In March 1947 the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that Melvin Thompson was the rightful governor because he was lieutenant governor–elect when Eugene Talmadge died. In a five-to-two decision the justices ruled that Thompson would be the acting governor until a special election could be held to decide the remainder of the original term, which would have run from 1947 to 1951. Within two hours of the court decision, Herman Talmadge left the governor's office. His apparent capitulation surprised many who thought that he might challenge the ruling. Almost immediately he began campaigning for the special election in September 1948.

In hindsight, the controversy seems almost comical, a relic of an era of Georgia politics that is long dead. At the time, however, it was a source of great embarrassment for business leaders of the state. Georgia's national reputation, already unsavory, took an even further blow.

–New Georgia Encyclopedia, 2014

Based on this passage, what was one effect of this controversy?

Georgia’s political system fell into disarray for decades.
Georgia’s political system became a model for other states.
Georgia’s reputation was tarnished across the country.
Georgia’s business leaders supported the state’s politicians.