SAVANNAH’S ERIC JOHNSON MAKES PLANS TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR

By R. A. Pearson

Republican state senator and former President pro tem of that body, Eric Johnson, has announced his candidacy for the office of Governor of Georgia. Johnson had been running for lieutenant governor; however, he decided to switch races after Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle withdrew from the governor's contest citing health problems. Cagle, who was considered a leading contender for the Republican nomination for governor in the party’s primary, said he would seek re-election to his current position.

Johnson said his campaign would focus on jobs, education and ethics. Johnson indicated, “As I traveled the state campaigning and visiting with Georgians from all walks of life, I was thrilled to see the support and encouragement we received in every corner of this state. Georgians recognize that we need a steady, tested, and experienced leader to address the challenges we face as a state and to build on the progress we’ve made under Republican leadership.”

Eric Johnson was the Republican Caucus Leader for 10 years and was a long time advocate of the need of a viable two party system in Georgia. Many Clarion Issue readers will remember the Senator’s “Legislative Session Wrap Ups” we ran during the years he was President pro tem of the Georgia Senate. This year Senator Johnson pushed unsuccessfully to make Georgia the first state in the nation to offer universal school vouchers.

During his tenure in office Senator Johnson represented District 1, a district that at one time included most of costal Georgia from Savannah to Glynn County and parts of Camden County. Today the district includes parts of Chatham, Liberty, and all of Bryan Counties.

Senator Johnson’s campaign web site is www.JohnsonForGeorgians.com.
Johnson joins three Republicans already in the race for the Republican nomination for governor: Secretary of State Karen Handel, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, and State Representative Austin Scott.