaign to challenge even Democrats in the safest of seats. And he had the support of a range of libertarian-leaning activists, from state Sen. Mike Crane to influential activist Kay Godwin.
Johnson urged those who feel "betrayed" by the GOP leaders after an unusual legislative session marked by votes for a new tax for transportation improvements to back his candidacy.
"Enough is enough. It's time for a change," said Johnson. "And I'm asking for your vote today to ask for new leadership."
A third movement urged delegates to pick the "none of the above" option in silent protest of both candidates.
Padgett's victory prospects seemed shaky through much of the weekend. His supporters were urged Friday night to stick around Saturday afternoon because he needed every vote. There was also an attempt to draft a third candidate - former Secretary of State Karen Handel's name was among those circulated - that ultimately gained little traction.
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