Presser from the JB Powell for Agriculture Commisisoner Campaign:
JB Powell, candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, is pleased to announce that Dave Johnson, a nationally famous horse racing announcer whose tagline “and down the stretch they come” is recognized by millions of racing fans, has lent his support to Powell’s campaign.
“Although I cannot vote in the state of Georgia, this is a vote of confidence in the … proposal recently put forward by JB Powell…” said Johnson, who worked for ABC and ESPN for 25 years covering horse racing. “Brining thoroughbred racing… brings jobs and a positive economic wave from a racetrack facility, to the farms, boarding and training facilities, suppliers of animal feed, racing equipment, printing services, catering, and on and on. The benefit of having a thoroughbred and/or standardbred racing operation to a state can be an economic windfall as the side effect to the positive image a state gains when major sporting attractions are presented at those venues in that state.”
Johnson went on to praise JB Powell’s leadership, saying “…Mr. Powell [is] ahead of the curve, and looking to bring the Breeders' Cup to Georgia, I applaud his creativity and leadership, and pledge my support for his major horse racing initiatives. Good luck in bringing the great sport of horse racing to your fine state, and you can count on my help in bringing major racing events to the facilities your leadership will make happen.”
Powell, who has said that horse racing could bring a $1B economic boost to Georgia’s economy annually and provide 10,000 - 20,000 jobs, thanked Johnson for his backing. “I am proud to have the backing of Mr. Johnson. His support is just underscores the viability of bringing horse racing to Georgia. Many in the industry are chomping at the bit to get started, and I think that the people of Georgia should have the chance to decide whether to bring this source of economic growth to Georgia that will have virtually no cost to taxpayers.”
JB Powell is a lifelong resident of Richmond County residing in the small agricultural community of Blythe, Georgia. He was elected to the State Senate, District 23 in 2004 and has been the primary sponsor of over 45 bills and co-sponsor of many others. These have included bills promoting Georgia’s agri-tourism business, soil erosion projects and river basin protection. He is an active member of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee. He serves as an ex-officio member of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee and is a member of the Interstate Cooperation and State Institutions and Property Committees. He is also secretary of the State’s Science and Technology Committee.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Marshall Internal Poll shows him in lead at 47%-44%
Jim Marshall who like other Southern Democrats is in the fight of his political life released a poll showing him leading Austin Scott 47% to 44%
The poll was conducted by the Mellman Group, which it surveyed 400 likely voters.
Here'e what it says:
Poll was conducted on Oct 17-19. This analysis represents the findings of a survey of 400 likely November 2010 election voters in Georgia’s 8th Congressional District. Interviews were conducted by telephone October 17-19, 2010 using registration-based sampling. The margin of error for this survey is +/-4.9% at the 95% level of confidence. The margin of error is higher for subgroups/
Though the district leans Republican (45% Republican,33% Democratic) and isoverwhelmingly conservative (60%), our survey, completed last week, shows Marshall
holding a 3-point lead over Scott (47% to 44%) with 9% undecided.
This vote is in many ways consistent with the personal standing of both candidates.
Marshall is well known (82% Hard ID) and well liked in the district. Forty-eight percent (48%) view him favorably, 14 points higher than the percentage that views him unfavorably.
By comparison, Austin Scott is less well known (55% hard ID) and the 33% who view him favorably is 11 points higher than the 22% who view him unfavorably. Marshall is holding his base (87% among Democrats) and garners significant crossover support
from Republicans (19%). On the other side, Scott is getting 73% of the Republican vote.
Marshall has a slight 5-point edge among independents (45% to 40%). And though Scott holds a large lead among white voters (57% to 32%), Marshall garners overwhelming support from African- Americans (84% to 10%) who comprise 26% of voters in the District. This 26% African American turnout is the same percentage Marshall won with in his narrow 2006 victory.
In short, the Congressional election in Georgia’s 8th District is going to come down to the wire.
This morning The Hill poll showed Marshall down by 13%, 50% to 37% to Scott, while Landmark Communications showed similar findings.
I tweeted yesterday that this race could be like the one in 2006 between Mac Collins & Jim Marshall, with either candidate winning.
The poll was conducted by the Mellman Group, which it surveyed 400 likely voters.
Here'e what it says:
Poll was conducted on Oct 17-19. This analysis represents the findings of a survey of 400 likely November 2010 election voters in Georgia’s 8th Congressional District. Interviews were conducted by telephone October 17-19, 2010 using registration-based sampling. The margin of error for this survey is +/-4.9% at the 95% level of confidence. The margin of error is higher for subgroups/
Though the district leans Republican (45% Republican,33% Democratic) and isoverwhelmingly conservative (60%), our survey, completed last week, shows Marshall
holding a 3-point lead over Scott (47% to 44%) with 9% undecided.
This vote is in many ways consistent with the personal standing of both candidates.
Marshall is well known (82% Hard ID) and well liked in the district. Forty-eight percent (48%) view him favorably, 14 points higher than the percentage that views him unfavorably.
By comparison, Austin Scott is less well known (55% hard ID) and the 33% who view him favorably is 11 points higher than the 22% who view him unfavorably. Marshall is holding his base (87% among Democrats) and garners significant crossover support
from Republicans (19%). On the other side, Scott is getting 73% of the Republican vote.
Marshall has a slight 5-point edge among independents (45% to 40%). And though Scott holds a large lead among white voters (57% to 32%), Marshall garners overwhelming support from African- Americans (84% to 10%) who comprise 26% of voters in the District. This 26% African American turnout is the same percentage Marshall won with in his narrow 2006 victory.
In short, the Congressional election in Georgia’s 8th District is going to come down to the wire.
This morning The Hill poll showed Marshall down by 13%, 50% to 37% to Scott, while Landmark Communications showed similar findings.
I tweeted yesterday that this race could be like the one in 2006 between Mac Collins & Jim Marshall, with either candidate winning.
ABC Features Ga Labor Commisisoner & US Senate Candidate Mike Thurmond's Successful GeorgiaWork$ Initiative
Could something like this work at the National Level. I think so!
Barnes at Mason Pecan Farm for event on Monday
Roy Barnes at a event at The Mason Pecan Farm in Peach County.
Behind the table of food products were a host of farmers, community and state leaders, including:
Former state Rep. Larry Walker (D-Perry),
Former state Rep. Sonny Watson (D-Warner Robins),
Outgoing state Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin (D-Mt. Airey)
Former state Rep. Robert Ray (D-Ft. Valley)
Current State Rep. Lynmore James (D-Montezuma)
Exerpts from the Macon Telegraph:
Thomas Mason of Mason Pecan Farm lauded Barnes as a supporter of the state’s agricultural industry and noted that Barnes supports the farm bill.
“The CEO of Georgia must understand that Georgia’s No. 1 industry is agriculture, and Roy Barnes understands,” Mason said.
Duke Lane, a peach and pecan grower from Fort Valley, also spoke of Barnes’ support of the agriculture industry and the farm bill.
Former Houston County Commissioner Larry Snellgrove who serves on the "Republicans for Roy" Committee, who Barnes noted traveled with him Monday in a yellow campaign school bus, likened the race to a football game.
“It’s the fourth quarter. Two minutes left. We’ve got the ball,” said Snellgrove, who added that the momentum is building toward Barnes. “This election is not about an ‘R’ or about a ‘D.’ It’s about a ‘G’ — Georgia
Olens says "he was getting bored" as the reason why he decided to run for Attorney General
Olens made the controversial statement while answering questions on a conference call with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. The audio was later posted online by the Chamber
Its Deja Vu all over again for Southern Democrats
It happening again!
Remember back in 1994 when white Southern Democrats lost around 25 seats in the South.
In an election year when Democrats are bracing for significant losses nationwide, nowhere are they more vulnerable than in the South, where Republicans have made democrats such as Gene Taylor (D-MS), Jim Marshall, (D-GA), John Spratt (D-SC), Allen Boyd (D-FL), Glenn Nye (D-VA), & others their top targets in regaining control of the House of Representatives next tuesday.
If the Republicans pick up 10 Southern seats, it would not only put them in a position where they can better check the Obama agenda in Congress, but it would also help to reshape the national Republican Party in the mold of the Tea Party. Many of the republican challengers are where they are due to the rise of the controversial Tea Party Movement, If it weren't for the Tea Party movement, putting the GOP establishment in its place, many of these seats wouldn't be this close.
The Southern White Democrat were already a dying breed & its possible after this election that it may be 10-20 years before they ever make a comeback in the deep south.
Because let's face it, the party is on the verge of becoming even more liberal since the early 1970s.
There is no quick fix for the declining electoral prospects of Democrats. The party may have to undergo a large-scale reconstruction like the Republicans pulled off in the 1970s. New issues are on the horizon. Among others, these include: the nation's potentially ruinous entitlement obligations; the increasing concentration of income and wealth among a small segment of the population; inequality in educational opportunity; genuine reform of the political system; the corrosive effects of the global economy. etc.
I said that some democrats will be strong enough to rise above their party label & that I believe, but it won't be that many if these polls are telling the true story inolving southern democrats.
Southern moderate/conservative democrats won't become extinct, but they will be stranded on a deserted island for many years to come. If Bishop & Marshall both lose & Deal possibly win the governorship, what then happens to John Barrow? A party made up of African-Americans, Hispanics & White Liberals is not a recipe for success for democrats on the national level in the future.
Remember back in 1994 when white Southern Democrats lost around 25 seats in the South.
In an election year when Democrats are bracing for significant losses nationwide, nowhere are they more vulnerable than in the South, where Republicans have made democrats such as Gene Taylor (D-MS), Jim Marshall, (D-GA), John Spratt (D-SC), Allen Boyd (D-FL), Glenn Nye (D-VA), & others their top targets in regaining control of the House of Representatives next tuesday.
If the Republicans pick up 10 Southern seats, it would not only put them in a position where they can better check the Obama agenda in Congress, but it would also help to reshape the national Republican Party in the mold of the Tea Party. Many of the republican challengers are where they are due to the rise of the controversial Tea Party Movement, If it weren't for the Tea Party movement, putting the GOP establishment in its place, many of these seats wouldn't be this close.
