Georgia statehouse leaders breeze, but big business misses on Turner
Many state House and Senate leaders faced Republican primary opposition Tuesday and most if not all were headed to easy re-election, including House Speaker David Ralston, House Majority Leader Jon Burns and Senate Majority Leader Bill Cowsert.
Several of them were backed by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Coalition for Job Creation, which aimed in part to support lawmakers who voted for its top priority in 2015, the $900 million-a-year tax hike to pay for transportation projects.
But the groups missed in their bid to oust an opponent of the tax hike: Rep. Scott Turner, R-Holly Springs.
The coalition sent out mailings against the Cherokee County lawmaker, but he won handily Tuesday.
In a South Georgia rematch from 2014, House Banking Chairman Greg Morris, R-Vidalia, held the lead over challenger Lee Burton. Morris narrowly beat Burton in the 2014 Republican primary.
Senate Tourism & Economic Development Chairman Brandon Beach, R-Alpharetta appeared to be headed to another term, holding a substantial lead over self-funded Milton investor Aaron Barlow.
About the Author
James Salzer has covered state government and politics in Georgia since 1990. He previously covered politics and government in Texas and Florida. He specializes in government finance, budgets, taxes, campaign finance, ethics and legislative history
