Local news
Five seeking senate seat, but nonoe from Cordele
By GABE JORDAN
gabe.jordan@gaflnews.com
CORDELE — The race to replace State Senator Joseph Carter (R-Tifton) is wide open, with five men having declared their intentions to run for the 13th District senate seat.
Two men from Lee County, Wally Roberts and Bob Usry, have announced they plan to qualify Wednesday, and two Tift County men, Rusty Simpson and John Crosby, have also announced, along with Irwin County resident Horace Hudgins. The 13th District is comprised of Ben Hill, Crisp, Turner, Tift, Lee, Worth counties and a portion of Wilcox.
Notably absent is a candidate from Crisp County. Retired Senator Rooney L. Bowen, Jr., of Cordele, held the 13th District seat for roughly 24 years before stepping down in 2004, and many local political observers have said they thought now might be the time for Crisp County to re-take the seat.
Now it might be too late, though, according to long-time local Republican activist Ritch McCutchen.
“I’m afraid that if someone from Crisp County were to enter the race now, it would only muddy the waters. But if we can begin to cultivate someone now we can have a real good candidate for the future and hopefully get that senate seat back,” McCutchen said.
A great deal of speculation had centered on Noel Williams, Jr., a local businessman and chair of the Cordele-Crisp County Chamber of Commerce, and Ferrell Henry, outgoing chairman of the county commission, as being two possible contenders from Crisp County. Both said they considered it but have ruled out a run.
McCutchen said the circumstances of the special primary election to replace Carter may make it difficult for a relative unknown to win.
“This is a Republican primary, and you have to bear that in mind. Only the people who vote as a Republican on July 15 or do not vote at all will be allowed to vote in this race for state senate,” McCutchen said. “So the winner is probably going to be someone who is well-known in Republican party circles, and right now the best known is Rusty Simpson.”
McCutchen said Simpson has served in a variety of Republican leadership roles in south Georgia as well as in the statewide party system.
Crisp County Elections Supervisor Brenda Turner said McCutchen was right about who will be able to vote in the special election to replace Carter. Voters who pull a Democratic ballot in the July 15 primary will not be able to vote Aug. 5 in the special primary for State Senate District 13, which is limited only to Republican candidates and voters in accordance with state law.
“We’ll likely see a few disappointed voters turned away on Aug. 5,” Turner said about the potential for confusion over the race.
- Local news
-
-
SWGAU opens new office
Southwest Georgia United, in conjunction with the Crisp/Dooly Joint Development Authority officially opened the doors for their new facility Wednesday.
-
Contractor waiting on DOT approval
With the final week of summer winding down, construction on I-75 through Crisp County is “complete for the most part,” says Archer Western Project Manager Brian Woods.
-
Renewal tag fees added or increased
Not too many years ago, nearly all Georgia vehicles had one license plate which was easily recognizable from a distance. Now, there are over 100 valid special license plates in the state, and many Georgia automobile owners have purchased one or more of these special tags.
-
Pet contest winner named
When the Cordele Dispatch’s pet pageant ended at noon Tuesday, “Bug” Owens, a Beagle belonging to Faye and Charles Owens of Cordele was the winner.
-
LOCAL DEATH: Johnnie Mae Reese
BUTLER — Johnnie Mae Reese of Butler passed away Friday, July 27, 2010 in a Macon County hospital. -
Contractor waiting on DOT approval
CORDELE — With the final week of summer winding down, construction on I-75 through Crisp County is “complete for the most part,” says Archer Western Project Manager Brian Woods.
-
Vienna businesses cited for underage sales
Complaints that a local business was selling alcohol to minors prompted police here to take action.
-
Accused dog murderer arrested
Police here have made an arrest in a late August burglary during which a family’s beloved pet dog was brutally murdered.
-
J.S. Pate students study vipers
J.S. Pate students in Mrs. Beth Rucker's homeroom made vipers after reading the story, "A Walk In the Desert."
-
LOCAL DEATH: Eddie C. Clayton
VIENNA — Eddie C. Clayton of Vienna died Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at his residence. - More Local news Headlines
-
