State Sen. Eric Johnson, R-Savannah

Johnson has an all-over-the-place reputation as one of the Republican leaders in the Senate. Sometimes, the Savannah architect sounds — even acts — like a smart guy with a good sense of humor. But he also can get a bit prickly and has a penchant for saying the stupidest things.

Overall, conservatives are likely to be pleased Johnson has thrust himself into the race. Many are a bit mistrustful of the three leading Republicans already in the contest (Karen Handel, John Oxendine, and Austin Scott), because each has strayed from ultra-conservative orthodoxy at one time or another.

Johnson was going to run for lieutenant governor in 2010. That changed when Cagle dropped out of the race last week because of health problems. Cagle certainly gave him a push by announcing that he’d instead make the less demanding run for re-election as lieutenant governor.

Johnson has lined up a lot of GOP establishment support. Among the folks working on his campaign: rich guy Jamie Reynolds as finance chairman, former Perdue press aide Derrick Dickey, former state party staffer Ben Fry, and Randy Evans, who was the state party’s expert at disenfranchising minority voters, as legal counsel.

Democratic candidates Thurbert Baker, DuBose Porter and Randy Poythress are still a bit frozen in lining up support, because many Democrats are waiting to see if former Gov. Roy Barnes will run.

From Johnson’s press release come the blah-blah things that politicians always say:

“As I traveled the state campaigning and visiting with Georgians from all walks of life, I was thrilled to see the support and encouragement we received in every corner of this state,” said Johnson. “Georgians recognize that we need a steady, tested, and experienced leader to address the challenges we face as a state and to build on the progress we’ve made under Republican leadership. My vision for our future focuses on how we can create new 21st Century jobs, reform education to improve student achievement, and ensure effective and ethical government. Effective leadership is about trust. I hope to earn the trust of the Georgians and the opportunity to serve as their Governor.”

Hmmm … “to build on all the progress we’ve made under Republican leadership?” Like I say, the guy does have a good sense of humor.

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