Jason Carter’s Candidacy Energizes Georgia Democrats

Coupled with Michelle Nunn’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate, Jason Carter’s recent decision to challenge Gov. Nathan Deal in next year’s race for governor gives Georgia Democrats plenty of reason to be optimistic about improving their fortunes in a state that hasn’t been too friendly to the party in recent years.

The 38-year-old Carter, a grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, declared his candidacy on Thursday.

In entering the fray, Carter added a second glove to what could turn out to be a powerful one-two punch at the top of the 2014 Democratic ticket in Georgia.  Michelle Nunn, the daughter of former Senator Sam Nunn, declared her candidacy for the seat being vacated by two-term Republican Sen. Saxby Chambliss in July.

Though she’s expected to face primary opposition from little-known Atlanta psychiatrist Branko “Dr. Rad” Radulovacki — arguably the most impressive candidate in the field — and ex-state Sen. Steen Miles of DeKalb County, a three-time Emmy award-winning former television reporter and anchor, Nunn is nevertheless heavily favored to win the Democratic nomination.  She reportedly raised $1.7 million during the third quarter of 2013 — far more than any of the declared Republican candidates.

Carter, a first-term state senator representing Decatur, has focused largely on issues related to education during his three years in the legislature.  In his announcement, he said that he was anxious to hit the campaign trail and begin addressing an educational system in desperate need of improvement and an economy that’s not working for the middle class.

Former President Jimmy Carter, as expected, was immensely proud and excited about his grandson’s candidacy.

“Rosalynn and I are very excited about Jason’s announcement,” the 89-year-old ex-president said in a statement issued Thursday.  “We believe that Jason has done great things for Georgians through his service in the State Senate and volunteer work throughout the state.  Georgia faces serious challenges ahead and would greatly benefit from a smart and fresh leader focused on improving our schools, creating opportunities for a more prosperous middle class, and restoring a sense of trust and transparency back to state government.  We are proud that he’s running and look forward to what’s ahead.”

Carter, a graduate of Duke University who once served as a Peace Corps volunteer in South Africa, isn’t expected to face any serious opposition for his party’s nomination.  Former state Sen. Connie Stokes, the only other declared Democratic candidate, withdrew from the gubernatorial contest yesterday and announced that she would run for lieutenant governor instead.

Unlike his Democratic challenger, Gov. Deal is expected to face primary opposition from Dalton Mayor David Pennington and State School Superintendent John Barge.