Georgia is Not a Lost Cause

8 Reasons I'm Thankful #2

Barack Obama did not, most assuredly, win the state of Georgia. Jim Martin may have forced a runoff election with Saxby Chambliss, but he still finished three points down. Yet, somehow, all of this gave me hope for my home state, a hope I did not think I could recover.

Georgia has not been a friendly place for Democrats for a number of years now. Our Governor, Sonny Purdue (yes, that's his real name), is one of those pro Business Republicans that has no idea how to run a state. Our educational system is in shambles. Our state legislature is filled with pro Business conservatives who have no interest in the betterment of Georgians. Our policies have become regressive and ineffective. The racial divide is increasing again. It's hard to remember at times that we are the state that gave the world Jimmy Carter and Rep. John Lewis.

Yet, still, somehow, Georgia was competitive. By all accounts, McCain should have been able to ignore Georgia. Instead, he was forced to play defense here. By all accounts, Saxby Chambliss should have won in a landslide. Instead, he's forced to defend his seat in a runoff election. He might even lose his seat.

We have reason to believe that this is just the beginning for Democrats in Georgia. So many people in this state, from rural southern Georgia, to the mountains in north Georgia would be so well served by a progressive government. I think that maybe, just maybe, the people are starting to realize it. For that, I am thankful.