Wednesday, June 10, 2009
News Roy Barnes’ bid for governor reshapes the political landscape
Posted by Scott Henry @ScottTheHenry on Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 3:06 PM
The last time he ran, he was clobbered by a little-known challenger with a fraction of the funding. It’s been nearly eight years since his name appeared on a ballot. And the state became decidedly redder in the meantime.
By most standards, ex-Gov. Roy Barnes should be a political has-been.
But the reality is that, during the months he spent deciding whether to try to get his old job back, Barnes was seen as the 800-pound gorilla lurking over the governor’s race. Now that he’s officially thrown his hat into the ring, he’s almost universally viewed as the instant front-runner — insofar as that term has any real meaning a full year before the Democratic primary.
On the face of it, the celebrated re-run of Roy Barnes is arguably evidence that the Georgia Democratic Party is in a woeful state. When a defeated former governor — even one with legendary charisma and proven fundraising ability — can set aside his elder statesman duties and immediately vault to the front of the pack running for the state’s highest post, that doesn’t speak well for his party’s depth of electable talent.
Still, there’s reason to believe that the Barnes candidacy could help give the Democrats their best shot at recapturing the Governor’s Mansion, as well as several other statewide seats. And even if Barnes isn’t his party’s nominee, says Emory political science professor Alan Abramowitz, “It looks like the Democrats have a decent shot at winning back the governor’s office.”
Continue reading "Roy Barnes’ bid for governor reshapes the political landscape"
Comments (1)
Showing 1-1 of 1
I've heard plenty of hard-core Georgia (Cobb County residents for instance) Repugs say they're all for Roy Barnes running again. And that they'd vote for him in a heartbeat over Karen Handel, whom they seem to think ain't nothing but trouble for the GA GOP. Roy's the real Georgia roots deal. Can, er, call 'em back up when the time's right.
like
dislike
Latest in Fresh Loaf
-
ATLwood: Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson are back for more
Atlanta may snatch "The Hunger Games" from North Carolina ... #HungerGamesBitch
-
First Slice 5/25/12: First smog alert of the year = the actual unofficial first day of summer
Plus other things that harm children
-
Weekend Arts Agenda: You are Evereman
Few openings, but lots of festivals and parties
- More »
More by Author
-
Legislature on schedule to restrict reproductive rights 23
Abortion bill passes state House
-
Lawmakers get cracking — it's Crossover Day! 3
Georgia lawmakers move to outlaw assisted suicide and make birth-control coverage optional
- More »
