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Tue 11 May 2004 5:39
by Kevin McGehee
in Coweta County, GA
[Our Times]
[blogoSFERICS]
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Making Quiet History
Rhonda Cook, AJC
Houston County Chief Deputy Willie Talton always wanted to be sheriff.
But because his friend and mentor, the incumbent, is seeking re-election, the deputy will make Georgia history instead. Talton, the only candidate for the state House of Representatives from District 145, will become the first black Republican, or at least one of the first, elected to the Georgia General Assembly since Reconstruction.
“It’s not a dream come true,“ Talton, 60, said in a recent interview. “I’ve been with the Sheriff’s Department 31 years, and my plan and ambition was to become sheriff. But I’m comfortable,“ he said. “I feel blessed.“
Talton is one of 13 black people running for the Legislature as Republicans this year, according to the party and information from the candidates. The others all have opposition.
[...]
The Middle Georgia county is home to Sonny Perdue, the state’s first Republican governor since Reconstruction. Rep. Larry O’Neal (R-Warner Robins), one of Perdue’s floor leaders, called Talton to suggest that he run for the reconfigured and vacant House District 145 seat.
The 145th is what is known as a “minority influence” district, because it has enough African-Americans voters to sway an election, even though they are not in the majority. Voting trends show that the area has gone Republican about as often as Democratic.
“It was like the district was set up for me,“ Talton said. “It was a calling, by having no opposition.“
» Read the rest.
Two parties can play at that game.
UPDATE: Ramblings’ Journal offers more perspective.
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