| Democrats duel for 2006 governor bid ATLANTA - Nearly two years before voters will pick the Democratic nominee for the 2006 governor's race, the leading two candidates for the slot are already sending signs that a feisty, no-holds-barred primary isn't out of the question. Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor threw his hat into the ring last April, and Secretary of State Cathy Cox announced her campaign in late December. The winner, presumably, would face Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue, who is expected to run for a second term. Although some political observers have warned that a Democratic primary feud would only give Republicans more time to raise money and prepare for a general-election showdown, both the Cox and Taylor camps have been quick to show off their campaign bravado in recent weeks. Upon hearing of Ms. Cox's long-anticipated entry into the race, Taylor spokesman Rick Dent immediately labeled her a "liberal" and sought to link her with EMILY's List, a political organization that raises campaign funds for female candidates who support abortion rights. "Now we will see if Mark Taylor's experience; his record on schools, jobs and protecting families; and his moderate views on the issues can beat a liberal like Cox in a Democratic primary," Mr. Dent wrote in a Dec. 27 press release. "We think the answer is a clear 'Yes.' As this campaign progresses, it will be obvious that the views of Cox and her key backers are out of the mainstream and out of step with the voters in Georgia." Ms. Cox, in a phone interview the next week, dismissed the use of the word "liberal" to describe her and called into question Mr. Taylor's position on abortion. "He has always said he was pro-choice," said Ms. Cox, a lawyer and former state legislator. "He is either now becoming a great flip-flopper or just starting to sling words out there anytime he can." In a Friday interview in his Capitol office, Mr. Taylor said he doesn't "want to see any abortions in Georgia." He also addressed legislation that multiple Republican legislators have said they will introduce this year that would require women seeking abortions to undergo a 24-hour waiting period. "I'm perfectly comfortable with the Senate debating that issue," said Mr. Taylor, who as lieutenant governor presides over the Senate, although the chamber's GOP majority has taken away most of his constitutional powers. "I hope that we'll pass a piece of legislation that's respectful of the women of Georgia, but also respective of the dignity of life." Kristi Huller, Mr. Taylor's press secretary, later said the lieutenant governor does support abortions that are "safe, legal and rare." Whether Ms. Cox or Mr. Taylor - or an as-yet-unannounced candidate - wins the Democratic primary, the ultimate nominee would be the headliner in the 2006 election cycle for a state Democratic Party that has fallen on hard times with voters in recent years. After ruling the governor's mansion for 130 years, Democrats lost the state's top post in 2002 when incumbent Gov. Roy Barnes was beaten by Mr. Perdue, himself a former Democrat who joined the GOP in 1998. Since then, Republicans have taken over the state House and Senate. Michael Binford, a Georgia State University political science professor, said the exchange between Ms. Cox and Mr. Taylor in the past few weeks might have unintended consequences. "It really depends on what kind of primary they have," Mr. Binford said. "If they have a divisive one and a nasty one, it really hurts whoever wins it. If it's about issues and organization and articulating policies to different groups, it can be very helpful, particularly if they can unite behind a winner after it's over." Mr. Taylor, 47, survived a bruising primary contest for lieutenant governor in 1998 against fellow Democrat Mary Margaret Oliver, of Decatur. Ms. Oliver sought to tear down Mr. Taylor by bringing up his use of marijuana and cocaine more than 20 years ago. "It was a youthful indiscretion. It was a mistake (I) made 20 years ago," Mr. Taylor said to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution at the time. "I feel the Lord has forgiven me for my sins." Mr. Taylor went on to beat Ms. Oliver in the Democratic primary runoff and was easily re-elected in 2002. Ms. Cox, 46, has survived her own statewide elections, also winning in 1998 and 2002. As secretary of state, she helped Georgia become the first state to conduct its elections on a uniform electronic touch-screen system. Ms. Cox says she thinks a contested primary will be healthy for the Democratic Party. "The last thing I want to see is a bunch of political insiders sitting around in a smoke-filled room and anointing somebody as their nominee," she said.
Reach Brian Basinger at (404) 681-1701 or brian.basinger@morris.com.
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