By Cindy Morley –
After a fairly quiet primary, the run-off race for the 3rd Congressional District seat is heating up.
Both candidates vying to replace current Congressman Lynn Westmoreland pulled in key endorsements this week, as early voting begins next week for the July 26 election.
Drew Ferguson, a dentist and former mayor of West Point, came out of the week with two big endorsements from Radio Talk Host Herman Cain, and Westmoreland himself.
In his announcement to endorse Ferguson, Westmoreland said, “After twelve years of serving Georgia’s Third District, I know what it takes to be a real leader and public servant. After suffering under the Obama Administration for eight years and the threat of Hillary Clinton continuing his liberal legacy- we want less talk, and more action. We need someone that will roll up their sleeves and work hard with others to make our community a better place.
“Drew is a strong, conservative voice for hard-working Georgians and his experience proves that he knows what it takes to get things done. His many years as small business owner reflect his entrepreneurial spirit, and understanding that we need less government interference in our lives and businesses- not more. Drew knows that through building our local economy, creating stable jobs, and fostering economic opportunity that our community will perform at its best.”
Westmoreland has chosen not to seek re-election.
Cain, the 2012 presidential candidate praised Ferguson’s experience as the former mayor of West Point while taking a shot at his opponent Mike Crane, a state senator.
“Drew Ferguson has helped rebuild a community knocked into the dirt by Washington trade deals, taxes and regulations,” Cain said. “His record as a mayor and a small businessman makes him a better candidate than any ten legislators who talk and campaign for a living.”
However, another radio talk show host Erick Erickson endorsed Crane. The two teamed up for a fundraiser last night in Fayetteville.
Erickson announced his support for Crane during his Atlanta Evening News show earlier this week, encouraging voters in the 3rd District to “go out and vote for Mike Crane; a solid state Senator.”
Former Presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz has also thrown his support to Crane.
“We need conservative fighters like Mike Crane in the House of Representatives,” said Cruz. “As a small business owner, Mike has seen firsthand the heavy burden of government red tape and regulation. And in Congress, I know Mike will stand up to the career politicians in Washington because that is exactly what he has done in Georgia. Today, I’m proud to join
thousands of Peach State conservatives in supporting Mike to represent Georgia’s Third Congressional District, and I look forward to fighting alongside him for jobs, freedom, and security for Georgians and all Americans.”
State Sen. Josh McKoon from Columbus has also endorsed Crane.
Crane and Ferguson came out of the May 24 Primary ahead of a packed crowd, defeating Jim Pace, Richard Mix, Arnall Thomas, Chip Flanegan, and Samuel Anders to advance to the runoff election. Both garnered 26 percent of the vote. All of the other candidates in the race have since endorsed Ferguson.
Angela Pendley defeated Tamarkus Cook in the Democratic primary. Early voting begins Tuesday.