5th District Debate Recap & Endorsement

The race for Georgia's Fifth District will end on July 15. The Atlanta Press Club Debate, a pillar of Georgia Politics, was missing incumbent Rep. John Lewis. An interesting debate that included Rev. Markel Hutchins and State Rep. "Able" Mable Thomas asking questions to an absent John Lewis. The debate included a lot of personal points of contention, and was lacking on the policy side.

The most important thing in my opinion was this both of the candidates spoke alot about change (Hutchins) or bringing more money into Atlanta (Thomas). Both noble goals for the 5th District. However, change in Congress means a Majority in the House and a supermajority in the Senate. Obama is running for the single most powerful position, an executive position, where change is all about one person's leadership, vision and planning. Moreover, in Congress, seniority is everything so why would we give that up, when any newcomer is at the bottom of the pile with little influence on policy. Thomas believes that will change, I consider that idea pure BLIND idealism. More importantly Thomas as a state rep has more power to change and empower Atlanta at the state house, than she would in the U.S. House.

Both of these challengers have good intentions but lack perspective. Hutchins even called for term limits on every elected office, stating that 22 years is too long for someone to be effective.

My Endorsement goes to John Lewis, the incumbent. An American hero and legend, a strong leader, a good man.

Atlanta Press Club Debate Archives. (District 5 not yet posted)

Candidate Web Sites

• John Lewis (I)
• "Able" Mable Thomas
• Markel Hutchins

Other Endorsements Coming Soon....