Ga. Democrats line up to run

ATLANTA - After several lean years, Georgia Democrats are hoping the stars may at last be aligning in their favor.

Excitement surrounding the presidential contest combined with another session at the state Capitol heavy on bickering among ruling Republicans could help Democrats regain some ground this fall.

Party officials say they are looking to rebuild their bench with a strong crop of candidates who will register to run when qualifying for elections in the state begins tomorrow morning.

Georgia has been tilting more and more Republican since 2002 and the power of incumbency, with the campaign cash and the name recognition that goes along with it, is a fearsome force to reckon with for a political newcomer.

During qualifying this week, candidates sign paperwork and pay a fee to get their name on the ballot. It will be the first true test of who is serious about running for office.