Curtis Jenkins Seeks Office

An effort by long time legislator Curtis Jenkins to win back his old seat assures Jasper voters of a choice of state lawmakers in both houses in November, but the focus of the July 18 primaries still will be on statewide races.

Mr. Jenkins, a Democrat, held what is now the 125th District in the State House for many years until 2004 when he was unseated by Republican Jim Cole. Now both are unopposed in their parties’ primaries and will meet in the general election.

Similarly, state Sen. Johnny Grant is unopposed in the Republican primary but will face Bruce E. Gilbert, the only Democratic aspirant, in November.
{{more}}
The battle between two high state officials for the Democratic nomination to face Gov. Sonny Perdue is the top race in the primaries. Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor and Secretary of State Cathy Cox are the prime contenders to oppose the governor, who faces only token Republican Party opposition.

The top contenders for the lieutenant governor spot being vacated by Mr. Taylor are both Republicans—state Sen. Casey Cagle and one-time Christian Coalition chairman Ralph Reed. Voters who choose the Democratic primary to have a say-so in the gubernatorial race will not have a voice in the Cagle-Reed fray, but will choose between four lesser-known aspirants, including three legislators or former legislators, to contend for lieutenant governor.

Conversely, those who opt to vote in the GOP primary won’t have a voice on the hottest gubernatorial race, but can choose among the candidates for lieutenant governor and other contested Republican races.

There are primary races for virtually all statewide offices except two where the incumbents face uncontested candidates from the opposite party. The most crowded field is in the run to succeed Ms. Cox as secretary of state—there are six Democratic and four Republican candidates.

Most Georgia members of Congress are secure for renomination in their primaries but some face serious opposition in the general election.

Jasper’s congressman, Rep. Jim Marshall, is being challenged by former Rep. Mac Collins who has only token opposition in the Republican primary.