GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Karen Handel Faces Nathan Deal in Runoff in Georgia

Karen Handel and Nathan Deal face each other in runoffs in Georgia today, along with several other key races.

To all my Georgian readers, the Nathan Deal-Karen Handel GOP gubernatorial runoff isn't the only race to worry about, but it is one that deserves a lot of thought. I would caution voters to think about the candidates they are supporting and what they would do for their districts and state. For starters, Preston Smith, who acknowledged to engaging in an extramarital affair with a staffer, should not be the GOP candidate for attorney general.

For me, Karen Handel may very well end up being the candidate who will meet Democrat Roy Barnes, but will she best represent Georgia? Karen Handel has flip-flopped on the issue of gay rights and abortion. She has thrown the Hispanic community under a bus by her position on immigration, jockeying to bring an Arizona-style legislation to the Peach State. Think about her educational background or the lack thereof. How can she act in the best interest of our students, when she placed such little value on education in her own life.

Voters will also decide several runoffs for U.S. Congress today. Here's a recap of the races today:

Newly elected Rep. Tom Graves is trying to keep his seat in a race against GOP challenger Lee Hawkins.

Rob Woodall and Jody Hice are vying for the GOP nomination for an open seat in the 7th Congressional District.

Voters in eastern Georgia’s 12th District will also decide whether Republican Ray McKinney or Carl Smith is nominated to challenge Democratic Rep. John Barrow in the fall.

Republicans Mike Crane and Deborah Honeycutt are running against each other for the GOP nomination in the 13th Congressional District.

Statewide runoffs include:

Democratic candidates Gail Buckner and Georganna Sinkfield for secretary of state;

Republicans Sam Olens and Preston Smith for attorney general;

Republicans Ralph Hudgens and Maria Sheffield for insurance commissioner;

Republicans Tim Echols and John Douglas for PSC District 2. Source: Atlanta Journal Constitution

Nathan Deal left Congress under a cloud of suspicion and I still don't buy his explanation, but I think he is a far better choice for the GOP than Karen Handel.