Qualifying in Senate District 54 Ends

Qualifying for the special election in Senate District 54 ended at 2p today with a total of 4 Republicans and 1 Independent qualifying.  Here’s a run-down of the folks who qualified:

Republicans (in qualified order):

• Chuck Payne, former Whitfield County Republican Party chairman
• Conda Goodson, ran against Senator Charlie Bethel in the 2016 Republican Primary back in May
• Shell Underwood, an insurance agent in Dalton
• William Vinyard, a contractor in Tunnel Hill

Independents:

• Debby Peppers, member of the Whitfield County Board of Zoning Appeals and former member of the Dalton-Whitfield League of Women Voters

It’s also my understanding that Ms. Peppers last political involvement was with the Democratic Party.  Whitfield, Murray, Pickens, and Gordon Counties (which make up SD-54) are very Republican, so that could be a reason why she decided to qualify as an Independent rather than a Democrat.  Though, it would be interesting to see if she’ll decide to caucus with the Senate Democrats if she wins the special election.  The special election will be held on Tuesday, December 13th with a run-off, if needed, held on January 10th.