As we regroup, let's get off to the right start. -- Here's to hoping Rep. DuBose Porter will assume the reins tomorrow.

Jim Tharpe, with the able assistance of James Salzer and Eric Stirgus, has summarized the present state of affairs for us in today's ajc in an article entitled "Flattened Democrats seek to regain footing." You need to read it if you have not.

The article has the following subtitles: "'Sensible center'" and "Change at the top?" (yes, Kahn's name comes up here).

The article also discusses how tomorrow our Party meets to choose its house leadership. For the past couple of years our speaker pro tempore -- the House's No. 2 leadership position -- has been ably handled by Rep. DuBose Porter of Dublin, and I expect him to emerge tomorrow as minority leader.

This would be getting things off on the right step. Read what he has to say.

And you all know how much we are going to need Rep. Calvin Smyre to help right our ship. Some of you might recall an earlier post (08-15-04) in which I noted:

"[M] favorite low profile political trio – Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, Attorney General Thurbert Baker and former state Democratic Party Chairman Calvin Smyre – remain most vigilant in rebuilding our state's white-black Democratic coalition as we all work together in reviving the crumbled Democratic power and putting back together again our Humpty-Dumpty Democratic Party of Georgia following our November 2002 whipping."

I have a feeling that Rep. Smyre soon will be assuming a more significant role in Party matters.

And talking about great Democrats, come January 1, we are sure going to miss Larry Walker. While it is not publicly known, Rep. Walker could have been persuaded to stay, but such was not the wishes of the one then calling the shots. I cannot tell you how much he is going to be missed, and this would even be before the Nov. 2 massacre.