Politics to Dominate 2012

One thing for sure can be said about 2012 — it's going to be a political year.

Politics charge from the starting gate quickly with the Iowa caucuses Tuesday, the first leg in the primary season to choose a Republican presidential candidate. After some early bumps, Georgia's Newt Gingrich, with headquarters in Buckhead, is among the GOP front-runners headed into Iowa. And then there is New Hampshire, before the primaries build in intensity.

The primary season swings to Georgia on March 6 with the state presidential primary, which Gingrich is favored to win, according to polls. With the race between Gingrich and presumed favorite Mittt Romney and other contenders reaching its climax before the Georgia primary, Buckhead is likely to be a hot spot for fund-raising and political appearances.

On the state level, the Georgia Legislature comes back into session on Jan. 9, with continued Democratic-Repblican hostility over redistricting setting the tone. The U.S. Justice Department recently approved Georgia's new districts, but the Georgia Democratic Party is considering a lawsuit.

Speaking of redistricting, it's sparked an interesting race in the reconfigured Ga. Senate District 6, which now includes Buckhead. A field of four Republican candidates so far are running for the chance to take on incumbent Doug Stoner. The primary election is July 31.

That's also the date in which metro voters including several in Buckhead. Expect to hear more about the transportation vote as education campaigns by civic organizations accelerate.

After all of the primaries, the GOP and Democrats hold their national conventions before the presidential election on Nov. 6, 2012, when President Barack Obama goes against the Republican nominee. If Gingrich wins the nomination, Buckhead could be the center of the political universe during the presidential campaign.