The race for the 3rd Congressional District is on.
State Senator Mike Crane announces his candidacy for U.S. Congress
Georgia Senator Mike Crane became the first to announce his bid for the seat being vacated by retiring Congressman Lynn Westmoreland during a press conference Wednesday inside the State Capitol. The interesting point about this press conference — it not only brought out the first candidate in the race to fill this seat in Washington, it also answered a lot of questions about who would not be running. Crane was flanked by a host of state representatives and senators who said they are not running for this seat — including Sen. Josh McKoon, R-Columbus, Sen. Marty Harbin, R-Tyrone, and Rep. David Stover, R-Newnan. All three live in the 3rd District, and all urged everyone in the 3rd District to unite and support Crane.
Most of the drama of the press conference was over before any of the lawmakers stood behind the podium when Crane entered the Capitol carrying “Crane for Congress” signs.
“Some people around this Capitol were counting on conservatives in this district dividing themselves and cancelling themselves out,” said Sen. McKoon. “They don’t get it. We are about advancing the ideas of the conservative movement.”
McKoon announced his own campaign for re-election, but added, “I will be doing everything in my power to elect Mike Crane.”
Sen. Marty Harbin also expressed his support for Crane.
“Mike Crane is a Patriot, a defender of freedom and liberty,” said Harbin.
“Congress is broken, and there are people there calling for more of us to get in there. I am privileged to answer that call,” said Crane.
“The people of the 3rd District have an opportunity to send a message. And the message is we’re tired of vending-machine politics,” Crane said. “You push a button, you get what you want. That ends soon. It’s time we send more of us to Washington.”
Crane was the first to announce for the seat, but others are still expected to get in the race. Some in the crowd at the press conference mentioned that former U.S. Rep. Mac Collins of Jackson is considering a bid. Former state Rep. Jeff Brown, R-LaGrange, has also expressed interest in the seat, and recently announced that he has formed an exploratory committee. House Majority Whip Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, was also considered to the a contender for the seat, but he has said he will not run.
