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State senator quitting leadership post
Johnson positions self to run for lt. gov.
Eric Johnson Office 2
State Sen. Eric Johnson works in his office in Altanta. - photo by Courier file photo

ATLANTA -- Eric Johnson said Friday he will step aside as president pro tem of the Georgia Senate, with an eye toward a running for lieutenant governor.

In a letter to state Senate GOP colleagues, the Savannah Republican said he'll run if Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle makes a bid for governor. It's widely expected that Cagle will be among the Republicans looking to replace Sonny Perdue when his second term expires in 2010.

Johnson said he'll step aside from his Senate leadership post in December.

"I intend to pour every ounce of energy, experience, and enthusiasm that I have into my candidacy," Johnson said.

Johnson was elected to the pro tem post in 2003. The position is the No. 2 post in the chamber behind the lieutenant governor.

Johnson's Dist. 1 covers much of Liberty County.

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