By John Fredericks / Staff

One meets destiny often in the road he takes to avoid it.

Such is the case for Ga. House Speaker Pro-Tem Mark Burkhalter (R-Johns Creek) who is now poised to become Georgia’s 61st Speaker of the House, and the first Speaker from Fulton County, on January 1, 2010.

Current Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram), who attempted suicide last month, has been under fire while undergoing agonizing media scrutiny for bizarre behavior stemming from a highly publicized television interview by his ex-wife, Susan, last week. Richardson told GOP caucus leaders in a hastily scheduled conference call on Thursday that he intends to resign from the House, effective January 1.  

Per the Georgia Constitution, Burkhalter will assume the role of House Speaker at that time. He then has 120 days to call a formal election. The position of Speaker Pro-Tem, which he currently holds, will have to be resolved by an election of House members when the 2010 General Assembly session commences on January 10.

Burkhalter’s sudden and serendipitous rise to the second most influential – and maybe the most powerful – position in Georgia's government was neither planned nor contrived. Contrarily, Burkhalter did everything he could to eschew it.

"Mark certainly didn't game this out,” said GOP Majority Whip Jan Jones (R-Milton), a close political ally of Burkhalter's. "Now, it’s a historic event."

AS FATE WOULD HAVE IT

Burkhalter seriously contemplated a run for Ga. governor last year.  Had he elected to do so, he would now be campaigning as a top tier contender, not in line for Speaker of the House.

He applied for a coveted position as Executive Director of The George World Congress Center, and was one of four finalists from a nationwide search. The position – if offered and accepted – would have required him to resign his House seat. Upon learning of Richardson's resignation, Burkhalter promptly withdrew his application from consideration.

This quick action further demonstrates Mark's dedication to this state, his Party, and his colleagues," commented one area legislator.

Had the GWCC’s time-table been moved up by just a few weeks, and he accepted the job if offered, he would not be in line for Speaker of the House.

The unabashed conservative and intensely loyal North Fulton legislator stood by his current Speaker, Richardson, as long as he could. He was by his side when Richardson admitted suffering from depression and went public with his suicide attempt. And he was by his side when the ugly allegations from his ex-wife became public. When questioned by the press regarding Richardson's future, Burkhalter simply said, "He will be Speaker as long as he chooses to be Speaker."

Had Richardson’s wife declined her now infamous television interview, Burkhalter would not be in line for Speaker of the House.

But fate – and a date with destiny – got in the way of all that.

WHERE YOUR TALENTS AND THE NEEDS OF THE WORLD CROSS, LIES YOUR CALLING

"It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped."

In a way, perhaps unknowingly, Burkhalter has been preparing for this challenge for the last 17 years while a member of the Georgia General Assembly. He served 12 years in the minority and five in the majority.

"Mark went from a young man when he first got elected in 1992 to a not-so-young man now," Jones opined. “In that time he has seasoned, matured and grown.

"The 2010 Georgia session will go will down in history," the Whip boldly predicted. "I’m excited for Mark,” she added, “but truth be told: I am more excited for Georgia. We are the lucky ones, not Mark."

Burkhalter is known for three things above all else: he is intensely loyal to his colleagues, his conservative principles serve as his political and moral compass, and he has ultimate respect for the body of the Georgia House of Representatives, while embodying a sense of history.

"Mark has traveled the state countless times on behalf of his GOP members,” said veteran Roswell Republican Rep. Harry Geisinger. “He has earned the loyalty and following of his colleagues in a way that you can’t replicate.” Geisinger added that Burkhalter‘s quiet and humble political personality is his lynchpin for member support. "It's never about Mark," Geisinger explained, "it’s always about someone else. He tends to keep it that way. That builds boundless trust."

THE WEEK THAT WAS

"It was a tumultuous week," commented House Judiciary Chairman Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs). "It was very difficult for Glenn to resign, but his options narrowed. He did the only thing he could do. He had no other way to go.” When queried about the seriousness of the allegations leveled against Richardson, which includes an inappropriate relationship with an Atlanta Gas Light lobbyist who was pushing a pipeline bill that Richardson was coincidently championing, Willard offered this allegory: “The higher you are, the harder you fall.”

