Keown, Cole pondering run for U.S. House

Calendar of events

Discussion

July 24, 2009

Mark Lastinger

THOMASVILLE — Two prominent southwest Georgia Republicans told the Times-Enterprise on Friday that they are considering taking on U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop in the 2010 election.

Georgia House District 173 Rep. Mike Keown of Coolidge and Second District Georgia Republican Party Chairman Don Cole of Cordele are currently weighing the pros and cons of trying to unseat the Democratic incumbent. Bishop has held the Second District’s U.S. House of Representives seat since 1993.

Keown confirmed his interest in the race via an afternoon e-mail to the Times-Enterprise.

“I should be making a formal statement one way or another within the next two weeks,” he wrote.

Cole revealed his potential candicacy during Friday’s “Freedom LIne” event outside Bishop’s Thomasville office. Keown was unable to attend because he was in Atlanta.

“I’m thinking about it, and I know others are, too,” he said. “We are going to come out with a unified ticket, though.”

Cole believes Bishop doesn’t share the values of the voters in his district. He added he is vehemently against the health care reform President Obama and other Democrats are seeking.

“I wish Sanford would read (the House) bill. I’m making the time to read it, and I’ve got a job,” he said.