The Southern White Democrat were already a dying breed & its possible after this election that it may be 10-20 years before they ever make a comeback in the deep south.
Because let's face it, the party is on the verge of becoming even more liberal since the early 1970s.
There is no quick fix for the declining electoral prospects of Democrats. The party may have to undergo a large-scale reconstruction like the Republicans pulled off in the 1970s. New issues are on the horizon. Among others, these include: the nation's potentially ruinous entitlement obligations; the increasing concentration of income and wealth among a small segment of the population; inequality in educational opportunity; genuine reform of the political system; the corrosive effects of the global economy. etc.
I said that some democrats will be strong enough to rise above their party label & that I believe, but it won't be that many if these polls are telling the true story inolving southern democrats.
Southern moderate/conservative democrats won't become extinct, but they will be stranded on a deserted island for many years to come. If Bishop & Marshall both lose & Deal possibly win the governorship, what then happens to John Barrow? A party made up of African-Americans, Hispanics & White Liberals is not a recipe for success for democrats on the national level in the future.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
African-Americans & Voting: Why is it so Damn Difficult to get them to the Polls?
Coming from a very complex family, I can remember my much older family members telling me the first time they went to cast a ballot for the first time in their entire lives due to the system of Jim Crow that kept if not most, but all African-Americans in their place. They were joyous, happy to make their voices heard. It was 1966. The year before, in 1965, the Voting Right Act became law which gave all African-Americans the right to vote. Many before gave their all, including their lives to make that happen.
Too bad my generation don't realize that.
The history of black voting in America nor does it honor the thousands of blacks who sacrificed their lives (like a few of my family members did) obtaining the right to vote and who exercised that right as long as two centuries ago.
Today it seems like Black Americans really don't give a Damn about what their elected officials are doing for the most part. The very ones who point their finger & complain about the lack of jobs, high unemployment, the lack of a educational opportunities & financial security & there are those who still blame "The Man" for all their problems are the very ones who sit on their tails & not cast their vote. There is no excuse for anyone not to get out to the polls this time around & vote in his/her best interest.
Yes they came out to vote for Barack Obama, but it was only to be apart of history in seeing the first African-American elected to the highest office in the land.
That was then...
Here we are approaching another election as democrats face a complete massacre at the polls next tuesday due to a overzealous president who badly misread the voters in thinking that they wanted more government in their lives like the passing of a controversial Healthcare Bill that more that 2/3rds of the American People was absolutely against. It has some stuff in it that will help, but overall, that thing was a debacle.
If you listen to the pundits, they say the GOP base are more jazzed up in turning out to vote, while the Democratic base are dispirited. But the most loyal voting bloc for the party is African-Americans & unless this voting bloc is motivated, a team of mules could move them to the polls.
The Black vote won't save the democrats, but it'll damn sure help them in key races across the country.
African-Americans are so different in their perspectives and opinions that it's hard to think of their votes existing as a collective. Nevertheless...here is my opinion. Yes, I know what they say about opinions, but I fully intend to take advantage of the privilege of expressing mine. This is done in an effort to encourage your participation in the political process.
If you've already pondered what's at stake and have decided not to vote, then there's just no getting through to you. You're a lost cause. Not voting also renders you mute and insignificant. Although, I can't help the feelings of overwhelming curiosity as to why you don't think you should vote. Perhaps you never actually decided not to vote. In that case, you desperately need to be informed that indecision is a decision.
Voting is a privilege that was hard to come by. It was many years that women and minorities could not let their voices be heard in the political arena. People were brutalized and murdered so that you and I can have the luxury of going to the polls to vote, free of charge and without anyone standing in our way. Come to think of it, we don't even have to physically be there. Have you ever heard of the term, "absentee"?
If you have ever complained about the current state of affairs in this country or this state (of course you have) then by all means, either vote or shut up! The time to speak is at the polls. Vote now or forever ( potentially 4 years of Nathan Deal will seem like forever) hold you peace.
The Government is useless, there is nothing they can do to make our lives better, the rising prices, the unemployment, the escalating crime rate…they have no answers. Well, if you are really concerned about all these things, you should have voted. "May be a better candidate would have won, and may be he would have taken some effective measures for improvement…Unless you vote you just can’t blame the government, because you have failed your duties!
Well if you are one of those people who think voting is a waste of time and keep on complaining about how the government is a complete failure; then it is time you realize the importance of voting, and do your bit towards enhancing the government functioning! The GOP have already made up their mind that the government ain't worth ****!
Voting ensures that your opinion is taken into account while appointing the person who holds the reins of power. People who are elected have the power to formulate educational policies which are instrumental in shaping the future of children and hence the future of the nation itself.
Health care, highways, jobs, taxes or even food, the elected representatives have the power to take decisions over some of the most vital issues in our life. So would you be comfortable in letting "anybody" take over these powers, without exercising your right to vote? Voting is one of the fundamental processes, which is instrumental in the development of a healthy democracy.
I sometimes sit back sometimes & listen to fellow African-Americans complain about what's not right, or what needs to be done. And I always ask myself: "Did they vote"? Probably not!
Here in Georgia, unemployment is at 10%, higher than the National Average. School Days have been cut to 4 days, budgets have been cut that taxes like property, hospital taxes & etc were raised by the party in power here in Georgia. Income Tax Cuts aimed at helping senior citizens here were eliminated & in return, a $120,000 Tax Cut was give to wealthy retirees. Poverty has risen drastically in this state, especially in the Black Belt Regions of Georgia (Southwest, Central & upper east central Georgia)
If Black voters, (democrats in General) are unhappy with the way things are going in the state & this country of ours, vote for people who will make a difference in your everyday lives. I have seen too many good candidates with their heart in the right place not get elected because of lack of turnout by so-called loyal democrats. Instead I have seen crooked candidates win seats for all the wrong reasons.
Like Nathan Deal for example.......
I never seen anything like this in my years being involved in politics since 1999.
This is a man who is the most "UNELECTABLE", "UNETHICAL", "UNQUALIFIED" candidate to run for office in this state ever.
From shady tax returns to attempted weakening of the state's Rape Shield Law , for some reason this guy remains ahead in the polls. I know this year favor republicans, but come on let's be real here!
That's why its important for dems who I've been very critical of over during the past year to get their base of support to the polls. Lord help us if Nathan Deal is our next governor.
Too bad my generation don't realize that.
The history of black voting in America nor does it honor the thousands of blacks who sacrificed their lives (like a few of my family members did) obtaining the right to vote and who exercised that right as long as two centuries ago.
Today it seems like Black Americans really don't give a Damn about what their elected officials are doing for the most part. The very ones who point their finger & complain about the lack of jobs, high unemployment, the lack of a educational opportunities & financial security & there are those who still blame "The Man" for all their problems are the very ones who sit on their tails & not cast their vote. There is no excuse for anyone not to get out to the polls this time around & vote in his/her best interest.
Yes they came out to vote for Barack Obama, but it was only to be apart of history in seeing the first African-American elected to the highest office in the land.
That was then...
Here we are approaching another election as democrats face a complete massacre at the polls next tuesday due to a overzealous president who badly misread the voters in thinking that they wanted more government in their lives like the passing of a controversial Healthcare Bill that more that 2/3rds of the American People was absolutely against. It has some stuff in it that will help, but overall, that thing was a debacle.
If you listen to the pundits, they say the GOP base are more jazzed up in turning out to vote, while the Democratic base are dispirited. But the most loyal voting bloc for the party is African-Americans & unless this voting bloc is motivated, a team of mules could move them to the polls.
The Black vote won't save the democrats, but it'll damn sure help them in key races across the country.
African-Americans are so different in their perspectives and opinions that it's hard to think of their votes existing as a collective. Nevertheless...here is my opinion. Yes, I know what they say about opinions, but I fully intend to take advantage of the privilege of expressing mine. This is done in an effort to encourage your participation in the political process.
If you've already pondered what's at stake and have decided not to vote, then there's just no getting through to you. You're a lost cause. Not voting also renders you mute and insignificant. Although, I can't help the feelings of overwhelming curiosity as to why you don't think you should vote. Perhaps you never actually decided not to vote. In that case, you desperately need to be informed that indecision is a decision.
Voting is a privilege that was hard to come by. It was many years that women and minorities could not let their voices be heard in the political arena. People were brutalized and murdered so that you and I can have the luxury of going to the polls to vote, free of charge and without anyone standing in our way. Come to think of it, we don't even have to physically be there. Have you ever heard of the term, "absentee"?
If you have ever complained about the current state of affairs in this country or this state (of course you have) then by all means, either vote or shut up! The time to speak is at the polls. Vote now or forever ( potentially 4 years of Nathan Deal will seem like forever) hold you peace.
The Government is useless, there is nothing they can do to make our lives better, the rising prices, the unemployment, the escalating crime rate…they have no answers. Well, if you are really concerned about all these things, you should have voted. "May be a better candidate would have won, and may be he would have taken some effective measures for improvement…Unless you vote you just can’t blame the government, because you have failed your duties!
Well if you are one of those people who think voting is a waste of time and keep on complaining about how the government is a complete failure; then it is time you realize the importance of voting, and do your bit towards enhancing the government functioning! The GOP have already made up their mind that the government ain't worth ****!
Voting ensures that your opinion is taken into account while appointing the person who holds the reins of power. People who are elected have the power to formulate educational policies which are instrumental in shaping the future of children and hence the future of the nation itself.
Health care, highways, jobs, taxes or even food, the elected representatives have the power to take decisions over some of the most vital issues in our life. So would you be comfortable in letting "anybody" take over these powers, without exercising your right to vote? Voting is one of the fundamental processes, which is instrumental in the development of a healthy democracy.
I sometimes sit back sometimes & listen to fellow African-Americans complain about what's not right, or what needs to be done. And I always ask myself: "Did they vote"? Probably not!
