Carl Camon travels to Savannah

Another hat in the ring for Georgia's top seat.

On June 21, gubernatorial candidate, Carl Camon, spoke to a crowd on Johnson Square about his race for governor.

Camon was the first African American mayor of Ray City, Georgia and served five terms there.

He has also served on various committees at the state level as well.

Saturday, he told the crowds why he should be Georgia's next governor.

" I'm going to be focusing this election on education issues. As governor, we're going to fully fund education. We're going to find a way to do it. Education is the basis of everything else, said Carl Camon.

Camon also hopes to fix the state's economic woes and transportation issues, plus build strong families.

Story from WTOC-TV Savannah

Barrow Announces 2009 Veterans Town Hall Tour Schedule

Meetings will be held in Savannah, Glennville, Statesboro, Augusta, and Milledgeville. Congressman Barrow will meet with veterans and their families, thank them for their service, and listen to their concerns. He'll be hosting five meetings on July 1, July 2, and July 3 throughout Georgia's 12th District:

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

American Legion Post 184

1 Legion Drive at Rowland Avenue

Thunderbolt (Savannah), Georgia

Thursday, July 2, 2009

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Glennville VFW Post 8379

108 West Barnard Street

Glennville, Georgia

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Honey Bowen Building

1 Max Lockwood Drive

Statesboro, Georgia

3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

VFW Post 649

2430 Windsor Spring Road

Augusta, Georgia

Friday, July 3, 2009

10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

American Legion Post 523

430 West Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive

Milledgeville, Georgia

Congressman Bishop secures funding for the following projects in the 2nd district

The following Second District projects were included in the FY 2010 Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations bill approved today by the House of Representatives:

• Building Toward Wellness Community Coalition, Inc. (Columbus, GA), $75,000;
• Butler Police Department (Butler, GA), $75,000;
• Calhoun County Family Connection (Edison, GA), $75,000;
• City of Arlington, GA, $100,000;
• City of Cairo, GA, $75,000;
• Crawford Counseling and Community Learning Center (Roberta, GA), $50,000;
• Dooly County Community Coalition/Family Connection (Vienna, GA), $75,000;
• Family Center of Columbus (Columbus, GA), $200,000;
• Miller County New Vision Coalition, Inc. (Colquitt, GA), $80,000;
• Project Rebound, Inc. (Columbus, GA), $250,000;
• Southwest Georgia Humanitarian Rural Outreach (Bainbridge, GA), $75,000;
• Southwestern Judicial Circuit Family Violence Council, Inc. (Americus, GA), $75,000;
• Taylor County Family Matters Collaborative (Butler, GA), $145,000;
• Thomas County Emergency 9-1-1 Service (Thomasville, GA), $150,000.

Who are the up & coming democrats in the state.

I will be doing a series on the up & coming democrats who may be candidates in the future for higher offices like State Senator, State Representative, & constitutiona; offices in the next couple of days

These up & coming candidiates are going to range from mayors, county commissioners, city councilmen & councilwomen, etc.

If you know anyone who is a up & coming democrat, let me know. Email me at ruralpolitics@gmail.com

Will Marshall see a challenge in 2010?

Travis Fain of the Macon Telegraph wrote a great piece in the Sunday edition of the telegraph asking the question: will anyone challenge Jim Marshall in 2010? . The answer is yes. Most likely. But the challenger maybe a fringe candidate, a sacrificial lamb for the GOP just to make Marshall stay in his toes & to ake him sweat a little. The GOP tried a military veteran in Rick Goddard, didn't win, a veteran congressman in Mac Collins, plus two trips by George W. Bush, didn't win, they tried Bibb Co. Commissioner Calder Clay (twice) & still didn't win.

I don't see anyone prominent challenging him in 2010. Their best shot was in 2006 & I said if they didn't get him then, they would never get Marshall as long as he serves that district. Folks keep bringing Austin Scott as a possible challenger. Scott would be a weak candidate, given he barely beat John Tibbets for his HD 153 both in 2006 & 2008.

I hear names like Ross Tolleson & Cecil Staton. Give me a break. Those guys are not about to leave the legislature to get beat by a entrenched candidate.

The only shot for ther GOP to get that seat is if Marshall runs for the senate in 2010 or retire. He was my congressman at one time before being drawn out back in 2005. Even if he were to leave his seat it's no guarantee that a republican would claim that seat. I hope the GOP stop wasting money & time for a seat that they will never win unless something shocking comes out against marshall.

Hometown rally held for former D.A. running for A.G.

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - Former Dougherty D.A. Ken Hodges brought his campaign for Attorney General to Albany Tuesday.

Supporters of Ken Hodges gathered on the steps of the courthouse to praise the job he did as district attorney. Hodges promised to work just as hard if he's elected Attorney General. He says he'll rely on people from Albany to help get out his name across the state. Hodges says he doesn't think running as a Democrat in a Republican state will hurt his chances.

"I do think that both the District Attorney's and the Attorney General's office is as non partisan as can be and I've never made a decision based on someone's party or who they affiliate with and I don't plan to do that as Attorney General so I'm reaching out to republicans I want their support and I've got a lot of republican support," said Hodges.

Hodges Tuesday said he's the only candidate who can do the job on day one.

To see video go to www.WALB.com

Blue Dog Coalition more involvement in health care negotiations

From The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer:

The Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative House Democrats who largely hail from Southern and Midwestern states, could prove critical in passage of the Obama administration’s health care policies.

However, some of the group’s members, an organization that includes Georgia Reps. Sanford Bishop of Albany and Jim Marshall of Macon, complain that liberal committee chairmen are shutting them out of the legislation-crafting process.

Last month, 45 Blue Dogs, including Bishop, sent a terse letter to the Democratic chairmen of the Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means committees. It stated that the group felt minimized in the process, which is “especially concerning in light of the collaborative approach being taken by our Senate colleagues.”

When congressional leaders unveiled a draft bill earlier this month, the proposal centered heavily on a government-run public health care option, much to the Blue Dogs’ disappointment. There was also no mention of the public option being used only as a fallback that could be triggered years from now, a sticking point for many Blue Dogs.

Blue Dogs like Bishop and Marshall say they remain flexible, to a point, but are adamant that reform not greatly increase the national debt.

“I along with all of my Blue Dog colleagues see health care reform as an opportunity to improve the fiscal and physical health of the country. And we would like to see health care reform legislation that takes advantage of this opportunity,” Marshall said. “Moderate Democrats and Republicans are not going to pass anything that’s really expensive. It behooves leadership to quit wasting time talking about proposals that are going to cost more money.”

However, there are times when members’ ideology puts them at odds with their party. For example, in 2005, Bishop and most of the coalition joined Republicans in voting to limit bankruptcy protection.

“I believe the Blue Dogs will be pivotal in most of the issues Congress is dealing with, and if we have consensus on a position, there are a lot of votes to influence a particular issue,” Bishop said.

RJ Hadley to challenge Johnny Isakson for U.S. Senate.

His name is RJ Hadley. He hails from Rockdale County & is a Chief of Staff according to his Bio. He was a Obama Delegate (at-large) for the state of Georgia. He has been traveling the state already meeting & greeting folks, attended the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. He announced his intentions on June 7 of this year. He has already met DuBose Porter, Sanford Bishop, Rob Teilhet & others. He doesn't have a website, but he has a facebook page & Twitter page.

