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Though he is the incumbent, Bishop is running for an essentially new seat thanks to a 1995 ruling declaring the old Second District unconstitutional. The biggest change is racial representation--overnight the black voting-age population fell from 52% to 35%--and Bishop is now emphasizing his moderate politics to woo farmers and white Democrats to his side.
THE ISSUES
Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NR Abortion NO Guns NO Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA NO Welfare NO* Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "We must protect ourselves, our families and our neighborhoods by locking up, and where appropriate executing, those who repeatedly demonstrate a disregard for the sanctity of human life."
DARREL EALUM (R) District 2
BORN: Dec. 27, 1948, Red Level, Ala. EDUCATION: Troy State U, 1967-70; Pepperdine U, 1979 FAMILY: Wife, Linda; four children RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: Marines, 1971-91 OCCUPATION: Property manager POLITICAL CAREER: Sought Republican nomination for Georgia House, 1994 ADDRESS: 521 Honeysuckle Drive, Albany 31705. Tel.: 912-888-2000
In a redrawn district that is still thought to lean Democratic, Ealum runs with a platform that falls somewhere between the politics of Bob Dole and Newt Gingrich. He wants a flatter tax and a balanced budget (Dole), but is vocal about gun owners' rights and the need for the death penalty (Gingrich). Raised in a home with no indoor plumbing, Ealum attributes his escape from poverty to traditional values.
THE ISSUES Budget YES Medicare YES Defense NO Abortion YES Guns NO Gays NO Bosnia YES NAFTA NO Welfare YES Medical Leave NO (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "Welfare reform...combined with lower taxes and a balanced budget...can build an America in which all our citizens can participate and prosper."
JIM CHAFIN (D) District 3 (West central--Griffin; Atlanta and Columbus suburbs)
BORN: May 29, 1952, Columbus, Ohio EDUCATION: U.S. Military Academy, West Point, B.S., 1974; Georgia State U, J.D., 1988 FAMILY: Wife, Sally Lee Turner; two children RELIGION: Methodist MILITARY: Air Force, 1974-79; Air Force Reserve, 1979- OCCUPATION: Lawyer; furniture-store owner; flight instructor POLITICAL CAREER: None ADDRESS: P.O. Box 656, McDonough 30253. Tel.: 770-898-9550
Chafin has taken his "run for Congress" literally. On most weekends he jogs through a different town in his district, pressing the aerobicized flesh--and his message to voters, which is that the Republican Party "stands on the wrong side of people." He believes that G.O.P. budget cuts will further family breakdown, leading to even more poverty and crime. But in this strongly military area, Chafin would not weaken defense to support social programs.
THE ISSUES Budget NO Medicare NO Defense NO Abortion NO Guns NR Gays YES Bosnia NO NAFTA YES Welfare YES Medical Leave YES (For an explanation of these issues, see the front of this guide.)
QUOTE OF NOTE: "I decided to run because of the absolute arrogance of the Republicans."
MAC COLLINS (R) District 3