‘Spirit of optimism’ message helped propel Reichert campaign | Politics | Macon.com

Tuesday’s runoff election for the first mayor of Macon-Bibb County’s consolidated government left the winner, Macon Mayor Robert Reichert, “exhausted and elated,” he said Wednesday, while the loser, former Mayor C. Jack Ellis, is considering what to do next.

“I don’t know. I’m writing a book that I put on hold. I thought I would have had it published by now,” Ellis said. “Whether this was the last political chapter in the book I don’t know, but I do intend to finish the book.”

He plans to do some traveling and speaking, may “resurrect” his youth foundation, and has obligations as honorary consul general for Uganda, he said. But Ellis’ main focus will likely be continuing-education and antipoverty efforts.

“I’m really committed to that in our town,” he said.

Four weeks of feverish campaigning brought gains for both candidates. In the Sept. 17 general election Reichert drew 17,821 votes to Ellis’ 10,852. But there were five other candidates in that race, whose 7,299 votes left Reichert barely short of the absolute majority needed to avoid a runoff.

Supporters of other candidates had a clearer choice when the race narrowed, Reichert said.

via ‘Spirit of optimism’ message helped propel Reichert campaign | Politics | Macon.com.