Republican Party Ninth District
Kevin Harris

For people who actually enjoy politics, this is the most exciting time of the year. In less than a month, we will finally know the candidates who will be running for public office at the local and state level following the official qualifying week of April 28-May 2.

In what were once powerful political machines, Democratic Parties in North Georgia have dwindled to a remnant of what they were less than even 20 years ago. Their majorities in the state House, state Senate, Commission Boards, school boards with partisan elections, Clerk of Courts, Tax Commissioners, and other officers have finally diminished, and even vanquished, in most counties.

With all of our success, however, a majority of Sheriffs in our area are still Democrats. A recent Democratic columnist pointed to the "fact" that voters trusted Democrats regarding public safety. Actually, it is just because the good ole' boy network is the still alive and thriving. With an increasing population and rising crime rate, we can no longer rely on the Democratic good ole' boy network to protect our families and children. North Georgia deserves better.

Like most voters, Republicans believe that it is time we expect qualified, law enforcement professionals who have the interest of the common good instead of politicians who are worried about getting reelected every four years. Running political ads simply talking about professionalism and suddenly appearing with more drug busts during election year will no longer be acceptable. It is time that people receive the same treatment regardless of their connections, local ties, or who simply who their mom and dad happen to be.

The Republican Party in North Georgia transcends age, gender, income, race, ideas, philosophy, or even issues. This year, Republicans will offer an issue-based, positive campaign that focuses on educational opportunities for our children, jobs and economic opportunities for our citizens, restoring honesty and integrity in government, honoring and protecting our senior citizens, strengthening families and healing communities, improving transportation and infrastructure for our area, and safer neighborhoods for all of us.

While Democratic leaders unite behind Obama and Hillary, many of their elected officials are forced to choose their values and constituents, or continue to remain loyal to their political party. There is a reason that elected officials who ran, and were elected, as Democrats only four years ago will be joining the Republican majority when they seek reelection in 2008. Some announcements have already been made, and we look forward to additional decisions in the coming weeks.

The Sheriff is a critical position for counties, so this election cycle we will focus time and attention to finally break up the good ole' boy system that has infected Democratic incumbents. This will be challenging, but the progress by Republicans in recent election cycles has built momentum going into this year's elections. Following the November elections, I look forward reporting on whether this goal was accomplished.

Kevin Harris, Mineral Bluff, is the Chairman of the Ninth District Republican Party. He holds a Bachelor of Political Science and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Georgia and is a private consultant, teacher, and a life-long resident of the North Georgia mountains.