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Charles "Champ" Walker Jr., the Democratic candidate for the 12th District, defeated Augusta lawyer Ben Allen in a runoff to earn a spot in the race.
CHRIS THELEN/STAFF |
The candidate elected to represent Georgia's new 12th District congressional seat will have an unenviable task.
He will represent a diverse district that begins at the Georgia coast and meanders 200 miles northwest to the outskirts of Athens.
With a little more than two weeks left before the general election, the race between Republican Max Burns and Democrat Charles "Champ" Walker Jr. has become increasingly contentious as the men slug it out to capture the far-flung votes.
Mr. Walker, an Augusta businessman, is the political heir to the district that many say was drawn for him by his father, Georgia Senate Majority Leader Charles Walker Sr.
Mr. Burns, a Screven County farmer, professor and Fulbright scholar, entered the political fray to stop the younger Mr. Walker's ascension to the throne.
Both have already won - besting opponents in the primaries.
Mr. Burns defeated Barbara Dooley, the popular wife of former University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley.
Mr. Walker had a tougher task. Out of a field of seven candidates, he made it into a runoff with Augusta lawyer Ben Allen.
Mr. Allen took both Athens and Augusta precincts, but Savannah rallied for Mr. Walker, giving him the win.
The two are now in their toughest battle, and each has filled the airways with commercials denouncing the other.
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Max Burns, a Screven County professor, farmer and Fulbright scholar, is the Republican candidate. Mr. Burns defeated Barbara Dooley in the primary.
ANDREW DAVIS TUCKER/STAFF |
The Burns camp questions Mr. Walker's business practices and his connections to his powerful father.
The Walker camp warns of the dire consequences of electing Mr. Burns, who they say will abolish Medicare.
But what do these men really stand for?
What influences have shaped their lives and brought them to this election?
Today, the two tell their stories and what they would bring to the residents of the 12th District.
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