Atlanta mayor race is leading up to fall runoff
May 5, 2009 at 6:00 pm by Scott Henry in News
Borders, Norwood and Reed, oh my!
The stage is set. The field is fixed. The race is on.
Although qualifying is still nearly four months away and the election itself not until Nov. 3, few if any political observers expect the next mayor of Atlanta to be anyone who hasn’t already joined the race. In fact, conventional wisdom holds that, come a year from now, the office will be occupied by one of the three apparent front-runners: Council President Lisa Borders, Councilwoman Mary Norwood or state Sen. Kasim Reed.
It won’t take anywhere near that long, however, for the rest of us to be sick of hearing about the mayor’s race. Typically, yard signs for city races start to appear sometime in late summer. You can thank Norwood for kicking the effort off early, peppering Atlanta lawns with her campaign logo last month.
“If you can find a neighborhood in the city where she doesn’t have a yard sign, it’s because someone stole it,” jokes one local politico.
But this year’s race started long before this year. Before she temporarily dropped out last fall, Borders had been a declared candidate since April 2007. And Norwood was engaged in de facto campaigning even before that, though she was consistently coy when asked if her busy schedule of meet-and-greets, splashy flyers and expensive polling meant she was running.
The 2009 mayor’s race differs from previous races in other significant ways. In the 2001 showdown between Shirley Franklin and then-Council President Robb Pitts, each raised and spent more than $3 million, a high-water mark for a city campaign. In these dark economic times, the current candidates could be lucky to break $1 million in fund-raising.
As of the end of March, Norwood had $314,400 in her campaign war chest, compared to $265,100 for Reed, who was forced to suspend fundraising during the recent state General Assembly. Borders, who rejoined the race in early April, had somewhere around $230,000 left over from a year earlier. Just last week, Tom Bell, CEO of Cousins Properties and Borders’ former boss, announced a fundraiser for her at his Buckhead manse.
Minimum contribution: $500.
As of now, the candidates are still in full fundraising mode. It’s possible that, by fall, all three front-runners could be fairly equally matched in terms of money. By contrast, campaign collections for attorney Jesse Spikes, the leading second-tier candidate, took a plunge during the first quarter; his cash on hand amounted to $181,100.
It’s tempting to give the early edge to Norwood. After winning several city-wide elections, she has arguably the best name recognition, followed by Borders. An energetic, seemingly tireless campaigner, Norwood has the strongest grass-roots support — a fact underscored by thousands of small donations from housewives, blue-collar workers and other run-of-the-mill voters. And she has the most money.
Another seeming advantage for Norwood is Atlanta’s changing demographics, a subject much-discussed in political circles. But former Mayor Sam Massell believes some of that talk is premature.
“Whereas Atlanta’s overall population continues to grow, the racial profile has not changed as greatly as some presume,” he says. “Voter registration, itself, is heavily African American with the black-white spread in the neighborhood of 50 percent to 40 percent. This doesn’t necessarily dictate how people will vote, but it’s frequently a major factor.”
According to figures released by the Georgia Secretary of State’s office last month, Atlanta’s 280,500 registered voters are 51 percent black to 36 percent white.
With no breakaway favorite and numerous candidates on the November ballot, the mayor’s race will be decided in a runoff. Even her critics consider Norwood a lock for a runoff berth, but winning a runoff against a black candidate in a majority-black city is a tall order.
Reed will need to boost his name recognition, but that’s where campaign funds come in. Among many Atlantans, he’s best known for managing both of Franklin’s successful races — which, to some, makes him the putative “machine candidate.” Reed’s advisors include some of the same folks who helped Maynard Jackson win, but his campaign is being guided by a former staffer for U.S. Rep. John Lewis and the same media consulting firm that brought the Obama campaign in for a landing.
Although Franklin is expected to back Reed, she hasn’t yet done so publicly. Asked last Thursday if she was leaning toward one of the candidates, Franklin answered: “I’m not leaning any way. I’m standing straight. I’m not involved in that yet. I might be a liability.”
Early signs indicate that Reed and Borders will largely ignore Norwood for the time being and focus on battling each other for the other runoff spot. Reed’s campaign literature touts his “commitment,” a clear dig at Borders for dropping out of the race for eight months. Borders, for her part, points to the fact that Reed only moved inside the city limits a little more than a year ago.
