SAVANNAH, Ga. --- State Sen. Eric Johnson, R-Savannah, has reported raising more than $1 million in campaign cash, apparently more than any other state lawmaker.
In a filing with the State Ethics Commission, the Senate president pro tem said he had $582,872 on hand.
Although some reports had yet to be received for the six-month filing period that ended Dec. 31, his stash also appeared to be the General Assembly's biggest.
By way of contrast, House Speaker Glenn Richardson, R-Hiram, reported donations totaling $587,416 and $333,447 in his coffers.
Another powerful senator, Don Balfour, R-Snellville, had raised $659,689 and had $428,377 on hand. Mr. Balfour is the chairman of the Senate Rules Committee.
As president pro tem, Mr. Johnson ranks second in the Senate to Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, the presiding officer.
Mr. Johnson's and Mr. Richardson's totals represent money raised since the November 2006 election.
"I am extremely honored to have passed the $1 million level for the first time," Mr. Johnson said. "It is also humbling to have the highest cash on hand in the Legislature. This has come from literally thousands of local supporters and a broad variety of political interests."
Indeed, his report includes many donations from individuals. But it also reads like a roster of major Georgia business and professional groups.
Included among the first 30 donations listed on his report are gifts from banking, lending, building, insurance, auto sales, real estate, pharmaceutical, beer and soft-drink interests.
Experts say that with the GOP in control of the General Assembly and the governor's mansion, those with agendas have to go to lawmakers such as Mr. Johnson, Mr. Balfour and Mr. Richardson to get things done.
"As the top senator," said University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock, "Johnson has the ability to influence more matters than the average senator."
He speculated that Mr. Johnson might have outraised Mr. Richardson because he has been in legislative leadership positions longer.
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