New batch of candidates toss their hats into the ring | savannahnow.com

ATLANTA — Republican gubernatorial challenger David Pennington, a foursome of superintendent candidates and a handful of congressional hopefuls were the newest names to be added to the primary ballots Tuesday morning.

Pennington showed up with a handful of supporters in his effort to unseat Nathan Deal in the Republican primary. Deal was the first to qualify Monday, and State Superintendent of Schools John Barge is expected to file his paperwork before the weeklong qualifying period ends.

“Obviously, this is a race that really won’t take shape until the last three or four weeks, as almost all primary races do,” said Pennington, who was mayor of Dalton until his qualification triggered his automatic removal.

In what is expected to become the most crowded primary race, four more candidates for state superintendent of schools showed up before lunch, Kira Willis, Nancy Jester, Richard Woods and Sharyl Dawes, all on the Republican side. Fitz Johnson and Allen Fort qualified for that primary the day before.

One election watcher counted 17 candidates planning to qualify. So far, no Democrats have stepped forward, although at least two are expected to.

The heaviest congressional action was in the 10th where four more GOP candidates signed up, Jody Hice, Mike Collins, Stephen Simpson and Mitchell Swan. Also, Kenneth Dious put down his check to qualify as a Democrat in that race. They join Republicans Donna Sheldon and Gary Gerrard who qualified Monday.

“There is a very real difference in each one of the candidates that are running, and I encourage people every day when we’re out there talking (that) I hope that they are looking at everybody in this race and see what the different backgrounds are and what we have to offer,” Collins said.

In the 1st District, the GOP ballot filled up quickly after lunch. Joining Buddy Carter and Darwin Carter who qualified Monday are Earl Martin, Jeff Chapman and Bob Johnson.

via New batch of candidates toss their hats into the ring | savannahnow.com.