Meanwhile, last week presented a potential stumbling block for Norwood in the form of a budget proposal by Franklin that calls for a property tax increase to end furloughs for police and other city workers. In a Friday press release, Norwood said she wouldn’t support a tax increase, adding that the city had enough money to “fund priorities” and calling the city budget “nothing more than a shell game.”
As the only candidate who must cast a vote on the budget and other Council issues in the next few months, Norwood has to be careful not to give her adversaries ammunition to use against her later. That they’d use that ammunition, when the time comes, is not a matter for dispute.
(Photo of Mary Norwood by Alan Friedman, all others by Joeff Davis)
May 5th, 2009 at 8:47 pm
Not a word about what they might do to sort out Atlanta’s mess if they won.
The race would not be so boring if they actually had to propose a plan and make their numbers work.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:40 pm
It is also interesting to think that this is the first race without Maynard’s influence.
May 5th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
Don’t fully discount other possibilities. Few voters are enthusiatic about the three current leaders, and most people lean toward Lisa, Mary, or Kasim merely as the “cream of the crap.” In this environment, and with the challenges facing Atlanta, can Jesse Spikes make a run at it? What about the rumor that Lee Morris is considering jumping in? Dave Walker was even spotted wearing other than scrubs!
May 6th, 2009 at 2:03 am
Okay, so it will be Borders, Norwood or Reed.
What gambling people really want to know is what are the bets being made as to when Shirley Franklin, John Lewis and other fine pols make a commercial imploring black voters to choose the black candidate because a vote for Norwood means turning the civil rights clock back to the 1960s.
May 6th, 2009 at 11:14 am
While I’m not a Norwood fan, at least she has a record of things she has done. What has Borders or Reed ever done for the City? I can’t name any.
About the commercial mentioned above. I think you’re missing the point. The commercial will attack Norwood as a Buckhead Republican, not as a white woman. Which I believe is relevant, because some may be scared she will change the power structure in Atlanta.
May 6th, 2009 at 12:24 pm
S. Dekalb Voter: Please describe a few of Mary Norwood’s accomplishments. I was not aware that she has done anything in her many years on the Council (other than to attend many community meetings).
May 6th, 2009 at 1:20 pm
She attempted to push legislation to change the infill housing rules. Also, she successfully passed legislation to require an audit of the Watershed Dept before water rate increases. I don’t agree with either piece of legislation, but at least it is something.
I assume her campaign could tick off a few more things, but I agree it’s not much. Unfortunately, her colleagues on the council don’t think highly of her, so she hasn’t been able to do much.
Can you name anything Reed or Borders has done?
May 6th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
What’s interesting is the potential dynamic of two black candidates diluting the votes of black Atlantans. This, of course, would be sweet for Norwood.
She also can count on votes from some residents weary of the entrenched gang at City Hall.
And that gang is linked, rightly or wrongly, to Maynard Jackson. So this will be yet another race based on race. What makes this one different from the others is that the white may have an actual chance.
May 6th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
It will be interesting to see if intown whites choose a Republican white candidate over more liberal black candidates
May 6th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Is she actually a Republican? It seems like three pretty crappy choices.
May 6th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
lisa borders wins over mary norwood in a runoff…
May 6th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Well, Mary’s opposing the tax increase without explaining how to pay for city services and stop the police furlough. Sounds Republican to me!
But Lisa was on Cousins payroll as VP of [influence-peddling] sorry, govt affairs. And Kasim’s claim to fame is collecting campaign checks for Shirley, so he knows where the influence-peddling money is, too.
Yes, it’s three crappy choices, none of whom will tell the truth about the financial crunch that Atlanta was in long before the US economy went down.
Of course, they think that if they fessed up, Atlantans would behave like kindergartners denied an ice cream. Perhaps they’re right.
But a bit less from CL on the horse race and a bit more on substance would help. Even telling us who the main influence seekers (ie campaign donors) are and what their likely agendas are would help.
May 6th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Oh, I’m missing the point?!
