Cherokee Tribune – Isakson offers confidence temperament for state

It’s official: U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia will run for a third term in 2016.

The east Cobb Republican revealed his plans in a press conference in the rotunda of the state Capitol on Monday, short-circuiting possible speculation that the 69-year-old senator might decide to retire rather than run again.

The early announcement also nips in the bud the possibility he might be challenged in the GOP Primary by a far-right tea party candidate. That “don’t even think about it” message to potential rivals was reinforced by the fact that the senator was flanked by scores of ranking Georgia leaders during his announcement, not the least of whom was Gov. Nathan Deal.

“Throughout all of his career, both political as well as business, Johnny has always displayed the kind of confidence and the temperament that makes all of us as Georgians very proud,” Deal said.

via Cherokee Tribune – Isakson offers confidence temperament for state.