Rural white Democrats ran the state of Georgia for well over 100 years.  Now there are only two North Georgia rural Democrats in the legislature.  State Representative Barbara Massey Reece, a Democrat from Menlo and State Representative Rick Crawford, a Democrat from Cedartown.  Both have resisted the move to the Republican Party.  Since the Republicans swept control of the state in the last election, nine rural white Democrats have switched to the Republican Party.

But political analyst are saying just because Republicans are in control does not mean that they are unified on every issue.  In fact, some say that inter-party disagreements are not only likely but have already surfaced. 

Representative Reece who represents Chattooga County and a large part of rural Floyd County has stated that she has already started forming coalitions with like-minded rural Republicans on several issues.  Reece told the Rome News Tribune that she is working with a coalition of Democrats and Republicans to protect property owners who have signed leases with mining companies to drill for oil or natural gas.

Representative Reece told AM 1180 last week that she has met with House Speaker David Ralston about committee assignments.  Reece said that Ralston, being from rural North Georgia understands the needs of the area and that she has a good working relationship with the speaker.