The ballot will include contested races for:
- President, Democratic incumbent Barack Obama is opposed by Republican Mitt Romney and Libertarian Gary Johnson.
- U.S. House District 13, Democratic incumbent David Scott is opposed by Republican S. Malik.
- Two Georgia Public Service Commission seats; Republican incumbent Chuck Eaton is opposed by Democrat Stephen Oppenheimer and Libertarian Brad Ploeger; and Republican incumbent Stan Wise is opposed by Libertarian David Staples.
- A Special Republican primary for State Senate District 30 between Mike Dugan, Bill Hembree, Jim Naughton and Glenn Richardson.
- State House District 66, Republican Bob Snelling and Democrat Kimberly Alexander.
- State House District 67, Republican Micah Gravley and Democrat Leigh Mcmutry.
- County Sheriff, Republican incumbent Phil Miller and Democrat Derrick T. Broughton.
- County Tax Commissioner, Republican incumbent Todd Cowan and Democrat Greg Baker.
- County Commission Chairman, Republican incumbent Tom Worthan and Democrat Romona Jackson Jones.
Douglas voters also will have yes or no votes on:
- Amending the state constitution to allow charter school applicants to appeal to the state if denied by a local school board; and allowing the state to enter multi-year leases on property.
- Allowing sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink and in retail stores in unincorporated Douglas County on Sundays.
Unopposed candidates are on the ballot for State Senate District 35; State House Districts 61, 62, 65 and 68; County Superior Court Clerk; Probate Judge; Coroner; School Board Districts 1 and 5; County Commission District 2; and West Georgia Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor.
As the regulating body of utility companies in this state, PSC's actions have a direct impact on the consumers' pocket books.
It bothers me that the incumbent has received so much in campaign contributions from the executives and attornies of the companies he is charged with regulating.
This may not be illegal but it sure doesn't pass the smell test.
I have no qualms whatsoever about voting for Mr. Staples in this race. Mr. Wise has not earned re-election.