MACON, Ga. (ABP) — Cecil Staton, president of Smyth & Helwys Publishing, announced March 29 he is seeking a seat in the Georgia state Senate. Staton will run as a Republican to represent the newly configured District 18 in central Georgia.
Staton said creation of the new district, in which he lives and has business interests, “came about very quickly.” His political involvement, he said, is an attempt to improve community life.
“I see this as a way to make the community where we live and work, and are raising our sons who may likely live in this area, a better community,” Staton told Baptists Today
This is Staton's second venture into electoral politics. In 2002 he lost a runoff election to fellow Republican Phil Gingrey, who eventually won the 11th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Since entering politics, Staton has reduced his daily involvement in Smyth & Helwys, a 12-year-old publishing company that provides Sunday school materials and other resources to many moderate Baptist congregations. Staton said he is still “very committed to that enterprise” but has entrusted executive vice president and publisher David Cassady with overseeing daily operations.
Station also owns Stroud & Hall, a new venture that published U.S. Sen. Zell Miller's recent best-selling book, “A National Party No More.” He also owns Staton Broadcasting Company.
“I see public service much as I see ministry,” said Staton of his passion for politics. “I see it as a calling.”
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