Here’s the skinny on some three county-wide races in next week’s Primary Elections:
COLUMN: Rundown on key local political races
Wednesday, July 9. 2008
District Attorney
This is an odd race with three candidates, each with his (or her) own political strengths and weaknesses.
Donna Sikes has campaigned the hardest and aggressively attacked her two opponents for their having worked under former DA Tim Madison in the past. But her “guilt by association” tactic hasn’t gotten much traction. Neither opponent, Brad Smith or Rick Bridgeman, had anything to do with Madison’s mess. Sikes’ hammering them on the point backfired at one forum where she was asked about her own association with her controversial husband, a former mayor of Arcade who has faced his own legal issues. Sikes responded by saying she, not her husband, was running for the post; but having opened the door on the “association” question, Sikes can hardly run away from the issue in return. Still, Sikes has worked hard and raised money from a broad range of people from around the Piedmont Circuit. She may surprise some with just how many votes she gets.
Brad Smith has kept the lowest profile in the race and clearly doesn’t like the politics involved. But he is obviously the choice of many high-powered lawyers in the Piedmont Circuit and surrounding area. That could cut both ways, however. On the one hand, having support of a large part of the legal leadership could be viewed as the legal community’s confidence in Smith’s abilities. On the other hand, voters may see it as an insider’s bid where the legal community is seeking to pick its own DA. Smith’s base in the campaign appears to be Barrow County where he’s better known and where Bridgeman landed in controversy shortly after taking office last year. Smith has the lead in fund-raising for the race, always a plus in such large, three-county campaigns. That could make a difference in a runoff.
Rick Bridgeman is the incumbent in the race and that alone gives him 15-20 extra points. Incumbency is powerful, but Bridgeman has not leveraged that in fund-raising and trails both other candidates in dollars. Bridgeman’s base appears to be rather solid in Jackson and Banks counties, although Sikes may draw away some votes that would have otherwise gone to him. In Barrow County, Bridgeman was blasted by some last year when he fired several employees in the Barrow DA’s office after he was appointed to the position. Still, some Barrow County observers say he’s stronger there than expected and will do well in the balloting. As the incumbent, you’d expect Bridgeman to at least make a runoff where he’d face either Sikes or Smith in August. If that happens, Bridgeman’s lack of fund-raising may come back to haunt him.
Jackson BOC Chairman
Another three-man race that could land in a runoff.
Tony Beatty has perhaps the highest name recognition, but that isn’t a guarantee of success. He trails both other candidates in fund-raising, paying for most of his own campaign out-of-pocket. Unless he has very deep pockets, that is a disadvantage and could hamper him in a runoff. In addition, Beatty will have to shake off the stigma of having been on the BOC under the controversial “Fletcher Administration.” Although Beatty did go against the others on that board on some issues, just having been in the same room with such a controversial group raises doubts. Beatty’s biggest advantage is that he may become the alternative candidate if voters don’t like what they see in the other two. In addition, his deep roots in the county probably boost his votes 5-8 points just because of family and friends. His goal next week is to make a runoff, then pray for additional funding to finance an August showdown.
Hunter Bicknell is generally viewed as the frontrunner in the race, in part because of his tenure as chairman of the county water authority and the name recognition that creates. Bicknell is by far the leader in fund-raising, a resource that might serve him well in a runoff. On the other hand, Bicknell has gotten a lot of his funding from developers and real estate people, an issue which has dogged his campaign because of the public’s disdain for “developers.” In this election, however, that may not make as much difference since the housing crash has pulled development issues off the front burner. There’s not much development to worry about right now. Bicknell seems to have a grasp on the county’s inner workings and financial operations, but is rather cautious and moderate in his views. If voters are looking for a firebrand, Bicknell isn’t in that category.
Ron Johnson has perhaps worked the hardest of any of the candidates in this election. That’s due, in large part, because he’s new to the county and isn’t as well known as either of his opponents. Johnson trails Bicknell in fund-raising, but is ahead of Beatty. Of the three candidates, Johnson is the most “populist” sounding on the campaign trail. He’s targeted older citizens to cultivate a base of support, especially those upset about high property taxes. It’s a smart move since older voters tend to turn out more on election day than younger voters. Still, Johnson is viewed by some as a polarizing force and wonder how he would lead in a county where there’s already a lot of polarized political rhetoric. If Bicknell is the frontrunner, as many believe, then that leaves Beatty and Johnson running against each other to make a runoff. That could be close.
Sheriff
Challenger Jim Keinard appears to be on a futile quest to unseat incumbent Sheriff Stan Evans. Keinard’s main campaign theme has been to rip Evans over having not been tough enough in the Tim Madison mess. But in reality, Evans was one of the few local leaders who stood up and called for a state investigation into Madison; most other leaders ran for cover after the news articles broke. Evans didn’t run away and in fact, had long been a critic of Madison. Why Keinard believes otherwise isn’t clear. Evans will win this election.
