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.