Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed has said many, many times he won't run for statewide office in 2018 but that he has another campaign in him. The Democrat said again Tuesday he still has his eye on higher office, even as the bribery scandal threatens to tarnish his legacy, although he wouldn't say what seat.
“What I’m not doing is being coy and acting like I’m playing games with you all. I definitely want to run for office again. I’m going to finish up my term as mayor,” said Reed. “I’m going to get through these very tough challenges we’re dealing with around these bribery allegations and then I’m going to be normal for a little while.”
He wouldn’t say what “normal” is – aside from taking a vacation – but he talked about a recent joy: Showing up for his daughter’s recital early, and staying even after she performed.
“The one conclusion that I’ve come to in a real comfortable fashion – certainly after having the opportunity to watch President Obama’s last year – is that I’m going to be fine putting this down,” said Reed. “This is a tough job, it’s my dream job, but it’s tough.”
Democratic operatives consider Reed a top contender to challenge U.S. Sen. David Perdue in 2020 or run for governor in 2022 if a Republican wins next year's election. But much will also depend on what other top Georgia Democrats - Jason Carter, Stacey Abrams and Sally Yates - decide over the coming years.
More: Kasim Reed opens with a 'hug' for press - then drops the hammer
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