Will Wade

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. – Lumpkin County voters will return the polls Tuesday (Aug. 11) to help choose their party’s nominee for U.S. Congress in the 9^th District and State Representative in District 9. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and are scheduled to close at 7 p.m.

The runoff for the Republican nomination for U.S. Congress has turned ugly in recent days. In social media and campaign flyers, State Rep. Matt Gurtler has accused his opponent, Andrew Clyde a 28-year Navy combat veteran, of being a thief, a Never Trumper, and someone who donated money to Democrats.

Republican Congressman Jody Hice, a member of the Freedom Caucus — the most conservative group in Washington — called those allegations “outright lies.” Former U.S. Congressman Paul Broun, who said he is friends with both men endorsed Clyde. “What pushed me over the top were the lies and negative campaign of (Clyde’s) opponent,” Broun said.

Opensecrets.org reports that during the last reporting period which ended June 22, Clyde had raised $775,739 in campaign funds, spent $733,041 and has a balance on hand of $42,698. Gurtler raised $655,017, spent $571,171. His cash on hand is $83,845.

Lumpkin County Democrats will vote for either Devin Pandy or Brooke Siskin. Pandy is a 21-year Army combat veteran. Siskin was charged with contempt of court and served a 4-day jail sentence in Gwinnett County Jail this summer after she refused a court-order to surrender a .380 handgun.

Steven Leibel

There is no Democrat entered in the District 9 State House runoff.

The Republican runoff for State House District 9 between Will Wade, a banker and longtime member of the Dawson County Board of Education, and Steven Leibel, an attorney who is the personal attorney for Lumpkin County Sheriff Stacy Jarrard was conducted in a more respectful manner.

The rhetoric did become a little heated when Leibel accused Wade of raising taxes, accepting PAC funds and not supporting the senior tax exemption. Wade called that a “inaccuracy” and added, “I am not for changing the senior exemption in this district period.”

All Election Day voting is held at the Lumpkin County Parks & Recreation Center, 365 Riley Road, Dahlonega. This is the only polling location open on Election Day, and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.