|
 |
 |
|
|
| |
View All News |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Secretary of state financial reports point to close election
Jan. 17, 2006 -
The Albany Herald - This year’s race for Georgia secretary of state could be among the most competitive on a statewide ballot likely to feature several close contests, judging from the latest fundraising reports.
Four candidates — two Republicans and two Democrats — had more than $100,000 in their campaign accounts at the end of December, according to reports filed with the secretary of state’s office last week.
On the Republican side, Fulton County Commission Chairman Karen Handel had just more than $202,000 on hand, compared to nearly $155,000 for state Sen. Bill Stephens, R-Canton.
Handel and Stephens took swipes at each other in press releases detailing their fundraising results.
Stephens’ camp pointed out that while 80 percent of his contributors are from outside of Atlanta, Handel drew nearly 94 percent of her money from Atlanta and its inner suburbs.
Republicans consider support from conservative rural Georgia vital to any statewide GOP candidates’ chances of prevailing in a general election.
“Our opponent has virtually no support outside the city of Atlanta,’’ said Katie Grove, Stephens’ campaign manager. “How does she expect to win a statewide election?’’
For her part, Handel highlighted her money lead over Stephens, an advantage that takes on heightened significance because Stephens — as a member of the General Assembly — is not permitted to accept contributions during the legislative session.
Lawmakers aren’t likely to adjourn before late March, and the Republican primary will be held on July 18.
Handel campaign manager Marty Ryall also chastised Stephens, the leading fundraiser among the four candidates, for spending almost $200,000 during the last half of 2005. By spending more during that period than he raised, he leaves Handel with the GOP money lead heading into the final few months of the primary contest.
“I’ve never seen a credible campaign — let along a statewide campaign — that actually lost money during the off-year,’’ Ryall said. “This shows who the real conservative is in this race.’’
For all the Republicans’ bombast, however, it was the two Democrats — neither of whom has ever held public office — who were sitting on the largest bankrolls at the end of last year.
Shyam Reddy, a lawyer from Dublin and the son of immigrants from India, had nearly $291,000 cash on hand, according to his report, while Decatur businesswoman Angela Moore had just more than $245,000.
With Democrat Cathy Cox leaving the secretary of state’s office after two terms to run for governor, Republicans were expected to hold a solid advantage in this year’s race, given the GOP’s recent string of victories in statewide elections.
But Reddy said the strong financial support he’s receiving indicates that voters aren’t necessarily ready to give the seat to the Republicans.
“I believe it shows that Georgians are ready for a new brand of Southern Democrat with the right experience,’’ he said.
“It’s not a political position,’’ added Moore, who runs a medical staffing company that does business statewide. “It requires a more business-minded person.’’ This is not Moore’s first attempt at public office. She ran unsuccessfully for the DeKalb County Commission in 2004.
Dave Williams
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
