The Political Insider reports on the Democratic nominee for governor.

Among Republicans, summer thinking has shifted to cast Cathy Cox, the Democratic secretary of state, as Sonny Perdue's most likely opponent next year. For the moment, Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, who for three years has served as Perdue's favorite nemesis, has been dethroned.

Keeping women voters on Perdue's side has become an essential part of Republican thinking.

The entrance of Karen Handel, the Fulton County commission chairman, into the statewide contest to replace Cox as secretary of state is proof that certain GOP leaders have begun plotting with this new eventuality in mind.

(The ajc's 8-1-05 Political Insider.)