The primary elections were disgusting, not so much in results but in the failure of nearly three-fourths of Hall County's registered voters to vote. A few excuses are understandable, but nothing this bad. Worse, even fewer (barely 10 percent) are predicted to vote in the Aug. 10 runoff.
A decent turnout could have affected the final standings, or margins within those standings. Some runoffs could have been outright wins. Runoff survivors could have changed. Just Hall Countians who failed to vote might have changed several scenarios.
Example: Incumbent U.S. Rep. Tom Graves came within about 400 votes of defeating Hall County's Lee Hawkins instead of being in a runoff. Hall County's "lost votes" could have reduced the margin Hawkins must overcome. Gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal could have reduced what he must overcome to defeat Karen Handel.
These "lost" votes could have turned runoffs into outright victories or shrunk margins between survivors, even changed outright winners. Don't fail your civic duty again. Vote! Early voting will be continuing this week at the elections office. Sadly, barely 10 percent turnout is predicted. What's likely to happen?
Congress first: Voters knew of Graves' ethical and legal problems and still gave him more than 49 percent of the vote. That suggests voters care little about such, making Hawkins' task more difficult.
To win, Hawkins needs a far lower turnout in Graves' strong territories and a heavy turnout in his strong territories. He may be betting voters will sense a connection between Graves' ethical and legal problems and some congressional votes he already has made: one of only four to vote against a bill outlawing selling of animal crushing videos in interstate commerce and against the child protection improvement act of 2010 authorizing better screening for sex offenders or molesters seeking childcare jobs.
Graves countered by introducing his first bill but Georgia political analysts say a minority party member last in seniority is going nowhere and was a political ploy. Upsetting Graves is possible but difficult.
Deal also must come from behind to become governor, but his hill is not as steep. He and Handel combined didn't get even half the total votes cast. Other candidates got more than half, John Oxendine and Eric Johnson leading the losers. Both consistently attacked Handel, exposing her conflicting statements. That could help Deal if he gets their endorsements and especially if they campaign for or with him.
Unknowable is the effect of endorsements in the battle of Georgia's nationally recognized (Deal's endorsers) versus out-of-state, particularly from northern states (Handel's endorsers).
Handel was an effective administrator as secretary of state and has Gov. Sonny Perdue's support. She could become Georgia's first female governor, touting endorsements from former vice presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, who she expects to campaign with her, and former Massachusetts governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney, an expected presidential candidate again.
Deal prefers endorsements from Georgia leaders who have served with him and best know his record, positions and accomplishments and of congressmen, particularly from Georgia. Former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Marietta, who promised and delivered the "Contract with America," has endorsed Deal as have most GOP Georgia congressmen.
Watch for Deal to emphasize that Handel lacks experience and expertise in the types of major issues the next governor will face, such as: His chairmanship of a House subcommittee overseeing health care and his work on the water problem affecting all Georgia. His greatest asset is integrity, which she's attacking though the truth has been reported and is on the public record.
Polls consistently show Deal beating Democratic nominee Roy Barnes by the widest margin of all GOP candidates. Many voters who realize reapportionment is imminent and recall "King Roy's" leading role in the disastrous 2002 reapportionment that caused federal officials to intervene won't want a repeat.
More developments are certain to break during the remaining time before the polls open. Deadline requirements prevent further comment from here. Keep up with them via The Times and VOTE!
Ted Oglesby is retired associate and opinion page editor of The Times. His columns appear biweekly on Tuesdays and on gainesvilletimes.com. You can contact him at P.O. Box 663, Gainesville, GA 30503.