2nd UPDATE
Eric Johnson Said To Be Eyeing Bid For LG If Cagle Enters 2010 Governor's Race

2nd Update at 3:17 p.m. with comment from Shafer. New material highlighted.
1st Update at 12:10 p.m. with comment from Rogers.

By Dick Pettys
InsiderAdvantage Georgia

(5/9/08) It didn’t take long for the ripples to start spreading from Johnny Isakson’s announcement that he won’t run for governor in 2010. With folks assuming that potentially clears the way for Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle to enter that race, Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson now is said to be considering a possible run for lieutenant governor in that election.

We’re getting that from reliable sources, who point out that Johnson already has “done” the lieutenant governor’s job before. Remember that as Senate President Pro Tem from 2003 through 2007, he was de facto lieutenant governor. (Republicans had gained a majority in the chamber but Democrat Mark Taylor had been re-elected lieutenant governor. Republicans stripped Taylor of most of his power and vested it in Johnson.)

Johnson’s interest in the lieutenant governor’s job only applies if Cagle decides to seek the top post. He would not challenge Cagle for the lieutenant governor’s job.

Johnson was neither confirming nor denying our report. He told us:

"2010 is over the horizon. We have a critical election in just 5 months. I am focused on electing John McCain, re-electing Saxby Chambliss, and making sure that an effective conservative majority maintains control of the state Senate and House. Then – and only then – will I consider my future options.”

Incidentally, we tried to reach Cagle earlier today to see what he might say following Isakson’s decision not to run for governor. We’re told he’s traveling on a trade mission and can’t be reached.

At this early stage, and in some circles, some other names also have been mentioned as possible candidates for the No. 2 post:

* Secretary of State Karen Handel, if she decides against a race for governor. She is a close ally of Gov. Sonny Perdue and was chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners before becoming the first Republican to serve as Secretary of State.

* Sen. Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. The widely-respected consultant he has utilized since 2001, Joel McElhannon, was chief strategist for Cagle in his 2006 campaign. Rogers said Friday: "We are fully engaged in my re-election effort to the State Senate. If the opportunity to run for lieutenant governor became available, I would give it serious consideration at that time. However, we are currently focused on the 2008 election."

* Sen. David Shafer, R-Duluth, chairman of the Senate Regulated Industries Committee, who also has been mentioned as a possible candidate for Insurance Commissioner and has run statewide before as the Republican nominee for Secretary of State in 1996. Shafer said Friday: "It is too early to make decisions about the 2010 elections. I am fully focused on the upcoming elections and keeping our Republican majority in the General Assembly."

* Sen. Mitch Seabaugh , R-Sharpsburg, the Senate Republican whip. A close ally of Congressman Lynn Westmoreland, Seabaugh has reportedly told colleagues that he may run for lieutenant governor.