Karen Handel for Governor of Georgia

"Karen's strength of character, her traditional conservative values and her determination to do what is right are what is needed in political office today." - Former Vice President Dan Quayle

On Friday, March 27, Karen Handel announced her decision to run for Governor of the state of Georgia in 2010. A message posted on her Twitter account read, "After prayerful consideration and with the support of my husband Steve, I have decided to run for Governor." Handel, a conservative, has been serving as the state's first Republican Secretary of State since she was elected in 2006.

As Secretary of State, Handel has been a champion for the citizens of Georgia and a strong advocate of responsible government. She fought against voter fraud by defending the state's Photo ID law and has launched the "Transparency in Government Initiative" which allows citizens to view the Secretary of State's financial information online, along with the Office Ethics Policy. Handel has even cut her agency's budget and saves money by eliminating wasteful spending. She told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that she goes "line by line" through the budget each month. Recently, she launched a website providing resources and information for voters with disabilities.

Even before becoming Secretary of State, Handel had already achieved quite an impressive resume. She served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Marilyn Quayle (wife of former Vice President, Dan Quayle) where she helped support efforts to raise breast cancer awareness and secure funding for women's health research. She also served as Deputy Chief of Staff and as a senior policy advisor for current Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. Handel served as President and CEO of the North Fulton County Chamber of Commerce and was also elected as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. During her time as Chairman, Handel managed to balance the County's budget, fight against tax increases, uncover corruption, and pass a strong ethics policy. Politics hasn't been Handel's only career. She has worked as executive in the business world for several major companies.

Handel's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. Georgia Trend Magazine named her one of the "100 Most Influential Political Leaders in Georgia." She was also chosen as one of "Atlanta's Most Influential Leaders" by the Atlanta Business Chronicle and was Atlanta Woman magazine's "Woman of the Year" in 2007. Former head of the Georgia GOP, Rusty Paul, has praised her as "relentless and extremely hardworking."

I think it's safe to say that if elected, Karen Handel will continue her hard work and dedication to the citizens of Georgia. You can learn more about her at her website: Karen Handel for Governor of Georgia.