Mike Berlon: It's time to remove yourself and your baggage as Chairman of the Georgia Democratic Party

It's time for Georgia Democratic Party Chairman Mike Berlon to step down as head of the State Party so it can move on in preparation for 2014.Recently, Berlon had his law license suspended and received a reprimand from the state Supreme Court, and he's facing a lawsuit from a Gwinnett County man over missing funds, etc, etc. David Worley, a former chairman of the state party, said Mike Berlon’s legal woes tarnish the party’s image and hamper its abilities to raise funds. I agree with Worley who said he’ll ask the Democratic Party of Georgia’s executive committee to recommend Berlon’s ouster at next month's June 6 meeting.

Now Berlon has his staunch supporters who voted for him in huge numbers over former Secretary of State Candidate Darryl Hicks (who I supported) back in 2011 in a bid to take over as party chair from Jane Kidd.

But given his legal woes and the woeful state of the once-powerful Georgia Democratic Party, now is the time to remove Berlon as chair of the beleaguered Democratic Party.

The Georgia Democratic Party is in desperate need of a leader who can come in and knock some heads together. With 2014 Statewide & Legislative races right around the corner, the sooner State Dems can deal with this problem, the better.

Now who would take over as chairman and finish out Berlon's term? I suggest looking at current and former state legislators.

Former State Legislators such as Terry Johnson of Marietta, Don Wix of Austell, Kevin Levitas of DeKalb County Stephanie Benfield of Atlanta, Dubose, or Current Legislator Calvin Smyre of Columbus ought to be considered for serving out the rest of Berlon's term.

Michelle Nunn & Georgia Senate Race.....How bad does she want it?

Conservative Democrat John Barrow (D-Augusta) will not seek the soon-to-be-open Senate next year, which now leaves Michelle Nunn (D-Atlanta) as the top choice on the democratic side.

Nunn, who is the daughter of former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn (D-Perry) is a largely unknown individual who once before flirted with a run for the Senate. But this time, if she's going to do it, now is the time.

Nunn is the CEO of Points of Light and co-founder of HandsOn Network, which is the largest volunteer network in the country, . Points of Light inspires, equips and mobilizes people to take action that changes the world. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a major in history and a minor in religion. She has studied at Oxford University and in India. She was a Kellogg National Fellow and has a master’s degree in public administration from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. No one knows her views or positions on certain issues that will come up if she does run for the senate...but that maybe a good thing, who knows. If she gets in the race, will that clear the democratic field? It's possible with other possible candidates such as State Rep Scott Holcomb, & Ex. Attorney Gen. Thurbert Baker rumored to be eyeing the seat as well.

The one advantage Barrow would have had is his appeal & knowledge of the "Other" Georgia...Rural Georgia, which democrats can not continue to perform poorly in if they ever want to be competitive statewide again. Just winning the urban & suburban areas alone won't be enough to overcome a republican candidate...no way, no how!

Nunn with former Pres. George H.W. Bush

This is a area that Michelle Nunn father can play a important role in....it's been 24 years since Sam Nunn been on the ballot here in Georgia, but among those who are 55 or older who still remember him, he or she maybe willing to consider voting for her because of who her father is....but like I said, it's been 24 years & Sen. Nunn's coattails will only drag her so far.

Someone asked me about ex-Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond in regards to this race & I said..I like Mike, but he needs to look elsewhere based on his ill-fated 2010 senate run against Johnny Isakson. Thurmond should seriously look at a run for the 10th Congressional District or even Governor against Nathan Deal.

Back to Nunn, she'd be a formidable candidate for the GOP, there's no doubt about that....but does she have the heart, the fire..how bad does she want to be senator? Based on reports, it looks like a foregone conclusion that she'll enter the race, but we'll see. If not, then Moderate Democrat Scott Holcomb is waiting in the wings and he could be a candidate for governor himself in 2014