Poor Handel-ing (Savannah Morning News)

SECRETARY OF State Karen Handel's handling of Jim Powell's candidacy for the Public Service Commission does not pass the sniff test.

Either Ms. Handel was up to some political shenanigans, or she fell down on the job.

The issue of Mr. Powell's eligibility to run in the Democratic primary for the District 4 PSC seat was raised way back in May when opponent Bob Indech filed a challenge saying Mr. Powell did not live in the district.

At a June hearing, an administrative law judge ruled that while Mr. Powell owns two houses, he may legally claim residence at the one in District 4.

With that behind him, Mr. Powell was all set to appear on the July 15 ballot. That is, until July 10 (the Thursday before the Tuesday Election Day), when Ms. Handel decided to overrule the judge's decision and oust Mr. Powell from receiving votes on the basis of the eligibility challenge.

She sent notices to all precincts saying signs should be prominently placed notifying voters that ballots cast for Mr. Powell would not be counted.

Mr. Powell did not learn of the reversal until that Sunday, but then launched a successful appeal, winning a temporary stay of Ms. Handel's decision in Fulton County Superior Court.

However, some polling places did not get the word, and told voters Mr. Powell was ineligible.

Still, the political newcomer blew past Mr. Indech, winning 85 percent of the Democratic vote.

The primary winner must still defend his eligibility in a soon-coming hearing, despite having already won a judge's decision in his favor and a landslide political victory.

The candidate stands a good chance of facing Republican Lauren McDonald in the November general election, but Ms. Handel's 11th-hour meddling, and her failure to notify the candidate of her decision, is a poor way to run an election.

If Mr. Powell's case typifies Ms. Handel's service as secretary of state, she should start worrying about the outcome of another contest: Her own re-election bid in 2010.