Poll Turmoil and the Draft Jane Kidd Movement: Barnes, Baker, Porter, Handel, Oxendine, Deal, and Kidd in the Spotlight

The discussion opens with hosts David, Catherine, and Tim reviewing new Georgia gubernatorial polls. On the Democratic side, Roy Barnes loses momentum, dropping six points and raising concerns within his camp. Other Democratic candidates shift only slightly: Herbert Baker dips unexpectedly, Dubose Porter gains modestly—something his supporters highlight—and lesser-known candidates fluctuate at the margins. The hosts note that Barnes no longer looks like the assumed “steamroller,” and a runoff now appears likely.On the Republican side, John Oxendine maintains a strong lead despite recent negative fundraising press, while Karen Handel sinks and Nathan Deal rises modestly. The panel expects a contentious GOP race, with Deal viewed as the candidate most poised for a late surge. Concerns emerge that Handel’s decline might push her back into the Secretary of State race, complicating Democrats’ chances of winning that office. The conversation shifts to an interview with Mike Cantone, organizer of a new “Draft Jane Kidd” effort encouraging Democratic Party Chair Jane Kidd to run for U.S. Senate in 2010. Cantone argues that widespread grassroots support motivated the website’s launch, citing over 200 petition signers in its first week. Catherine challenges his claim of broad, long-standing interest and notes that Kidd personally asked him not to run the site. Cantone insists draft movements must come from outside the candidate and says the effort is about energizing Democrats statewide. Tensions arise over respect for Kidd’s wishes, party unity, and whether a Kidd candidacy would leave a leadership void. The segment ends with the hosts skeptical that Kidd will run and preparing to move to other guests and topics.