Early voting is underway in the 9th Congressional district. The Northwest Georgia seat opened up when Congressman Nathan Deal resigned in order to run for governor.

The district is considered one of the most conservative in the country. One Independent, One Democrat and 6 Republicans, are vying for the seat.

The Tea Party movement has a huge impact on race says Dalton State College political scientist Ken Ellinger. He says dissatisfaction with Washington is the tone throughout the campaigns.

“We’ll wind up electing somebody who certainly is one of the most anti government candidate," he says. " If you listen to their rhetoric, they’re all anti government candidates.”

Except for the Democrat Mike Freeman, Ellinger says, who will have little chance of getting elected.

Because of so many candidates in the race, Ellinger expects a run off in the May 11th election.

The Republican Candidates are Chris Cates, Tom Graves, Lee Hawkins, Bert Loftman,
Bill Stephens and Steve Tarvin.

Eugene Moon is running as an independent.

Tags: Georgia, Atlanta, Nathan Deal, 9th congressional district georgia, Chris Cates, Tom Graves, Lee Hawkins, Bert Loftman, Bill Stephens and Steve Tarvin, Mike Freeman, Ken Ellinger, Dalton State College