Coverdell death leaves chaos, opportunity

What remains of the state’s GOP hierarchy, with Sen. Paul Coverdell’s death and former Speaker Newt Gingrich’s self-immolation, is scrambling for an identity and a leader. The cast of characters is sizeable, ranging from congressional nameplates such as Johnny Isakson, Bob Barr and John Linder, to local note-worthies such as Guy Millner, Georgia GOP Chairman Chuck Clay and erstwhile candidate Clint Day.

Many in the GOP leadership, including U.S. Speaker Dennis Hastert, have urged Isakson to run. Barr, facing the prospect of an unfriendly redistricting in 2001, has indicated an interest in running for the Senate seat. Linder, of the 11th District, is unopposed in the November elections, which makes his seat the least vulnerable to Democratic takeover.

And here’s where Ronald Reagan’s “trickle-down” theory of economics translates into politics. As Isakson, Barr, Linder, Millner, Clay, Day and others weigh the run for U.S. Senate, so then do a host of local politicos consider the potential congressional vacancies.

Clay appears to be a natural choice for Isakson’s 6th District seat, despite the fact that he lives in Barr’s 7th. If Barr runs for U.S. Senate, Clay may be considered for the 7th District post instead. Others making the short list for open seats include former state Sen. Steve Langford of Columbus and retiring state Rep. Sharon Trense of Sandy Springs, as well as current General Assembly members Robert Lamutt, Phil Gingrey, Sharon Cooper, John Wiles, George Grindley, Bill Hembree, Bob Irvin and Tom Price, plus former 6th District candidate Christina Jeffries.

Vacant seats above leave vacant seats below, too. But with GOP gains in the state Senate and House stalled (despite demographic trends in North Atlanta leaning Republican), stepping out from state office for a chance at Congress is a risky proposition.

What the Georgia GOP needs right now is a single leader capable of gathering the players together, setting an organized course, and uniting the faithful behind that course. Sen. Coverdell was the one person who could have done that. Now, the field is open.

Gov. Roy Barnes decided the temporary fate of the vacant U.S. Senate seat. What remains to be seen is whether Republicans, infamous for hobbling their own before the general election, can rise to the challenge of reorganizing the party from the top down. The track record isn’t good, and the field is crowded. Coverdell is greatly missed at a time like this. As Hamlet offered, “He that plays the king shall be welcome.”

?Todd G. Young is partner in a local public affairs firm and has worked for a number of GOP candidates.