Gwinnett Daily Post | POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Politician to seek party chairmanship

A former state senator has stepped up to replace Loganville lawyer Mike Berlon in the Democratic Party of Georgia chairmanship.

Doug Stoner, a Cobb County politician, announced his intention to run for the post, which Berlon resigned after a series of legal woes and problems raising funds.

“I am excited about the opportunity to put my party, legislative and fundraising experience to use in helping to build the Democratic Party of Georgia,” said Stoner, who has served in the House and Senate. “It’s very clear that Georgia is shifting away from a one party system, and I am prepared to work with my fellow Democrats to shape an agenda for the future.”

Stoner has traveled the state talking to party members and gathered more than 50 signatures from state committee members, more than the 30 required to run for the spot.

“It is critical to connect Democrats around the state. Just as we’ve seen in the Georgia Legislature, the priorities of metro and rural citizens may not be the same. So it is with Democrats. It will be incumbent on our party’s next leader to build consensus to ensure our success. I believe I have demonstrated that I can successfully build and lead that effort,” he said.

Nikema Williams, who is the party’s first vice chair, is fulfilling the role in the interim and said the job must go to a white male due to party rules about having opposite gender and race in the top positions.

via Gwinnett Daily Post | POLITICAL NOTEBOOK: Politician to seek party chairmanship.