Here in Georgia, unemployment is at 10%, higher than the National Average. School Days have been cut to 4 days, budgets have been cut that taxes like property, hospital taxes & etc were raised by the party in power here in Georgia. Income Tax Cuts aimed at helping senior citizens here were eliminated & in return, a $120,000 Tax Cut was give to wealthy retirees. Poverty has risen drastically in this state, especially in the Black Belt Regions of Georgia (Southwest, Central & upper east central Georgia)
If Black voters, (democrats in General) are unhappy with the way things are going in the state & this country of ours, vote for people who will make a difference in your everyday lives. I have seen too many good candidates with their heart in the right place not get elected because of lack of turnout by so-called loyal democrats. Instead I have seen crooked candidates win seats for all the wrong reasons.
Like Nathan Deal for example.......
I never seen anything like this in my years being involved in politics since 1999.
This is a man who is the most "UNELECTABLE", "UNETHICAL", "UNQUALIFIED" candidate to run for office in this state ever.
From shady tax returns to attempted weakening of the state's Rape Shield Law , for some reason this guy remains ahead in the polls. I know this year favor republicans, but come on let's be real here!
That's why its important for dems who I've been very critical of over during the past year to get their base of support to the polls. Lord help us if Nathan Deal is our next governor.
Griffin Lotson, William Ligon Talk Issues instead of slinging Mud in Debate for Senate District 3
Mike Morrison of The Florida Times Union has the story.
We've got a week to go," Lotson said Tuesday. "I think we'll make it."
The race in state Senate District 3 has remained a calm competition during a turbulent political season, with Democrat Griffin Lotson and Republican William Ligon vowing to hold down the mudslinging.
"Ligon said he and Lotson have focused on the issues, purposefully avoiding the negative campaigning and bombastic rhetoric that seem to characterize today's political campaigns.
"I've been stating my position, and he's been stating his," Ligon said. "That's what we've done."
Lotson is a Darien resident, a minister and CEO of a nonprofit he founded. Ligon is a Brunswick lawyer and former municipal court judge. They are vying to replace Jeff Chapman, a popular and independent-minded legislator who made an unsuccessful run at governor instead of seeking another term in the Senate.
The district includes Brantley, Charlton, Camden, McIntosh and Glynn counties.
For Ligon, this is his first foray into politics. Lotson has been in numerous races - Darien mayor several times, City Council, Soil and Water Commission - and has lost each time. He also made a long-shot run at lieutenant governor.
Despite representing parties that are about as far apart as they can be, the two candidates agree that job creation, the economy and education are the to*****ues they would face in the state Senate.
To Lotson, the job issue is so important that he lists it twice.
"Jobs, that's the wheel that turns the economy," he said.
Having an educated workforce in place is imperative in luring new employers to the area, he said.
"You have to have a work-ready force ready to fill the positions," he said. "That's something businesses consider when they're considering going into a new area."
Ligon said the General Assembly needs to take a long look at how it does business.
"We've got to keep government growth and spending under control," he said.
It will also be important for whoever is elected to keep an eye on the district's natural resources, he said.
"We've got to make sure we're guarding our natural resources, specifically our water resources," he said.
With Atlanta's thirst for water steadily increasing, it will be necessary to that ensure that its withdrawals don't deplete the downstream flows that nourish the ecosystems along the coast, he said.
Regardless of who comes out on top in the election, the two candidates say they will remain on good terms. Both do work for Habitat for Humanity in McIntosh County.
We've got a week to go," Lotson said Tuesday. "I think we'll make it."
The race in state Senate District 3 has remained a calm competition during a turbulent political season, with Democrat Griffin Lotson and Republican William Ligon vowing to hold down the mudslinging.
"Ligon said he and Lotson have focused on the issues, purposefully avoiding the negative campaigning and bombastic rhetoric that seem to characterize today's political campaigns.
"I've been stating my position, and he's been stating his," Ligon said. "That's what we've done."
Lotson is a Darien resident, a minister and CEO of a nonprofit he founded. Ligon is a Brunswick lawyer and former municipal court judge. They are vying to replace Jeff Chapman, a popular and independent-minded legislator who made an unsuccessful run at governor instead of seeking another term in the Senate.
The district includes Brantley, Charlton, Camden, McIntosh and Glynn counties.
For Ligon, this is his first foray into politics. Lotson has been in numerous races - Darien mayor several times, City Council, Soil and Water Commission - and has lost each time. He also made a long-shot run at lieutenant governor.
Despite representing parties that are about as far apart as they can be, the two candidates agree that job creation, the economy and education are the to*****ues they would face in the state Senate.
To Lotson, the job issue is so important that he lists it twice.
"Jobs, that's the wheel that turns the economy," he said.
Having an educated workforce in place is imperative in luring new employers to the area, he said.
"You have to have a work-ready force ready to fill the positions," he said. "That's something businesses consider when they're considering going into a new area."
Ligon said the General Assembly needs to take a long look at how it does business.
"We've got to keep government growth and spending under control," he said.
It will also be important for whoever is elected to keep an eye on the district's natural resources, he said.
"We've got to make sure we're guarding our natural resources, specifically our water resources," he said.
With Atlanta's thirst for water steadily increasing, it will be necessary to that ensure that its withdrawals don't deplete the downstream flows that nourish the ecosystems along the coast, he said.
Regardless of who comes out on top in the election, the two candidates say they will remain on good terms. Both do work for Habitat for Humanity in McIntosh County.
Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin Endorses Sanford Bishop for Re-election
Albany Herald is reporting that Longtime Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin, who is retiring has endorsed Sanford Bishop.
Irvin said, Bishop was there pushing back each time folks in Washington tried to balance the nation’s budget on the backs of farmers, when (folks in Washington) attempted to end the compensation to cotton and peanut farmers for storage costs, and when (folks in Washington) held back on selling crops until they could net better market rates,” Irvin,a Democrat, said in his letter of endorsement. “I don’t even want to think where we would be without his work on the various farm bills
Irvin’s endorsement is just the latest for Bishop. According to the release from Bishop’s campaign, the nine-term congressman previously earned endorsements from the National Rifle Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans’ Vision, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Georgia Association of Educators, former U.S. Drug Czar General Barry McCaffrey, along with three former Commanding Generals at Fort Benning — Major General Jerry White, Major General Kenneth Leuer and Major General Carmen Cavezza.
“Tommy is the Georgia Farmer’s best friend, and I am very happy to have him support me,” Bishop said of Irvin. “Agriculture is the heartbeat of our state’s economy. It does me good knowing that such a leader in the farming community as Commissioner Irvin recognizes that I am doing all I can in Washington to make sure Georgia’s pulse remains strong.”
In related news, Bishop’s campaign announced that he will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. today at 2 at the Dougherty County Courthouse, where his campaign says area state and local elected officials will announce their support for the congressman’s re-election bid.
Irvin said, Bishop was there pushing back each time folks in Washington tried to balance the nation’s budget on the backs of farmers, when (folks in Washington) attempted to end the compensation to cotton and peanut farmers for storage costs, and when (folks in Washington) held back on selling crops until they could net better market rates,” Irvin,a Democrat, said in his letter of endorsement. “I don’t even want to think where we would be without his work on the various farm bills
Irvin’s endorsement is just the latest for Bishop. According to the release from Bishop’s campaign, the nine-term congressman previously earned endorsements from the National Rifle Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans’ Vision, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, the Alliance for Retired Americans, the Georgia Association of Educators, former U.S. Drug Czar General Barry McCaffrey, along with three former Commanding Generals at Fort Benning — Major General Jerry White, Major General Kenneth Leuer and Major General Carmen Cavezza.
“Tommy is the Georgia Farmer’s best friend, and I am very happy to have him support me,” Bishop said of Irvin. “Agriculture is the heartbeat of our state’s economy. It does me good knowing that such a leader in the farming community as Commissioner Irvin recognizes that I am doing all I can in Washington to make sure Georgia’s pulse remains strong.”
In related news, Bishop’s campaign announced that he will hold a news conference at 2 p.m. today at 2 at the Dougherty County Courthouse, where his campaign says area state and local elected officials will announce their support for the congressman’s re-election bid.
Monday, October 25, 2010
First Amendment Group wants Scott's Divorce Papers Unsealed
The Macon Telegraph reported on Daturday that a group, The Georgia First Amendment Foundation filed a legal brief late Thursday in Tift County Superior Court supporting Macon resident Amy Morton’s Sept. 30 request to the court to unseal the divorce records of state Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, who is running against incumbent Democrat Rep. Jim Marshall.
Executive Hollie Manheimer, did not explainon why the brief was filed.
The brief states the reason for opening the records is, in part, because: “One of the defendants is and was at all material times a public official and one seeking public office. The original Court proceedings and the record were both open to the public, as required by law and our Constitution.”
There will be hearing on this matter tomorrow in Tifton. No onw knows what's in the divorce papers, but if it contain anything damaging, it could trun the 8th district race on its head.
Executive Hollie Manheimer, did not explainon why the brief was filed.
The brief states the reason for opening the records is, in part, because: “One of the defendants is and was at all material times a public official and one seeking public office. The original Court proceedings and the record were both open to the public, as required by law and our Constitution.”
There will be hearing on this matter tomorrow in Tifton. No onw knows what's in the divorce papers, but if it contain anything damaging, it could trun the 8th district race on its head.
Georgia Democratic Party Attack Ad against Casey Cagle
Cagle is battling Carol Porter (D) for Lt. Governor
Santamaria, Hatchett Discuss the Issues at Tea Party Rally
Santamaria says "he turned down thousands of dollars from some Democratic fundraisers because he didn't completely agree with their views". Interesting.
Saturday in Laurens County, Dr. Pablo Santamaria (D) & Matt Hatchett (R) attended a forum hosted by the Tea Party of Middle Georgia dubbed "We the People Rally". One will replace DuBose Porter who left his seat to run for governor.
About 50+ attended the forum in which both candidtaes discusses issues ranging fron Infrastructure to education.
Santamaria, a doctor in Laurens County, described himself as a conservative Democrat and said he's not about the politics.
"I'm not bought and sold," Santamaria told the audience.
Hatchett, a Dublin City Councilman, said that public service was in his blood. "I work hard," Hatchett said. "I want to continue to work hard for our entire district."
Santamaria says he agrees sales tax is key, but says the current system needs to be fixed.
