Zell Miller announces he WON'T run for reelection in 2004

Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP ^ | 1.8.03

[mhking]

Zell Miller won't run for re-election to Senate

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON -- Democratic Sen. Zell Miller, a popular former Georgia governor, announced Wednesday he won't seek re-election in 2004 -- a move that could complicate Democratic efforts to retake the Senate.

The surprise announcement came in a statement in which Miller explained he was making the announcement early so that others could prepare to run for the seat.

Miller had been retired from public life in the summer of 2000 when he was appointed to fill the Senate vacancy created by the death of Republican Sen. Paul Coverdell. Miller won a special election in November of that year to fill the remaining years of Coverdell's term, which concludes in 2004.

In his short time in the Senate, Miller made his mark on several key pieces of legislation -- often aligning himself with President Bush and against fellow Democrats. He was the Democratic sponsor of Bush's 10-year, $1.6 trillion tax cut and his Homeland Security Department, among other things.

Miller previously served two four-year terms as governor, where he was noted as one of Georgia's most savvy politicians. Among his greatest accomplishments was establishing the HOPE scholarships, which sent many Georgians to college tuition-free.

Speculation has been mounting about Miller's future plans, and some potential challengers reportedly stayed out of last year's race against Democratic Sen. Max Cleland, assuming that Miller would leave.

Then-Rep. Saxby Chambliss, a Republican, defeated Cleland, bumping Miller up to senior senator for a state known for long-serving senators such as Herman Talmadge, Richard Russell and Sam Nunn.

"I realize some will call me a 'lame duck,' Miller said in the statement. "But those who know me know I will be the 'same duck,' continuing to serve no single party but all the people of Georgia."

[Teacher317]

NOOOOOOOOOO

[justshutupandtakeit]

Well we have to make the best of it. Bob Barr is looking for employment.

[stands2reason]

And another one for us. Unless they can actually find a Dem more conservative than Zell. Heh, heh, heh....

[BlackRazor]

Flag

[smith288]

Democrats lose again.

[Guillermo]

This is GOOD!

Jack Kingston for Senate 2004!

[concerned about politics]

Democratic Sen. Zell Miller, a popular former Georgia governor, announced Wednesday he won't seek re-election in 2004 --

The closest thing we had to a human Democrat. I was hoping he'd jump.

a move that could complicate Democratic efforts to retake the Senate.

That's the good part.

[Guillermo]

Barr ran against Paul Coverdell in the 92 Primary.

Imo, he is finished as a politician. He angered too many top GOP'ers in the state when he abandoned his district to run against Linder.

[section9]

Do you think there is a possibility that we can convince Michael Vick to register as a Republican and run for this seat?

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[CFW]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: 202 224-7777
January 8, 2003

Miller Will Not Seek Re-election in 2004


WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Zell Miller (D-GA) today issued the following statement:

"I will not be a candidate for re-election in 2004.

"It has been a great honor to serve as a U.S. senator from Georgia, and I thank Governor Barnes for appointing me and the people of Georgia for electing me.

"I wanted to make my plans known early so that those who want to run can begin their preparation.

"I realize some will call me a 'lame duck.' But those who know me know I will be the 'same duck,' continuing to serve no single party but all the people of Georgia.

"I will neither endorse nor campaign for any candidate seeking this seat, but I will resign within days after the November 2004 election so that my successor can begin to serve immediately and gain additional seniority.

"This summer, Shirley and I will drive across the state, visiting at least 50 Georgia communities so we can have one last opportunity to thank the people of Georgia who have been so good to us for so many years."

[r9etb]

The closest thing we had to a human Democrat. I was hoping he'd jump.

I'm betting he runs for president. He's to the right of the other announced and likely candidates, and he could probably take a lot of independent and "Bush Democrat" votes away from W.

The big trick would be to get the nomination -- but after the '02 election debacle, it wouldn't be surprising to see a Democrat revolt against the Clinton wing of the party.

[from occupied ga]

Jack Kingston for Senate 2004!

RINO alert!

[dfwgator]

Methinks he was too tired of being a Rat, but noble enough not to switch while still in office. Perhaps he'll take a few years off, then return as a Republican.

[mhking]

Roy Barnes?

Perhaps... As for names, I'd toss out Cynthia McKinney, Roy Barnes, Billy McKinney, or maybe even Bill Campbell (rolling eyes).

[justshutupandtakeit]

He did not abandon his district. He was redistricted into that race. There is no argument with the rest of your post. He probably is finished as a politician. But who knows what might happen?

[Guillermo]

Jack Kingston a RINO?? LOL, you have got to be kidding?!! Tell me, what one issue did you disagree with him about that warrants such a slanderous charge?

ACU Ratings for Representative Kingston:
Year 2001	100
Year 2000	100
Lifetime	99

[TheBigB]

Anyone wanna start a group urging Jihad Cindy to run as a Green party candidate? :)

What? That would take votes away from the Democrat? Shame on me...;)

[Teacher317]

This is GOOD!

No, it isn't. Men of Principles are a rare find, on either side of the aisle. He was the ONLY principled Dem left in the Senate. Now they don't even have his example to follow, they'll get even worse... somehow, they have bottomed out yet!

Besides that, it was good to have a counter-weight to the Chaffee/Snowe/McCain jumpers.