Mike Buffington is editor of The Jackson Herald. He can be reached at mike@mainstreetnews.com.
This is an odd race with three candidates, each with his (or her) own political strengths and weaknesses.
Donna Sikes has campaigned the hardest and aggressively attacked her two opponents for their having worked under former DA Tim Madison in the past. But her “guilt by association” tactic hasn’t gotten much traction. Neither opponent, Brad Smith or Rick Bridgeman, had anything to do with Madison’s mess. Sikes’ hammering them on the point backfired at one forum where she was asked about her own association with her controversial husband, a former mayor of Arcade who has faced his own legal issues. Sikes responded by saying she, not her husband, was running for the post; but having opened the door on the “association” question, Sikes can hardly run away from the issue in return. Still, Sikes has worked hard and raised money from a broad range of people from around the Piedmont Circuit. She may surprise some with just how many votes she gets.
Brad Smith has kept the lowest profile in the race and clearly doesn’t like the politics involved. But he is obviously the choice of many high-powered lawyers in the Piedmont Circuit and surrounding area. That could cut both ways, however. On the one hand, having support of a large part of the legal leadership could be viewed as the legal community’s confidence in Smith’s abilities. On the other hand, voters may see it as an insider’s bid where the legal community is seeking to pick its own DA. Smith’s base in the campaign appears to be Barrow County where he’s better known and where Bridgeman landed in controversy shortly after taking office last year. Smith has the lead in fund-raising for the race, always a plus in such large, three-county campaigns. That could make a difference in a runoff.
Rick Bridgeman is the incumbent in the race and that alone gives him 15-20 extra points. Incumbency is powerful, but Bridgeman has not leveraged that in fund-raising and trails both other candidates in dollars. Bridgeman’s base appears to be rather solid in Jackson and Banks counties, although Sikes may draw away some votes that would have otherwise gone to him. In Barrow County, Bridgeman was blasted by some last year when he fired several employees in the Barrow DA’s office after he was appointed to the position. Still, some Barrow County observers say he’s stronger there than expected and will do well in the balloting. As the incumbent, you’d expect Bridgeman to at least make a runoff where he’d face either Sikes or Smith in August. If that happens, Bridgeman’s lack of fund-raising may come back to haunt him.
Jackson BOC Chairman
Another three-man race that could land in a runoff.
Tony Beatty has perhaps the highest name recognition, but that isn’t a guarantee of success. He trails both other candidates in fund-raising, paying for most of his own campaign out-of-pocket. Unless he has very deep pockets, that is a disadvantage and could hamper him in a runoff. In addition, Beatty will have to shake off the stigma of having been on the BOC under the controversial “Fletcher Administration.” Although Beatty did go against the others on that board on some issues, just having been in the same room with such a controversial group raises doubts. Beatty’s biggest advantage is that he may become the alternative candidate if voters don’t like what they see in the other two. In addition, his deep roots in the county probably boost his votes 5-8 points just because of family and friends. His goal next week is to make a runoff, then pray for additional funding to finance an August showdown.
Hunter Bicknell is generally viewed as the frontrunner in the race, in part because of his tenure as chairman of the county water authority and the name recognition that creates. Bicknell is by far the leader in fund-raising, a resource that might serve him well in a runoff. On the other hand, Bicknell has gotten a lot of his funding from developers and real estate people, an issue which has dogged his campaign because of the public’s disdain for “developers.” In this election, however, that may not make as much difference since the housing crash has pulled development issues off the front burner. There’s not much development to worry about right now. Bicknell seems to have a grasp on the county’s inner workings and financial operations, but is rather cautious and moderate in his views. If voters are looking for a firebrand, Bicknell isn’t in that category.
Ron Johnson has perhaps worked the hardest of any of the candidates in this election. That’s due, in large part, because he’s new to the county and isn’t as well known as either of his opponents. Johnson trails Bicknell in fund-raising, but is ahead of Beatty. Of the three candidates, Johnson is the most “populist” sounding on the campaign trail. He’s targeted older citizens to cultivate a base of support, especially those upset about high property taxes. It’s a smart move since older voters tend to turn out more on election day than younger voters. Still, Johnson is viewed by some as a polarizing force and wonder how he would lead in a county where there’s already a lot of polarized political rhetoric. If Bicknell is the frontrunner, as many believe, then that leaves Beatty and Johnson running against each other to make a runoff. That could be close.
Sheriff
Challenger Jim Keinard appears to be on a futile quest to unseat incumbent Sheriff Stan Evans. Keinard’s main campaign theme has been to rip Evans over having not been tough enough in the Tim Madison mess. But in reality, Evans was one of the few local leaders who stood up and called for a state investigation into Madison; most other leaders ran for cover after the news articles broke. Evans didn’t run away and in fact, had long been a critic of Madison. Why Keinard believes otherwise isn’t clear. Evans will win this election.
Mike Buffington is editor of The Jackson Herald. He can be reached at mike@mainstreetnews.com.