Here's an email I got from him yesterday:

I'm planning to run for U.S. Senate next year and I want to make sure that rural GA is listened to. In fact, I'm spending most of my time listening to voters in the south and up north in the mountains. I guess that goes against the conventional, but so be it. Anyway, I appreciate your blog and please keep me informed about the important issues facing ALL rural voters in GA. I welcome input from you and your readers.

Every election cycle, we cheer those candidates who raise the most money as "viable". Most of them get voted into office and then we can't believe the choices they make. Well the ones who raise the most money probably had to rely on corporate or special interests to get there. So why would we expect those politicians to care about the rest of us once they get in?

Handel & Perdue need to give it up.

Why is Karen Handel , Sonny Perdue & the Georgia GOP so hell-bent on overturning Section 5 of the voting right act? They are going to great lengths to getbrid of a measure that requires states that are under the act get approval from the Justice Dept. from redistricting to voting measures.

Is this a way for Handel to get the base behind her for the GOP nomination?

Or is this an attempt to divide the state along racial lines when it comes to the voting rights act?

Maybe it's to affect Thurbert Baker candidacy. He's running for governor you know? I don't know.

If she goes ahead & file a lawsuit, just like the Texas Case, it will not be overturned or it may not get a hearing from the justices.

Poythress in Rural Bryan County on Monday: gets endorsement

Gen. David Poythress was in Pembroke (Bryan Co) on monday talking to folks at the local community center about issues ranging from education & transportation. He is the first democrat to visit Bryan County in a long time.

In addition, he received the endorsements of Adel, Ga Mayor Robert Barr & Macon NAACP president Al Tillman.

Ken Hodges to kick off his campaign Today.

Ken Hodges will kickoff his campaign for State Attorney General on the steps of the County Courthouse in Albany today at Noon..

Now no offense to Rob Teilhet who is also running for Attorney General as well, but Hodges has far more experience thatn he & the republican candidates for AG. Teilhet is a smart, young democrat that has lots of potential, but if you look at the resumes of all the candidates, Hodges wins hands doen. But Teilhet is from Cobb County (Metro Atlanta), which is where the votes are if you want to win the primary. Hodges campaign will focus heavily on rural georgia as well his base in south georgia.

Names starting to emerge for Vance Smith open House Seat.

Columbus Ledger Enquirer has the story:

The race for Georgia House District 129 has drawn the interest of a former six-term state senator and the son of the man who vacated the position last week.

Retired Realtor Ted Land, 72, served in the Georgia Senate from 1979-1990 and on Columbus Council for 2 1/2 years in the mid-1990s. He said Monday it is a “distinct possibility” he will run.

Kip Smith, the 27-year-old son of state Rep. Vance Smith, said he is “seriously considering” running for the office. Vance Smith was named commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation on Thursday and must resign his House post to take that position.

Three candidates already are in the race: Columbus residents Colin Martin, 42, and Jerry Luquire, 70, announced during the weekend that they would run, and Pine Mountain businessman Steve Earles announced his candidacy Monday.

District 129 includes parts of Muscogee, Harris and Troup counties. A special election will be held to fill Vance Smith’s unexpired term. The election likely will be this fall.

Earles, 56, owns Refresh Salon in Pine Mountain. He never has held or sought political office. Gov. Sonny Perdue appointed him to the Georgia Professional Licensing Board of Massage Therapy.

Land said he would rather not make an announcement until qualifying dates are set.

“I am thinking about it, and I am giving it a lot of consideration,” he said. “I enjoyed serving in the state Senate, and I was re-elected five times.”

Land represented District 16, the seat currently held by state Sen. Seth Harp, R-Columbus.

“I have had some people talking to me about it, and they really got me thinking about it,” he said.

“I didn’t enjoy council as much as I did the state Senate,” Land said. “I feel like I know the process and can serve constituents’ needs.”

Father and son

The younger Smith said politics and service run in his family. His grandfather, Vance Smith Sr., was involved in Harris County and Pine Mountain politics for three decades, and his father was on the Harris County Commission before being elected to the House.

“Being a native of Harris County, a resident of Muscogee County and having gone to school in Troup County, I have an interest in the whole district,” Smith said. “I want to make sure everybody in the district is represented.”

He said he talked to his father and his mother, Michele Smith, about running for the seat his father held since 1992.

“My father and mother have been supportive,” said Kip Smith, the youngest of three siblings. “They generally try and let us make a decision and once that decision is made, they support it.”

Smith did not give a timeframe on when he might announce his candidacy.

Smith, who is married to the former Caroline Saunders, is the managing partner of the Dallas Chipley Group, a real estate management company in Columbus. He owned the downtown Columbus clothing store Chancellor’s before selling it a couple of years ago.

Martin, a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, is a former vice chairman of the Muscogee County Republican Party. He ran for Columbus Council Post 2 in 2002 but lost to Glenn Davis. He has been active in local politics for about 10 years.

Luquire also has been involved in Columbus politics. He is a publication consultant and a former talk-show host. He unsuccessfully ran for a seat on the Muscogee County School Board.

Carl Camon hits campaign trail

I received an email from Carl Camon, candidate for governor. He will be conducting a four-city tour across Georgia on June 25. Stops will include: Brunswick, Ga at 8 a.m., Washington, Ga at 11 a.m., Columbus at 4 p.m. & Albany at 6 p.m. If you are in the area, go check out Mr. Camon & hear what he has to say. His website is http://www.camonforgovernor.com/

Barnes: Leadership needed

MARIETTA - Former Gov. Roy Barnes, a current 2010 gubernatorial candidate, blasted Republicans for a lack of leadership on education and transportation issues Friday night at the Cobb Democratic Party's 21st annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

Though he didn't mention anyone by name, Barnes made it clear that he has been dissatisfied with the direction the state has taken since he was voted out of office in 2002 and the GOP took control of the Governor's Mansion and both houses of the General Assembly.

"We need some non-crazy leadership," said Barnes, 61.

The keynote speaker told a packed crowd of about 175 fellow Democrats at the Doubletree Hotel on S. Park Place that a business friend of his recently asked, "Where did all these nuts come from?"

"I said they were always there, we just kind of kept them locked up. They have escaped, and they're running the place," Barnes said.

A Cobb native, Barnes said metro Atlanta is the only major metropolitan area in the world without an extensive mass transit system and that it's time to do something about the area's traffic woes.

"We have a group of leaders in this state, that are more concerned about the power over the transportation department than they are on the gridlock that all of us serve," he said.

He proposed building an elevated mass transit system over interstates and constructing sub-stations and parking lots at bridges, allowing traffic to flow underneath.

Atlantic Station in Atlanta would be the perfect east-west exchange of such a transit system, he said.

"We already have the network, use it," said Barnes. "This system can be built quickly, efficiently and it has to be done quickly and efficiently."

As governor, Barnes had set out to make education a cornerstone of his administration. However, he ran into opposition from teachers, many of whom felt alienated.

On Friday, he placed the issue back on the front burner of his campaign, lampooning Gov. Sonny Perdue's pet project, Go Fish Georgia, aimed at increasing fishing tourism.

"We have an administration today that seems to decry and want to destroy our public education system," Barnes said.

"They have cut funding for our education system by $2.2 billion. It's outrageous. We're even talking down to the fact they we're going to have to furlough teachers because we do not have enough money to pay basic classroom teachers. But yet, we can find money to Go Fish in Georgia."

Barnes said classroom sizes are key to solving educational problems. He said there shouldn't be more than 15 students in each classroom in kindergarten through third grade, and no more than 17 students in grades 4 through 5. He added that teachers needed support and the best tools available.

