Atlanta Mayor Reed sounds like candidate for governor
Do you think Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed sounds like a candidate for governor?From time to time we get that impression. Here are his latest comments:
After a groundbreaking for the new Porsche North American headquarters Tuesday in the former Ford plant in Hapeville, Reed said high-speed train service is needed to link Savannah, Georgia’s fast growing port city, and Atlanta, the state’s capital and strongest economic engine.
Reed said a bold move for high-speed rail service could have an impact similar to actions by his mayoral predecessors who made bold moves that led to Hartsfield-Jackson Airport becoming the busiest airport in the world.
Reed has championed securing federal funding to deepen the port of Savannah. His effort there is needed because more than any Georgia politician, Reed has clout with his fellow Democrat, President Obama. Reed also has spoken out on other statewide issues.
We won’t predict today that Reed, the Democrat, will challenge Gov. Nathan Deal, the Republican, in two years. But stranger things have happened in Georgia politics.
While he’s never run a statewide race, Reed could be the Democrat’s strongest candidate on the horizon for governor. He would certainly energize the Democrats’ core base of voters and could attract independent voters and some more moderate Republicans.
