Cox returns to her hometown to launch her campaign for governor. - What she said.

Secretary of State Cathy Cox returned to her hometown, where she's known as "Our Favorite Daughter," to launch her campaign for governor, promising to bridge the gridlock between Democrats and Republicans in the state Legislature and to set priorities that improve the lives of all Georgians.

• "It a time for a new vision for Georgia. I want to be your next governor."

• Cox, 46, said she would make children a top priority, so they can grow up educated, healthy and capable of succeeding.

• She also said she would use technology to create high-paying jobs. "Technology has opened enormous opportunities to grow our small towns - and we deserve a governor who puts job growth first - for all parts of Georgia," she said. "With the right leadership, we can make the next decade the 'boom' time for our small and medium-sized communities and bring high-paying jobs to every corner of the state."

• Cox said she is willing to work with people of all political parties to improve the state.

• Cox criticized the Legislature for "spending more time debating the legalization of sparklers and hair braiding than they did in considering the entire $17 billion state budget."

• "Georgia's agenda should begin in the governor's office," she said. "We deserve a governor who really leads. We deserve a leader who spends more time bringing people together than dividing them along partisan lines.

• "We will govern with a new spirit," she said. "We will say 'no' to the partisan gridlock and gimmicks. I'll be a governor who can work with anyone and everyone, Republicans or Democrats. Anyone with a good idea for Georgia will be welcome at the table."

(4-19-05, the Associated Press.)
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(For Jim Tharpe's coverage of the story for the AJC, see 4-20-05, AJC.)