Hearing to decide James Williams’ House District 151 eligibility

ATLANTA — Some Georgia Democrats are accusing Republican Secretary of State Brian Kemp of protecting Republican interests in House District 151 by calling for a hearing to determine the eligibility of James Williams’ to run against veteran Republican Rep. Gerald Greene for his seat in the predominantly African-American district.

Williams, a former Albany police officer, qualified to run against Greene for the House District 151 seat Greene has held for the past 33 years. Shortly after qualifying closed on March 11, Greene challenged Williams’ eligibility, saying the Democrat actually lives in House District 154. Rep. Winfred Dukes qualified to retain the District 154 seat with no challenge.

“I always check out opponents when I qualify for election,” Greene said today. “There was a problem with (an opponent’s) residency in 2012, so it always pays to check. There was a question about Mr. Williams’ residency all along, and it is my understanding that he lives in District 154.

“I have 10 days after qualifying to file a challenge, and I did so. I have hired an attorney — Ann Lewis of Atlanta — to represent me at a hearing that will be held Wednesday of next week at 9:30 (a.m.). I would assume that Mr. Williams will present his case at that time as well.”

Attempts to contact Williams today were unsuccessful, and Constance Burkes, the chairwoman of the Dougherty County Democratic Party, said she’s not yet ready to comment fully on the matter until more information is available.

“I said a long time ago that this question might come up,” Burkes said. “It’s my understanding the the secretary of state’s office is pointing the blame at the county, but qualifying was held (with the state Democratic party) in Atlanta. I don’t know how they can blame the county.”

Candace Broce in Kemp’s office indicated the issue was with the Dougherty County Elections office.

“During redistricting, Dougherty County elections officials incorrectly designated Mr. James Williams as living in House District 151,” Broce said in a statement sent to The Herald. “The Democratic Party of Georgia qualified Mr. Williams for House District 151, although the address he listed appears to be located in House District 154. Our office received a letter from Representative Gerald Greene challenging Mr. Williams’ qualifications. We referred the challenge to the Office of State Administrative Hearings, as we do with any challenge we receive, and a hearing is scheduled for April 13.”

Dougherty County Elections Supervisor Ginger Nickerson was unavailable today. Williams has reportedly voted in District 151 for the past four years.

Greene, who represented District 151 as a Democrat for 27 years before switching to the Republican party six years ago, said race was not the impetus for his challenge.

“I have represented the people of this district for 33 years, and it’s never been about the color of their skin,” he said. “It’s been about the issues that impact the people of the district.

“I kind of feel sorry that Mr. Williams wasn’t aware of what district he was actually in, and I’m not going to point fingers and say anyone is to blame. But the law of the state is pretty clear: You have to live in the district you represent.”