Instead of sending all the money up to Atlanta and have them send it back to us," Santamaria said, "let's take a piece of the sales tax and send them what's left over." Another hot topic the two discussed was Obama's health care plan.
Hatchett says he'll do whatever he can to keep it out of Georgia.
Santamaria says it has some benefits, but overall, is not affordable for the people.
Saturday in Laurens County, Dr. Pablo Santamaria (D) & Matt Hatchett (R) attended a forum hosted by the Tea Party of Middle Georgia dubbed "We the People Rally". One will replace DuBose Porter who left his seat to run for governor.
About 50+ attended the forum in which both candidtaes discusses issues ranging fron Infrastructure to education.
Santamaria, a doctor in Laurens County, described himself as a conservative Democrat and said he's not about the politics.
"I'm not bought and sold," Santamaria told the audience.
Hatchett, a Dublin City Councilman, said that public service was in his blood. "I work hard," Hatchett said. "I want to continue to work hard for our entire district."
Santamaria says he agrees sales tax is key, but says the current system needs to be fixed.
Instead of sending all the money up to Atlanta and have them send it back to us," Santamaria said, "let's take a piece of the sales tax and send them what's left over." Another hot topic the two discussed was Obama's health care plan.
Hatchett says he'll do whatever he can to keep it out of Georgia.
Santamaria says it has some benefits, but overall, is not affordable for the people.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Signs of a Nervous Campaign in HD-8?
Over at Peach Pundit, its being reported that Speaker David Ralston & Newly Elected Congressman Tom Graves will be at a rally for vulnerable Incumbent Stephen Allison (R-Blairsville). Its being billed as a GOTV Campaign Rally.
Allison is locked against a young, conservative democrat in Jack Lance (D-Blairsville) who has been endorsed by former governor Zell Miller, who is still wildly popular up in the Georgia Mountains.
HD 8 is one of those races that democrats see as a prime pickup opportunity as it try to cut into the GOP majority in the House of Representatives.
When the Speaker comes to your district to stump for you in a "supposedly" solid GOP district, that's a sign that the incumbent is on shaky ground.
Allison is locked against a young, conservative democrat in Jack Lance (D-Blairsville) who has been endorsed by former governor Zell Miller, who is still wildly popular up in the Georgia Mountains.
HD 8 is one of those races that democrats see as a prime pickup opportunity as it try to cut into the GOP majority in the House of Representatives.
When the Speaker comes to your district to stump for you in a "supposedly" solid GOP district, that's a sign that the incumbent is on shaky ground.
How has Jim Marshall been able to fend off GOP challenges?
Congressman Jim Marshall, from a Middle Ga. district, is the kind of Representatives most Georgians like and identify with, a Georgia Democrat, not a Washington Democrat.
I once served in the Georgia Legislature as a Georgia Democrat, and if Mr. Marshall was my congressman I would vote for him. He not only stands up to the DC establishment and looks after our state, he also suppords protecting our borders and opposes illegal immigration.
It will be interesting to see if he beats one of Karl Rove's "young guns" , Chamber of Commerce, country club Republicans in the election next month.
That's what Randolph "Randy" Phillips, a former Democratic, or "Dixiecrat" Georgia State Representative & Director of GHC's, (Georgia Heritage Council) 2004 Campaign to restore the 1956-Confederate Flag had to say about Jim Marshall who is running against Austin Scott (R) for the 8th District.
And you have to believe that the majority of voters in the 8th District feel the same way about Jim Marshall, who is trying to fend off a challenge from the GOP "Young Gunner" Austin Scott.
Jim Marshall well positioned going into the final stretch of the 2006 general election as he has been successful in defining himself in specific, positive terms with his constituents.
Despite what opponents say about Marshall, he is well established and held in high regard throughout the district. Voters Are most likely to describe Marshall as honest, with Strong Family Values, and working to protect Robins Air Force Base. Marshall’s strength is also evident beneath the surface. Voters probably describe Marshall as someone who has strong family values and is honest.
He has been characterized as a ‘real hero’, ‘friend of the veteran’, and ‘true American’ by many, while others say he is a humble, down to earth person who is a friend of the Bluecollar Worker.
Marshall is the son and grandson of Army officers. He received a National Merit Scholarship to attend Princeton University, but at the start of his junior year in 1968, relinquished his student deferment and voluntarily enlisted for infantry combat in Vietnam. He was an honor graduate from the Non-Commissioned Officers Course and Ranger School.
Marshall served in combat as a platoon sergeant in C Company and E Recon, 1/52nd of the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The decorated Army Ranger distinguished himself in battle leading his platoon through combat and for his actions was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ Device.
His other decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart and a second Bronze Star. Upon completion of his military obligations, Marshall continued his studies as a University Scholar at Princeton, focusing on the Vietnam War and counter-insurgency strategy.
He is being hit for his votes of the Bank Bailout & the Stimulus & relentless efforts by the National Republicans, Shadowy Third Party Groups & Austin Scott to tie him to Nancy Pelosi, who has replaced Ted Kennedy as the GOP boogeyman who Marshall recently said he will not support as Speaker of the House.
Marshall has voted against the Cap & Trade Bill & the highly controversial Healthcare Bill. Like the gentleman from Wilcox County said in a piece conducted by Roll Call: "It’s not his fault things are going the wrong way." Expect some republicans who have supported Marshall in the past to desert Marshall in favor of Scott, but some will remain with Marshall, as well as Independents.
I've heard before that 2006, 2008 was the year to get Marshall, & both times he has been victorious, now I hear that this year is the best chance to do just that. I stand by my prediction that he'll win another term, but I could be wrong. I've learned to never underestimate Jim Marshall & I'm not about to now
I once served in the Georgia Legislature as a Georgia Democrat, and if Mr. Marshall was my congressman I would vote for him. He not only stands up to the DC establishment and looks after our state, he also suppords protecting our borders and opposes illegal immigration.
It will be interesting to see if he beats one of Karl Rove's "young guns" , Chamber of Commerce, country club Republicans in the election next month.
That's what Randolph "Randy" Phillips, a former Democratic, or "Dixiecrat" Georgia State Representative & Director of GHC's, (Georgia Heritage Council) 2004 Campaign to restore the 1956-Confederate Flag had to say about Jim Marshall who is running against Austin Scott (R) for the 8th District.
And you have to believe that the majority of voters in the 8th District feel the same way about Jim Marshall, who is trying to fend off a challenge from the GOP "Young Gunner" Austin Scott.
Jim Marshall well positioned going into the final stretch of the 2006 general election as he has been successful in defining himself in specific, positive terms with his constituents.
Despite what opponents say about Marshall, he is well established and held in high regard throughout the district. Voters Are most likely to describe Marshall as honest, with Strong Family Values, and working to protect Robins Air Force Base. Marshall’s strength is also evident beneath the surface. Voters probably describe Marshall as someone who has strong family values and is honest.
He has been characterized as a ‘real hero’, ‘friend of the veteran’, and ‘true American’ by many, while others say he is a humble, down to earth person who is a friend of the Bluecollar Worker.
Marshall is the son and grandson of Army officers. He received a National Merit Scholarship to attend Princeton University, but at the start of his junior year in 1968, relinquished his student deferment and voluntarily enlisted for infantry combat in Vietnam. He was an honor graduate from the Non-Commissioned Officers Course and Ranger School.
Marshall served in combat as a platoon sergeant in C Company and E Recon, 1/52nd of the 198th Light Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. The decorated Army Ranger distinguished himself in battle leading his platoon through combat and for his actions was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with ‘V’ Device.
His other decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, the Purple Heart and a second Bronze Star. Upon completion of his military obligations, Marshall continued his studies as a University Scholar at Princeton, focusing on the Vietnam War and counter-insurgency strategy.
He is being hit for his votes of the Bank Bailout & the Stimulus & relentless efforts by the National Republicans, Shadowy Third Party Groups & Austin Scott to tie him to Nancy Pelosi, who has replaced Ted Kennedy as the GOP boogeyman who Marshall recently said he will not support as Speaker of the House.
Marshall has voted against the Cap & Trade Bill & the highly controversial Healthcare Bill. Like the gentleman from Wilcox County said in a piece conducted by Roll Call: "It’s not his fault things are going the wrong way." Expect some republicans who have supported Marshall in the past to desert Marshall in favor of Scott, but some will remain with Marshall, as well as Independents.
I've heard before that 2006, 2008 was the year to get Marshall, & both times he has been victorious, now I hear that this year is the best chance to do just that. I stand by my prediction that he'll win another term, but I could be wrong. I've learned to never underestimate Jim Marshall & I'm not about to now
Freeman accuses Epps of Planning to Switch Parties
Back in early October at a debate in Jones Co, challenger & ex-State Rep.Allen Freeman (R-Macon) accused Incumbent Conservative Democrat James "Bubber" Epps (D-Dry Branch) of planning to switch parties, a charge which Epps called "the accusation the "actions of a desperate man. Epps did acknowledge that the GOP talked to him about changing parties, but Epss then went on to say, that's not in his nature. Freeman claims a deal was in place for him to do so.
Here's the video:
Allen Freeman lost to James epps in 2008 by a razor thin margin & wants his old seat back. Epps is popular within the district & its hard to see him losing in November, but it can happen.
Here's the video:
Allen Freeman lost to James epps in 2008 by a razor thin margin & wants his old seat back. Epps is popular within the district & its hard to see him losing in November, but it can happen.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Scott trying to divert attention from the Real Issue?
Here's what Scott Taylor is a former member of the Houston County Board of Elections and former chair of the Houston County Democratic Party.
Read here: http://www.macon.com/2010/10/15/1303068/austin-scott-trying-to-divert.html
Read here: http://www.macon.com/2010/10/15/1303068/austin-scott-trying-to-divert.html
Middle Georgia Democratic Women's Candidates Rally on Saturday at Houston County
This upcoming Saturday October 23, the Middle Georgia Democratic Women, a chapter of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women will be holding their fall rally at Creekwood Park in Perry, Georgia, starting at 10:00 p.m until 2:00 p.m.
