Coweta County

voters helped one of their own - Mitch Seabaugh - defeat incumbent

state Sen. Rick Price for the 28th District seat that represents

portions of Coweta, Fayette and Spalding counties.

In Tuesday's runoff, Seabaugh was favored 2,491 to 1,675 over

Price in Coweta County. But Seabaugh also won Fayette County with

1,700 votes compared to Price's 1,522. Price won Spalding County

127-112.

Seabaugh said his legislative plans largely hinge on what committee

assignments he gets. Education will be one of his main priorities,

however.

Seabaugh wants to get input from educators and others over the next

three months on how best to improve education. One of the issues

he wants to tackle is providing incentives for teachers to work

in at-risk schools

"One of the problems with the education bill last year was

that they didn't talk to educators about the changes,"

Seabaugh said. "I've set up meetings with educators where

I will sit and listen. That's what I'll be working on

for the next three months: getting input."

Seabaugh said he is looking forward to the opportunity "to

make a difference." He also hopes to help with budget matters,

given his background as a Certified Public Accountant.

In a statement after the election, Price wished Seabaugh well.

"The voters of this district deserve and need good representation

in the state Senate," Price said. "I hope he is able to

give it to them."

Price said he ran a positive campaign and he is proud of his record.

"I think I just failed to get that message to enough people,"

he said.