Michael Thurmond to run against Isakson for Senate seat

Well, this should mix things up. From the AJC’s Jim Galloway:

State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, a Democrat, on Tuesday will announce his entrance into the U.S. Senate race against Republican Johnny Isakson.

Galloway’s heard that efforts by D.C. Democrats to recruit Thurmond for the race picked up after Isakson’s was hospitalized on two separate occasions: once for a bacterial infection and another time for a potential blood clot. Another Democrat, R.J. Hadley, is reportedly in the race.

Thurmond, who’d previously been mentioned as a possible candidate for lieutenant governor, could be a helluva challenger. He holds a statewide post, which is proof he can win over a large chunk of voters. He’s also viewed the recession’s impact firsthand. The economy will arguably be the mid-term election’s biggest issue. Thurmond, who is quite the orator,  probably has some horror stories he can share that will resonate on the campaign trail. Now, whether voters have been pleased with his service as labor commissioner — and if they think a Democrat can help dig the country out of this hole — is another matter.

(File photo by Joeff Davis)