When he drew the chairmanship of the Bibb County Commission's Public Properties Committee, Elmo Richardson most likely didn't imagine he would be called to rule on an issue now pending in the U.S. Supreme Court.

But that's what happened when a group of Middle Georgians petitioned the committee to have the Ten Commandments displayed at the courthouse. And in one of politics' little ironies, the matter was scheduled for discussion Tuesday - the same day the high court announced it would hear two cases on whether the Commandments can be displayed in public buildings.

Richardson, a Republican, and his fellow county commissioners were able to sidestep the question, telling petitioners that they support the Ten Commandments and may be willing to display them eventually, but they'd like to see what the Supreme Court says first.

After all, Richardson noted, that's a few governmental levels "above us."

After Tuesday's meeting other commissioners congratulated Richardson for handling the touchy issue.

Said Bibb County Commission Chairman Tommy Olmstead: "It's hard to say no to the Ten Commandments."

Battleground bar

Forget about the presidential battle over red states and blue states; local parties have been vying for rights to a popular sports bar.

C.J.'s Bar & Grill agreed to host Democrats for the first presidential debate while the Republicans congregated at Jocks & Jills.

This week, Amy Morton of Georgia Women for Kerry said she found out the Republicans had booked C.J.'s for the final debate, so the Democrats scrambled to host their party at the Crowne Plaza near their party headquarters.

Chuck Lewis, one of the managers at C.J.'s, said it had nothing to do with politics or red and blue territory.

Republican and Democrat money is equally green.

"It's all about the bottom line for us anyway," Lewis said. "They were both good groups."

Don't box him in

At the state Board of Regents meeting Wednesday in Atlanta, the conversation turned to grave matters.

Rob Watts, interim director of the Gwinnett University Center, said, "I'd say we need to think outside the box. But I don't like to use that phrase because I have a fear of boxes - especially the kind you're involved with, Regent Cater."

He was referring to the commodity handled by Macon Regent Connie Cater's business: Cater Casket Co.

Hawks and doves

The nearly 4,000 people attending the Hawks-Magic pre-season game Wednesday included state Sen. Robert Brown, who strolled up to the Coliseum in a tan warm-up suit.

Bibb Commission Chairman candidate Lance Randall was a little more formally attired in his light-colored suit. He walked in with Bibb Board of Education president Tommy Barnes, who was carrying a diaper bag.

"It's not really me, is it?" Barnes asked on the way in.

City Council member Elaine Lucas walked in with her husband, Rep. David Lucas, taking advantage of an opportunity to spend an evening "date" together.

"It's a rare occurrence," Elaine Lucas said with a smile, alluding to their busy schedules.

Before the game started, the mayor also was accompanied by his public relations consultant, former Atlanta radio personality Tom Houck.

Zell's zone

U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall may be the only congressional candidate that U.S. Sen. Zell Miller has contributed to this year, but Miller has handed out campaign cash in at least three Georgia state legislative races. According to filings with the Secretary of State's office, Miller has made contributions to Cecil Staton of Macon, now seeking the 18th District Senate seat; Mickey Channell of Greensboro, seeking re-election to House District 116; and Miller's former aide Bill Stephens of Canton, seeking re-election to Senate District 27. Staton and Stephens are Republicans, and Channell is a Democrat.

A civil affair

Tuesday night's U.S. Senate debate at the Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter in Perry was a sedate affair compared to the debate that was held there in 2002. Candidates for governor and Congress had bused in big crowds of rowdy supporters who cheered and booed like spectators at a rasslin' match.

There was even a reported fistfight in the back of the room, though the combatants had left the scene by the time reporters got there to check it out.

The audience at last week's debate tried its best to make noise, but they were outnumbered by the empty seats. Maybe the slim turnout had something to do with the lopsided outlook for the race: Polls show Republican Johnny Isakson leading Democrat Denise Majette by a double-digit margin.

Political calendar

The following campaign events are scheduled in the coming week:

Macon City Hall forum: A candidates' forum is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. in Macon City Hall. After refreshments and an opportunity to approach candidates informally, there will be a formal question-answer period.

The Bibb County Democratic Women, the Bibb County Republicans and the League of Women Voters are sponsors. Organizer Terri Tripp said candidates will answer questions from media personalities chosen by each party.

Candidates from these contested races were invited to attend: state Senate Districts 18 and 26, state House Districts 136 and 140, Bibb County tax commissioner, Bibb County Commission chairman, Bibb County Commission District 4, Bibb County School District 3 and Bibb County School District 6.

The event is scheduled to end about 9 p.m.

South Bibb debate: State and local political candidates are invited to another debate Tuesday evening in South Bibb County at the Porter-Ellis Community Center.

There will be a 6 p.m. meet-the-candidates mixer, then a 7 p.m. forum during which audience members will be allowed to submit questions.

The South Bibb County Property Owners Association, which is sponsoring the forum, has commitments from candidates in the following races, according to Brian Bateman, group chairman: State House District 140, State Senate District 18, Bibb County Commission chairman, District 2 and District 4, Bibb County school District 3 and Bibb County tax commissioner.

U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall and his District 3 opponent, Calder Clay, have been invited, but have not confirmed, Bateman said.

League political forum: The League of Women Voters of Macon invites the public to their monthly meeting at noon Wednesday at the Back Burner Restaurant, 2242 Ingleside Ave. Political candidates running for local and state public office will speak and answer questions from the audience. Candidates for the state Legislature and for several Bibb County offices are expected to participate.

Wilkinson County Democratic rally: Candidates for Congress and for state and local offices have been invited to a rally today from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wilkinson County Courthouse in Irwinton. It's sponsored by the county's Democratic Party, but party chair Reggie Smith said candidates of both parties are invited.

Candidate fund-raiser: Allen Freeman, candidate for the state 140th District House seat representing Twiggs, Wilkinson and parts of Bibb and Jones counties, is holding a campaign event Thursday in Jones County. Billed as the "Final Lap 'Fun'raiser," the event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Chevy's restaurant on Ga. 49.