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Gov. candidate profile Randal Mangham
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SAVANNAH — Democrat Randal Mangham is the stealth candidate for governor.

The state representative from Stone Mountain doesn't have a campaign website, seldom attends debates and fails to return phone calls.

Mangham kept a low profile until he stunned political observers by entering the governor's race just before the April 29 deadline.

As a junior member of the minority party caucus — he was elected to the House in 2000 — he has a thin legislative resume.

Highlights for 2010 on his Facebook page cite his introduction of the House doctor and pastor of the day, a daily ritual in the chamber.

They also note his floor speech criticizing Georgia's failure to take advantage of federal economic stimulus funds for high-speed rail.

"Georgia was not in the game," when $8 billion was divvied up among the states, he lamented.

Among the Mangham measures the House has passed are resolutions commending the city of Lithonia and the Rockdale County Democratic Party.

On his behalf, it also recognized Georgia's clergy and Africa Day and Africa Diaspora Day. It also honored someone's 91st birthday.

In addition, it has commended various constituents — including his own pastor — and offered condolence for families of people who have died.

Mangham also has been a leading supporter of more substantive — but unsuccessful — proposals.

Among them are ones that would have increased the minimum wage and imposed a moratorium on the death penalty.

Another called for the president to be elected by a popular vote instead of indirectly by the Electoral College. That is a federal issue over which the state has no control.

There have been few indications as to what sort of campaign he might run — if he actually mounts one.

One clue may have emerged in 2007, when he sought a minor party post and said Democrats should run "grass roots" efforts and knock on doors.

His campaign finances may leave him few alternatives.

He entered the governor's race after the end of the last reporting period, so he hasn't had to say how much money he has raised.

In April, he reported he had raised only $263.53 for his state House re-election campaign.

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