State Sen. Jim Whitehead (R) began running a radio ad this week to boost his campaign to win the 10th district special election necessitated by the death of Rep. Charlie Norwood (R).

In the 60-second spot that is running districtwide, Whitehead evokes the memory of the late seven-term Congressman.

“Georgia’s lost a great Congressman and I’ve lost a great friend,” Whitehead says in the ad. “Now, I can’t be Charlie Norwood, but I can be Jim Whitehead. And I’ll fight just as hard as Charlie did for lower taxes, a stronger economy and to control our borders so that our county is more secure.”

An announcer in the ad also touts the 65-year-old candidate’s biography, including the fact that he was an offensive lineman for the University of Georgia football team. The 10th district includes the college town of Athens.

Whitehead is the prohibitive frontrunner in the June 19 all-party special election. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote, a July runoff will be held.

He also received the endorsement of the Concerned Women of America Political Action Committee this week.

“Jim has a proven and truly outstanding record on issues of concern to traditional values voters,” CWPAC Executive Director Mike Mears said in a statement.

Meanwhile, one of Whitehead’s opponents is getting help from former U.N. special Ambassador Alan Keyes.

Keyes is headlining a series of fundraisers in the district next week for Bill Greene (R), the founder of RightMarch.com. Tickets for three events on May 22 and 23 are $25 and $150 for a May 23 dinner in Braselton.
— Lauren W. Whittington