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Atlanta Journal Constitution Endorses Jim Martin for Democratic Primary Runoff for Lieutenant Governor

Published by The Atlanta Journal Constitution Thursday, July 27, 2006

Martin a man of decency Democrat’s record makes him right pick for lieutenant governor

Decency is a rare virtue in a Legislature where thrice-divorced lawmakers extol “family values” and politicians craft laws with industry lobbyists at their elbow.

Jim Martin is a decent man and commands the respect of both Democrats and Republicans, proved by his tenure as Department of Human Resources commissioner under both Roy Barnes and Sonny Perdue.

Martin deserves the support of Democratic voters in the Aug. 8 runoff election for lieutenant governor of Georgia.

A Vietnam veteran and an attorney, Martin has always championed the causes of the disabled, the mentally ill, the elderly and children, even though none of those groups held voting clout and certainly couldn’t be counted on for big campaign donations.

Martin let other lawmakers court the banks, the insurance companies and developers. He was committed to those Georgians without voice or means, and he spoke eloquently and passionately on their behalf during his 18 years in the House of Representatives.

Martin took the lead in many bills to protect children and women, and, as House Judiciary chair, blocked repeated efforts to lower child support. He’s noted for his skills at drafting budgets and legislation.

Martin is running against another former legislator, Greg Hecht. Hecht was an exemplary public servant while in the state Senate, smart, attentive to detail and impervious to lobbyist entreaties. That’s why it’s disappointing to see Hecht resort in this race to wild exaggerations and gross distortions of Martin’s record.

There’s no shortage of deceit and demagoguery under the Gold Dome. It’s time for a little more common decency, and Martin has demonstrated that he can provide it.

—Maureen Downey, for the editorial board