Eric Johnson Jumps Into Governor's Race

Another hat is into the ring for the 2010 Georgia governor’s race. Savannah Republican state senator Eric Johnson had been in the race for Lieutenant Governor, but decided to switch races when Casey Cagle withdrew from a run for Governor. Cagle has announced he will instead seek re-election for his current Lieutenant governor seat.

Johnson will join three other Republicans already declared in the Governor’s race--Secretary of State Karen Handel, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, and state Representative Austin Scott.

Crackdown on Tax-Delinquent Lawmakers

A state senator wants to change rules in his chamber to penalize senators who haven't paid their taxes. Nineteen legislators - including three state senators - are delinquent on their tax bills. State Sen. Eric Johnson, a Savannah Republican, said he's pushing legislation that would change Senate rules to require that lawmakers in the chamber be current on their tax bills. If they aren't, they could face disciplinary action, including removal from the Senate.

(Associated Press)