"What goes around comes around," says one influential leader of North Fulton's business community. 

Some opponents of freshman State Senator John Albers [pictured below] a Republican from North Fulton (D-56), maintain he "stole" the 2010 run-off election from Brandon Beach.

And they say they're putting their money where their mouth is: to the tune of an estimated $200,000.

"Our objective is to raise $200,000 to defeat John Albers in the 2012 July Republican primary," offered one well sourced business leader in North Fulton, who spoke only on the condition of anonymity. "We have already coalesced much of the business community, and we've galvanized a legion of financial supporters who have so far pledged upwards of $100,000 for the primary campaign. We'll start to raise the money in January." 

The political bad-blood between Albers and his naysayers stem from an automated "robo" call he allegedly authorized for his campaign in the final days leading up to the run-off that feigned support from Roswell Councilwoman Betty Price, wife of powerful 6th District GOP U.S. Congressman Tom Price (R-), by imitating her voice while claiming to be "Betty Prise." 

When notified, the "real" Dr. Betty Price was outraged, and demanded an explanation. Price said Albers first admitted it, then denied it, then pleaded the "Fifth" and explained it was a rogue campaign supporter who did it without his explicit authorization. 

But this newspaper traced the origin of the electronic call back to his place of employment, Ronald Blue Company, so that explanation was hard for his opponents to take seriously.

The campaign tactic, although highly questionable, is not illegal. 

At issue for Albers' re-election is waning support from the North Fulton business community. Some influential former supporters of Beach claim Albers' has become more of a celebrity seeker under the Gold Dome than a serious state senator representing one of the most economically potent enclaves in the state. 

"Other than his incessant, narcissistic, relentless effort to grab headlines, name one thing he has done to create jobs or to stimulate the economy in North Fulton?" asked another business executive, based in Alpharetta. "His record is clear: nothing." 

Albers could be vulnerable in a primary, depending on where the boundaries are drawn after re-destricting. He only raised $13,000 in his latest campaign financial disclosure. 

 "With a 101 vote margin last year, low fundraising in the first half of 2011 and $60,000 indebtedness to himnself, I'd be nervous if I were John Albers and were looking toward my reelection next year. North Fulton has a tradition of self-financing candidates, and it's hard to predict when one will emerge," said Todd Rehm, a Republican political campaign consultant with Sand Mountain Communications. 

"Redistricting is also a wildcard for Sen. Albers," added Rehm. "He needs to have 12,000 fewer voters to reach the proper size district and with a 101 vote margin, he should be watching district line changes closely. Of course it also introduces the possibility of drawing potential opponents either into or out of the district."

Albers has apparently taken notice. Several Board members of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce (GNFCC), which Beach serves as CEO, told the Beacon Broadcast Network that Albers called the organization's new Chairman, Comcast Vice President Andy Macke, to complain about Beach and his supporters. Macke, serving a two-year term, did not deny the phone calls.

But when contacted, Albers doubted the authenticity of the effort, and called it empty political rhetoric. "I was just given an 'A' rating by the Ga. Chamber of Commerce, so this initiative makes little sense to me," Albers said. "I've got a solid track record on job creation, I serve on the Governor's Economic Development Committee, I've been to Savannah to explore deepening the port, and I've met with Al Nash, Executive Director of Progress Partners to lend any support I can." 

Albers theorized that some former Beach supporters were simply pontificating about politics. When asked if his razor thin margin of victory is a factor, Albers said the 2010 election was, "ancient history." 

Beach said he's consumed with creating jobs in North Fulton, and is not involved in any local politics at this time.

Potential candidates that may take on Albers include Beach, Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood or Milton Councilwoman Julie Zahner-Baily, who is expected to win re-election to a third council term this Fall.

jfredericks@beaconcast.com

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