Friday, Sep. 04, 2009

Four qualify for Georgia House District 129 election

Four Republicans have qualified to run for the vacant Georgia House District 129 seat.

The Nov. 3 special election is needed because Vance Smith, who had represented the district since 1992, was named commissioner of the Department of Transportation in June.

The four men who are in the race are:

ŸEarl Davis, a Harris County businessman who last served in the General Assembly as a representative 35 years ago.

ŸSteve Earles, a Pine Mountain and LaGrange merchant.

ŸJerry Luquire, publication consultant and a former radio and television talk show host.

ŸKip Smith, Vance Smith’s son, who manages a real estate management company.

The district includes small parts of Muscogee and Troup counties and most of Harris County. The four Muscogee County precincts are St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Wynnbrook Baptist Church, Northside Baptist Church, and the Fraternal Order of Police lodge on Heifferhorn Way.

The men are preparing for short but costly campaigns. One of the candidates — Davis — said he will take no campaign contributions.

“I am paying for my own campaign, and the reason is there is too much money floating around,” Davis said. “I feel like the person who represents this district should not be obligated to special interests.”

Davis, who owns property rental and recycling businesses, said he is willing to spend more than $40,000 of his own money.

“I admire that,” Luquire said of Davis’ tack.

It will take less than $50,000 to run a successful campaign, Luquire said.

“I am only taking money from individuals in the district — and no more than $100 per household,” he said.

Earles said he had loaned his campaign $10,000. He said he would not take large contributions.

“I think it will take $15,000 to $20,000 and a lot of foot work,” Earles said.

Smith said he anticipates the special election campaign will take $40,000 to $60,000 to run.

“I would like to raise as much as I can and I will be willing to put up whatever it takes to get solid leadership in Atlanta for District 129,” Smith said.