Anderson seeks House seat

Columbia County Commissioner Lee Anderson announced Wednesday that he will seek the state House District 117 seat.

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Anderson, 51, stated his intention to seek the seat held by Rep. Barry Fleming, R-Harlem, in September, but Wednesday was his first public announcement.

Fleming has said he intends to run against Republican U.S. Rep. Paul Broun in the 10th U.S. House District this year.

Anderson said important issues include additional support for law enforcement, reforming education, bolstering the state economy, conserving water, improving tourism and expanding the Medical College of Georgia.

Anderson said he will address those topics without the need to raise taxes.

"There's ways we can more wisely spend our money," he said.

His Republican competitor for the state House is Brett McGuire, who made his campaign announcement earlier this month.

Columbia County Sheriff Clay Whittle and fellow Commissioner Diane Ford spoke on behalf of Anderson during his announcement at the county's government complex in Evans.

"We need somebody with some common sense, like Lee Anderson, up there," Whittle said.

Ford said Anderson will perform well in the state Legislature.

"He wants to help," she said.

Anderson is a graduate of Harlem High School. His community service includes two terms on the county's school board, 25 years as president of the Columbia County Farm Bureau and an active volunteer with local FFA and 4-H programs.

Earlier in the week, Martinez resident Lee Benedict, who last year sought the 24th District state Senate seat, declared his intent to challenge Republican state Rep. Ben Harbin in the 118th District.

The Republican primary for both posts is July 15.