Republicans Line Up for Open Seats in Georgia | Farm Team : Roll Call Politics

For the first time in recent memory, four congressional seats in Georgia are open at the same time, providing ample opportunity for the Peach State’s farm team of up-and-coming state legislators to unleash their ambitions.

Republicans have been lining up for a chance at the three open House seats and one open Senate seat, knowing that an opportunity like this won’t come around again for another decade.

“In metro Atlanta, there really hasn’t been an open congressional seat. … You have to go back several years,” said Bryan Tyson, an election law attorney in Georgia. “Many people are thinking, ‘This is my one shot. Whoever wins this seat will be there for the next 10 to 15 years.’ So that’s coloring some of the ambitions happening here.”

Gingrey’s district has thus far garnered the most interest, with four Republicans announcing their candidacies. They are:

• Former Rep. Bob Barr, a former federal prosecutor who served for eight years in the House.

• State Sen. Barry Loudermilk, a libertarian-leaning legislator from the Floyd County area.

• State House Majority Whip Edward Lindsey.

• Tricia Pridemore, a businesswoman who recently left a position in Gov. Nathan Deal’s administration.

Kingston’s 1st District seat has drawn three Republican hopefuls:

• State Sen. Buddy Carter, who hails from the Savannah area.

• Darwin Carter, a businessman and former member of President Ronald Reagan’s administration.

• David Schwarz, a former senior staffer for Kingston and current Republican consultant.

In Broun’s 10th District, state Rep. Donna Sheldon, the GOP caucus chairwoman, and Jody Hice, a radio host and Southern Baptist pastor, have announced their intentions to run.

Other potential candidates in that race include former state Rep. John Lunsford and Watkinsville City Councilmember Brian Brodrick.

via Republicans Line Up for Open Seats in Georgia | Farm Team : Roll Call Politics.