As the Aug. 10 runoff election approaches, some of the losing candidates from the July 20 Primary election are endorsing their former opponents.
Andrea "Andre" Cooper was a Democratic candidate for State Representative District 95, but the Newton County resident finished third in the July 20 Primary only capturing 23.5 percent of the vote.
Cooper ran because he felt that Incumbent Rep. Toney Collins (D-Conyers) was not representing his district. Cooper’s feelings haven’t changed and he is endorsing Pam Dickerson, who will face Collins in the Aug. 10 Democratic runoff.
"While Pam and I were on the campaign trail we met up at a lot at forums and other places. We had conversations and our views were somewhat similar, especially on education and crime prevention. She supports public safety and that’s me all day long," Cooper said. "She’s also she’s shown to me she’ll be there. She will try to make arrangements to be there, and if she can’t be there herself she'll at least have a staff member present. She’s out showing that’s she’s going to be representing the people."
In the District 2 Public Service Commission race, State Rep. Jeff May (R-Monroe), who finished third with 22.2 percent of the vote, has announced he will endorse current State Sen. John Douglas (R-Social Circle) in the runoff.
Douglas will face Athens resident Tim Echols, the founder of TeenPact, a Family Resource Network program operating in 38 states that trains young individuals to be the next generation of conservative activists.
"After careful consideration, I believe John is the most qualified candidate to fill this very important position. We need an experienced and consistent conservative to represent Georgia taxpayers, and I am certain we will achieve this with the election of John Douglas," May said in a press release. "On August 10th, the choice is clear. I hope you will join me in voting for conservative John Douglas."
In the District 1 race for the Board of Education seat, Ron Hart finished third to Jeff Meadors who received 49.56 percent of the vote and Dale M. Thompson who received 28.6 percent of the vote.Hart released an e-mail days later endorsing Thompson.
"I think you and I had very similar views and both shared the position of having kids in the Newton County Schools. I want to let you know that I will support you in your bid for the Board of Education seat for District One. I will talk to all of those who supported me and let them know why I believe you are the best person for the position," he wrote.
Hart added that he believed anyone serving on the board should have a child in the schools at some point while serving and that Thompson’s background in accounting would be beneficial to the board.