He also questioned why the old Tift College campus in Forsyth was turned into the state Department of Corrections headquarters instead of an educational leadership center as he had proposed as governor. He said the move showed more concern for locking people up, than educating them.

"The point I'm trying to make is we have had timid leadership on taking on difficult problems. And you can make that for a while, particularly in good economic times, you cannot do it when times are difficult," Barnes said.

The former governor's speech received loud applauses from the audience, eager to see a Democratic back in power in the governor's office. In introducing him, former Congressman Buddy Darden said Barnes was the right man to lead Georgia into a brighter future.

News from Alabama: Democratic power players still searching for gubernatorial candidates

We have the same problem here in Georgia:

Some Democrats do not ap pear to be happy with their current choices for governor even though one has been elected overwhelmingly statewide and the other is considered a rising star in the party.

Some are recruiting opposition to U.S. Rep. Artur Davis, D-Birmingham, and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks.

Rumors, some of which have been confirmed, have been floating for weeks about power brokers in the Alabama Democratic Party approaching various Democrats about running for governor in 2010. Some people appeared to begin searching the minute Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom Jr. said he was running again for his current seat and not governor.

The next day, powerful state Sen. Roger Bedford said he was considering a run for governor and said some people, including members of the State Democratic Executive Committee, had encouraged him to enter the race. He later decided to run again for his Senate seat.

Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Sue Bell Cobb also has confirmed that she has been approached about running for the top spot on the Democratic ticket. She has said she is torn between running for governor and remaining the chief administrator for the state's court system.

On Wednesday, Montgomery County Circuit Judge Charles Price told The Associated Press that members of the black wing of the state Democratic Party, the Alabama Democratic Conference, visited him and encouraged him to consider running for governor. The judge said he has not made a decision.

So the hunt for another notable Democratic candidate continues.

Some would interpret the recruiting effort as a slap in the face to Sparks and to Davis, a Montgomery native.

The current candidates have let it be known they are not out to win a popularity contest with special interest groups in Montgomery. They want to be a candidate of the electorate.

Some Democrats seem to have concerns about the electability of the current candidates and believe Davis, who is trying to become Alabama's first black governor, would be a detriment to the rest of the party's ticket.

Conservative Democrats seek larger role in health care reform

The Blue Dog Coalition, a group of fiscally conservative House Democrats who largely hail from Southern and Midwestern states, could prove critical in passage of the Obama administration's health care policies.

Last month, 45 Blue Dogs, including Chandler, sent a terse letter to the Democratic chairmen of the Education and Labor, Energy and Commerce, and Ways and Means committees stating that the group felt minimized in the process, which is "especially concerning in light of the collaborative approach being taken by our Senate colleagues."

The coalition cited the Senate's meetings with committee members and stakeholders to glean input and discuss options.

"We are becoming increasingly troubled that this process has yet to be structured in a way that includes the contributions of the majority of our caucus," the coalition members wrote. "A number of our members sit on your committees, and we stand ready to work with you on possible options for reform."

Earlier this month, when congressional leaders unveiled a draft bill, the proposal centered heavily on a public, or government-run, health care option—much to the Blue Dogs' chagrin. There also was no mention of the public option being used only as a fallback that could be triggered years from now, a sticking point for many Blue Dogs.

Moderate Democrats worry about funding the costs of such efforts, more than $1 trillion during the next decade by most estimates, and want a clear sense of how government-sponsored insurance would function.

"From this point forward, (President Barack) Obama would do well to calm the fears of some who believe that more deficit spending is on the way," said David Wasserman, House editor of the Cook Political Report.

While influential committee chairmanships in the House are held by more liberal members, moderate Democrats hold considerable sway.

The Blue Dog coalition and the similarly centrist New Democrats Coalition claim a little more than 100 of the House's 435 members.

Many of the Blue Dogs hail from districts that are conservative-leaning and have sizable numbers of Republican voters. According to the Sunlight Foundation, a non-partisan think tank that focuses on government transparency, Blue Dogs often take positions that are favorable to the health care industry.

Georgia State Survey of 247 Likely Democratic Primary Voters

Poll conducted by Rasmussen on June 17, 2009:

1* In thinking about the 2010 Democratic Primary for Governor of Georgia, suppose you had a choice between Thurbert Baker, Roy Barnes, Carl Camon, Dubose Porter and David Poythress. If the election were held today for whom would you vote?

8% Thurbert Baker

48% Roy Barnes
2% Carl Camon
5% Dubose Porter

2% David Poythress

5% Some other candidate

31% Not sure

2* I’m going to read you a short list of people in the News. For each, please let me know if you have a very favorable, somewhat favorable, somewhat unfavorable, or very unfavorable impression

First….Thurbert Baker

11% Very favorable

34% Somewhat favorable

14% Somewhat unfavorable

3% Very unfavorable

38% Not sure

3* Next….David Poythress

4% Very favorable

18% Somewhat favorable

18% Somewhat unfavorable

4% Very unfavorable

56% Not sure

4* Okay….Dubose Porter

8% Very favorable

17% Somewhat favorable

12% Somewhat unfavorable

3% Very unfavorable

60% Not sure

5* Next…Roy Barnes

37% Very favorable

27% Somewhat favorable

6% Somewhat unfavorable

6% Very unfavorable

24% Not sure

6* last one…Carl Camon

3% Very favorable

16% Somewhat favorable

9% Somewhat unfavorable

7% Very unfavorable

65% Not sure

Vance Smith the new head of the the State DOT.

Tifton Gazette reporting:

Department of Transportation board members have chosen unanimously state Representative Vance Smith to take over as the department’s commissioner by June 25.

Smith, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, takes over nearly four months after board members voted to oust former Commissioner Gena Evans following allegations of ethics violations and inappropriate e-mails. The Pine Mountain Republican will give up his seat to take the full-time position.

Smith says he’s excited and anticipates challenges budget wise, but also lots of opportunity.

Evans was voted out in February following allegations of ethics violations and sending improper e-mails using state computers.

Evans beat Smith, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, for the post on a 7-6 vote in October 2007.

State Unemployment Rate Hits Record High

There are new and sobering numbers this morning on unemployment in Georgia. The state’s labor department says the seasonally adjustment jobless rate for May is now the highest ever recorded in Georgia—9.7 percent. That is up five-tenths of a percentage point from April’s mark. And for a 19th consecutive month, Georgia's rate is above the national rate(currently 9.4 percent). Commissiioner Michael Thurmond says the new rate reminds us "the road to economic recovery will be long and difficult." Last month, more than 463,000 Georgians were looking for work.

This new report may just well make Michael Thurmond stay at Labor Comissioner instead of seeking higher office. The state is in bad shape right economically & this is not the right time to change leadership at Labor.

Ken Hodges campaigns for attorney general in Columbus

Former Daughtery County District Attorney Ken Hodges said Wednesday he would make a strong Georgia attorney general because of his 15 years of experience as a prosecutor.

“I am the only one in the race right now that can do the job on Day 1,” Hodges said. “I am the only one who has been a prosecutor. I am the only one who’s tried hundreds of cases. I am the only who has supervised the criminal process.”

Hodges, now an attorney with the Baudino Law Group in Atlanta, is seeking the Democratic nomination for attorney general, an office that is being vacated by Democrat Thurbert Baker, who has announced his plans to run for governor.

Hodges is one of three candidates who have announced they’re running for the post. State Rep. Rob Teilhet of Smyrna is running as a Democrat. Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens is running as a Republican.

The primary is more than a year off on July 20, 2010. The General Election will be Nov. 2, 2010.

