Candidate fights to stay on ballot

James Powell who is a candidate in the Democratic race for a public service commission seat in district 4 almost didn’t get on the ballot tomorrow.

Secretary of state Karen Handel said Powell did not live in the north Georgia district long enough to qualify for the race. She argued that he had not paid homestead exemption on his home in Hiawassee until after he qualified. Powell appealed immediately and late this afternoon a Futlon County superior court judge granted a stay of the Secretary of State's final decision.



That means the election in the Democrtatic public service commission race in district 4 will proceed as planned, and Mr. Powell's name will appear on the ballot today.