Citing a health problem which may require surgery, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle shocked Republicans and Democrats today with an announcement that he will not be a candidate to succeed Gov. Sonny Perdue in the next race. Cagle held a Capitol Press Conference to say that he will try to continue in his present job since he feels there is less stress in seeking re-election than trying for governor. He reportedly called to Senate Colleagues, Sen. Eric Johnson and Senator David Shafer to tell them of his plans. No word of any response from them or from several candidaes for governor. Cagle said he has had shoulder and neck pain for several years but it became more serious during the 2009 legislative session and he had been advised that he may need surgery. This leaves Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine and Secretary of State Karen Handel as the top two Republican contenders. Former Adjutant General David Poythress and Attorney General Thurbert Baker are considered the top two in the Democratic race.
