Herod takes the seat
I thought Andy Herod was going to pull it out, but I was surprised that he rolled to a victory during yesterday's light-voting turnout for the District Eight special election. Herod picked up 720 votes to David Hamilton's 456 in an election that only turned out roughly 20 percent of its registered voters.
How'd he do it?
- Name recognition was huge. From his service as president of the Federation of Neighborhoods president to his work on the Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission to his frequent forums and letters to the editor at the Athens Banner-Herald, Herod's name just seemed familiar to a lot of folks.
- Herod offered more depth on a variety of issues, and I don't necessarily mean that as a slap against a Hamilton. But, take affordable housing - Herod offered a sharp and clear understanding of the problem and suggested some practical solutions that were in place in other places, while Hamilton's answer was something more vague, such as 'let's look at this as a regional issue.'
- Contrary to what Hamilton told both me and Tim Bryant, I believe the endorsements of States McCarter and Ken Jordan, particularly, McCarter hurt his credibility. McCarter wasn't as popular in District Eight as Hamilton believed, and I spoke with more folks who said, rightly or wrongly, that the endorsement ultimately caused them to back Herod.
- Contrast that with Herod's endorsement from Mayor Heidi Davison, which probably gave him a late boost in the home stretch. That particular branch of progressives is the winning team right now, even in a more moderate district such as District Eight.
- Cedar Creek wasn't the deciding factor. Herod cruised to wide margins of victory in 8B and 8C, and narrowly lost in 8A, home to Cedar Creek. The perception of that particular neighborhood controlling District Eight's political destiny was shattered.
How'd he do it?
- Name recognition was huge. From his service as president of the Federation of Neighborhoods president to his work on the Athens-Clarke County Planning Commission to his frequent forums and letters to the editor at the Athens Banner-Herald, Herod's name just seemed familiar to a lot of folks.
- Herod offered more depth on a variety of issues, and I don't necessarily mean that as a slap against a Hamilton. But, take affordable housing - Herod offered a sharp and clear understanding of the problem and suggested some practical solutions that were in place in other places, while Hamilton's answer was something more vague, such as 'let's look at this as a regional issue.'
- Contrary to what Hamilton told both me and Tim Bryant, I believe the endorsements of States McCarter and Ken Jordan, particularly, McCarter hurt his credibility. McCarter wasn't as popular in District Eight as Hamilton believed, and I spoke with more folks who said, rightly or wrongly, that the endorsement ultimately caused them to back Herod.
- Contrast that with Herod's endorsement from Mayor Heidi Davison, which probably gave him a late boost in the home stretch. That particular branch of progressives is the winning team right now, even in a more moderate district such as District Eight.
- Cedar Creek wasn't the deciding factor. Herod cruised to wide margins of victory in 8B and 8C, and narrowly lost in 8A, home to Cedar Creek. The perception of that particular neighborhood controlling District Eight's political destiny was shattered.
posted by Jmac at 7:21 AM
3 Comments:
I think Andy simply ran a better organized campaign than David. He got out to meet people more often, raised more money, and, yes, attended the one public forum. I don't disagree with anything you said, but I think campaign organization and public visibility during the campaign were also important factors. I sensed a last minute push by David (a letter to Cedar Creek residents on the weekend, many people out on election day), but it was too little, too late.
I mentioned on here (or was it another blog) before that I thought they would split Cedar Creek and Andy would win elsewhere. Well, best of luck to both men. Hopefully, Andy will learn the ropes quickly.
You earned a public service award from me for your dedication to this race, treating it even handedly. Now what's your take on the four or five Democrats running in the 10th? If you can, go to the A/CC Dems next meeting to hear from them (not just Terry Holley, Evita Paschall, Jim Marlow, Denise Freeman and a fellow from Rabun Gap whose name escapes me now)
"president of the Federation of Neighborhoods president"
President of the president -- is that like an Emperor?!
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