In politics, like sports, pay back can sometimes be harsh.

Georgia Senate Republicans, fresh off a sweeping Election Day victory where they gained a state senate seat and now hold a commanding 35-21 Gold Dome majority over reeling Democrats, couldn't wait to pay back a politically wounded Lt. Governor Casey Cagle (R).

They got together last week in Macon for a caucus meeting and voted to strip Cagle of his core powers over their body. This despite the fact that Cagle got 55 percent of the statewide vote on November 2.

But out of the chaos of the political posturing, North Fulton's Senator David Shafer (R-Duluth) emerged as arguably one of the most powerful legislators in Georgia. It's a North Fulton game changer if there ever was one.

The Senate Caucus has the power vested in it by the state Constitution to set the rules for each session every two years. They wasted no time is neutering Cagle's powers in the senate. He no longer can select Committee members or appoint Committee Chairman. Cagle's real authority now amounts to that of the Vice President of the United States: ceremonial in nature. It's analogous to the late Lester Maddox (D), who served as Lt. Governor under then-Governor Jimmy Carter (D) from 1970-1974. Maddox had no authority and no powers; Carter told him to steer clear of him and banned his presence from his office, just down the hall. Maddox had a phone and a secretary.

THE CAGLE COUP

The Cagle coup was born out of the fact that some senate leaders viewed him as heavy handed, aloof and not a team player. In what amounted to a power grab, current senate President Pro-Tem Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) and Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) orchestrated the Cagle power-outage. Sources around the Capitol say Williams was never comfortable with Cagle, as he was sympathetic to Ralph Reed's Lt. Governor candidacy in 2006. Cagle defeated Reed, the early favorite to win, in the July 2006 GOP primary.

Cagle [pictured right] appointed Rogers to his current leadership post in 2008. One legislator, who preferred anonymity, said Rogers' move was strictly politically self-serving. "He [Rogers] has ambition for state wide office. He saw an opening to increase his status -- his authority -- and he took it, at Casey's expense. It's that simple."

Sources close to Cagle say the Lt. Governor was weakened by a recent ethics charge filing and unsubstantiated rumors of an alleged extra marital affair with a staff member that has been swirling around the hallway whisper circuit for years. It recently resurfaced.

"It was a blatant power grab," opined one official, who preferred not to be identified, in describing Cagle's dress down. "Casey was under fire politically and distracted by the campaign. So Williams and Rogers planned this out and knocked him out."

THE RESSURECTION OF DAN MOODY

The coup leaders -- in a deft effort to sway wary caucus members to vote their way -- resurrected former D-56 state senator Dan Moody, who retired after the 2010 session to speak on their behalf. Several members who attended the closed-door meeting said Moody gave an impassioned and effective presentation against Cagle. "Former Sen. Moody [pictured right], who served as Caucus Chairman, was trotted out as their [Williams and Rogers] stalking horse," offered one source with ties to Cagle. "He had no dog in the hunt, so his speech was seen as very objective -- he had nothing to gain. That made it quite believable."

The vote against Cagle was a voice vote. It carried, but not unanimously. Current D-56 State Senator-elect John Albers (R-Roswell) was counted as a pro-caucus vote by members in attendance. When asked to confirm his vote to strip Cagle of his senate powers, Albers said the vote was private. But Albers did not deny that he indeed voted with the majority -- and against Cagle.

The reality of the caucus vote leaves little wiggle room for Cagle. Anything that he attempts to do can be quickly over-ridden by the senate caucus leadership. They proved they have more than enough votes to topple any Cagle initiative they don’t like.

CAGLE'S LOSS IS NORTH FULTON'S GAIN

But Cagle's loss is unquestionably North Fulton's gain. His name is David Shafer, who represents D-48, which encompasses most of Johns Creek and Alpharetta and all of Milton. Shafer, who recruited Cagle to run for the state senate in 1994 when he was executive director of the Georgia Republican Party, was elected Vice-Chairman of the Senate Caucus. He defeated Senators Judson Hill (R-Marietta) and Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) on the second ballot.
 
Shafer now holds one of the most powerful positions in Georgia.

“I will use this leadership position to advance policies that will create jobs by keeping taxes low and markets free,” said Shafer. "I appreciate the confidence placed in me by my fellow Caucus members. I look forward to working with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and my colleagues in the General Assembly on behalf of the people of Georgia," Shafer added. "My focus will be on creating the best environment and championing the most compelling polices to stimulate jobs."

Cagle also praised Shafer's leadership ascension. "I congratulate Senator Shafer on his election and look forward to working with him on behalf of the people of Georgia," said the Lt. Governor.

The newly elected Senate Caucus Vice Chairman says he looks forward to working with Cagle "within the new framework."

Under new Senate rules, Shafer will join the other elected Caucus officers and two appointees of the Lieutenant Governor as members of the Committee on Assignments which will select the chairman and members of the standing committees.

Rounding out the new Senate leadership team are Williams, nominated for Senate President Pro Tem, which will go to a full vote before the Senate on January 10, 2011, Rogers, who was re-elected as Senate Majority Leader and Sen. Cecil Staton (R-Macon) who will serve as Senate Majority Whip. Sen. Bill Cowsert (R- Athens) was elected Majority Caucus Chairman, and Sen. Greg Goggans (R-Douglas) was re-elected Caucus Secretary.

Rogers praised Shafer’s election. "Senator Shafer’s conservative philosophy, his record of service and his years of experience are assets that will make a positive difference," Rogers said.

Shafer is in a uniquely good position because he enjoys the support of the Caucus while sharing a good working relationship with Cagle.

He's the one man that can bring the two factions together.

That's good for Georgia. And great for North Fulton.