Well, thanks for pointing that out S. Dekalb Voter. I’m glad you were able to cut through all the unimportant stuff about the commercial for John Eaves, like…oh…say… the fear, prejudice and race-baiting, and really get to the heart of the ad which was about a legitimate concern about the power structure. And if an ad like this is run against Norwood portraying her as a Buckhead Republican, I’m sure voters will never begin to associate that with race. Mmmm hmmmm….sure…
May 6th, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Jay, Franklin ran a “Republican” ad against her black opponent Robb Pitts in 2001 and it proved to be the turning point in the race. Sure some will associate it with race, but the fact is Atlanta is overwhelmingly liberal. I think that matters more than anything when it comes to winning a city race. I mean for really, Obama has a favorability rating of over 80% in the City. What’s going to happen when Norwood is forced to admit she voted for Bush and McCain?
May 6th, 2009 at 8:45 pm
S. Dekalb Voter: Wait a minute!! Lisa Borders has done an incredible job glaring at citizens who choose to comment at Council meetings. And Kasim Reed is well known for co-authoring the Constitutional Amendment that allows school boards to use school tax dollars for non-school purposes. Don’t these accomplishments compare favorably with the big zero that Mary Norwood has accomplished in her many years as a citywide council member?
May 6th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I rest the case made in my earlier post. Norwood, Borders, and Reed are puny candidates with little talent and fewer accomplishments. We deserve–and need–better. I want to add to my list of mayoral possibilities: “None of the above.”
May 6th, 2009 at 8:59 pm
LOL. That’s pretty funny Curious. I agree that all three lack a serious record.
Hey, maybe that’s what Atlanta needs though. Maynard was on the council before he became mayor. Andy Young was a former amdassador before he became mayor. And Shirley ran the city while Andy Young was mayor. Maybe we need an “outsider”. Hell, I don’t know.
This is pretty pitiful. Norwood a Republican, Kasim too young, and Borders doesn’t stand for anything. I second the none of the above candidate.
May 7th, 2009 at 1:21 am
C’mon S. Dekalb Voter. I’m not talking about Franklin’s commercial; I’m talking about the commercial John Eaves ran against Lee Morris. I don’t buy it for a minute that an astute observer of Atlanta politics such as yourself doesn’t know specifically which ad I’m referring to. I have no problem with candidates making clear distinctions amongst themselves based on ideas and policies, but what Eaves, Franklin, Lewis, and Young engaged in was disgusting:
“This is Congressman John Lewis.”
“And I’m Mayor Shirley Franklin.”
“And I’m Andy Young.”
Lewis: “On November 7th we face the most dangerous situation we ever have. If you think fighting off dogs and water hoses in the ‘60s was bad, imagine if we sit idly by and let the right-wing Republicans take control of the Fulton County Commission.”
Franklin: “The efforts of Martin and Coretta King, Hosea Williams, Maynard Jackson and many others will be lost. That’s why we must stand up and we must turn out the vote for the Democrats on Election Day.”
Young: “And especially for John Eaves for Fulton County Commission chairman. Unless you want them to turn back the clock on equal rights and human rights and economic opportunity for all of us, vote for John Eaves as Fulton County chairman.”
Lewis: “Your very life may depend on it.”
Eaves: “This message paid for by the committee to elect John Eaves.”
May 7th, 2009 at 9:36 am
Of course I know the commercial you are talking about. I agree it was ill-advised, but so is damn near every commercial Republicans run in national elections. Republicans invented fear politics.
My point was I doubt anybody will run on race this year. Sure it will be an underlying factor, but candidates would be crazy to try that in the year of Obama.
May 7th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Isn’t Norwood the one who spearheaded the efforts to kill Atlanta’s nightlife? Yeah thanks a lot, she definitely should run the city (/sarcasm). I’m sure anyone of these three are perfectly capable of screwing up this town even more through shady dealing and/or idiotic policies.
May 8th, 2009 at 9:45 am
Mary, Kasim and Lisa. This is interesting. Last time I checked money didn’t equal votes, except when you had to buy a vote and seat in the seat of making promises you can’t keep. Where do they stand on the issues? What is the plan to get Atl out of this mess?
