Max Burns - 2002 Election

2002 Election

The 12th District was a new district, one of two Georgia gained after the 2000 census. The district was designed as a Democratic stronghold — it was 40% black, and would have voted for Al Gore by a large margin in 2000. Burns won the Republican primary beating Barbara Dooley the wife of Georgia Coaching legend Vince Dooley. The Democratic candidate, Augusta businessman Charles "Champ" Walker, Jr., was dogged by ethical questions and began losing ground during the summer. Eventually, Burns won by a surprising 10-point margin, taking 55% to Walker's 45 percent.