He was in Columbus on Wednesday campaigning. He had a breakfast meeting with about 25-30 local supporters. He met with the local Trial Lawyers Association at lunch and was meeting with a Columbus law firm in the evening.

Hodges has family and connections in the Columbus area. His mother lives in Harris County.

I got email: Republican Charles K. Tarbutton of Sandersville Railroad, a Perdue ally is helping Ken Hodges for his run for Attorney General.

You may have heard during out time together, that our classmate, Ken Hodges, is a candidate to become Georgia’s next Attorney General. I’m writing to ask you to support Ken.

Ken has been elected to three consecutive terms (12 years) as the District Attorney for Dougherty County, Georgia. Ken has earned a strong reputation for protecting children and families, fighting public corruption, reducing gang violence, prosecuting white collar criminals and safeguarding victim's rights. He has tried and won some of the biggest criminal cases in Georgia in recent years. In recognition of his service, his peers elected him Georgia's District Attorney of the Year in 2002. Ken’s record is extensive and impressive, and I hope you will read more about it on his website at www.kenhodges.com

Besides supporting our friend and fellow classmate, why would you care about an Attorney General's race in Georgia? The answer is simple - Episcopal High School cultivated in each of us a spirit of service. Ken exemplifies this spirit. With our help, he can take this success and experience to the Attorney General's office in 2010.

As you know, statewide political races are expensive. Most of Ken's career has been spent in public service. He does not have personal wealth to self-fund this race. His supporters are working hard every day to raise the funds necessary for him to run a successful campaign. Please join me in supporting Ken financially.

Both men were classmates at EHS. They just had their 25TH Class Reunion.

Alright now! David Poythress picks rural endorsements.

Frm the email box:

Now this is what I'm talking about:

I am pleased to announce eight more endorsements from dedicated leaders from three different districts of Georgia. Our travels across the state have brought us face-to-face with public servants who share my vision for a more prosperous Georgia. Earning the support of these community leaders shows the growing strength of our campaign in rural Georgia.

My new friends in Georgia’s Washington have been very welcoming to me. As with many smaller communities across the state, these local leaders are feeling neglected by the current administration and are seeking a candidate with the proven ability to put plans into action. City of Washington council members Maceo Mahoney and Nathaniel Cullars, Sr. know the daily struggles of local governments to balance their budgets, provide needed services and keep taxes low.

Councilman Cullars is a two-term city council member and is widely respected among his constituents for standing up for the little guy. Never afraid of a good ol’ fashioned political fight, Councilman Cullars is in my corner because he believes that I am “the right man for Georgia right now.”

Councilman Mahoney is also a two-term city council member and serves as assistant director of the Georgia Municipal Black Caucus. He believes that I “can give us the fresh, new leadership that Georgia deserves.” And council members Cullars and Mahoney are confident that I understand the positive role that cities play in economic development.

Ms. M.V. Booker, prominent attorney and community activist, has generously agreed to serve as my campaign chair for Washington-Wilkes. Ms. Booker is concerned about education and the survival of small town Georgia. I have earned her support because she sees that I have “the experience and concern for the citizens that is needed in Georgia, especially after the neglect and lack of leadership of the current administration.”

Likewise I am delighted to have attorney Stephanie Woods Miller, managing partner of Taylor Miller, LLC, leading my team in middle Georgia. Ms. Woods Miller is dedicated to rebuilding and reinvigorating the Democratic Party, and she sees me as the strongest candidate in the field. She will use her experience as a field organizer for the Democratic Party of Georgia and her network of other Obama delegates to 2008 Democratic National Convention, NAACP members and young professionals to execute a successful outreach plan.

Don Peacock, two-term sheriff of Upson County, also shares my dedication to the public good. We have known each other for a long time, and all Georgians appreciate his 34-year career as a Georgia State Trooper and his service as an Air National Guardsman. Sheriff Peacock is looking for a Governor who will support our law enforcement leaders, and he is certain that my collaborative style of leadership is just what Georgia needs.

Johnny C. Smith is a former Barrow County commissioner and superintendant of public works for the city of Gainesville. He retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years of service and now sits on the Barrow County Personnel Review Board. Commissioner Smith wants ordinary Georgians to “have a seat at the table,” and he believes that I am the leader who will make sure the voices of his neighbors will be heard.

Elbert County Commissioner John B. Hubbard has also worn many hats in his career. He served as assistant police chief, assistant city manager and city marshal of Elberton. Commissioner Hubbard knows all the details of local government and is a leader in regional economic development. He likes my common sense approach which brings stakeholders together to take thoughtful actions to create solutions to our pressing problems.

Blue Ridge Mayor Robert E. Greene is a U.S. Navy veteran and has served as mayor for 27 years. “I trust him and believe he has the best welfare of the state in his heart and is working for that as his goal.” Rural Georgia is often overlooked by some candidates but not by me. As you can see, my outreach is producing great results!

Right now David Poythress is the only candidate who is getting endorsements from every corner of the state. With all of the focus on Roy Barnes & how the political pundits & the media already giving him the nomination, David is doing the very thing the dems are going to need to take back the governor's mansion in 2010. His broad appeal to republicans, democrats, independents, veterans, & African-Americans voters who make up about 45-50% of the primary vote is what I like to see in a candidate. Forget polls, this thing is a long, long way from being over.

If you are a wage earner, the democratic party is for you.

The basic underlying difference between the two parties is economic. The Republicans believe that if investors and big business are given tax breaks and other financial incentives the money will eventually trickle down to the rest of America. The Democrats believe that the working class should be given any tax break that is available, increased wages, and enhanced working opportunities; that money will be spent in the market place within a short time which will stimulate the economy all the way to the top. I have to agree with the Democratic position. Those who earn their living from investing their money tend to agree with the Republicans even though the recessions of the past decade prove "trickle down"simply does not work.

The capital gains tax was instituted back in the beginning of this century after the nations newspapers reported that the richest men in America did not pay income tax because they had NO INCOME. Back in 1996 the Republican Congress attempted to eliminate the capital gains tax. but they were stopped by President Clinton and the Democrats in Congress. I have never been asked to pay capital gains tax. I am not qualified to make a judgment on the issue but, my instincts tell me that every American, even the richest, should pay a fair share of the cost of keeping America alive and well.

Rural Democrats differ with Barack Obama

From Politico:

Angered by White House decisions on everything from greenhouse gases to car dealerships, congressional Democrats from rural districts are threatening to revolt against parts of President Barack Obama’s ambitious first-year agenda.

“They don’t get rural America,” said Rep. Dennis Cardoza, a Democrat who represents California’s agriculture-rich Central Valley. “They form their views of the world in large cities.”

Cardoza’s critique was aimed at Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency, but it echoes complaints rural-district Democrats have about a number of Obama administration decisions.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a complete strikeout, but they’ve just got a few more bases to it when it comes to the rural community,” said Louisiana Democratic Sen. Mary Landrieu.

A rural revolt could hamper the administration’s ability to pass climate change and health care legislation before the August recess.

Democrats from farm states are some of the same moderate members Obama must win to get almost any piece of his agenda through the Senate: Landrieu and Sens. Max Baucus of Montana, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, and Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor of Arkansas. Without their votes, Democrats can’t move legislation over Republican filibusters — such as the one sure to come if the health care plan that moves through the Senate includes a public option supported by the administration.

In the House, rural Democrats threaten to marshal nearly 50 votes against the climate and energy bill backed by the administration.

“For Obama, it’s a very tough high-wire act,” said Frank O’Donnell, executive director of the environmental group Clean Air Watch. “The farm states are among those that the Democrats desperately want to keep in the fold at the same time the farm states historically aren’t very good on environmental issues.”

