Thursday, we reported that Gov. Nathan Deal had appointed state Rep. Regina Quick (R-Athens) a Superior Court judge. Now, Deal might be eyeing another Athens legislator.

Rep. Chuck Williams (R-Watkinsville), who owns a tree farm in south Oconee, is under consideration for a position on the Georgia Forestry Commission, Lee Becker reported last night at Oconee County Observations.

Williams told me tonight (Thursday) that he did not know when Gov. Deal will make the decision on appointment of the head of the Forestry Commission.

Williams said he did not seek out the position but went forward with the application process when encouraged to do so.

Williams did say he did not expect the decision to be made as late as after the November elections.

Quick submitted her resignation from the House on Thursday, setting up a likely special election Nov. 7 featuring Democrat Deborah Gonzalez and Republicans Doug McKillip and Houston Gaines (who picked up an endorsement from popular sheriff Scott Berry, according to Becker).

That's also a likely date for a special election to replace Williams. Both seats lean Republican, but Democrats would have an outside chance of picking them up if they're open and Democratic enthusiasm is running high.