With all the hoopla about the presidential fracas, even in less nonsensical years the local elections are overshadowed. But qualifying has just concluded for those seeking the Democrat or Republican nominations for various local and state legislative offices in my area.
My incumbent county commissioner is not seeking a third term (I suspect this ridiculousness played a role in her decision), so I have to choose between Gary DeGeorge and Rodney Brooks, neither of whom I’ve ever heard of before, in time for the Republican primary this summer—no Democrat has qualified for that seat, so unless someone qualifies next month to run as an independent the winning Republican will be the new commissioner.
The only Republican candidates for either of the two legislative seats—House and Senate—are the incumbents (Billy Horne and Mitch Seabaugh, respectively), so they’re easy enough to decide, especially since I know and like both of them. Likewise for the congressional seat representing Coweta County, currently held by Lynn Westmoreland.
Coweta County’s State Court Solicitor, Robert Stokely, finally has a challenger—and if this had happened four years ago that would have been enough to make the decision for me. However Stokely’s response to personal tragedy after his son’s death in Iraq, has made me reassess my opinion of him—which was itself character-related anyway. On balance I have more reason to support Stokely than not, but in fairness to his challenger Randy Coggin I’ll wait until I know more about him before deciding for sure.
Four years ago I gave Sheriff Mike Yeager‘s then-challenger that same opportunity, and by Election Day I was thoroughly disgusted with Scott Smith. This time around Yeager is unopposed—so far. As noted above, there is a chance someone will qualify to run as an independent. At this point though, I’m quite satisfied with Yeager.
In 2004 Coweta County Coroner Wimp Pierce defeated Ray Yeager, Jr. for the Republican nomination. This year Pierce isn’t seeking re-election, and Yeager is up against Mike Hutson. I don’t know much about either, including what relationship, if any, this Yeager has to the sheriff (in 2004, at least, Ray Yeager was a sheriff’s deputy). The idea of a close relative of one important local officeholder being in another elective local office, bothers me—which might give Hutson an inside track for my vote.
In a marginally related note, there was an anonymous “Sound Off” in today’s Times-Herald about high gas prices:
OUST INCUMBENTS: If you are tired of high gasoline prices, do not vote for these old congressmen and senators. They are getting rich and fatter with our tax dollars. In July, vote for new representation. It may take a few years, but we will win in the long run.
The trouble with this idea is, to the extent members of Congress are responsible for high gas prices, the ones to blame would be those who put Democrats in the Speaker’s chair and the Majority Leader’s office. I’m pretty sure Saxby Chambliss, whose Senate seat is on the ballot this year, and Lynn Westmoreland—both Republicans—can’t be blamed for that.
I’ve submitted a response “Sound Off” pointing this out. After 2006, you just can’t be sure anymore who will get punished for things they had nothing to do with.