Obama made inroads to rural areas during his presidential campaign, a result of pouring significant resources into rural counties in key battleground states. According to exit polls, Obama won 43 percent of the rural vote — a 4 percent increase from Democrat John Kerry in 2004.

But some Democrats complain that Obama hasn’t paid much attention to the rural states since he’s been in office.

“We’d love to see him out in rural America more,” Lincoln said.

The conflict with rural Democrats burst into the open at the Capitol last week, when rural and moderate Democrats revolted against the decision to close roughly 3,400 General Motors and Chrysler car dealerships. The White House Auto Task Force endorsed some of the cuts in its plans to revamp the companies.

In rural America, especially, the looming closures pose a dire threat. Car dealers are not only an economic linchpin of many county-seat towns but also offer support for institutions and a way of life that can’t be easily replaced.

“In rural jurisdictions, your dealerships are pretty big employers. If you knock out four dealerships, the ripple effects of that are substantial,” said Rep. Frank Kratovil (D-Md.), who represents a largely rural Eastern Shore district and is co-sponsoring a bill that could force the auto companies to honor their contracts with the rejected dealerships.

Since then, much of rural Democrats’ unhappiness with the new administration has focused on the EPA. While Bush administration political appointees in the agency were skeptical of stricter environmental laws, Obama’s EPA has moved forward quickly on a host of new regulations, including limits on greenhouse gas emissions that farm lobbyists say will raise costs on farmers.

While these issues play out most dramatically in farm states, they could have an impact that spreads much further. Forcing rural Democrats to vote for climate change legislation could create problems for the Democrats nationally in 2010 and 2012.

“If Collin Peterson and these rural and conservative Democrats in the House are unable to work out some arrangement with [Henry] Waxman and [Ed] Markey, it could resonate beyond the Beltway,” said Al Cross, director of the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues and a veteran Kentucky political reporter.

For more go to Poltico.com.

Barnes, Oxendine lead their perspective races.

A new Strategic Vision poll in Georgia that shows John Oxendine (R) leading the Republican race for governor with 35%, followed by Secretary of State Karen Handel (R) at 13% and Rep. Nathan Deal at 12%.

On the Democratic side, former Gov. Roy Barnes (D) stays in front with 49%, followed by Attorney General Thurbert Baker (D) at 30%.

Take these polls with a grain of salt right The primary is a year away & no one is really paying attention right now.. These numbers are based on Name Recognition & nothing else.

Fundraiser for Poythress to be held June 20 in Jenkins County

A fundraiser for gubernatorial candidate, Lt. Gen. David Poythress, will be held 5-7 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the residence of Byron Scoggins, 3370 Parker Estates Dr., Millen. A low country boil will be prepared by Larry Thompson and available for a donation of $7. Music will be provided

Fortson wins election for Hull Council Seat

Brandon Fortson bettered Randell A.C. King on Tuesday in a rare contested race to take a seat on the Hull City Council.

The final vote tally was 28-6, with one provisional ballot cast by a voter who just recently moved into the city and wasn't yet on the rolls.

"I caught anybody I saw all day and encouraged them to go vote," Fortson said Tuesday night, as he sat down to a victory dinner with his wife.

Hull is located just outside of Athens in Madison County.

Fortson ,who is 25 years old is a firefigher for Athens-Clarke County.

Congratulations!

Attorney General Ken Hodges candidate takes campaign to Rome

Several dozen people got to meet a candidate for state attorney general and receive a preview of Rome City Market on Tuesday evening.

As Ken Hodges greeted people during the evening, they also got to look at the long-anticipated Rome City Market, located at 238 Broad St. Walt Adams, the proprietor of the nearly complete combination of culinary shops and dining, has described the project as being “on the 2-yard line.”

Hodges, who served as district attorney in Dougherty County for 12 years, told the gathering that he’s a strong believer in victims’ rights and the only candidate in the race with prosecutorial experience.

The Democrat said when he took the Dougherty County office in 1996, the county had more pending capital punishment cases than any other county in Georgia, including a man who’d been imprisoned seven years and never gone to trial.

Hodges said he cleared all the pending cases in two years.

He cited a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program as another accomplishment.

“Crimes against children are the most horrific of all. Those that prey on (children) are the worst of the worst.”

But the cases are difficult to prove. Under SANE, trained nurses gather evidence. The successful prosecution rate in child crime cases in Dougherty County had been below 50 percent. After SANE, the rate is now almost 100 percent, Hodges said.

Fighting public corruption is another aspect he would bring to the attorney general’s post, Hodges said. He said that as district attorney he sent an assistant chief of police and “at least a dozen officers” to prison.

Hodges said he also used the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act to prosecute businesses preying on citizens.

“I’m clearly the most qualified candidate. I’ve been a prosecutor most of my career,” Hodges said.

Who's tired of this guy?

I'm tired of seeing this wack job Paul Broun on television. From using words to describe some of President Obama's policies like Marxist, Socialism, Communism, it's unbelievable that someone who says these things could continue getting re-elected. This guy criticizes, but doesn't offer any alternatives like some of his fellow republicans have.

Blake Aued over at OnlineAthens.com got a piece on this Arch-conservative saying Obamacare is going to actually kill people, well he said people are actually going to die under Obama's healthcare plan. Now he saysd his office is going to aoofe their plan to overhaul the healthcare system..

Now I know the district he represents is conservative, but no way it can be that conservative & that extreme. He may not get a challenge next year because of that. If Michael Thurmond wants to move up the ladder, he might want to go for this seat. Broun positions are outside of the mainstream of Georgians so Thurmond would be best positioned to take this idiot out up in the 10th district. Some folks may think I'm crazy, but if Saxon got 40% of the vote on a shoestring budget against this clown, what do yoy think Thurmond could get with financial backing.

Press release by the Porter Campaign on Friday.

June 11, 2009 DuBose Porter is Deeds in the Georgia Democratic Primary for Governor in 2010 Money and Name recognition don’t always win elections Atlanta – The recent victory of R. Creigh Deeds in the Virginia Democratic Primary for Governor shows that House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter (D-Dublin), candidate for Governor in 2010, can win the Georgia Democratic Primary. Deeds, who is also a rural state lawmaker, was able to win the primary over two well funded and better known candidates, one of which was backed by the Democratic Governor’s Association. The same case can be made here in the Georgia Democratic Primary for Governor with DuBose Porter, who like Deeds, has grass roots popularity. Porter won in his rural district by 76 percent because he does something different than most politicians, he listens and represents his people and not the powers that be. “R. Creigh Deeds won because he had the experience and shared the values of Virginia’s voters and I will win because I too have the experience and share the values of Georgia’s voters. As history shows in Georgia, you can have $20 million and still lose to someone who only has $4 million if you are not connected to the people. I am connected to the people,” said Porter.

USDA MEETS PRESIDENT OBAMA'S 30-DAY BIOFUELS DIRECTIVE TO HELP MEET COUNTRY'S ENERGY NEEDS

Programs Will Provide Critical Support to Nation's Biofuels Industry

Responding to President Obama's directive to expedite and increase the production of biofuels, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA met its 30-day deadline to help produce more energy from homegrown, renewable sources.

Said Tom Vilsack: "Further developing the biofuels industry helps create jobs and stimulates rural economies, an important part of getting our economy back on track," "President Obama and I are committed to advancing clean and renewable energy as it creates jobs domestically and boosts tax revenues at all levels of government."

