Ralph Reed Working to Move Georgia Backwards

Sadly, GOP organizer and Christian Coalition opportunist Ralph Reed today announced his candidacy for Lt. Governor of Georgia.

Other Republicans who've declared for the 2006 race are state Sen. Casey Cagle of Gainesville and state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine. Oxendine has high name recognition, but a reputation as a self-aggrandizing self-promoter who's more than a little careless with taxpayer money.

Still, of these three, the race is likely to be between Reed and Oxendine. Whoever else may jump in, my money is on Reed.

At the same time, Bobby Kahn's Georgia Democratic Party is showing surprising, and surprisingly smart, signs of life. I'm getting weekly e-mails with pertinent news and talking points. Two years out, they're focusing hard on Phil Gingrey's District 11 House seat, the most vulnerable GOP hold since the Dems' John Barrow retook the Athens-to-Savannah District 12 last November. Who knows what else might pop up, but if the national GOP is stuck defending red-state congressional seats in 2006, it could upend their efforts to expand their majority elsewhere in the country.

All in all, a very positive sign. I'll have an ActBlue donations page available soon for those interested in pre-funding a District 11 challenger. I also plan to be a lot more active in state Dem activities. I'll keep you updated.