Gwinnett Daily Post

Josh Clark, a candidate for state House, will officially kick off his campaign this weekend.

Clark, a businessman seeking the Republican nomination for House District 98, is hosting a barbecue from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Bogan Park in Buford. The event is free.

"I look forward to sharing my vision with the voters of District 98 and more importantly hearing what issues they're concerned about," Clark said. "Bring the family out and enjoy fun, food and friends. Also, feel free to invite your friends."

The District 98 race, slated for next year, is already crowded after incumbent Bobby Reese said he would seek a Congressional post.

Also running as Republicans are former county Chairman Wayne Hill and attorney Jason Thompson.

Clark got a boost last week when he announced Buzz Brockway would chair his campaign. Brockway is the former chairman of the Gwinnett Republican Party.

"I plan on running a true grass roots campaign and there's no better person to help me do that than my friend and respected leader in the community, Buzz Brockway," Clark said in a press release.

Since he left his post with the party in 2005, Brockway, has also helped with the successful campaigns of Reps. David Casas and Melvin Everson, as well as Commissioner Mike Beaudreau.

"I've known Josh Clark for eight years and I have tremendous respect for his integrity and dedication to the conservative principles he believes in," Brockway said. "I believe Josh is the right man for the job and as he gets out and meets the people of District 98, I think they'll agree."

Political Notebook appears in the Thursday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post.

Camie Young can be reached via e-mail at camie.young@gwinnettdailypost.com.