The alleged affair was the centerpiece of an ethics complaint filed by Democrats against Richardson two years ago. The ethics panel, dominated by Richardson appointees, quickly dismissed the complaint. It's now a source of contention for former State Senator Eric Johnson, who chaired the committee at the time, and is a Republican candidate for governor. 

Richardson's support among GOP leaders across the state began to wane early in the week, when State Republican Chairman Sue Everhart urged him to resign privately and Secretary of State Karen Handel, another GOP gubernatorial candidate, called for it publicly.

RICHARDSON’S STATEMENT

"Effective January 1, 2010, I will resign my position as Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives and as state Representative for the 19th District in Paulding County," Richardson said in a prepared statement released to the press after his conference call.

The House Speaker acknowledged that he has suffered from depression for "many years" and that he is currently undergoing treatment. "I continue to seek treatment and have made progress in dealing with this disease. In making this public disclosure, it was my hope to raise awareness and encourage others who suffer from this disease to come forward and seek treatment. I fear that the media attention of this week has deflected this message and done harm to many people who suffer from this condition," Richardson concluded.

The House Speaker made no mention of the details of his erratic behavior that was chronicled in the aforementioned television interview.

Several GOP caucus members who participated in the call said Richardson went off on his ex-wife, defended his actions and showed little, if any, contrition for his self-imposed problems. “Not a good sign for him,” one member tacitly commented.

BURKHALTER’S TAKE ON THE TURN OF EVENTS

"It's time to thank Glenn Richardson for his five years of service as Speaker. All of Georgia wishes the Speaker well including good health and good fortune," said the new Speaker-in-waiting.

"Glenn Richardson was the right Speaker for the right era, a time when Republicans took the Majority after 134 years in the Minority."

Burkhalter said he understood the gravity of the situation and his responsibility that came with the turn of events, as Speaker Pro-Tem. "I am committed to getting the Georgia House through this transition and beyond," he stated.

"Some things we just can’t predict or plan for, and this happens to be one of them. But I am certainly committed to and excited about the opportunities ahead and continuing to work with a talented group of lawmakers," Burkhalter emphasized.

When questioned by the media about Richardson’s past transgressions, Burkhalter was far less effusive, however.

Burkhalter said he didn't know about the alleged affair Richardson’s former wife accused him of having. "I sensed his personal life was in turmoil to some degree, but I didn’t know the specifics, nor did I ask," Burkhlalter said.

Concerning Richardson’s extra curricular activities, Burkhalter said, “That is not my business and I didn’t know anything about that business.”

BURKHALTER: "THE STATE CAPITAL WILL FOREVER BE A DIFFERENT PLACE"

Burkhalter promised immediate changes in terms of leadership approach, demeanor and substance. Stylistically, he has a polar opposite personality when juxtaposed against Richardson.

"We must earn the trust of Georgians," Burkhalter said. "You earn that trust on a daily basis, and live it through your actions. Members already know they will be held to a higher standard, and they should be. I will instill in our caucus what they already know, that forever the state Capitol is a different place," he flatly predicted.

"This is a chance for both sides of the aisle to come together to help Georgia continue to be a great state and the envy of much of the nation," Burkhalter then theorized.

"This will bring stability and continuity to the General Assembly at a time when we need it most so that our legislature can focus on our priorities," said Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta). "These include balancing the state budget while adequately funding public safety, our judicial system and education."

IF HISTORY IS TO FOREBEAR THE FUTURE…

The Highest Destiny of the Individual is to Serve Rather Than to Rule.

Burkhalter is well known for the solid relationships he has built across the aisle, and that bodes well in what will undoubtedly be a contentious 2010 session.

The relationships he has built with House Democrats will likely provide him with the additional leverage he needs to get the necessary votes for his key legislation.

"Mark respects the sanctity of the House and all its members," said Rep. Kevin Levitas, a moderate Democrat from Tucker. "His door is always open."