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Hey Mrs sikes......if you truly cared for the COMMUNITY you'd step off your pedalstool and quietly practice your private law. you will best serve criminals than the law abiding citizans of this community
AND UGLY. PEOPLE NEED TO KNOW THE FACTS. STAN HAS BEEN
THERE FOR THIS COUNTY AND MY HAT IS OFF TO HIM. OUR
COUNTY HAS THIS TIME TO OVERCOME ALL THE STORMS WE HAVE
WENT THRU AND WHO EVER IS ELECTED WE WILL EXSPECT A SPIRIT
OF EXCELLENCE ON YOUR PART AS ELECTED OFFICALS.SO MAY THE BEST MAN WIN.
Reading the paper this week Tony is so dense he thinks the water Authority is part of County Government...there not they are a political subdivision of the state, totally separate from Jackson County. They are funded by sales of Water/Sewer service. So Tony there employees are NOT duplication of services( Quit playing dirty pool Tony).
The next lie being told is that the Bear creek debt is the Water Authority....Who signed the loan?
The Jackson County Board of Commissioners ! Tell the truth Tony !
Who led the charge on taking over the water Authority last time ?? Tony Beatty !
Tony Beatty has done more damage to Jackson County then Bicknell and Johnson ever could.
How about the court house debacle....Tony Beatty was there!
It's time to talk about REAL issues Mr.Beatty not the trash you have been slinging all around Jackson County.
Tony has been anti-water authority for a long time....he once told me that you would see the authority under county control no matter what Tony! Great more tax money I can't afford !
Then you read about Ron Johnson and how he and "Tony think alike" That;'s a great reason not to vote for Johnson.
Starting to sound like the Dukes of Jackson county"
Just two good ole boys, trying to Screw taxpayers now
that's just a little bit more then this tax payer will allow !
Yup me and my wife voted early today for Bicknell...the only one who won't push Jackson county back 20 years !
I remember just 3 years ago when no system maps were available for informational purposes...they are now. I remember the lack of professionalism that existed among the staff...the new faces there are very helpful and professional. Engineering services have improved greatly since the authority no longer out-sources plan reviews and small projects to a consultant. When their staff needs to find information that used to be found thumbing through files, they now find it very quickly from their computer files. The observations above seem to indicate efficient and forward-thinking management.
The water authority is likely suffering from the "sins of the past" when poor long term strategic decisions were made that must be paid for in years to come through heavy debt service.
how can truth and justice be served if it based upon the raising of money. I would suggest that any political race won by the amount of money raised is a race flawed by greed and deception. Those who vote should totally disreguard any $$ raised by political figures running for office.
The voting system is flawed
it's all a scam and the American people are victim!!
Thank you for the information. For busy folks like me, this helps us to be more informed voters.
Stan Evans and there could not be a bigger difference in
character. Having all those mail order degrees means
nothing when dealing with the public.I remember what it
was like living in Jackson county before Stan took office
and I for one appreciate what he has done to make living
here a better place. Stan is still the Man!!!
We knew him even before he became Georgia's youngest sheriff. We knew him when he won his first election. We knew him when he cleaned up a county that had previously been full of bootleggers and pot fields. Now those are the honest, hard facts.
We've known Stan for nearly 30 years as a lawman of dignity, competence, and courage. (That's opinion, in case you're wondering, and a common one hereabouts. Oh, and I'm not related to Stan, nor is Mike Buffington, nor is the probate judge. Facts that - once again - anyone who's been here very long would know.)
None of us knew of Mr. Keinard before this election, and I doubt any of us knew of you either. And please, if you're going to berate others' misuse of grammar and punctuation, use the apostrophe correctly. It's "Evans'", not "Evan's".
Congrats Stan and thank God for your incredible leadership!
his business and we also remember what the county was like
My family voted Evans....go back to Gwinnett Jim and take Ron Johnson with you !
The only man with experience in Jackson County government and the ONLY man who can keep things from being a fiasco is Hunter Bicknell.
To the Beatty haters your strategy of slinging mud backfired...your co conspirator Ron Johnson needs to talk issues not point fingers and place blame.
Funny I have been on blogs for several years anonymous and frankly it looks like it is your nerves that have been hit, if your going to attack a person's education or there right to give there opinion then maybe YOU should refrain from typing.
While I agree DSM was a little overbearing they have a right to there opinion ,if you can't handle that fine anonymous but I found your post just as nasty if not worse. Belittling someones spelling and grammar shows your lack of tact...not doing Ron any favors with that kind of reply.
Let's all get out and vote and elect the man that each of us feels is most qualified.
Your information concerning Keinard was extremely slighted and inaccurate. Now that the election is over, time will tell whether or not Stan the Man will be able to lead the sheriff's department. The first problem he will have is to staff his new jail with competent officers. My understanding is that most competent officers will not work to him because of his lack of managerial skill and the way he runs the department. Here again, time will tell who was right or wrong!
Best regards......