Candidates attending are:
Agriculture Commissioner candidate J.B. Powell (D-Blythe)
U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Macon)
Lt. Governor candidate Carol Porter (D-Dublin)
House District 145 candidate Fenika Miller (D-Warner Robins)
Candidate for Georgia Court of Appeals Antoinette "Toni" Davis
House District 136 candidate Sharon Howard (D-Byron)
Kimberly Mitchen-Rasmussen, of the White House Project
More candidates could be added before saturday
If you can go out & hear what each of these candidates have to say before the Nov. 2 Elections.
Candidates attending are:
Agriculture Commissioner candidate J.B. Powell (D-Blythe)
U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall (D-Macon)
Lt. Governor candidate Carol Porter (D-Dublin)
House District 145 candidate Fenika Miller (D-Warner Robins)
Candidate for Georgia Court of Appeals Antoinette "Toni" Davis
House District 136 candidate Sharon Howard (D-Byron)
Kimberly Mitchen-Rasmussen, of the White House Project
More candidates could be added before saturday
If you can go out & hear what each of these candidates have to say before the Nov. 2 Elections.
Look & Listen very closely to Deal.
We all know that Deal is a Birther, something he denies. Here's one of the mailings that Deal says is a negative attack on him. Well if you put 2 & 2 together, you'll see that the dots are connected. Look at the mailing & the youtube video in which he questions Obama's place of Birth.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Can Russell Edwards take out Extremist Incumbent Paul Broun in Nov?
One race that has gone unnoticed here in the state is up in NE Georgia in the 10th Congressional District as Russell Edwards (D-Athens), a young moderate democrat who have waged a strong challenge to Incumbent Arch-Conservative Paul Broun (R-Athens).
The 10th is a conservative stronghold last represented by the late Charlie Norwood (R). The last democrat to hold that seat was Celete "Don" Johnson in 1992 before losing in 1994 due to his support of then president Bill Clinton's agenda.
The last democrat to run for that seat was Bobby Saxon, a conservative democrat who got 40% of the vote despite running on a shoe-string budget.
Edwards, a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law is a native of Fayette County Georgia wants to unseat Incumbent Paul Broun who has said repeatedly that social security is unconstitutional & needs to be eliminated. Broun has embraced the most "EXTREME" positions & views from supporting laws against efficient light bulbs, and sponsoring legislation to give human fertilized eggs the full legal protection afforded a person from the moment that a sperm penetrates the membrane of the egg cell. Paul Broun has shown that he is willing to take Republican ideology one step further, to embrace the most extreme positions, abandoning common sense for the sake of pandering to the fringe.
Broun in 2008 voted against H.R. 3999, the National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act. Remember the deadly bridge collapse in Minnesota? H.R. 3999 was designed to help prevent that kind of disaster in the future, but Broun voted against it.
Voters have a alternative in Russell Edwards who wants to create jobs for the 10th by strengthening small businesses & to protect social security in which Paul Broun wants to privatize, support public schools & bring real, effective leadership to the district.
Broun has ducking & dodging debating Edwards on the issues in front of voters of the 10th District. Clearly he doesn't want to defend his controversial stances nor his views on issues ranging from social security to job creation. Given how Bobby Saxon took Broun to the woodshed in their one debate last year, I doubt he wants to go back down that road again in a debate with Russell Edwards.
Edwards have been traveling the district non-stop talking to business owners to teachers to seniors. Given the year democrats are facing right now, one can say Broun is the favorite, but who knows?
The 10th is a conservative stronghold last represented by the late Charlie Norwood (R). The last democrat to hold that seat was Celete "Don" Johnson in 1992 before losing in 1994 due to his support of then president Bill Clinton's agenda.
The last democrat to run for that seat was Bobby Saxon, a conservative democrat who got 40% of the vote despite running on a shoe-string budget.
Edwards, a graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law is a native of Fayette County Georgia wants to unseat Incumbent Paul Broun who has said repeatedly that social security is unconstitutional & needs to be eliminated. Broun has embraced the most "EXTREME" positions & views from supporting laws against efficient light bulbs, and sponsoring legislation to give human fertilized eggs the full legal protection afforded a person from the moment that a sperm penetrates the membrane of the egg cell. Paul Broun has shown that he is willing to take Republican ideology one step further, to embrace the most extreme positions, abandoning common sense for the sake of pandering to the fringe.
Broun in 2008 voted against H.R. 3999, the National Highway Bridge Reconstruction and Inspection Act. Remember the deadly bridge collapse in Minnesota? H.R. 3999 was designed to help prevent that kind of disaster in the future, but Broun voted against it.
Voters have a alternative in Russell Edwards who wants to create jobs for the 10th by strengthening small businesses & to protect social security in which Paul Broun wants to privatize, support public schools & bring real, effective leadership to the district.
Broun has ducking & dodging debating Edwards on the issues in front of voters of the 10th District. Clearly he doesn't want to defend his controversial stances nor his views on issues ranging from social security to job creation. Given how Bobby Saxon took Broun to the woodshed in their one debate last year, I doubt he wants to go back down that road again in a debate with Russell Edwards.
Edwards have been traveling the district non-stop talking to business owners to teachers to seniors. Given the year democrats are facing right now, one can say Broun is the favorite, but who knows?
Veterans Vision & VFW-PAC have endorsed Sanford Bishop for re-election
That's what Tim Turner campaign manager for Sanford Bishop announced recently.
The press release from both Veterans groups states in part:
“This endorsement is based on your strong support for veterans, national security and defense, and military personnel issues,” said Salvatore Capirchio, director, VFW-PAC, in his letter to Rep. Bishop.
The VFW provides the 2.1 million members of the VFW, its auxiliaries and their families with an opportunity to collectively support candidates for federal office who support our nations’ veterans and America’s security. The VFW PAC is the only major Veterans Service Organization (VSO) PAC.
Bishop also has received an endorsement from Veterans’ Vision. The esteemed veterans publication is supporting him for his ongoing commitment to military veterans. They have commended him for his legislative accomplishments for veterans, especially, his strong support of crucial veterans’ health care measures.
“Congressman Bishop’s foresight and experience have meant so much for military families and veterans hit hardest in tough economic times across this country,” said Maj. Brian Hampton, President and Publisher of VETERANS’ VISION. The Congressman’s endorsement reflects his commitment to American veterans and his role as a leading voice in the fight to end veterans’ homelessness.”
The endorsements come on the heels of word that four U.S. Military generals, including former Drug Csar and NATO head Gen. Barry McCaffrey, joined in providing support to Bishop's re-election bid last week.
Bishop's challenger, Mike Keown, has received his own endorsement from those in the military, namely that of retired Air Force Colonel Gary Breedlove.
The press release from both Veterans groups states in part:
“This endorsement is based on your strong support for veterans, national security and defense, and military personnel issues,” said Salvatore Capirchio, director, VFW-PAC, in his letter to Rep. Bishop.
The VFW provides the 2.1 million members of the VFW, its auxiliaries and their families with an opportunity to collectively support candidates for federal office who support our nations’ veterans and America’s security. The VFW PAC is the only major Veterans Service Organization (VSO) PAC.
Bishop also has received an endorsement from Veterans’ Vision. The esteemed veterans publication is supporting him for his ongoing commitment to military veterans. They have commended him for his legislative accomplishments for veterans, especially, his strong support of crucial veterans’ health care measures.
“Congressman Bishop’s foresight and experience have meant so much for military families and veterans hit hardest in tough economic times across this country,” said Maj. Brian Hampton, President and Publisher of VETERANS’ VISION. The Congressman’s endorsement reflects his commitment to American veterans and his role as a leading voice in the fight to end veterans’ homelessness.”
The endorsements come on the heels of word that four U.S. Military generals, including former Drug Csar and NATO head Gen. Barry McCaffrey, joined in providing support to Bishop's re-election bid last week.
Bishop's challenger, Mike Keown, has received his own endorsement from those in the military, namely that of retired Air Force Colonel Gary Breedlove.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Poverty makes a comeback!
For more than 40 years, social scientists investigating the causes of poverty have tended to treat cultural explanations like Lord Voldemort: That Which Must Not Be Named.
The reticence was a legacy of the ugly battles that erupted after Daniel Patrick Moynihan, then an assistant labor secretary in the Johnson administration, introduced the idea of a “culture of poverty” to the public in a startling 1965 report. Although Moynihan didn’t coin the phrase (that distinction belongs to the anthropologist Oscar Lewis), his description of the urban black family as caught in an inescapable “tangle of pathology” of unmarried mothers and welfare dependency was seen as attributing self-perpetuating moral deficiencies to black people, as if blaming them for their own misfortune.
Moynihan’s analysis never lost its appeal to conservative thinkers, whose arguments ultimately succeeded when President Bill Clinton signed a bill in 1996 “ending welfare as we know it.” But in the overwhelmingly liberal ranks of academic sociology and anthropology the word “culture” became a live grenade, and the idea that attitudes and behavior patterns kept people poor was shunned.
Now, after decades of silence, these scholars are speaking openly about you-know-what, conceding that culture and persistent poverty are enmeshed. Read: Poverty makes a comeback
The reticence was a legacy of the ugly battles that erupted after Daniel Patrick Moynihan, then an assistant labor secretary in the Johnson administration, introduced the idea of a “culture of poverty” to the public in a startling 1965 report. Although Moynihan didn’t coin the phrase (that distinction belongs to the anthropologist Oscar Lewis), his description of the urban black family as caught in an inescapable “tangle of pathology” of unmarried mothers and welfare dependency was seen as attributing self-perpetuating moral deficiencies to black people, as if blaming them for their own misfortune.
Moynihan’s analysis never lost its appeal to conservative thinkers, whose arguments ultimately succeeded when President Bill Clinton signed a bill in 1996 “ending welfare as we know it.” But in the overwhelmingly liberal ranks of academic sociology and anthropology the word “culture” became a live grenade, and the idea that attitudes and behavior patterns kept people poor was shunned.
Now, after decades of silence, these scholars are speaking openly about you-know-what, conceding that culture and persistent poverty are enmeshed. Read: Poverty makes a comeback
Roy Barnes Accomplishments during his first term
Roy had many legislative accomplishments during his term as Governor.
