After such an examination,

I have concluded that they are not.

In no instance has there been

one allegation of misuse or personal use of the county-assigned car. In

Georgia, most elected prosecutors have a county or state car assigned

to them for their use.

In our district attorney's

office, not only does the D.A. have a car, but each assistant prosecutor,

the investigator, and the victim's advocate.

I mention that not to criticize,

for as I stated, it is the nature of the business. I was elected not for

40 hours a week, for four years.

I also looked at the letters

attempting to discern if there was a hidden political agenda contained

within them. The letters also chided me for being a bad Republican, and

one alleges I use to be a Democrat in Palmetto.

I have never worked, nor lived

in Palmetto, nor have I ever been a Democrat. Being a Democrat, and living

in Palmetto are similar in that neither are bad, but I travel a different

road with my life.

Finally after much thought,

I have realized that this is typical, dirty, "Roy Barnes" style

of politics. I use that description because, 2004 is an election year.

I have announced that instead

of running for my third term as solicitor general, I am running for superior

court judge. I will be opposing Barnes' lame-duck appointee from

Upson County, an appointment based on cronyism and party loyalty instead

of qualifications.

Therefore the Barnes'

Democratic machine has cranked up early, and right here in Fayette County.

Dirty politics is a campaign based on lies and attacks, instead of touting

your own credentials in a head to head comparison with your opponent.

This new year will be an opportunity

to say "NO" to that style of politics. It will be a time of

affirmation of candidates that serve to make a difference in people's

lives, instead of candidates who serve for power, prestige and pension.

It is time to "finish

the drill" by eliminating Barnes' appointment the way we eliminated

King Roy. I know the attacks are just beginning, but that is what happens

when someone stands up to the big boys. With God's help, the support

of my friends and my wife, I will weather the storm.

To the former patient who defended

Dr. Cano, and decried his conviction: Dr. Cano was convicted by a unanimous

jury after hearing from live witnesses and victims. No letters were ever

shown to the jury, and your name was not on any of the "other victim's"

letters within the prosecution's file.

Steve Harris

Fayette Solicitor General