On May 5, President Obama asked USDA to expedite the biofuels provisions of the energy title of the 2008 Farm Bill within 30 days, including the following:

Providing loan guarantees and grants for biorefineries

Expediting funding to encourage biorefineries to replace the use of fossil fuels in plant operations;

Expediting funding to encourage production of next-generation biofuels;

Expanding the Rural Energy for America Program; and

Providing guidance and support for collection, harvest, storage, and transportation in biomass conversion facilities.

Endorse the Rural Compact

The Rural Compact is a statement of principle calling for positive changes for rural America that will benefit all of us.

The Rural Compact is a project of the National Rural Assembly, a movement of people and organizations devoted to building a stronger, more vibrant rural America.

The National Rural Assembly is asking individuals and organizations to endorse the Rural Compact as a step forward for the nation as a whole. The Assembly will present the Compact and the endorsement list to those who are in a position to help rural communities, including federal and state policy makers, journalists, corporate leaders, philanthropists, community leaders, and others.

List of candidates (Democrats) that have announced or are possibilities.

For GOVERNOR:

Thurbert Baker (D) - Attorney General & Ex-State Rep.
Roy Barnes (D) - Ex-Governor, Ex-State Sen., Ex-State Rep. & Attorney
Carl Camon (D) - Ray City Mayor & USAF Veteran
DuBose Porter (D) - State House Minority Leader, Newspaper Editor & Attorney
David Poythress (D) - Ex-State Labor Commissioner, Ex-State Adjutant General, Retired USAF Lt. General & '98 Candidate

For LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR:

Tim Golden (D) - State Sen., Ex-State Rep. & Ex-Congressional Aide
Floyd Griffin Jr (D) - Ex-State Sen., Ex-Milledgeville Mayor & Vietnam War Veteran
Michael Meyer von Bremen (D) - Ex-State Sen., Attorney & '08 State Court of Appeals Candidate
Mike Thurmond (D) - State Labor Commissioner, Ex-State Rep. & Attorney

For SECRETARY OF STATE:

Gail Buckner (D)
Darryl Hicks (D) - Lobbyist, Community Activist & '06 Candidate
Gary Horlacher (D) - Attorney, Ex-Gubernatorial Press Secretary & Campaign Manager
Vernon Jones (D) - Ex-DeKalb County CEO, Ex-State Rep. & '08 US Sen. Candidate
Walter Ray (D) - Ex-State Senate President Pro-Tempore, Ex-State Parole Board Member & '06 Candidate

For ATTORNEY GENERAL:

Ken Hodges (D) - Ex-Dougherty Circuit District Attorney
Michael Meyer von Bremen (D) - Ex-State Sen., Attorney & '08 State Court of Appeals Candidate
Rob Teilhet (D) - State Rep. & Attorney

For STATE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT:

Brian Westlake (D) - Teacher & USMC Veteran
Jeff Scott (D) - Teacher, Democratic Activist & '08 Congressional Nominee

For STATE AGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER:

Terry Coleman (D) - Deputy Agriculture Commissioner & Ex-State House Speaker
Rand Knight (D) - Ecosystem Scientist, Businessman & '08 US Senate Candidate
Alan Powell (D) - State Rep., Ex-Hart County Commissioner & Businessman

For STATE INSURANCE COMMISSIONER:

Terry Coleman (D) - Deputy Agriculture Commissioner & Ex-State House Speaker
Keith Heard (D) - State Rep. & Insurance Agency Owner
Mary Squires (D) - Ex-State Sen., Ex-State Rep. & Paralegal

For STATE LABOR COMMISSIONER:
Mike Thurmond (D)* - (Campaign Site)

For U.S. SENATOR:

Jim Butler (D) - Attorney
Michael Thurmond (D) - State Labor Commissioner, Ex-State Rep. & Attorney

The Flag will be an issue for Barnes.

Supporters of the old state flag, the one from 1956 with its dominant Confederate emblem, the change was anathema. So, too, was the fact that voters had no direct say. Many of the flag’s supporters believed a referendum could settle the issue. Many of them stumped for Perdue, and plastered “Let us Vote” signs all over the state. Barnes even blamed the flag for his political demise.

Perdue isn’t running again. Barnes is. The old flag supporters haven’t forgotten.

“It’ll be an issue. There’s no doubt about that,” said Jack Bridwell Jr., commander for the Georgia Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. Bridwell said he was speaking for himself, and not for the SCV.

“There are an awful lot of people out there who are still upset,” he said.

The question is how much if an issue will the flag be for Barnes? When Tom Crawford of Capitol Impact said last week that the rural white vote is gone for Barnes, this must what crawford was referring to. I think it will play a role for Barnes & those rural white male vote may end up going to David Poythress or DuBose Porter.

Bishop introduces Bill to designate the Jimmy Carter a National Park.

Sanford Bishop introduced H.R. 1471, legislation to make the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site a National Park. Co-sponsers include: Jim Marshall, John Barrow, David Scott, Hank Johnson, John Lewis, as well as Phil Gingrey & Jack Kingston.

Paul Broun, Nathan Deal, & John Linder did not sign on as co-sponsers of this bill.

Independents Take Center Stage in the Obama Era

Centrism has emerged as a dominant factor in public opinion as the Obama era begins. The political values and core attitudes that the Pew Research Center has monitored since 1987 show little overall ideological movement. Republicans and Democrats are even more divided than in the past, while the growing political middle is steadfastly mixed in its beliefs about government, the free market and other values that underlie views on contemporary issues and policies. Nor are there indications of a continuation of the partisan realignment that began in the Bush years. Both political parties have lost adherents since the election and an increasing number of Americans identify as independents.

The proportion of independents now equals its highest level in 70 years. Owing to defections from the Republican Party, independents are more conservative on several key issues than in the past. While they like and approve of Barack Obama, as a group independents are more skittish than they were two years ago about expanding the social safety net and are reluctant backers of greater government involvement in the private sector. Yet at the same time, they continue to more closely parallel the views of Democrats rather than Republicans on the most divisive core beliefs on social values, religion and national security.

For more look at this article at Pew Research

Big win for Deeds in Virginia Democratic primary

Long-time state Sen. Creigh Deeds rode to an easy victory in Tuesday’s Democratic Primary and will carry the party’s standard for governor in the November election. Deeds, who trailed in the early weeks of the campaign, surged toward the end, especially after his endorsement by the Washington Post, and trounced both the heavily financed former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe and the well-connected former state Rep. Brian Moran.

With nearly 96% of precincts reporting, Deeds, 51, had 146,875 (49%) votes to McAuliffe’s 79,866 (27%) and Moran’s 72,295 (24%).

Could we see the same happen here with Roy Barnes, who will have an enormous advantage with money & name I.D.?

Who will be the Creigh Deeds of the democrats? David Poythress, DuBose Porter, Thurbert Baker? Right now, it looks like David Poythress maybe the Creigh Deeds of the bunch.

Q&A with Carl Camon candidate for governor.

(1). What made you wanna run for governor of this great state.

I am running because I am an advocate for the voice of the people of Georgia. For decades, the voices of every day working class Georgians has been ignored. My goal is to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that can only happen if "we the people" exercise our right to be heard and respected at every level of state government. Whether you are a democrat, libertarian, independent, or a republican, you have the right to be heard and as governor, under my administration, this will become a reality.

(2) Are you a moderate, conservative democrat or are you a moderate, who is a independent thinker in the mold of Sanford Bishop or John Barrow?

