Isakson wants another 6 years

East Cobb Republican Johnny Isakson announced Tuesday he wilt seek a second term in the U.S. Senate when his current term expires next year.

By Talia Mollett, Marietta Daily Journal — Feb 18, 2009

Isakson made the announcement on the North Wing steps of the Georgia Capitol.

“In 2004, you all gave me a great privilege to represent the state of Georgia as a U.S. Senator and I’m reapplying for the job. We have a great state, great people, and it is an honor and privilege to serve you,” Isakson said. “I’m looking forward to doing the remaining work for the people of Georgia this session and being re-elected in 2010.”

Georgia’s junior senator was immediately swamped with questions from the crowd about the economy and budget shortfall in Georgia.

“I think Wall Street is sending a signal that we’re not out of the woods yet. The whole enchilada is in the housing and financial systems,” he said. “We have a challenging time ahead of us, but if we think positive, work as hard as possible at our jobs or at finding a job and help out our neighbors, we will come out of this.”

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Moultrie) and Isakson joined most Senate and all House Republicans in voting against the $787 billion economic stimulus bill that Congress approved last week. President Barack Obama signed the legislation into law on Tuesday in Denver.

Chambliss, who just won reelection to his seat in a December runoff, was with his fellow Republican for the announcement.

“I am so proud to stand here today and tell you that I look forward to having Johnny Isakson re-elected for another six years,” Chambliss said.

Isakson does not have any announced opponents. He is a 1966 graduate of the University of Georgia, and his career as an elected official began in the state house in 1976. He was the Republican nominee for governor in 1990, a race he lost to Democrat Zell Miller.

He served a term in the state senate and also served three years as chairman of the state board of education. He was elected to Congress in a special election to fill a vacancy left by Newt Gingrich in 1999 and then was re-elected to two more terms in the U.S. House before seeking the Senate seat in 2004.

In east Cobb, Isakson opened the first office of Northside Realty, and served as president of the firm for 20 years.

State Rep. Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) said Isakson is an asset to local residents.

“The state of Georgia and Cobb County is more fortunate than we could ever know to have a man of Johnny Isakson’s character and legislative knowledge representing us, and the fact that he’s a son of Cobb County makes it even better,” Ehrhart said.

Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, who also addressed the crowd Tuesday, said: “It’s pretty clear Johnny is bigger than peanuts in Georgia. Johnny Isakson exudes trustworthiness and that is the essence and definition of a real public servant.”

On Tuesday night, at least 100 supporters were expected at a campaign fund-raiser at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, where the suggested donation was $500 per person, officials said. In 2004, Isakson raised about $8 million for his campaign, campaign strategist Heath Garrett said.

Today, Isakson planned appearances in Augusta, Albany and Columbus as part of his campaign kick-off. Tomorrow, he will be in Macon and Savannah.

Dianne Isakson, who has been married to Johnny for 41, years, said Tuesday was an exciting day.

“He’s very effective at what he does, and he loves what he does,” she said of her husband.