Press Release - Upset: Johnson Forces Runoff

UPSET: JOHNSON FORCES RUNOFF

ATLANTA - July 19, 2006 - In the country's hottest Congressional primary, dark horse candidate Hank Johnson has forced incumbent firebrand Rep. Cynthia McKinney into a runoff for the Democratic nomination in Georgia's Fourth Congressional District. McKinney, who was presumed by major media and analysts to be safely entrenched, received 47% of the vote to Johnson's 44%.

According to The Hill, the outcome "stunned political observers," who had asserted McKinney's invulnerability despite the Johnson campaign's repeated insistence in preceding weeks that the race was neck-and-neck.

"Some said we had no chance," said Johnson. "But all along we had faith that the people of the Fourth were ready for a new direction. The time for change is now, and we will win this runoff."

The upset has attracted coverage from media across the country. McKinney, who has a history of controversy, drew negative attention nationwide for slapping a U.S. Capitol Police officer earlier this year and refusing to debate Johnson on television three times during the weeks before the primary.

Johnson is optimistic. "It's been thrilling," he says. "I'm so excited about the opportunity to represent all the people of this district."

http://www.hankforcongress.com/campaign_news/?id=0012