In Education, he focused on lowering class size, raised standards by requiring accountability, and passed legislation requiring more discipline in the classroom. He also created a comprehensive group to study education in Georgia and undertook the most widespread revision of education in a generation.
Believing that health care in Georgia must be both affordable and accessible, Roy successfully fought for passage of the bill that guaranteed patients the right to choose their own doctor, and a bill that established a patient's bill of rights and allowed insurance companies to be held liable for denying or delaying much needed care.
As Governor, Roy also demanded that taxes be cut.
He completed four years of a property tax cut on homes and family farms. He passed a property Tax Payers Bill of Rights that exposes backdoor tax increases of increasing assessments to public scrutiny. Roy also passed the first ever Sales Tax Holiday for Georgia in an effort to stimulate the economy and provide citizens with immediate tax savings. Roy honored his campaign promises and made tough decisions to insure hope for jobs, education and healthcare.
Barnes also created the OneGeorgia Program that was designed to bring Economic vitality to rural Georgia. Not to mentioned the changing of the Confederate Flag, which was a major reason he lost.
Now you all have seen the ads from the RGA Georgia distorting & depicting Barnes first four years as governor as "disastorous", which it wasn't. The state's economy grew after Barnes first term despite a recession & created over 235,000 jobs. Yes, the state unemployment rate grew from 3,9% to 4.9% ,those numbers sound better that the 10% unemployment rate we are facing right now.
I'll say this, for all of the "I don't like Roy talk" let me tell it like it is: "Barnes is just like medicine, He might taste bad to some going down, but once he's been in you for a while, you'll feel better". And let me tell you, no one likes to be sick & right now given the condition of this state, I'd rather have some of that Barnes medicine than Deal's that may make the condition worse than it is & Georgia can't afford that
In Education, he focused on lowering class size, raised standards by requiring accountability, and passed legislation requiring more discipline in the classroom. He also created a comprehensive group to study education in Georgia and undertook the most widespread revision of education in a generation.
Believing that health care in Georgia must be both affordable and accessible, Roy successfully fought for passage of the bill that guaranteed patients the right to choose their own doctor, and a bill that established a patient's bill of rights and allowed insurance companies to be held liable for denying or delaying much needed care.
As Governor, Roy also demanded that taxes be cut.
He completed four years of a property tax cut on homes and family farms. He passed a property Tax Payers Bill of Rights that exposes backdoor tax increases of increasing assessments to public scrutiny. Roy also passed the first ever Sales Tax Holiday for Georgia in an effort to stimulate the economy and provide citizens with immediate tax savings. Roy honored his campaign promises and made tough decisions to insure hope for jobs, education and healthcare.
Barnes also created the OneGeorgia Program that was designed to bring Economic vitality to rural Georgia. Not to mentioned the changing of the Confederate Flag, which was a major reason he lost.
Now you all have seen the ads from the RGA Georgia distorting & depicting Barnes first four years as governor as "disastorous", which it wasn't. The state's economy grew after Barnes first term despite a recession & created over 235,000 jobs. Yes, the state unemployment rate grew from 3,9% to 4.9% ,those numbers sound better that the 10% unemployment rate we are facing right now.
I'll say this, for all of the "I don't like Roy talk" let me tell it like it is: "Barnes is just like medicine, He might taste bad to some going down, but once he's been in you for a while, you'll feel better". And let me tell you, no one likes to be sick & right now given the condition of this state, I'd rather have some of that Barnes medicine than Deal's that may make the condition worse than it is & Georgia can't afford that
There's More? Ex-Rep. Nathan Deal Paid $245,000 to Aide’s Wife
By Jennifer Yachnin of Roll Call Staff
Ex-Rep. Nathan Deal’s Congressional office paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to a Georgia company owned by his top staffer’s wife to fly to and from his Congressional district, but the staffer did not report the income on his financial disclosure forms because he claims the couple made no profit.
House rules prohibit Members from purchasing services from a staff member but appear to be silent on purchasing from a staff member’s spouse.According to House spending records, which detail the finances of each lawmaker’s office, Deal’s office paid Gainesville, Ga.-based Chattahoochee Logistics LLC at least $245,000 from 2002 to 2008.
Former House aide Chris Riley, who now serves as Deal’s campaign manager in the Georgia gubernatorial race, founded that company in 2003 and served as Deal’s pilot on Chattahoochee Logistics flights, as first reported last month by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The company is now in his wife’s control.In an interview Monday, Riley told Roll Call that he has not received any payment from Chattahoochee Logistics and received no additional compensation for serving as Deal’s pilot on those flights.“
I’ve never received income from Chattahoochee Logistics,” Riley said.A campaign spokesman referred questions about Chattahoochee Logistics to attorney Randy Evans at McKenna, Long & Aldridge.Evans confirmed that the LLC “had a single member” at the time it received payments from Deal’s office — Riley’s spouse, Bambi Riley — who would have received any income the company generated.Members and senior aides who must file annual financial disclosures are required to disclose the source of any non-Congressional income greater than $200, as well as the source of any income exceeding $1,000 earned by their spouse in the previous calendar year.Chris Riley’s publicly available financial disclosure forms, filed each year from 2004 to 2009, do not show Bambi Riley earning income from Chattahoochee Logistics.
Deal resigned in March to run for governor of Georgia; his campaign said Chattahoochee Logistics was “profit-neutral” when it received Congressional funds. Evans said: “It was virtually break-even.”In 2008, Chattahoochee Logistics also reimbursed the House for more than $80,000 in “overpayments” based on revised travel rules as determined by an internal audit, as the Atlanta newspaper reported.
The first two disclosure forms Chris Riley filed indicated that he was president of Chattahoochee Logistics, but the company dropped off his later forms.Riley said he subsequently removed himself as a member of the LLC, although he continues to manage the company in an uncompensated position. Records maintained by the Georgia secretary of state list the company’s principal office at Riley’s home address in Gainesville.
Riley added that he received advice from the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.“The staff director of the Standards Committee said, ‘Do I get paid to drive a car?’” Riley recalled. “‘So why should you get paid to fly an airplane?’”Individuals familiar with the arrangement said Chattahoochee Logistics was paid based on the mileage reimbursement rates applied to an aircraft privately owned by a Member or staff for travel.“The goal is to pay what’s owed, and not a penny more and not a penny less,” Evans said.
The specific costs related to flight — such as hangar fees, fuel or maintenance — are unknown because the reimbursement rate covers only mileage.Evans could not say what Chattahoochee Logistics would have charged other customers because the company did not provide air travel services to anyone other than Deal. Evans said Bambi Riley uses Chattahoochee Logistics in connection with her real estate career, stating it is not a “single-use company.”According to the House Ethics Manual, lawmakers are prohibited from spending their official office budget, known as a Members’ Representational Allowance, on services provided by a Member’s spouse or staff.
Among the examples provided in the manual, the House ethics committee states that a lawmaker is prohibited from renting space in a building when that building is owned by a member of his or her staff.There is no explicit admonition against purchasing services from the spouse or family of a staff member.
Riley has run afoul of ethics rules before, returning more than $91,000 to Deal’s campaign in 2008 after a Roll Call survey found he had exceeded outside income limits for top Congressional staff from 2004 to 2007.Riley repaid that sum in June 2008, but the campaign subsequently returned the money to him in February 2009.
He then donated an identical amount to Gainesville-based Good News Clinics, which provides free medical services to low-income or homeless individuals.“This was the process that we were asked to follow by the Standards Committee,” Riley said. He said the ethics committee allowed him to choose between writing a check to the U.S. Treasury or a 501(c)(3) charity.
Ex-Rep. Nathan Deal’s Congressional office paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to a Georgia company owned by his top staffer’s wife to fly to and from his Congressional district, but the staffer did not report the income on his financial disclosure forms because he claims the couple made no profit.
House rules prohibit Members from purchasing services from a staff member but appear to be silent on purchasing from a staff member’s spouse.According to House spending records, which detail the finances of each lawmaker’s office, Deal’s office paid Gainesville, Ga.-based Chattahoochee Logistics LLC at least $245,000 from 2002 to 2008.
Former House aide Chris Riley, who now serves as Deal’s campaign manager in the Georgia gubernatorial race, founded that company in 2003 and served as Deal’s pilot on Chattahoochee Logistics flights, as first reported last month by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The company is now in his wife’s control.In an interview Monday, Riley told Roll Call that he has not received any payment from Chattahoochee Logistics and received no additional compensation for serving as Deal’s pilot on those flights.“
I’ve never received income from Chattahoochee Logistics,” Riley said.A campaign spokesman referred questions about Chattahoochee Logistics to attorney Randy Evans at McKenna, Long & Aldridge.Evans confirmed that the LLC “had a single member” at the time it received payments from Deal’s office — Riley’s spouse, Bambi Riley — who would have received any income the company generated.Members and senior aides who must file annual financial disclosures are required to disclose the source of any non-Congressional income greater than $200, as well as the source of any income exceeding $1,000 earned by their spouse in the previous calendar year.Chris Riley’s publicly available financial disclosure forms, filed each year from 2004 to 2009, do not show Bambi Riley earning income from Chattahoochee Logistics.
Deal resigned in March to run for governor of Georgia; his campaign said Chattahoochee Logistics was “profit-neutral” when it received Congressional funds. Evans said: “It was virtually break-even.”In 2008, Chattahoochee Logistics also reimbursed the House for more than $80,000 in “overpayments” based on revised travel rules as determined by an internal audit, as the Atlanta newspaper reported.
The first two disclosure forms Chris Riley filed indicated that he was president of Chattahoochee Logistics, but the company dropped off his later forms.Riley said he subsequently removed himself as a member of the LLC, although he continues to manage the company in an uncompensated position. Records maintained by the Georgia secretary of state list the company’s principal office at Riley’s home address in Gainesville.
Riley added that he received advice from the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.“The staff director of the Standards Committee said, ‘Do I get paid to drive a car?’” Riley recalled. “‘So why should you get paid to fly an airplane?’”Individuals familiar with the arrangement said Chattahoochee Logistics was paid based on the mileage reimbursement rates applied to an aircraft privately owned by a Member or staff for travel.“The goal is to pay what’s owed, and not a penny more and not a penny less,” Evans said.
