UPDATED
Cagle Going To Bat For House Challenger Over Incumbent In GOP Primary

Update at 11:31 a.m. adds comments from House majority caucus chairman. New material highlighted.

(5/23/08) This has raised some eyebrows on the Capitol’s third floor: Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle is taking sides in the Republican primary against a House incumbent, Rep. Amos Amerson of Dahlonega, and House leaders aren't any too happy about it.

Amerson is one of only a handful of House incumbents with primary opposition. Cagle has agreed to host a fundraiser for Amerson’s challenger, Steve Gooch, chairman of the Lumpkin County Commission.

Said Jaillene Hunter, Cagle’s spokeswoman: “The lieutenant governor has agreed to host an event for Steve Gooch. Steve is a personal friend of the lieutenant governor, and he believes Steve will work hard and effectively for North Georgia. The lieutenant governor has no plans to be involved in any other House primaries, and will be actively working to help re-elect House Republicans in districts where they face Democratic challengers."

The battle is for House District 9, which includes parts of Dawson, Forsyth and Lumpkin Counties.

In a closely-watched DOT race last session that pit the Speaker's candidate (challenger Stacey Reese) against the lieutenant governor's candidate (incumbent Mike Evans), Amerson voted for Reese.

House Majority Caucus Chair Jay Roberts said:

"In a year when Republicans need all their resources to defeat Democrats, it is very troubling that the lieutenant governor would get personally involved in a House primary, no matter what his relationship is to the challenger, and work against a House chairman. Amos Amerson is a proven conservative who is a true gentleman and respected by all in the House. House leadership fully supports Amos and will do everything in our power to defeat his opponent."