Candidates Find Funds Trickling In

Campaign finance reports for Georgia's crowded gubernatorial field are trickling in. Among the Republican contenders, state Sen. Eric Johnson of Savannah raised nearly $963,000 since he entered the race in April. Secretary of State Karen Handel she raised more than $430,000 during the six-month reporting period, while Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said he raised about $420,000. State Rep. Austin Scott has raised about $180,000 and long-shot GOP candidate Ray McBerry has also raised about $18,000. U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal had yet to report.

On the Democratic side, former Georgia National Guard commander David Poythress said he raised about $150,000 during the six-month span. And, House Minority Leader DuBose Porter says he's taken in about $231,000.

Reports for the other two Democrats running - former Gov. Roy Barnes, H and Attorney General Thurbert Baker - were not immediately available.

(Associated Press)

Porter to Run For Governor

Democrat Dubose Porter has announced he will run for Governor.

The Georgia House Minority Leader announced in his hometown paper, the Dublin Courier Herald, that he will seek the governorship in 2010.

It’s been speculated for quite some time Porter would run, and in an op-ed in the Courier Herald, Porter writes he is qualified for the position because he "listens to my people."

Porter also chastises what he calls the "ego driven politics" of the current Republican leadership.

The entrance of Porter on the Democratic side sets guarantees a crowded primary.

State Attorney General Thurbert Baker and former LT. Gen David Poythress have entered, with former Governor Roy Barnes expected to announce soon.

Baker To Run For Governor

Georgia Attorney General Thurbert Baker is entering the 2010 Governor's Race. Baker, a Democrat, served for twelve years as Attorney General. Former Democratic governor Zell Miller first appointed Baker to the position. Previously, Baker served as Miller's floor leader in the House of Representatives.

Baker is the first African American to hold the position of Attorney General in Georgia. He's the second Democrat to enter his party's primary.

That primary is expected to become more crowded. Former Governor Roy Barnes is speculated to want his job back, while current House Minority Leader Dubose Porter is also expected to run for the position.

They would join former Georgia Air Guard Commander and Lieutenant General David Poythress.

Cagle explores run for Governor

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle has become the second Georgia Republican to jump into the race for governor. Today Cagle filed paperwork setting up an exploratory committee for the 2010 contest. Setting up the committee will allow Cagle to accept donations. State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, a Republican, has also said he will run. David Poythress, the former commander of the Georgia National Guard is the only Democrat to enter the race so far.

(Associated Press)

Georgia Adjutant General to retire

Governor Sonny Perdue Tuesday announced that Georgia’s Adjutant General, David Poythress, will retire later this year.

The announcement came on the grounds of Naval Air Station-Atlanta in Marietta, which has been named the new home of the Georgia National Guard.

Poythress’ career of military and public service includes the U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Secretary of State. A year ago, the Macon native became the only commander of the Georgia National Guard to achieve the rank of Lieutenant General.

Perdue honored Poythress at Tuesday’s ceremony.

"You’ve been relentless in looking for a headquarters and continuing to enhance the conditions of National Guards...you’ve been loyal and faithful, and I’m grateful for your dedication and safety and security for all Georgians".

The Governor announced the promotion of Major General Terry Nesbitt.

Georgia has a National Guard force of 13-thousand troops.