State Rep. Jon Burns, R-Newington, has joined the sudden race to replace House Majority Leader Larry O'Neal, who said he would probably resign his position in the General Assembly on April 30.
State Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, has already told friends that he’s in. Burns, we’re told, has the quiet support of House Speaker David Ralston. Other names we're hearing: Chuck Martin of Alpharetta, Mark Hamilton of Cumming, and Sam Teasley of Marietta.
A meeting of House Republicans, at which they’ll presumably hold an election, has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, May 11 – just a few days before the state GOP convention in Athens.
Here’s the letter from Burns. Note the two sentences I've placed in bold:
I write today to ask for your support to afford me the honor of serving as your next Majority Leader. After prayer and consultation with my family, I am seeking this office to answer the calling in my heart to give more, do more and be more for my state and my country. The next Majority Leader will play a key role in the continued success of our caucus.
Leader O'Neal has my heart felt appreciation and gratitude for his outstanding service to our caucus: Georgia is a better place due to his leadership.
My service in the House has not just afforded me the opportunity to serve my community; it has enriched my life as well. It is rewarding to realize the friendships established during my tenure and to recognize the critical issues we have resolved by working together for Georgia.
Some of my values are old fashioned, but they are the cornerstone and foundation from which I draw. My faith is deep and personal to me...my family is the foundation on which I stand. While I work hard to grow my faith and support my family, you have my word that I will work tirelessly and with ethical resolve to prepare our state for tomorrow. Our collective goal will be to afford all of Georgia's citizens the opportunity to grow their families and prosper in a climate conducive to a vibrant economy.
As your Majority Leader, you can count on me to strengthen our Republican majority. I am committed to making sure that our caucus has the necessary financial resources to advance our conservative governing principles. I am encouraged and energized by the wide spectrum of experience within our caucus. This diversity is an asset and not a weakness. I will seek and depend on the counsel of each and every one of you.
I feel that my strengths afford us the capability to work together in pushing forward a Republican agenda that best serves all Georgians. In the coming days, I will reach out to you personally, sharing my thoughts and vision for our caucus and our state. Thank you for your consideration in this role and I look forward to listening to your ideas for the future.
Sincerely,
Jon Burns
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