Richardson, Cagle Will Decide When To Hold Caucus To Choose Replacement For Evans

(4/18/08) Mike Evans’ resignation from the DOT board means that 9th District legislators must caucus again to choose a replacement, and some names already are in circulation - among them, state Sen. Chip Pearson.

Code Section 32-2-20 of Georgia law stipulates that vacancies when the Legislature is not in session are filled the same way as when it is in session, except that the caucus can be held anywhere; it doesn’t have to be at the statehouse.

The Speaker and the lieutenant governor will decide on a time, but must give four days notice.

Here’s what Evans’ resignation does to the alignment of the board in terms of who supported Gena Abraham for DOT commissioner in that 7-6 vote last October and who didn’t.

Six of the seven members who voted for Abraham are still on the board: Larry Walker, Garland Pinholster, Robert Brown, Bill Kuhlke, Raybon Anderson and Roy Herrington. (Evans was the seventh and deciding vote.)

Five of the six members who did not vote for Abraham are still on the board: Sam Wellborn, Emory McClinton, Rudy Bowen, David Doss, Dana Lemon. (A sixth, Billy Langdale, did not seek re-election and was replaced by former Rep. Johnny Floyd.)

With the board potentially tied 6-6, the importance of the election of Evans’ successor is obvious.

Meanwhile, The Gainesville Times said Pearson's name has been floated as a possibility. According to the Times, Pearson reportedly has told legislative leaders he does not plan to seek re-election to the Senate. Chris Riley, Congressman Nathan Dean's chief of staff, had indicated interest but told The Times he learned he would have to resign his post with Dean to serve and now is no longer interested.