WTOC, Savannah, Georgia, news, weather and sports | Candidates campaign for GA senate seat

Candidates campaign for GA senate seat

By Brooke Kelley - bio | email

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - Candidates were out doing some last minute campaigning Monday ahead of Tuesday's municipal and special elections.

While there are elections going on in communities around the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, one of the more closely watched races is for the Georgia state senate seat. That seat has been left vacant by Eric Johnson who is running for governor.

The race is between former chairman of the Chatham County Commission and former Savannah Tech president Billy Hair (R) and former state rep. Buddy Carter (R).

With less than 24 hours until voters hit the polls, both Carter and Hair are making their last push for votes.

"It's a matter of getting people out to vote," said Carter. "We've done everything at this point and the key is who can turnout the voters and when your in a special election, that is the key to getting people to vote."

"Going to be fun, trying to get to folks who are last minute individuals who haven't made up their mind, get chance to ask me any questions and hopefully vote for me tomorrow," said Hair.

With campaign signs in hand, Hair is packing up and heading to Bryan and Liberty County.

"I think people are looking for a change," he said. "It's time for new ideas and send some folks with ideas and I think I would be a perfect fit."

We caught up with Carter as he spent time Monday waving to cars on the corner of Abercorn Street and DeRenne Avenue. 

"We are trying to replace an office that has been held for 31 years by Eric Johnson and these are big shoes to fill," said Carter. "I've got the experience and knowledge to fill those shoes."

Some of the major issues they both say are important is education, the budget and transportation.

The polls will be open Tuesday from 7am to 7pm.

In Chatham County, there will only be 39 polling places open. For a list of precincts and sample ballots for Chatham County, visit http://www.chathamcounty.org/electionsboard.html.

For information about municipal and special elections across the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry, click here. 

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