Grandpa Jimmy Carter Casts A Shadow Over Ga. Governor’s Race | Georgia Public Broadcasting

ATLANTA — On Sunday, Jimmy Carter makes an appearance at a church in South Georgia alongside his eldest grandson, Jason. Jason Carter is the politician these days, a state senator, and is now making a bid for the governor’s office.

Democrats haven’t won that office in 16 years. Now, the younger Carter, a Democrat, is neck-and-neck with the Republican incumbent, Nathan Deal.

This March, on the last day of Georgia’s legislative session, state Sen. Carter was allowed to take the podium as president of the Senate — a ceremonial turn for outgoing Senators.

“While presiding does this make you President Carter?” asked Republican Sen. Charlie Bethel. The Senate erupted into a mix of howls and applause.

With that one remark, Carter’s family legacy moved front and center.

And in his campaign for governor, the younger Carter must contend with his grandfather’s legacy. The name Jimmy Carter stirs up complex feelings among Georgia voters.

“Certainly there are people in the electorate who the only measuring stick they need to make a decision about Jason is Jimmy Carter, and whether that’s fair or not, that’s reality,” Bethel says.

Bethel says he also does not doubt that the inverse is true as well, and that there are people who will say, “If he’s Jimmy Carter’s grandson, then he’s got my vote and he doesn’t have to do anything.”

via Grandpa Jimmy Carter Casts A Shadow Over Ga. Governor’s Race | Georgia Public Broadcasting.