Like father, like daughter: Decoding Michelle Nunn’s Senate… | Political Insider | www.ajc.com

State Rep. Stacey Abrams, the leader of the House Democratic caucus, once served as chairman of the board of Hands On Atlanta – which she called a “behemoth of volunteerism.” She dismissed the notion that Michelle Nunn is under any deadline pressure.

“I think the sense of urgency that surrounds this conversation is manufactured,” Abrams said. “While fundraising is always important, I think it’s more important to have a committed candidate who has a well thought-out plan.”

Three Republican members of Congress leaped into the Senate race with a minimum of preliminaries. But David Perdue, former CEO of Dollar General and Gov. Sonny Perdue’s first cousin, may be a better model. Like Michelle Nunn, he’s a first-timer.

David Perdue, a Republican, on Tuesday announced the formation of an exploratory committee. Any formal declaration is still weeks away. Look for Michelle Nunn to tread this path – but not until after President Barack Obama’s Sunday visit to Atlanta.

State Sen. Jason Carter, D-Decatur, has worked with Michelle Nunn through Points of Light. Carter said the foundation’s origins make Nunn “very interesting. Her relationship with the Bush family is very close.”

“She is undeniably an independent. That will be her pitch, as an independent-minded Democrat,” Carter said. “Different than her dad, but independent nonetheless, with good relations across the political spectrum.”

Many have pointed out that a Nunn hasn’t been on a Georgia ballot since 1990. So I asked Carter, the grandson of the former president, about the power of a family name. “It means that people will remember who she is. It gives people an undeniable reference point — and that is incredibly valuable,” Carter said. “Her dad is one of the most well-respected politicians in the history of the state, especially in places where Democrats have not done well recently.”

Moreover, Sam Nunn has never become wrapped up in the hyper-partisanship of the last decade. “There’s a lot more people who hate Jimmy Carter than hate Sam Nunn,” Jason Carter said.

via Like father, like daughter: Decoding Michelle Nunn’s Senate… | Political Insider | www.ajc.com.