Posted on 06/06/2003 10:46:15 PM PDT by LdSentinal
The state lawmaker who tearfully marched into Gov. Sonny Perdue's office and called him a "racist" wants to be a U.S. senator.
State Sen. Mary Squires (D-Norcross), a 45-year-old paralegal, will probably make an official announcement within two weeks, said Michael Berlon, the Gwinnett County Democratic Party chairman who is temporarily doubling as Squires' campaign spokesman.
"Over the years I've noticed that average people rarely put their hat in the ring for anything," said Squires, who said she is confident she can meet the fund-raising challenge of a multi-million-dollar race. "I'm a regular old working mom who just wants to make a difference."
Squires is the first Democrat to enter the race to replace U.S. Sen. Zell Miller, who announced five months ago he would retire when his term expires next year. Four Republicans have jumped into the contest: U.S. Reps. Johnny Isakson and Mac Collins, businessman Al Bartell and former Godfather Pizza CEO Herman Cain.
Democrats have been searching for a candidate since Miller's announcement. Attorney General Thurbert Baker, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall and DeKalb County prosecutor J. Tom Morgan have been mentioned as possibilities. But none has stepped forward.
Berlon said the vacuum is one reason behind Squires' decision. "There needs to be a strong candidate in the race for the Democrats, and she feels like she is that candidate," he said.
Jeff DiSantis, executive director of the state Democratic Party, said the decision to run is Squires' alone at this point. "She has not talked with me about it at all," he said.
Squires, a single mother with two sons, is in her first term as a state senator after two terms in the state House. For the most part, she has served quietly, but she made headlines in April during a heated debate over the state flag. Perdue, a Republican, had proposed a referendum that would have included the old flag with its dominant Confederate battle emblem.
"The emperor is naked. The governor is a racist. And these freckled white legs are headed down to the second floor to teach him a lesson," she said. She repeated the accusation to his face.
Perdue, who has been a foster parent for black children, later told reporters: "Unfortunately, Senator Squires really doesn't know me very well."
Is this the best they can do? Loon is right!
Squires, like Howell Raines, have severe cases of G.W.L. (Guilty White LIberal) Syndrome. They are hopeless.
ten to one she is or will be a John Edwards campaign contributor, whether she knows it or not.
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