I'm reluctant to be placed in a classification, which in my opinion, alienates you from one person or the other. I am indeed running on the Democratic Ticket, but I am open to doing what is best for all Georgians. One of my endeavors is to encourage open dialogue between both parties, for the benefit of all. I prefer to call it the Democracy Party.

(3) Since you are a veteran, will you be able to peel off some of the veteran vote from David Poythress, who is going after them hard.

Veterans will have to make that decision. However, I will work hard and I am eager to hear Veteran concerns. I am a veteran and if given the opportunity to become governor, I will make it a priority to honor and take care of veterans to the maximum extent.

(4) What is your opnion of the current leadership in charge of the state right now?

It is difficult to lead people you don't know or don't have any affiliation or some type of communication with. In my opinion, many of our leaders have lost touch with real Georgians and their concerns, and as a result, the intelligent voices of the majority of Georgians have been ignored.

(5) If asked will you run for another statewide post like Lt. Governor, U.S. Senate or State School Superintendent?

There are always possibilities. My focus now though, is the Office of Governor. When or Lose? I am in it, to win it. There are a lot of qualified Georgians to run for this office, and I am just one of them have made that choice.

(6) What do you think of the current field of dems already announced for governor.

I respect all of them for stepping up to the plate. However, I am of the belief that many are too connected special interests groups. This connection, in my opinion, can only mean more of the same. The goal of our campaign is to change politics as usual in the State of Georgia. I am confident that the people of Georgia will speak loud and clear in June of 2010 and again in November 2010, for meaningful and long lasting change.

No Special Election held to elect someone to finished term of late CityCouncilman

Over in Montezuma they appointed Norman Carter to the Citycouncil seat formerly held by Cordel Jackson who committed Suicide back in April. Now, the city was supposed to have a special election to elect someone to finish out the term of Mr. Jackson, but instead by majority vote by the council, thay appointed someone to finish out the term of Cordel Jackson. But no one seemed to care about this & it went largely unnoticed by the public. Shame on the council & shame on the mayor who is related to the wife of Mr. Carter by mariage.

Oh, Boy! What are the Democrats going to do to avoid a trainwreck in 2010.

With Roy Barnes & now Ray City Mayor Carl Camon entering the race for governor & possibly Vernon Jones on the horizon, the democrats need to step in & avoid a train wreck of a primary. Blake Aued of Online Athens said it the best the party doesn't have a long enough bench to see so many primetime palyers battling for one spot. Here's what needs to happen:

Michael Thurmond, who I said is the pick to run for Lt. Governor ought to stay at Labor Commissioner until 2014 & challenge Saxby Chambliss or run for the U.S. Senate in 2010. The only way I see him running for Lt. Gov is if he receive assurances from Porter, Baker that they will not seek the post.

DuBose Porter who a really like runs for Lt. Governor.

David Poythress should stay in the gubernatorial race. Poythress would be the alternate to Roy Barnes in the dem primary.

Thurbert Baker should run for the U.S. Senate or go to Lt. Governor. I don't see him going back to Attorney General since his friend Ken Hodges have already announced his intentions to seek the seat.

Now here's another suggestion of mine:

Jane Kidd, chairwoman of the Georgia Democratic Party persuade former State Senator Floyd Griffin (D) Milledgeville to run for Lt. Governor again. Griffin last ran for the post back in 1998. Griffin would bring a wealth of experience as a former legislator. He was once mayor of Milledgeville also.

Thurbert Baker (D) Stone Mountain, then goes to challenge Johnny Isakson for his seat in 2010. Like I said I don't see Baker going back to Attorney General because his friend Ken Hodges is already in the race. Or he could just stay in the Governor's race. Baker'a problem will be in the primary, but in the general election, he would be a strong candidate for the party.

David Poythress (D) Norcross, Macon native should stay put in the governor race. His eyes are set on the governor's race & nothing else. Why would he go back to Labor or Secretary of State, post he already held before. He would make a fine candiate for the U.S. Senate also, but the gov's race is do or die for him. He would be a great candidate for the general election.

DuBose Porter (D) Dublin should look at Lt. Governor also. He hails from rural Georgia, which is critical for democrats if they want to reclaim the governor's mansion in 2010. He's too valuable for the dems to have sitting on the sidelines. Porter at Lt. Gov would put rural georgia in play for the dems. One option for him is if Jim Marshall cahnges his mind & runs for the U.S. Senate in 2010 & then Porter could run for Marshall's seat in 2010 or challenge Ross Tolleson (R) of Perry for the State Senate. Both are very unlikely. If Terry Coleman does not run for Agriculture Commissioner, then he should take a look at that post.

Newly entered Carl Camom (D) Ray City down in south georgia, depending how well he does between now & Jan 2010 should stay in the gov's race, but he should look at State School Superintendent, since his background include education in addition to being a veteran of the Airforce & mayor of Ray City. At 40, he is a guy who probably should have set his sights on a State Senate or a House seat. I'm keeping my eye on this young, rural democrat.

South Georgia Mayor jumps into the race for Governor.

From Valdosta Daily-Times:

RAY CITY — Ray City Mayor Carl Camon announced his candidacy Thursday for Georgia’s governor.

The 40-year-old Camon traveled to Atlanta on a chartered bus to announce he would be a Democratic candidate for governor in the 2010 election.

In announcing his candidacy, he read a five-page speech he wrote in the early morning hours of Dec. 18, the day Camon knew he would run for governor.

In an interview prior to Thursday’s announcement, Camon told The Valdosta Daily Times that he awoke at about 2:30 a.m. on that December night. He had not given serious thought of running for governor prior to that time. He rose from bed and wrote a speech announcing his candidacy for governor. He’s been preparing to make that announcement public for the past six months.

“There’s something that’s been lacking from the state for a long time,” Camon said. “That’s the voice of the people.”

Going from mayor of a small town with an approximate population of less than 800 people to being Georgia’s governor is a large leap. Camon knows this, but he also believes it gives him an advantage in returning the state to the people.

As Ray City’s mayor of a dozen years and a councilman for three prior years, he is accustomed to dealing with people, face to face, on a daily basis.

“You hear what people have to say, what they want, every day,” Camon said, comparing being mayor of a small town with politicians with more name recognition from larger cities. “In a small town, you can’t hide behind skyscrapers or get lost in a big city. You have to answer to the people.”

Camon can point to several visible accomplishments as Ray City’s mayor, which he says have helped the people of this Berrien County town. Under his leadership, Ray City built a new city hall and developed the water and sewage storage facility. Ninety-eight percent of the town’s roads are paved. The town has won $3 million in grant funding. The town has improved its infrastructure.

The police force has grown. Sidewalks were added. The town renovated the water tower. Parks and recreation facilities have been developed.

Camon points to lobbying for a Dollar General store as a success. The company did not want to locate in Ray City, Camon said, but he kept pushing them, sending traffic counts and other studies. Dollar General located in Ray City, which helped the town’s economy and its people. Ray City residents don’t have to drive to another town to get something, he said; they can stop by the Dollar General, which is within walking distance for many residents. This, he says, is an example of how a person can lead by responding to what people need.

As Ray City’s mayor, Camon has also made contacts throughout the state, serving on past governor committees, and being an active committee chairperson in the Georgia Municipal Association.

He plans a grassroots campaign under the theme “Bringing Hope to All of Georgia.”

Camon is a proponent for giving educators the authority they need to run their classrooms. He would improve the quality of law-enforcement training, and would work to ensure that police “aren’t outgunned by criminals.” He supports the concept of high-speed rails improving transportation in Georgia.

