As much as I try to keep things local, I would be remiss if I do not mention the potential impact of Stacey Abrams getting into the governor’s race. This changes the dynamics not just at state level but also at the national level. Big money is sure to come from all over the U.S, and this race will be watched closely.
In the state of Georgia, this will be a nail biter because no other Democrat has launched a campaign for the seat. Nationally, this race will bring all types of significant attention and will be the focal point of next year’s midterms. Locally, Abrams’ impact will be extraordinarily significant, as people will become energized to participate in the upcoming electoral process. Expect the primary municipal elections to have higher turnouts than normal.
As I stated before, I believe that they will move the municipal elections to the same date as the general primary election. Now, why does this matter locally? If there is no Democratic primary, it doesn’t matter which ballot you pull in some places like Augusta, which is a democratic stronghold. This could also shape the Republican primary however they see fit.
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Honestly, Democrats could have the Republican’s number to say the least. They could do what Republicans have done to them on so many occasions, and that’s not stay home. Could you imagine Democrats coming out to the polls in numbers to pick who will have to go against Stacey Abrams?
Speaking of how this will play out in Augusta, David Perdue has announced his intention to run for governor. Now, this is going to be a big deal. This could automatically remove Vernon Jones’ name from even being talked about. However, I don’t know if Perdue is going to have it as easy as he thinks. There are lots of people who have no problem with Kemp on both sides. With that being said, tell me in the comments what you think about this: Kemp vs Perdue vs Jones. This area may play a bigger part in that race then some people think.
Speaking of the governor’s race and local impact… what might this mean for Hardie Davis? I still believe we are awaiting a big announcement of some kind. I believe he will be leaving us before his term has ended and pursuing something else. Stacey getting in the governor’s race really sets the stage for major turnout and major victories in November. Maybe that was just the push needed to seek a run at lieutenant governor or even Secretary of State.
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Maps, Maps, Maps!
We are still discussing the redistricting maps, and let me assure everyone reading: we will still be talking about them come January. I have recently read that there are several neighborhoods that have agreed to participate in this lawsuit to stop the current map that the committee approved.
I reached out to one of those neighborhoods and asked a board member how they felt about it. They assured me they knew nothing about the lawsuit. They also said they didn’t have an issue with the new maps.
I fully understand the issue with splitting up neighborhoods. I do have a problem, however, with the inclusion of neighborhoods that were split up before. The lawsuit mentions neighborhoods that are already split. Why bring them up this time? It seems as if no one cared about those particular neighborhoods before, but now, because some places are having an issue, you’ve included them. I’ll let all of you read in between the lines on that one.
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Last thing before I get out of here. I would like to address a comment made about me playing both sides of the fence. I don’t intentionally play both sides of the fence as much as I try to make sure I put good information out. One of the biggest issues I see in our world is that most people believe you have to bash something you don’t believe in. Just because I may not seem to have that ideology, some say I have to hate something. That’s not true.
We need more of a world where we do less voting on party lines and more voting or support based on who will be the best person for the job. I don’t have to try to take someone’s head off just because their political views are different than mine. We should try our best to learn to embrace differences and stop being trapped basing our opinion on political preferences or color. That is the major basis in our community and it’s been proven over and over again.
I almost forgot to talk about the sex scandal that has shaken things up and placed about 10 people on administrative leave in the… Well, here I go getting ahead of myself again.
Michael Meyers is a Columnist for The Augusta Press. Reach him at Michael.meyers@theaugustapress.com
