It’s qualifying week and Georgia Democrats are set to make a statement

A parade of candidates will pour into the Georgia Capitol this week to qualify for legislative races and statewide offices, and a wave of retirements and newly-competitive contests could reshape the political map.

Democrats hope to capitalize on frustration with President Donald Trump and upset victories in last year’s special elections to chip away at GOP control of the state Legislature and every statewide office.

The GOP is fast trying to fortify vulnerable seats — Vice President Mike Pence is raising cash for the state party this month in Atlanta — though even party stalwarts concede that won’t come easy.

Keep reading: ‘They’re going to make us earn everything we get this election,’ said one GOP operative.

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Can Michael Thurmond be Georgia Democrats’ fixer?

Thurmond is running for governor of Georgia, hoping his brand of pragmatism and bipartisanship will help Democrats win the governor’s race for the first time in 28 years.

Why the PSC election next month is an early test for Democratic momentum

Early voting numbers in Democratic strongholds are far outpacing those in GOP-friendly counties, and some Republicans worry about closing the gap by Election Day on Nov. 4.

Georgia Supreme Court curbed its power. The state election board is testing its limits.

The State Election Board advanced a rule that could allow it to eliminate Georgia’s voting touchscreens and approved recommendations to end no-excuse absentee voting.

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OPINION

Can Michael Thurmond be Georgia Democrats’ fixer?

Why the PSC election next month is an early test for Democratic momentum

OPINION

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Metro Atlantans sour on housing affordability, pessimism is growing, poll says

The economy ranked as the top issue facing metro Atlanta last year, supplanting crime for the number one spot. This is the first year housing affordability has been an option.

DeKalb schools superintendent pleads not guilty to federal charges

Devon Horton has resigned from his role as DeKalb County superintendent, He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges stemming from his previous job in Illinois.

See video police say shows ex-PSC candidate Durand take Georgia Power secrets

Patty Durand has long criticized Georgia Power for concealing information under the cloak of trade secret about various initiatives and requests of state regulators.