Emory Political Scientist Says "Closet Republican" Charge Can Work to Norwood's Advantage ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Party affiliation was the big issue in the last televised debate among the 4 major candidates for Atlanta Mayor. The front-runner, City Council member Mary Norwood, faced charges from Council President Lisa Borders, and former State Senator Kasim Reed, that she's a Republican. Norwood denied it. Michael Leo Owens is an Emory University associate professor of political science. WABE's Denis O'Hayer asked if party should be such an issue, when there's no party affiliation in fixing potholes. © Copyright 2012, WABE