McKinney Files Papers for Re-Election

ATLANTA – Amid a swarm of television cameras, U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney arrived at the state Capitol on Monday to file for re-election.

McKinney smiled broadly but didn't comment on her recent scuffle with a U.S. Capitol Police officer.

"Hello, so good to see you," the Democratic congresswoman said as she made her way around the House chamber.

McKinney was one of dozens of candidates filing the required paperwork and fees Monday to run for office. Elected officials and those hoping to unseat them shook hands and hugged friends and supporters. Campaign T-shirts and buttons were everywhere.

Gov. Sonny Perdue was expected to file his qualifying papers in the afternoon.

McKinney flashed her Georgia driver's license at photographers in an apparent jab at the incident in Washington in late March. She allegedly struck a Capitol Hill police officer who stopped her for bypassing a security checkpoint at a House office building. A grand jury is weighing whether to bring criminal charges in the incident.

Along with her paperwork, McKinney submitted a check for $4,863, the filing fee required of candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Earlier, McKinney's Democratic opponent, DeKalb County Commissioner Hank Johnson, filed his own qualifying papers.

"I think that citizens in the 4th District are tired of constant controversy," Johnson said. "They want effective leadership in the halls of Congress."

Party officials must submit qualifying information on candidates to the Secretary of State's office by May 1.