Once more we hear yet another report about gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal and his finances. This story seems to have more chapters than, "Gone with the Wind."

So what if Deal forgot to mention almost $3 million in outstanding loans. Shucks, who hasn’t forgotten to mail in their Visa bill one month.

As for what appears a bait-and-switch on his personal income tax form, well, isn’t that what loopholes are for?

And who hasn’t made an investment that turned bad? I have a lot of brand new once-hit golf balls in the water.

As for being governor, Deal comes from the clan always talking about running government like a business. A failed businessman teetering on the verge of bankruptcy with questionable personal financial dealings wants to run government like a business? Does Enron ring a bell?

Deal is reportedly leading in the polls, but the key to this election lies with voters who haven’t decided what to do, and that means either go to the polls or stay home and rearrange their sock drawer.

But the reason this race is still on lies with one man: Roy Barnes.

Eight years ago Sonny Perdue was not elected governor; Roy Barnes was un-elected. The only person more shocked at the results of that election night than Barnes was Perdue when someone woke him up the next day and said, "You’re the governor," to which he probably replied, "Huh?"

At the core of Barnes’ defeat were three large factions of dissatisfied voters — northern arc folks, the don’t — change-the-flag group and teachers. These groups had almost nothing in common except their dislike for Barnes.

Add these three factions together, plus the people who disliked Barnes because he was so obnoxious, along with those voting for the other side anyway and Barnes was sent packing.

This coalition no longer exists. The northern arc is essentially dead as is the flag issue and Barnes has worked hard to mend fences with teachers, although how well that has worked remains to be seen.

While his effectiveness and accomplishments in office are up for debate, there is no question Barnes ruled with the petulance of a teenager and the arrogance of a South American dictator. Simply put, he was not a likable guy.

This means Barnes is in a position where he must tout accomplishments of his first term and try to display humility while begging for forgiveness. Not exactly a receipt for success.

So on the Democrat ticket is a retread running for governor, hoping for a second chance and promising he learned from his mistakes the first time and will do better.

On the Republican side, a man who was a lackluster Congressman who can’t seem to get out of his own way and presents all the trappings of someone desperate for a job because he needs money and contacts to get out of debt.

Yes, there is a third party but let us function in the real world.

So where does that leave the voters? It leaves us with having to hold our nose, go to the poll and pick the candidate we believe will ultimately be the lesser of the evils.

Again.

Ric Latarski is a freelance writer who writes on a variety of topics and can be reached at Rlatarski@aol.com