Who will Challenge John Barrow?

With the creation of a republican leaning district, many people expect numerous candidates to come forward to challenge the BlueDog Democrat who first won the seat back in 2004 defeating Max Burns (R).

Potential candidates include:

State Senator Greg Goggins (R-Douglas)

Goggans is a born and raised South Georgian and is a proud graduate of our public schools, ABAC and the University of Georgia. He received his orthodontic and dental training education from the Medical College of Georgia and orthodontic specialty training from the University of Tennessee. Dr. Goggans has operated a successful practice in Coffee County.

State Representative Jon Burns (R-Newington)

Burns graduated from Effingham County High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Georgia Southern University. He holds a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School. Burns is a member and Sunday School Superintendent at Mizpah United Methodist Church. He is a member of the Rotary Club, past member of the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association Board of Directors, Member and Past President of the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce, Member of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, Member and Past President of the Effingham County Young Farmers Organization, member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and proudly served in the Georgia Army National Guard.

State Reprsentative Lee Anderson (R-Grovetown)

Anderson is the hot name being rumored to challenge Barrow for the 12th. Anderson currently serves as state Representative for District 117, which includes Lincoln County, and portions of Columbia and Wilkes Counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2008, and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Intragovernmental Coordination, Natural Resources and Environment, and Transportation Committees.Representative Anderson now sits on the Columbia County Farm Bureau Board of Directors after serving as President of the organization for over 26 years. He is also a member of the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association and was Chairman of the Georgia Farm Bureau State Young Farmer Committee in 1987. In addition to these leadership roles, he is also an active supporter of several youth organizations, including 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Church Groups, and the Future Farmers of America. Every year he hosts an annual fishing tournament for these organizations on his property in Columbia County.

Greg Morris (R-Vidalia)

I consider Morris a longshot at making a bid for the 12th. Born and raised in Vidalia, Georgia, Representative Greg Morris attended the Robert Toombs Christian Academy before pursuing a Political Science Degree from the University of Georgia.
The businessman served his native county for three years as a Toombs County Commissioner. Morris was first elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives in 1998 as a democrat until he switched parties back in 2006

Honorable Mention: Tommie Williams, State Senator out of Lyons said yesterday that he will not seek the 12th CD at this point in time. I still say before its all over, he will run for the 12th CD.

Raymond McKinney who ran for the seat a few yars ago could make another run for it, as well as Jeanne Seaver.

All of these men would be strong challengers to Barrow, but like I said yesterday, do not underestimate John Barrow's ability to get the job done.