They say a strong expression on the flag issue could affect their legislative package for the 2001 session of the General Assembly. Speaking of the session, everyone will be watching to see what Gov. Roy Barnes proposes to do about the flag. For the first time in his term, he runs the risk of a noncompliant legislature, if he takes Gov. Zell Miller's 1993 position. Legislators will face an unenviable choice of bucking the governor or making their constituents angry. But the choice is clear for many.
Few urges are stronger than the urge to be re-elected.
If Barnes decides to back a change in the flag, he will expect support from the business community. The public basically sat on the sidelines and watched a fight between the governor and the teachers' unions. Proposing to change the state flag is going to arouse strong emotions that threaten to split the state and the legislature. However, business has no choice but to become involved. The issue will garner national attention.