Dogs can talk, cats can fly, and Georgia has a Republican Governor.
And, by the way, Tom Murphy got beat. Yeah. Now I will believe ANYTHING.
To say, "I told you so," would be a lie. To say, "I’m
sorry," would also be a lie.
Before reading or watching the "experts" on it, let me take my own
shot, for what it’s worth. (Which isn’t much.)
First off, incumbency can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the personalities
involved and the situation. Here in Franklin County, and in the 23rd House
District, it was a plus for Alan Powell.
Set aside the fact that he far outspent his opponent, Arch Adams. Powell is
a master politician. Our observation is that he loves to campaign. Further,
he has always made himself accessible to his constituents. And, let’s
face it, he is likeable
As Tip O’Neill said, "All politics is local."
His opponent, Arch Adams, a fine young man, was never able to penetrate the
armor of Alan Powell’s demeanor. Powell was unflappable in the face of
constant accusations as to his integrity. He is to be congratulated for that.
The thanks we owe to Mr. Adams is his courage to run. Most, including this
writer, considered Powell unbeatable. Competition is healthy, and the 23rd
District is better for his having run.
In the 47th Senate District, Rep. Ralph Hudgens, who saw his house district
disappear, ran for the senate and beat newcomer, Democrat Robert Banks of
Hart County. Hudgens is a veteran campaigner who apparently loves to press
the flesh.
Now to state politics, where incumbency was a curse for Roy Barnes. The dictatorial
changing of the state flag. The dictatorial attempt to take over the school
system. The dictatorial and patently unfair reapportionment of the state to
give Democrats enormous advantage.
Dictator. That’s how many people viewed Governor Barnes. And we don’t
like dictators. Or arrogance. Even nineteen or twenty million dollars, the
most ever spent in Georgia by ANY candidate, could not buy the election for
Barnes.
President Bush’s visit to get out the Republican vote probably helped
Perdue and Chambliss by getting out the vote; however, that is no excuse for
Barnes and Cleland not getting out theirs.
We must admit that we were not believers; consequently, we will be buying
lunch today for Edwin Gravitt, Chairman of the Franklin County Republican
Party.
Who’d a thunk it?
Ó2002 Dave Nelson