The average Georgian does not know the name of the chairman of either the Georgia Republican Party or the Democratic Party of Georgia. Yet, both are important political figures in Georgia politics. Their influence touched virtually every aspect of elections in Georgia over the past few years. Both leave a political legacy that has changed the political landscape in Georgia. In this way, and others, they have left a permanent imprint on their respective political parties.
Until its recent state convention, Bobby Kahn was the chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia. His political creativity, discipline, and stamina enabled State Representative Roy Barnes to emerge from a crowded field to be elected Governor. After Governor Barnes' election in 1998, Bobby Kahn became the Governor's Chief of Staff.
Being a devoted student of politics, Bobby Kahn turned his attention toward solidifying the Democratic Party's stronghold in an effort to increase its chances of withstanding the changing political tides in Georgia politics. From all objective measurements, he did a good job.
Going into the 2002 gubernatorial election, Governor Barnes' campaign and the Democratic Party of Georgia amassed a huge war chest and commanded a well-developed network of volunteers. His success in building what appeared to be a dominant political machine was well reported in the media throughout Georgia. By all accounts, it was impressive. As the 2002 election approached, no one expected the race to even be competitive. Bobby Kahn's strategy would have undoubtedly worked in the Georgia of elections past. But, this was a new Georgia.
In the end, the structure and discipline of the well-oiled political machine Bobby Kahn built became his party's worst enemy in 2002. (Interestingly, Republicans at the national level discovered a similar lesson in 2006.) After Governor Barnes' loss, Democrats elected Bobby Kahn as chairman. The times had passed him, and Georgia Democrats could not recover.
In 2002, Bainbridge businessman Alec Poitevint took a big gamble. Against the long odds of beating a well financed incumbent Georgia governor, Alec Poitevint stepped up to the plate and backed Sonny Perdue. For a Georgia businessman, this was no small risk. The list of businessmen, professionals, and politicians backing then Governor Roy Barnes was intimidating to most. Bobby Kahn's reputation for holding people accountable for their political actions was intimidating to the rest.
After Sonny Perdue's election in 2002, Georgia Republicans elected Alec Poitevint as State Chairman. In 2004, Alec Poitevint led the Republican Party in completing its takeover of Georgia state government with the election of a majority in the Georgia House of Representatives and the reelection of a majority in the Georgia Senate. In 2006, as State Chairman, Alec Poitevint guided Georgia Republicans as they withstood a national tide of Democratic sentiment and elected a Republican Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and Public Service Commissioner. He is not seeking reelection.
For the Democratic Party of Georgia, the new chairman is Jane Kidd of Athens, Georgia. Georgia Democrats hope she signals a new direction for their party.
Georgia Republicans will elect their new chairman in May. Needless to say, Georgia Republicans hope that their new chairman will lead them to as many successes as their last.
So far, the only announced candidate for the chairmanship of the Georgia Republican Party is Sue Everhart. As First Vice Chairman as well as other positions, Sue Everhart has been an integral part of the many Republican successes in Georgia. There may be other candidates.