Larry Peterson writes: Barrow's re-election no shoo-in

Larry Peterson writes in the Savannah Morning News:

John Barrow may have expected a breather.

Since [winning in 2004 and a rematch with Republican Max Burns in 2006], the Savannah Democrat has worked hard to bond with his diverse, sprawling constituency, [and] had raised $1.3 million for this year's campaign by early spring.

Barrow probably hoped he would - as he was in 2006 - be unopposed for his party's nomination. Then he'd use his money, name recognition and conservative - as Democrats go - political posture to steamroller the GOP nominee.

After all, polls indicate this is a Democratic year.

But that scenario went awry.

Days before qualifying began, feisty, flamboyant Regina Thomas announced she would run against Barrow in the July 15 Democratic primary.

69.4 percent of the 12th District people who voted in the Feb. 5 Democratic presidential primary [are black as is state senator Thomas].

Barrow has tried to offset that by touting his recent endorsement by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Merle Black, a professor of political science at Emory University, [says Thomas doesn't have any resources, and] "Barrow shouldn't have any problem."

Charles Bullock, a University of Georgia political science professor, isn't so sure.

"In a conventional race where endorsements and money matter a lot," he said, "Barrow would be able to win pretty easily.

"But if it turns out to be an unconventional race where grass-roots organizing matters most, it could get interesting."