May 8th, 2009 at 9:47 am
It is seemingly interesting that nobody is excited about any of the candidates, yet CL doesn’t mention the only candidate in the race who is making traction with his ground game…Glenn Thomas is the only candidate who has any real experience with managing government without having been influenced by the political machine or the BIG developers…we should really take a look at this guy; I was impressed and will more than likely push his campaign for the right reasons…it’s time Atlanta elects a Mayor for ALL the people, someone who is actually qualified to manage a budget (do we really want competence or do we want four more years of the same???)
May 8th, 2009 at 9:56 am
Theses supposed front-runners have NO REAL exprience in managing city government! WE cannot go down the SAME road with these poitical minded folks…I refuse to support any of them…Norwood has been aa part of the problem; Reed has never even seen a city budget; and Borders has stood at the podium for COusins Properties to position her for their beneift (she knows nothing about city budgets either!) One candidate can earn my vote right now, and he is on the verge…I heard this Glenn Thomas guy speak over in the English Avenue community and then in Buckhead I had a chance to meet him…this guy knows government and I was pleasantly surprised. I am fed-up with the typical politics as usual! Check this guy out and tell me waht you think CL and CL friends…I am bot easily impressed, but I like this Glenn character…his resume and energy are exactly what we need at city hall… wwww.glennthomasforchange.com (my endorsement doesn’t come easy, but I like this guy)
May 8th, 2009 at 11:05 am
yeah, i heard some folks talking about this thomas guy. i’ll be sure to check him out. all i know is, we can’t have 4 more years of the same thing. these so called front runners have a political agenda to help big business and not the people’s agenda!!!
May 11th, 2009 at 12:41 am
Mary Norwood is honest & passionate about helping the City. The Council has little to no power. Mary realizes that problem & wants to change it once she’s mayor. There is no question Mary will win in a runoff because her supporters are the most loyal. I live in SW Atlanta and most everyone I know backs Mary & we’re all black! BTW, did you notice how many of Reed’s signs are on public right of ways=illegal. A vote for Reed or Borders is a vote for more of the same poor cronism leadership we’ve had under Franklin/Campbell. For those of you readers on the fence, call Mary & she’ll meet with you & listen. Try calling the other two and you won’t be able to get a meeting. Try it & see–then decide who you want leading the City. We need to get back to the basics & Mary will do that. Mary is the ‘Obama’ candidate in my opinion.
May 12th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
“Mary is the ‘Obama’ candidate in my opinion.” – oh, puke.
June 15th, 2009 at 4:04 am
I’m just gonna go ahead and keep posting this.
On June 10th
I have seen Norwood speak ONCE in the last 4 months I have been watching the Council and Committees. That one time was last week, the week before I was blasting her about it on the Sunday Paper with my candidate reviews. Obviously I wasn’t the only person who felt that way.
When she DID speak it sounded like a mouse and when she went in front of the Council she was shaking like a leaf.
She is the LAST thing we need.
Lisa is the second to last I only like her more cause she is a very strong speaker she just lacks content. At least she could be given a script.
I think Felica Moore is the strongest Council Member there is IMO. She is on Finance Exec, Committee on Council and the Transportation Committee’s. I can’t think of 3 more important things to give a hoot about.
Norwood is on the Community Development and Zoning two things we have had an over abundance of.
She’s gonna blow it in the debates anyway.
For lack of option I would go with Kasim Reed only because he understands the State Legislature which is where we really need to be represented.
June 15th, 2009 at 4:26 am
My updated plan.
I sent an email to Felicia Moore and told her she’s the only one that I think would make a good Mayor.
She is the only one that voted for the Committee on Council to recommend the issuance of subpoena power to the Citizen’s Review Board to do the investigations it was set up to do.
Norwood is on the committee on council. I don’t even know if she showed up to this meeting, she sure as hell didn’t participate…as usual.
Check out Felicia Moore givin it to the Mayor last year in their Feb 4 Veto Override.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9EOCIvetBU
So here is an Idea for this City.
We beg Felicia to enter the race. Then we beg Lisa to loan her the campaign money.
Moore would destroy Norwood in any debate and would know Mary’s legislative history or lack there of.
My prediction for the next couple of months is that Kasim and Lisa are gonna play hot potato with ‘who want’s to be Mayor Franklin’s friend?’
The Mayor will take down whoever she endorses by the time the election comes round.