Though running as a Democrat, he believes the state would be better served if its leaders forgot what’s best for their respective parties and remembered what’s best for the state. He would seek unity in the political parties, as well as end the concept of “two Georgias” — one based around Atlanta; the other, everything south of Macon — and seek a united Georgia. Camon is a veteran of the United States Airforce & Airforce Reserves, serving 10 years. His website is www.camonforgovernor.com

Camon, although is unknown statewide will have to be taken seriously because he can appeal to African-American voters & all of South Georgia. Coming from a small town, he will have some appeal no doubt.

Poythress addresses Carroll Democrats

Speaking to an audience at the Carroll County Democratic Party’s annual spring picnic on Saturday, Democratic candidate for governor David Poythress said the ultimate healing of the Georgia economy will stem from reform in education, transportation and water.

“All over Georgia and all over the United States of America people are wondering where is next month’s mortgage payment coming from ... what about kids and what about the car and what about health insurance,” Poythress said. “My job will be to reposition Georgia so that we can, as the economy begins to turn, take advantage of that and we can become as prosperous as we were under Democratic leadership in the past.”

To make such a repositioning possible, he said, the state needs to develop a plan to address future water shortages, implement a more accessible statewide transportation system and ensure that students across the state have access to modern technology in the classroom.

Poythress said the state has done a good job allocating funds from the Georgia lottery for early education and the HOPE Scholarship but has failed to use lottery funds to successfully establish a system of education that is rooted in technology. Should he win the governor’s office, Poythress said it would be the “number one priority” of his administration to ensure that every child has access to computers and other avenues of technological learning on a day-to-day basis and beginning at a young age.

In the past, he said, the state’s educational woes have been incorrectly attributed to teachers when the real problem has been that students simply don’t have access to the kind of technology that will propel their education into the 21st century.

“Teachers are not the problem. Teachers are part of the solution,” he said. “Kids grow up today in the electronic world. It’s the world we live in all day, every day. It seems to me that technology pervades all our lives. Why should we not have the latest and greatest and best technology in the classroom where we’re teaching our children to be globally competitive from the standpoint of jobs and to be good citizens of the democracy?”

Poythress was born and raised in Macon, where his father worked for the city water department and his mother was a school teacher. He served four years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a judge advocate officer, and he volunteered for duty in Vietnam, serving one year as defense counsel and Chief of Military Justice at DaNang Air Base in country. On the state level, Poythress has served as assistant attorney general, deputy state revenue commissioner and secretary of state.

He is one of four Democrats currently in the race for the governorship, with the primary to be in July of next year. The general election will be in November of 2010.

BISHOP SUBMITS TESTIMONY FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE COMMISSION HEARING ON CHINESE TIRE IMPORTS

I pasted this from his website:

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) on Tuesday submitted testimony to an International Trade Commission hearing in Washington, D.C., to explore the increase in Chinese tire imports in the U.S. markets

“The flood of tire imports over the last five years has been remarkable,” Bishop said. “It is no surprise then that there has been a steep decline in domestic production. The Chinese imports drove down our share of our own market which has resulted in layoffs, reduced capacity, and plant closings.”

In April of this year, the United Steelworkers Union (USW) responded to the dramatic surge of consumer tire imports from China by filing a trade case under Section 421 of U.S. trade laws, which allows the U.S. to address surging imports into our markets. Today’s hearing was an investigation of the USW’s filing.

Congressman Bishop has taken particular interest in this issue since the announcement last year by Cooper Tire and Rubber Company that it would close its factory in Albany, Ga., resulting in the loss of nearly 1,400 jobs.

“The Cooper Tire Company has helped contribute to Albany’s growth and prosperity by providing good jobs at good wages,” Bishop said. “With the economic troubles now gripping Georgia, our country, and much of the world, it was a real setback to the hardworking citizens of Albany when the closing of the Cooper facility was announced.”

Just before Christmas of last year, Cooper Tire and Rubber Company announced it would close its factory in Albany, Georgia, resulting in the loss of nearly 1,400 jobs. You can only imagine the shock that this announcement brought on our workers and their families, and for that matter, the entire community.

Albany is a beautiful town. It is the birthplace of Ray Charles and big band leader Harry James. In the early 1960s, a determined group of Albany citizens led a desegregation campaign that attracted national attention. The Cooper Tire Company has helped contribute to Albany’s growth and prosperity by providing good jobs at good wages. With the economic troubles now gripping Georgia, our country, and much of the world, it was a real setback to the hardworking citizens of Albany when the closing of the Cooper facility was announced.

Larry Walker resigns from DOT Board

Former State Representative Larry Walker (D) Perry is resigning from the State DOT Board. He anticipates other activities that are incompatible with serving he tells lawmakers. I wonder what he meant by that? More on this later.

My thought on Barnes entry & what effect it will have on other candidates.

Now that Roy is in the game, what will Thurbert Baker & DuBose Porter do. I said a couple months ago, the dems need to avoid a bitter primary fight in order to defeat the GOP in 2010. David Poythress is staying in the game. He already have a full campaign staff going right now, he has made numeroustrips all over the state & have picked up endorsements along the way.

This primary will not be easy for Barnes. He has a lot of work to do, especially with democratic groups such as the teacher's union, etc, & rural voters who voted against him in 2002. I wish Barnes all the luck in his run for governor, but as of right now the one person who will give Roy the hardest time is David Poythress. The polls may not show it right now but poythress is building a coalition of voters who will present a challenge for Barnes in the primary & may prove enough to carry poythress into the general election. Now I like Roy & he does have the name I.D. & money, but he has to connect with the grassroots like poythress is doing & black voters in order to have a chance.

This move may push Baker to either Lt. Governor or the U.S, Senate. Baker against Isakson is polling well against the incumbent who some deem as very popular in the state. If Baker goes to Lt. Governor, where that leaves Michael Thurmond? He either stays at Labor Commissioner or runs against Isakson in 2010, or run against Saxby Chambliss in 2014.

DuBose Porter has quietly gone about his business as well campaigning across the state as well. Porter is a critical part of all of this. Being from Rural Georgia, he already have the advanatage of appealing to rural voters who feel comfortable with him. I just don't see him staying in the primary against Barnes & Poythress. Money will be an issue for Porter. If Porter stays in, he in my opinion will not make it out of the primary. I think he should look at Agriculture Commissioner, Secretary of State, or State School Superintendent or possibly Lt. Governor. Porter is too valauble of an asset for the party to have sitting on the sidelines. I am very fond of porter, hailing from rural georgia myself, but I won't to see him win in the worst way. I could see him running for the U.S. Senate, but that probably doesn't interest him right now.

Tim Golden of Valdosta was mentioned as possible candidate for Lt. Governor as well. He brings a conservative democratic perspective to a ticket if he chooses to enter the race. I think he takes a pass on the No. 2 spot. The one person to keep an eye out for is Floyd Griffin, Jr. of Milledgeville. He was a State Senator, a 30 year veteran of the U.S. Army, a veteran of the Vietnam War & mayor of Milledgeville. He has the credentials & connections to make a run for the No. 2 spot if he so chooses. His tireless work for veterans would be a huge asset for him in a race against Casey Cagle (R), the incumbent. Having become the first Black candidate to win a senate district that is majority white in rural Georgia, he is a true trailblazer in Georgia Politics. He is not interested in running for the U.S Senate he said recently, but he is looking at other seats, but didn't say which one. But if Michael Thurmond goes to Lt. Governor, I see him going to Labor Commissioner. If Thurmond doesn't, I see him trying for Lt. Governor again. He ran for the spot back in 1998.