“Able Mable” Thomas Challenges John Lewis for US Congressional Seat

By JIM GALLOWAY - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Published on: 04/30/08

Rivals Say John Lewis 'out of touch'
On the last full day left for candidates to enter races across the state, the dominant message was generational.

'Able' Mable Thomas, a 50-year-old state representative, told U.S. Rep. John Lewis, 68, that it was time for him to leave Congress.

"I believe that ... my opponent is not only beatable, but my opponent should - right now - just get out of the race and let a new generation come forth," Thomas said after paying her fee to enter the 5th District primary. "We've been with you; now why don't you stand with us?"

First elected to Congress in 1986, Lewis already had one Democratic opponent, the Rev. Markel Hutchins. Like Hutchins, Thomas took exception to Lewis' initial endorsement of Hillary Clinton over Barack Obama in the Democratic presidential race.

"What it says is that he is out of touch, and did not see the movement - and he is a movement man," said Thomas, who also ran against Lewis in 1992.

She acknowledged Lewis' status as a "Civil Rights icon," but accused the incumbent of losing touch with a district that is a mixture of the state's richest and poorest residents. "It's good to be a national representative, but at some point you have to be a local representative," she said. "We offer him an exit strategy today."

Lewis, in a statement released Thursday, said, "No one is going to outwork me. No one is going to out campaign me. People talk about change. I am change. I will continue to represent all of the people of this district and fight for their concerns and fight for their needs."

The talk was also generational on the Democratic side of the U.S. Senate race. Ecologist Rand Knight, 36, became the fourth Democrat to sign up on Thursday.

Knight emphasized the need to develop alternative sources of energy, but doesn't want to be pigeon-holed as an environmental candidate.

"The Iraq war, health care, our debt, energy - this is all one issue. We've been separating it for too long," said Knight, an Atlanta resident.

Knight lags behind Atlanta attorney Jim Martin and DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones in fund-raising, reporting nearly $18,000 in cash on hand as of March 31. Former TV journalist Dale Cardwell also reported nearly $18,000 in available cash for the campaign.

But Knight, who is making his first run for public office, said his passion for campaigning would make up the difference, and said that major donors had been waiting until he formally signed up for the race.

"The average age in the Senate is 65 years old. They are tired. They are ready to retire. It's time we recruit into the ranks people who know how to get up there and fight for Democratic values," Knight said.