Electing a New Governor

As the calendar has turned from September into October our state is moving closer to electing a new governor.

I know a lot of folks get a little nervous when a pastor starts expressing opinions about politics.

A lot of folks say the clergy ought to stay out of political discussions. My observation is that the folks who want clergy to stay out of political discussions usually have an opinion that runs counter to the opinion of the clergy person who has expressed an opinion.

Thus, most opposition to clergy addressing political topics has more to do with the stand taken than who is taking the stand.
Now that I’ve got that out of the way allow me to forge ahead on the topic of the governor’s race. In case one needs an introduction, this year’s campaign features Republican Congressman Nathan Deal of Gainesville taking on Democratic former Governor Roy Barnes of Marietta.

Both appear to be well qualified based on their political experience. Mr. Deal has represented North Georgia in Congress since 1992 while Mr. Barnes has served many years in the state legislature and served as governor from 1999-2003.

Both would seem to be men who are serious about their faith. Mr. Deal is a deacon at Gainesville’s First Baptist Church while Mr. Barnes is a leader at the First United Methodist Church of Marietta.
What disturbs me about this campaign is that while both of these fellows are well qualified to be our governor, rarely does one hear them speak of their fine records of public service and of their experience.

Most of Mr. Barnes’ campaign ads only speak of Mr. Deal’s recent financial setbacks, while Mr. Deal’s ads tend to attack Mr. Barnes for his term as governor.

I want to hear each candidate answer a simple question posed to each of them. I would like to ask Mr. Deal, “What have you accomplished during your time in Congress that would indicate that you would be a good leader for our state?”

For Mr. Barnes I would like to ask, “You were governor for four years. What did you accomplish that would lead Georgians to entrust you with that office again?”

The answers to these two questions are what Georgians really need to hear. We need a reason to vote for someone rather than against someone.

Now if I’m not supposed to say things like that I’m sorry. Something tells me thought I’ve said what a lot of folks are already thinking.