The specific costs related to flight — such as hangar fees, fuel or maintenance — are unknown because the reimbursement rate covers only mileage.Evans could not say what Chattahoochee Logistics would have charged other customers because the company did not provide air travel services to anyone other than Deal. Evans said Bambi Riley uses Chattahoochee Logistics in connection with her real estate career, stating it is not a “single-use company.”According to the House Ethics Manual, lawmakers are prohibited from spending their official office budget, known as a Members’ Representational Allowance, on services provided by a Member’s spouse or staff.
Among the examples provided in the manual, the House ethics committee states that a lawmaker is prohibited from renting space in a building when that building is owned by a member of his or her staff.There is no explicit admonition against purchasing services from the spouse or family of a staff member.
Riley has run afoul of ethics rules before, returning more than $91,000 to Deal’s campaign in 2008 after a Roll Call survey found he had exceeded outside income limits for top Congressional staff from 2004 to 2007.Riley repaid that sum in June 2008, but the campaign subsequently returned the money to him in February 2009.
He then donated an identical amount to Gainesville-based Good News Clinics, which provides free medical services to low-income or homeless individuals.“This was the process that we were asked to follow by the Standards Committee,” Riley said. He said the ethics committee allowed him to choose between writing a check to the U.S. Treasury or a 501(c)(3) charity.
CONGRESSMAN DEAL LIKES TO GIVE HIMSELF A LEG-UP IN THE WORKPLACE WHILE KEEPING THE GLASS CEILING INTACT
Presser from the Barnes Campaign
When it comes to the workplace, Congressman Deal knows all about how to make an office environment comfortable. For instance, in his Congressional office, Deal voted at least six times to increase his salary to the tune of $21,000 and he used office time and resources for personal gain. So it comes as a shock that Congressman Deal wouldn't want to afford women the same workplace standards and perks.
One of Deal's first acts in Congress was to vote against the Family Medical Leave Act which enables employees to take unpaid leave for major family events such as the birth or adoption of a child or the care of a seriously ill loved one.
Then in 2009, Congressman Deal voted against the landmark equal pay legislation, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which ensures that victims of pay discrimination can challenge unequal pay. This was not the first time Deal voted against equal pay for men and women in the workplace - he voted against it at least three other times.
Click here to read more about Congressman Deal's votes against women in the workplace.
"Congressman Deal loves a cushy gig; in fact, if he hadn't been run out of Washington D.C. by the Congressional Ethics Committee, he probably would have stayed up there a little longer and voted to increase his salary a few more times," spokeswoman Anna Ruth Williams said.
"Unfortunately for Georgia's working women, Congressman Deal doesn't want them to have a cushy gig like his, much less equal protection and rights under the law. Georgia's professional women have worked too hard and come too far to let someone like Congressman Deal be the CEO of this state."
Unlike his opponent, Roy Barnes has worked to provide a level playing field and create opportunities for women in Georgia. As governor, he provided incentives for businesses who created on-site child care centers and he created the Mentor Protege Program to help minority and women-owned small businesses. Under his leadership, Georgia moved from 48th to 19th in the ranking of states with women in leadership roles.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women comprise roughly half of the workforce, yet men take home 20 percent more than women do based on median weekly earnings.
When it comes to the workplace, Congressman Deal knows all about how to make an office environment comfortable. For instance, in his Congressional office, Deal voted at least six times to increase his salary to the tune of $21,000 and he used office time and resources for personal gain. So it comes as a shock that Congressman Deal wouldn't want to afford women the same workplace standards and perks.
One of Deal's first acts in Congress was to vote against the Family Medical Leave Act which enables employees to take unpaid leave for major family events such as the birth or adoption of a child or the care of a seriously ill loved one.
Then in 2009, Congressman Deal voted against the landmark equal pay legislation, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which ensures that victims of pay discrimination can challenge unequal pay. This was not the first time Deal voted against equal pay for men and women in the workplace - he voted against it at least three other times.
Click here to read more about Congressman Deal's votes against women in the workplace.
"Congressman Deal loves a cushy gig; in fact, if he hadn't been run out of Washington D.C. by the Congressional Ethics Committee, he probably would have stayed up there a little longer and voted to increase his salary a few more times," spokeswoman Anna Ruth Williams said.
"Unfortunately for Georgia's working women, Congressman Deal doesn't want them to have a cushy gig like his, much less equal protection and rights under the law. Georgia's professional women have worked too hard and come too far to let someone like Congressman Deal be the CEO of this state."
Unlike his opponent, Roy Barnes has worked to provide a level playing field and create opportunities for women in Georgia. As governor, he provided incentives for businesses who created on-site child care centers and he created the Mentor Protege Program to help minority and women-owned small businesses. Under his leadership, Georgia moved from 48th to 19th in the ranking of states with women in leadership roles.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, women comprise roughly half of the workforce, yet men take home 20 percent more than women do based on median weekly earnings.
Power & Politics: Former State Senators Hugh & Jim Gillis, Jr (D-Soperton) of Treutlen County
I don't know of any family that has a iron grip on a county here in Georgia, but the Gillis' of Treutlen County sure does come close to being that exact family. (Hugh Gillis Left), (Jim Gillis, below right)
If you travel east on I-16 you'll past by Treutlen County, home of the powerful Gillis Family who have left their mark on Treutlen County & Georgia Politics.
The Gillis name that is synonymous with the area's agricultural industry and public service landscape.
The county was founded by Neil Gillis (D), who was the state senator for Emanuel County at the time Treutlen County was founded in 1917. Neal Gillis founded Soperton Naval Stores in the late 1800s, a turpentine business located on east Georgia. Neil Gillis, remembered as the "Father of Treutlen County," was a local bank director and large landowner who campaigned successfully for the creation of the county.
But it doesn't end there.
His son Jim L Gillis, (D-Soperton) also got into politics. He became State Senator & later Highway Commissioner serving under Eugene Talmadge. Interstate-16 was named in honor of Jim Gillis, Sr
Then there was Jim L Gillis, Jr (D-Spoerton) who he ran a successful campaign for the Georgia Senate. He served again from 1945 to 1946, and returned home to become first mayor and then county commissioner of Treutlen County, a post he held for forty years, retiring in 2001.
Hugh Gillis (D-Soperton) ran successfully for the Georgia House of Representatives. He served two terms, one from 1941 to 1944, and the other from 1949 to 1956. Gillis was elected twice to the Georgia Senate, the first time in 1957, and the second in 1962. He would hold that seat for the next forty-two years, making him the longest-serving member of the Georgia General Assembly. In the senate, he was elected president pro tempore, and served on the Appropriations Committee before retiring in 2004.
Let's begin with Jim Gillis, Jr.
Back in May of this year, NRCS joined the Ohoopee Conservation District and the Pine Country Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) to celebrate and honor Mr. Jim L. Gillis, Jr, who at age at 93, is the longest serving conservation district board member in the Nation. Gillis was a founding member of the Ohoopee River Soil and Water Conservation District and remains its Chairman to this day. He was also an inaugural member of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Hall of Fame. Mr. Gillis witnessed the early days of NRCS, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year.
Gillis manages over 12,000 acres of timberland, and is well respected throughout the Southeast for his timber management program. Jim L. Jr. is the chairman of the board for the Georgia Forestry Commission, on which he has served since 1971. He also has served as president of the American Turpentine Farmers Association.
Jim L. Gillis Jr. is chairman of the board of the Bank of Soperton and is past president of the Georgia Bankers Association and was president of the State Association of County Commissioners. Hugh Gillis also is a stockholder in the Bank of Soperton.
Hugh Gillis was honored this year by the Georgia Farm Bureau in recognition of the many contributions he made to Georgia’s forestry and agriculture industries during the 56 years he served in the Georgia General Assembly.
Gillis helped oversee the passage of numerous bills that helped Georgia’s forestry and agriculture industries remain profitable, benefiting the economies of many rural Georgia communities that depend on these industries. Gillis was a charter member of the Treutlen County Farm Bureau where he served on the board of directors in some capacity for nearly 70 years and continues to support the organization as a director emeritus.
Gillis helped found Gillis Ag & Timber, a pulpwood & logging company back in 1940.
Hugh Gillis, an old school rural democrat, more conservative that some republicans on some issues, is recognized for championing rural healthcare and helping to start a dental school. He was the longest serving member of a state legislature in the country, having served a total of 56 years in the Ga General Assembly.
The Gillis family are deep rooted family in politics. They have dominated local and state politics for years. Hugh Gillis is now out of the politics, but still sits on many important boards (so he is still unoffical in politics) They are just a very powerful family in that very small community of Soperton. There's more in the pipe line as Hugh son Donnie (D) is a Superior Court Judge in the Dublin Circuit & at times sits on the Treutlen Court, as well as another son that at last check was a democratic county commissioner for Treutlen County.
If you travel east on I-16 you'll past by Treutlen County, home of the powerful Gillis Family who have left their mark on Treutlen County & Georgia Politics.
The Gillis name that is synonymous with the area's agricultural industry and public service landscape.
The county was founded by Neil Gillis (D), who was the state senator for Emanuel County at the time Treutlen County was founded in 1917. Neal Gillis founded Soperton Naval Stores in the late 1800s, a turpentine business located on east Georgia. Neil Gillis, remembered as the "Father of Treutlen County," was a local bank director and large landowner who campaigned successfully for the creation of the county.
But it doesn't end there.
His son Jim L Gillis, (D-Soperton) also got into politics. He became State Senator & later Highway Commissioner serving under Eugene Talmadge. Interstate-16 was named in honor of Jim Gillis, Sr
Then there was Jim L Gillis, Jr (D-Spoerton) who he ran a successful campaign for the Georgia Senate. He served again from 1945 to 1946, and returned home to become first mayor and then county commissioner of Treutlen County, a post he held for forty years, retiring in 2001.
Hugh Gillis (D-Soperton) ran successfully for the Georgia House of Representatives. He served two terms, one from 1941 to 1944, and the other from 1949 to 1956. Gillis was elected twice to the Georgia Senate, the first time in 1957, and the second in 1962. He would hold that seat for the next forty-two years, making him the longest-serving member of the Georgia General Assembly. In the senate, he was elected president pro tempore, and served on the Appropriations Committee before retiring in 2004.
