House Democratic Leader, Porter, running for governor

House Minority Leader DuBose Porter on Monday became the third Democrat in what is rapidly becoming a crowded 2010 field to replace Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Porter made the announcement from his hometown of Dublin on the first weekday after the end of the 2009 session. 

“This year’s lack of leadership on transportation and personal grabs for power at the expense of the people convinced me to throw my hat into the ring,” said Porter. “Georgia deserves a governor who cares more about people than power.”

Porter has been the most vocal of Democrats opposing Republican rule since it began shorter after Perdue was elected in 2002. Porter has particularly hammered Republicans for annual cuts in the funding formula for Georgia’s schools.

A lawyer and newspaper editor, Porter served as a floor leader to Gov. Zell Miller in the 1990s and once challenged legendary House Speaker Tom Murphy for his leadership post. Murphy crushed Porter, but he later let him onto the House leadership team.

Attorney General Thurbert Baker announced last week that he would run for governor as a Democrat. Democrat former Adjutant General David Poythress has been in the race since last year. Ex-Gov. Roy Barnes is also considering running.

On the Republican side, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Karen Handel and Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton) are running. Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens may also make the race.

Libertarian John Monds recently announced he’ll be seeking the top job in state government as well.

Perdue is barred by law from running for a third term.