Powell Faces Another Appeal

Democratic Public Service Commission District 1 Candidate Jim Powell could be booted off November's statewide ballot depending on how an appeals judge rules in his ongoing residency dispute. Powell did not homestead his District One property in North Georgia before entering the race, and Secretary of State Karen Handel determined that Powell did not live in the district when he filed to run. Two judges have so far disagreed with that ruling, and so now Handel is appealing.

Powell, a Hiwassee resident, says he is being politically targeted by Handel, a Republican.

A spokesman for Handel denies the court appeal is politically motivated, and says the office will continue seeking Powell's removal from the ballot.

Powell is campaigning as a consumer advocate, and favors heavier regulation of utilities than the other members on the commission.

Powell says the ongoing court battles are hurting his fundraising, as donors are reluctant to dole out campaign cash for a candidate that might be thrown off the ballot "I think that's part of the strategy the Secretary of State has is to take me off message and take me off the campaign."

Powell faces Republican Lauren Bubba McDonald, a well financed candidate in favor of looser regulatory restrictions on utilities.