Levitas predicted that Burkhalter might give one or two committee chairmanships to Democrats to show good faith.

"I believe Mark may consider reaching across the aisle for a Committee Chairmanship or two. That precedent has been set in the Senate," Levitas said.

Levitas predicted that Burkhalter’s leadership acumen, reputation and style will set him apart.

"Mark has the potential to be a historic Speaker in a challenging time,” Levitas added. "His love for the institution of the House, his work ethic and his calming, common sense approach is going to be very refreshing. He legitimately values all opinions."

The centrist Democrat said that even though he represents the minority party, "Speaker Richardson found out the hard way he couldn’t get a Constitutional Amendment passed without us Democrats."

Levitas, serving his second term in the House, maintained that Burkhalter would focus on positive solutions for Georgia's citizens, while not worrying about who got the credit.

"Georgians want results to our problems. They have tired of the infighting, rancor and contentious nature of the General Assembly, which reached a crescendo last year and is widely viewed as an obstacle to progress," Levitas maintained. "Burkhalter will change all that. He’s not a headline grabber. He's all about results, solutions and action."

Levitas didn’t mince words in his assesment of the 2010 session. "This will be one of the most critical legislatures in Georgia history," asserted Levitas. "We have daunting problems that need solid, bi-partisan solutions."

Levitas outlined the big four as: balancing the state budget, transportation, water and job creation.

WHEN WILL BURKHALTER CALL A FORMAL SPEAKER ELECTION?

Burkhalter has 120 days from January 1 to call a formal House election for Speaker. That means he can schedule the vote on January 10, when the new legislature convenes, wait until it nears conclusion, at the end of April, or anytime in between.

Burkhalter was elected House Speaker Pro-Tem by voice acclamation twice without opposition from either party.

"No one knows at this point what he will do," said Jones. "He needs time to wrap his arms around what just transpired and I trust he will do whatever he believes is in the best interest of the state, not himself, which is vintage Burkhalter," she projected.

When contacted, Burkhalter says he intends to meet with his leadership caucus early next week to decide what is best for all House members. "This just took place on Thursday," Burkhalter said, "I will meet with our caucus prior to any decision being made." But Burkhalter indicated he has no intention of dragging the confirmation out, if he can help it. "My preference is to try and get this resolved sooner rather than later," he added.

WHO WILL BE SPEAKER PRO-TEM?

The Georgia Constitution also calls for the position of House Speaker Pro-Tem to be filled in January. No names have surfaced yet, but the chances of House Majority Whip Jan Jones (R-Milton) ascending to the position may be remote, according to legislators close to the situation. "Both Jones and Martin are capable," said one veteran legislator, "but the fact that they both have neighboring districts to Mark's makes them geographically untenable choices."

Jones, however, said district location was of little relevance. "Putting the best team in place is the goal, and that trumps geography," she said. "We all serve the entire state of Georgia, not just our districts."

Several sources inside the GOP leadership caucus predicted that Jones would remain as Majority Whip and Rep. Jerry Kean (R-St. Simons) would continue to serve as Majority Leader.

That scenario leaves the position of Speaker Pro-Tem wide open for a new face.

Martin says he expects the vote for the vacant spot to be called for on the opening day of the session in January.

MILTON COUNTY?

There is no doubt Burkhalter’s elevation to House Speaker improves the chances of passing the constitutional amendment to create Milton County this year. The amendment needs a two-thirds majority in both chambers, and Burkhalter’s increased authority will make a difference, as he will have more latitude to make the horse trades he needs to get the few remaining votes to put it over the top with a two-thirds majority.

"The number one thing that comes out of this is that Mark’s rise to Speaker will increase the likelihood of Milton County passing this year," professed Willard. The Judiciary Chairman, who has played a key role in bringing the re-creation of Milton County successfully out of his committee, maintained that he is basing his assessment on Burkhalter's great relationships across the aisle.

"The re-creation of Milton County is good for North Fulton and good for Georgia," Martin said. "Mark's time has come. Georgia's time has come. Milton County's time has come," concluded Martin.