Wednesday, April 14, 2004

Annoucements dominate Republican breakfast By JANET MCGREGOR The usual Fayette County Republican Party monthly breakfast was anything but usual this past Saturday. First, Herman Cain, Senate candidate, had everyone’s rapt attention as he shared his platform. At the end of his talk, State Senator Mitch Seabaugh spoke to the group about his sorrow in losing Fayette County during the recent redistricting. However, when Chairman Lane Watts asked if anyone would like to make an announcement toward the end of the meeting, it truly diverged from the norm. One candidate after another popped up to announce their intentions. Every time the crowd thought the last had had their say, another stood. The new district maps created two open seats for Fayette Countians. In the State House, the new District 72 is completely within the borders of the county. State Senate District 16 includes parts of Fayette and Spalding, a very small portion of Monroe and all of Pike and Lamar counties. Additionally, a number of elected officials will be running for other seats, leaving open seats and some current politicians have drawn opposition. Solicitor General Steve Harris is stepping down and will be running for Judge of the Superior Court, Griffin Judicial Circuit, against incumbent Judge Hankinson. Harris again declared his intentions when asked to speak. Harris is well known in the local Republican Party and has served as a delegate at county, district and state conventions for numerous years. Lura Landis, currently serving as the Assistant Solicitor, announced she would be running for his vacated seat. Thus far she does not have any declared opposition. Landis talked to the group briefly regarding her dedication to justice. She stated, “I have the strength and qualifications to do the job. It's not always easy to do the right thing; what's popular is not always right, and what's right is not always popular. Additionally, three Fayette County Commissioners are seeking re-election. Commissioners Peter Pfeifer, A.G. VanLandingham and Herb Frady all officially announced at the breakfast. Frady will face competition from local business owner, Dave Simmons. Simmons surprised many when he stood to share his intention to run. He gave a brief overview of his background in law enforcement and public service. Simmons has five adult children and four grandchildren and attends New Hope Baptist Church. He stated he would work to operate the government in a cost effective manner, save tax payers money, believed in traditional values and strong moral principles. He placed a strong emphasis on preserving the high quality of life in the community. A number of others were reported to be considering running against Frady. Dan Lakly and Alison Chambers were strongly considering the Post 2 position. However, with the advent of the new State House Lakly has stated that, “…due to overwhelming support and input, I am leaning toward the State House Seat, and will be doing a formal announcement next week.” David Studdard declared his official intention to run for the State Representative. Studdard has served on the Fayette County Republican Party Executive Committee, chaired two Party Conventions and has worked to elect Republican candidates at the state and local levels. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and a decorated 15-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department. Service seems to run in the Studdard family. His wife, Sheila, is the Clerk of the Superior Court and his mother, Jean Studdard, is the Republican 8th District Chair. There is a good possibility he will face opposition from Dan Lakly and possibly others. Bill Bonner officially announced he would be running for the new State Senate seat, 16. Republicans who attended the recent district convention were already aware of his intentions — the entryway to the event was peppered with campaign signs! Bonner ran previously for the State Senate, losing in district that was largely centered in predominately Democratic Clayton County with a small portion of Fayette. Bonner has a long history in the Republican Party, serving on numerous committees and in other capacities. He also served on the Fayette County Commission. Ronnie Chance has also stated his intentions to run for the seat. Senator Mike Crotts re-affirmed his candidacy for the Eighth Congressional District currently held by Mac Collins. He faces opposition from Lynn Westmoreland and Dylan Glenn.