Friday's guest on the "Mornings unPHILtered" show was former state senator Eric Johnson, who stepped down from that office earlier this year to run for the Republican nomination for governor.
      Show Host Phil Boyum asked Johnson what he is hearing from the people he meets. Johnson replied that people are angry and scared of what's going on in Washington. The overspending, the tax increases, and all the talk of deficits has everybody very concerned.
      Johnson commented there are, at this moment, nine candidates (of all parties) who are seeking the governor's seat.   According to Johnson, there are four Republicans leading the way in the primary election race, from which the top two will most likely be in a primary run-off.
      Asked how he could set himself apart, Johnson replied that only he has been a Republican all of his political career. Furthermore, Johnson, a professional architect, has worked in the Coastal Empire, and not Atlanta, all of his professional life.
      The next governor, he said, must rebuild our infrastructure, in areas such as roads, energy and water. Johnson promised to support and encourage entrepreneurship to help new businesses start up, and said he will push for education reform, to ensure our students can compete in the national and the world economy.
      Concerning the Ethics Plan that was just pushed through the Georgia Legislature on Wednesday night. Johnson said the Legislature will continue to make improvements in areas of the ethics reform bill such as in auditing financial reports and in establishing a neutral body to investigate potential conflicts.
      After sharing his successes in getting more support around the state, Johnson encouraged all interested Georgians to go to his newly updated website, www.johnsonforgeorgians.com, to find about the latest things going on in his campaign.
      Johnson told the show's listeners he is really looking forward to coming to the new Statesboro High School on Friday, May 7, where he will be part of the for the Republican Party's statewide candidates Meet and Greet from 5 until 7 pm..
      He added that he is very excited about being a part of the Gubernatorial debate (from 7-9 pm) that will follow the Meet and Greet. At this point, all of the Republican gubernatorial candidates have confirmed that they will be in Statesboro for both the Meet and Greet and the debate on May 7.

      "Mornings unPHILtered" airs live Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on statesboroherald.com and also simulcast on WWNS-AM 1240 on the radio. You also can listen anytime at BoroLive.com on statesboroherald.com