With Cagle Out; Others Eye State's Top Job

Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle's sudden withdrawal from the governor's race has touched off furious jockeying among Georgia Republicans. Some are giving the contest a fresh look now that the presumed front-runner has bowed out. While there are still three Republican hopefuls running to replace Sonny Perdue when his second term expires in 2010, that field could grow even larger in the coming weeks. Among those now believed to be eyeing the open seat are House Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter of Johns Creek, state Senator Eric Johnson of Savannah, U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland of Grantville and Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens. Cagle said Wednesday he is withdrawing from the race to undergo surgery for a degenerative spine condition.

(Associated Press)