Gwinnett Daily Post

Camie Young

John Linder's surprise retirement announcement has sent many politicians scrambling, but Rep. David Casas was able to pull in some major endorsements when he announced he would run for state Senate.

The move came the day, Gwinnett's veteran Sen. Don Balfour announced he would run for Congress, just two days after Linder's news.

And he pulled the endorsements together while on a Disney cruise vacation with his family.

"These are big shoes to fill, but I believe Gwinnett citizens know that I have a strong conservative record," said Casas, a Republican from Lilburn. "I am eager to move to a chamber where I can continue to promote the values that make our party strong."

Behind Casas in his race are Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, Senate President Pro Tempore Tommie Williams, R-Lyons, House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, R-Milton, and Snellville Mayor Jerry Oberholtzer.

"David Casas is one of the finest conservatives I know," Rogers said. "He not only talks the talk, he walks the walk when it comes to promoting less government, more freedom and liberty in Georgia."

Casas is a founding member of the National Conference of Hispanic Legislators.

"Gwinnett residents would be well-represented with David Casas in the Senate," Williams said. "He embodies the future generation of young conservatives in Georgia."

Ramey lists supporters

Steve Ramey, a GOP activist who announced he would race for Casas' House seat Wednesday, has the backing of two Gwinnettians seeking congressional offices.

Rep. Clay Cox, who is running for Linder's 7th District, and Bobby Reese, who is in a race to replace gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal in the 9th District, both cast their support to the Marine Corps Vietnam veteran.

"These are troubling times, and we need strong leadership in the Georgia House. I intend to provide such leadership," said Ramey, who was also endorsed by Rep. Mike Coan, R-Lawrenceville.