From Staff Reports
NEW FACES OF THE COMMISSION: Joe Jackson, Corey Johnson and Alvin Mason joined the Augusta Commission this year, replacing Marion Williams and Andy Cheek, whose terms ended, and Bernard Harper, who lost his bid for re-election.
COLISEUM AUTHORITY: The board charged with overseeing the James Brown Arena and Bell Auditorium also saw changes, as Donnie Thompson was appointed by Commissioner Joe Jackson to replace John Manuel, whose term expired, and Johnny Hensley was appointed by Commissioner Jimmy Smith to replace Freddie Sanders, who resigned. Adrian Arnold also left the authority and his seat remains unfilled by the Augusta legislative delegation.
Some things don't change
- In South Carolina, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham easily won re-election for another six-year term.
- It was tougher in Georgia, however, for U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss. A third-party candidate prevented a majority in the Nov. 4 voting, and Mr. Chambliss faced a rough runoff campaign with Democrat Jim Martin, before finally winning Dec. 2.
- Congressman Paul Broun, an outspoken and often independent Republican, appeared vulnerable over the summer, but the Athens-area lawmaker fought off a Democrat challenge on Election Day for a full two-year term.
- Congressman John Barrow, a Democrat, won re-election over Augusta Republican John Stone.
- Also still here: Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver -- his term lasts until 2010.
- Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford both got mentions as vice presidential possibilities. Both are still governor, and will be through 2010.
