Tom Brown Formidable Primary Challenge to Hank Johnson in House

Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga., will likely confront the toughest primary challenge of his congressional career this cycle from a well-known local law enforcement official.

The four-term Democrat, known for his unscripted comments in the House, will face former DeKalb County Sheriff Tom Brown in a May 20 primary in the deep blue 4th District in the Atlanta suburbs.

Although there are no independent public polls of the race yet, Brown has so far raised more money than Johnson — a rare feat for a challenger. What’s more, Brown enjoys high name recognition due to his long tenure as sheriff in one of the Peach State’s largest counties. For these reasons, plus a few more, local Democrats see him as a formidable primary challenger for Johnson.

“Assuming that Tom can keep up his fundraising pace, he’s probably the most credible challenge that Hank has had so far,” said Cabral Franklin, a Georgia Democratic consultant.

Johnson has faced primary challenges in prior cycles. He came to Congress by ousting then-Rep. Cynthia A. McKinney, D-Ga., in a 2006 primary. Yet Johnson’s primary challengers have never been well-funded or as well known as Brown.

This time around, Johnson’s campaign has acknowledged that Brown’s threat is real. His aides say they are working hard to fend him off in the primary, which is tantamount to the general election in this strong Democratic district.

Specifically, Johnson’s campaign recently rolled out an endorsement from President Barack Obama, who enjoys high approval ratings in this majority black district — despite his lackluster poll numbers nationwide.

via Tom Brown Formidable Primary Challenge to Hank Johnson in House.