Reed Not Running For Congress
Ex-Christian Coalition executive director Ralph Reed will not run for Rep. John Linder's (R-GA) open House seat, he announced today, opting to continue to lead his national network aimed at bolstering the GOP.
"After much thought and prayer, I have decided not to be a candidate for Congress in Georgia's Seventh district in 2010. I believe I can best advance conservative principles by continuing to serve as CEO of Century Strategies, LLC, and founding chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition," Reed wrote in a statement.
"These nationwide efforts offer a much better prospect for changing the direction of the country than winning a Congressional race myself," Reed said. "I believe electing 50 to 100 men and women of character and conservative beliefs to Congress and statewide office over the next two election cycles is a more efficacious way to advance the conservative agenda than seeking public office myself in 2010."
The decision will come as a relief to some GOPers, who worried Reed's entrance into politics would bring an unwelcome spotlight onto his past association with convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff. But others will mourn his choice, as Reed remains one of the GOP's top political strategists.
Reed's exit means state Sen. Don Balfour (R) remains the leading contender in the race so far. Gwinnett Co. Commis. Mike Beaudreau (R), state Reps. Mike Coan (R) and Clay Cox and several other potential candidates are considering the race. Gwinnett Co. Sheriff Butch Conway (R), who would have been a quick front-runner, is not going to run.
Linder's district is in no danger of turning blue. It remains the most heavily GOP of any district in the increasingly red state.
Last paragraph is just totally wrong. Linder's district represents what is happening with the rest of America. This suburban Atlanta district counts much more diversity than it did when it was gerrymandered by the Republican legislature. A large influx of Hispanic, African-American, and other non-white voters make this district less Republican each year. Some areas of the district have elected Democratic state legislators and the first Hispanics in the Georgia General Assembly. It might go Republican, but the percentage of Republican votes will go down in 2010.
Do you think blogging just has to be about writing? Reason I ask is I want to start a photography blog, but I feel I am better at expressing myself with photos rather than write. Should I even start it? With your experience could it work, more pictures, less words?