This year's gubernatorial race is going to be a good one. That is to say, no matter what happens Georgia will be miles better than it has been under Sonny 'The Chicken' Perdue.
First, the Republican. Don't get me wrong, I won't be voting for John Oxendine. A pro-life, pro-gun, Reagan Republican platform that under ordinary circumstances would make me want to puke. BUT - Oxendine has been a very good Insurance commissioner. Implemented some real reforms, worked harder for the people than the inscos (as far as I could see) and despite his conservative creds has been just what one wanted in the position - a public servant. Works hard, gets things done. Of course there's a down side to that - some of the things that he wants to get done are school vouchers, more abortion restrictions, and similar nonsense. But he also opposed state "high risk" health insurance pools because that's something the federal government should do, so there is hope. At least he doesn't want all the gays to go to hell and the Confederate Flag flying over the capitol (at least not publically) and wouldn't make Gerogia a laughingstock by praying for rain on the capitol steps. Plus, RedState says he must be defeated. So there must be something good about him.
But even better, on the Democratic side we have former governor Roy Barnes back in the race. Arguably the best governor Georgia has had in ... well, ever. He's no Howard Dean or Dennis Kucinich, but after all this is the Deep South. Roy is strong on education, pretty strong on women's issues, strong on public transport and fair on healthcare. His platform is jobs jobs jobs (plus education reform) done right. He's smart, capable, and doesn't back down.
It's going to be a close race, both men are popular and go straight to the issues. If Oxendine stays clear of the 'social' issues, we could have here what America has been missing: an actual race decided by policy positions. I'm pulling as hard as I can for Barnes, but either way Georgia wins.
(cross posted at not Eschaton)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
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