10 months ago
More than a year before the 2010 gubernatorial primary election, Democratic and Republican hopefuls are lining up for the position.
So far, the names of seven Republicans and five Democrats have been mentioned as possible candidates for governor.
Mercer University Political Scientist Chris Grant said Wednesday the position is more attractive now because there won't be an incumbent in the race.
Gov. Sonny Perdue is serving his second consecutive four-term and isn't eligible for re-election.
"There's a lot of them, and it's wide open," Grant said. "I think anything can happen in this gubernatorial race."
Grant said state Rep. DuBose Porter, House Minority leader, and Attorney General Thurbert Baker are early favorites in the Democratic primary.
"I think DuBose Porter might have an edge because of the legislators he's lined up," Grant said. "Thurbert Baker might have an edge, because the Democratic Party right now probably is majority an African American party in terms of primary votes in a given election."
But Grant said the picture changes if former Gov. Roy Barnes jumps in the Democratic contest.
"I think Roy Barnes probably gets the nomination," Grant said.
Steve Allen, chairman of the Bibb County Democratic Party, thinks his party will have an excellent chance of retaking the governor's office in 2010.
"It's an opportunity I think for the Democratic Party," Allen said. "But at the same time, I think we have to be very careful and stay united because we've got some excellent candidates already.
On the Republican side, Grant notes three statewide office holders are in the hunt. They are Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Karen Handel and Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine.
"I think that Karen Handel, Casey Cagle, both have an edge at the moment a bit over Oxendine, because they have been more in the media. My gut instinct is that Casey Cagle has a chance," Grant said.
Republican activist Maurice Atkinson said Democrats shouldn't get too cocky over the prospect of winning the governor's office.
"I wholly believe we'll be able to keep the governor's race, the governor's position," Atkinson said. "In fact, most of statewide I think you're going to see eve a larger shift to Republicans this time."
Atkinson said people are disappointed with Democrats because of the recent bailouts and stimulus packages. He predicts the disappointment will grow in the coming months.
Other possible Democratic gubernatorial candidates are former Gov. Roy Barnes, state Sen. Tim Golden of Valdosta and former Secretary of State David Poythress.
Other potential Republican hopefuls are state Rep. Austin Scott of Tifton, Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens and radio station owner Ray McBerry.
U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson and 1st District Congressman Jack Kingston have also been mentioned as possible GOP gubernatorial hopefuls.
