Political junkies can rest assured they will have plenty of chances to hear from the Republican candidates for the open U.S. Senate seat next year.
Georgia Republican Party spokesman Ryan Mahoney said Wednesday the organization is sponsoring seven debates scattered across the state, with the schedule to be released in January. Kennesaw State University professor Kerwin Swint said an eighth debate will be held on campus on Feb. 1.
The GOP candidates include three congressmen, a former Fortune 500 CEO and an ex-Georgia secretary of state, and they are trying to distinguish themselves among a crowded field in the wide-open race to succeed Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss.
With the primary set May 20, the earliest in the state’s recorded history, they are under more pressure to get out their message to voters. Each also is eager to target Democratic front-runner Michelle Nunn, who faces a field of lesser-known rivals in her party’s contest.
The five-month rush of debates is likely a contrast from a hotly-contested governor’s race, which features two Republican challengers to Gov. Nathan Deal. The governor’s staff has hinted that Deal won’t agree to a debate with Superintendent John Barge and Dalton Mayor David Pennington.
“Our focus isn’t on political endeavors,” said Deal campaign manager Tom Willis. “It’s on wrapping up the state budget and getting ready for the final session of the governor’s first term.”
His rivals are hoping he changes his mind. Barge said he’ll gladly debate the governor. “It’s not a big deal to me,” the superintendent said. Pennington said he’s willing to go to Deal’s hometown, Gainesville, to meet the incumbent on his home turf.
“He is afraid of me,” said Pennington. “He knows me too well.”
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