Let's begin with Jim Gillis, Jr.
Back in May of this year, NRCS joined the Ohoopee Conservation District and the Pine Country Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D) to celebrate and honor Mr. Jim L. Gillis, Jr, who at age at 93, is the longest serving conservation district board member in the Nation. Gillis was a founding member of the Ohoopee River Soil and Water Conservation District and remains its Chairman to this day. He was also an inaugural member of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Hall of Fame. Mr. Gillis witnessed the early days of NRCS, which celebrated its 75th anniversary this year.
Gillis manages over 12,000 acres of timberland, and is well respected throughout the Southeast for his timber management program. Jim L. Jr. is the chairman of the board for the Georgia Forestry Commission, on which he has served since 1971. He also has served as president of the American Turpentine Farmers Association.
Jim L. Gillis Jr. is chairman of the board of the Bank of Soperton and is past president of the Georgia Bankers Association and was president of the State Association of County Commissioners. Hugh Gillis also is a stockholder in the Bank of Soperton.
Hugh Gillis was honored this year by the Georgia Farm Bureau in recognition of the many contributions he made to Georgia’s forestry and agriculture industries during the 56 years he served in the Georgia General Assembly.
Gillis helped oversee the passage of numerous bills that helped Georgia’s forestry and agriculture industries remain profitable, benefiting the economies of many rural Georgia communities that depend on these industries. Gillis was a charter member of the Treutlen County Farm Bureau where he served on the board of directors in some capacity for nearly 70 years and continues to support the organization as a director emeritus.
Gillis helped found Gillis Ag & Timber, a pulpwood & logging company back in 1940.
Hugh Gillis, an old school rural democrat, more conservative that some republicans on some issues, is recognized for championing rural healthcare and helping to start a dental school. He was the longest serving member of a state legislature in the country, having served a total of 56 years in the Ga General Assembly.
The Gillis family are deep rooted family in politics. They have dominated local and state politics for years. Hugh Gillis is now out of the politics, but still sits on many important boards (so he is still unoffical in politics) They are just a very powerful family in that very small community of Soperton. There's more in the pipe line as Hugh son Donnie (D) is a Superior Court Judge in the Dublin Circuit & at times sits on the Treutlen Court, as well as another son that at last check was a democratic county commissioner for Treutlen County.
One person says that Treutlen County have some of the best roads in the State, all because of the Gillis Brothers, which I can't confirmed because I never visited the county. They have given back to nearby Brewton-Parker College, as well as back to their community. The Gillis family are well-respected in the county, although they do have some "Haters" as well, hell we all do.
Who knows we may well see another Gillis family member take the plung into Georgia Politics, possily in 2012. Who Knows.
Can Carol Porter Pull the Upset on Nov 2?
She's no longer a "Novice" candidate. That label doesn't apply to Carol Porter anymore. She is a legitimate candidate who can most certainly knock off Casey Cagle as Lt. Governor on November 2. She has begun to run ads statewide, has gotten significant crossover support from republican & republican-leaning voters, along with creating a borad coalition that's growing by the day.
In her travels across the state, she has touted bringing new, ethical leadership to the State Senate, cleaning the state capitol of corruption, along with jump starting Georgia's economy by creating jobs, improving our educational system, solving our water crisis, etc.
This letter written by a supporter of Carol Porter says it all:
Dear Editor:
As Election Day draws near and the empty, self-serving political rhetoric runs rampant, one honest, clear voice of reason and intellect, that of my friend Carol Dodd Porter, rings out above the quagmire of the crowd.
Having known Carol for the past twenty-four years, I have witnessed her devotion to many jobs: large and small, public and private, secular and sacred. Never has she left a task unfinished; never has she complained that the job was too overwhelming or too undervalued; never has she thrown up her hands in defeat. Carol knows the Source of her strength and wisdom, and she gladly shares her Christian values with anyone she meets. Carol is a woman of integrity and diligence who lends style and grace even to the most menial of jobs. She does not fear long hours, hard work, difficult decisions, or standing alone in defense of what is right. She does not stop until the job is done.
Given our current political options in this election, the Office of Lieutenant Governor will emerge as a vital force in the running of our state. Gone are the days when the Lieutenant Governor can be a rubber-stamping, glad-handing politician, who fills an office with relative ease and little responsibility and who enjoys a soft job with a big salary. This year, my friends, it’s different. We must have a public servant who is willing to work for the people. Carol is the woman for the new job, to be done a new way, for a new breed of Georgians, who expect their elected officials to KEEP their promises and to SERVE them.
Carol is in this race not to make a name for herself, not to enjoy the fruit of others’ labor, not to retire on the backs of the taxpayers, not to couch herself in luxuriant lobbyist dollars, but to serve the people faithfully, to bring honesty to Georgia politics, to end the corruption and arrogance of an elitist few who claim to control Georgia, to demand fair treatment for all citizens, to make the smart decisions, to ferret out the many solutions that are viable answers to the problems of our state, to catapult education to the top of Georgia’s “to do” list, to provide clean water and safe transportation to all Georgians. Her only agenda is the welfare of the people of Georgia, not the swapping out of political favors with power-brokers. She is a political purist, if that’s not an oxymoron in today’s culture, but she is not a political neophyte. Through her hands-on involvement in DuBose’s campaigns for the past twenty-eight years, Carol knows Georgia politics, Georgia issues, and Georgia law as well as, if not better than, any politician out there.
Carol has reared four fine sons: each one an Eagle Scout and each one an intelligent, articulate, courteous, kind, and sincere young gentleman; therefore, I have every confidence that she can handle Georgia as well. As an English teacher of twenty-seven years, I appreciate Carol’s devotion to making education work for EVERY student in Georgia. That is an issue near and dear to my heart, so I plan to do everything I can to help Carol. Job one is getting her elected.
This lifelong Republican is proud to cast a vote for Democrat Carol Porter. Please join me in putting intellect, integrity, diligence, and honesty in the Capitol. Elect Carol Dodd Porter Lieutenant Governor.
With renewed hope for Georgia,
Cindy Locklair Claxton
There is no reason to think that she can't defeat Cagle in Novemeber. In Cagle's first ad he says he protected Educational Funding & didn't balance the budget on the backs of our children is by far the biggest mis-conception & lie I've heard from any Georgia candidate running for office this year against another candidate (besides Austin Scott against Jim Marshall)
She has all the intagibles to be a great Lt. Governor. It just going to take a little push here & there to get Porter where she wants to be & that's Georgia next Lt. Governor. It would be nice if one of our former democrats would give their seal of approval like Sam Nunn (who Carol's Husband DuBose Porter once worked for while Nunn was a senator), Max Cleland, Zell Miller, Cathy Cox, who all are independent individuals who have significant crossover appeal.
In her travels across the state, she has touted bringing new, ethical leadership to the State Senate, cleaning the state capitol of corruption, along with jump starting Georgia's economy by creating jobs, improving our educational system, solving our water crisis, etc.
This letter written by a supporter of Carol Porter says it all:
Dear Editor:
As Election Day draws near and the empty, self-serving political rhetoric runs rampant, one honest, clear voice of reason and intellect, that of my friend Carol Dodd Porter, rings out above the quagmire of the crowd.
Having known Carol for the past twenty-four years, I have witnessed her devotion to many jobs: large and small, public and private, secular and sacred. Never has she left a task unfinished; never has she complained that the job was too overwhelming or too undervalued; never has she thrown up her hands in defeat. Carol knows the Source of her strength and wisdom, and she gladly shares her Christian values with anyone she meets. Carol is a woman of integrity and diligence who lends style and grace even to the most menial of jobs. She does not fear long hours, hard work, difficult decisions, or standing alone in defense of what is right. She does not stop until the job is done.
Given our current political options in this election, the Office of Lieutenant Governor will emerge as a vital force in the running of our state. Gone are the days when the Lieutenant Governor can be a rubber-stamping, glad-handing politician, who fills an office with relative ease and little responsibility and who enjoys a soft job with a big salary. This year, my friends, it’s different. We must have a public servant who is willing to work for the people. Carol is the woman for the new job, to be done a new way, for a new breed of Georgians, who expect their elected officials to KEEP their promises and to SERVE them.
Carol is in this race not to make a name for herself, not to enjoy the fruit of others’ labor, not to retire on the backs of the taxpayers, not to couch herself in luxuriant lobbyist dollars, but to serve the people faithfully, to bring honesty to Georgia politics, to end the corruption and arrogance of an elitist few who claim to control Georgia, to demand fair treatment for all citizens, to make the smart decisions, to ferret out the many solutions that are viable answers to the problems of our state, to catapult education to the top of Georgia’s “to do” list, to provide clean water and safe transportation to all Georgians. Her only agenda is the welfare of the people of Georgia, not the swapping out of political favors with power-brokers. She is a political purist, if that’s not an oxymoron in today’s culture, but she is not a political neophyte. Through her hands-on involvement in DuBose’s campaigns for the past twenty-eight years, Carol knows Georgia politics, Georgia issues, and Georgia law as well as, if not better than, any politician out there.
Carol has reared four fine sons: each one an Eagle Scout and each one an intelligent, articulate, courteous, kind, and sincere young gentleman; therefore, I have every confidence that she can handle Georgia as well. As an English teacher of twenty-seven years, I appreciate Carol’s devotion to making education work for EVERY student in Georgia. That is an issue near and dear to my heart, so I plan to do everything I can to help Carol. Job one is getting her elected.
This lifelong Republican is proud to cast a vote for Democrat Carol Porter. Please join me in putting intellect, integrity, diligence, and honesty in the Capitol. Elect Carol Dodd Porter Lieutenant Governor.
With renewed hope for Georgia,
Cindy Locklair Claxton
There is no reason to think that she can't defeat Cagle in Novemeber. In Cagle's first ad he says he protected Educational Funding & didn't balance the budget on the backs of our children is by far the biggest mis-conception & lie I've heard from any Georgia candidate running for office this year against another candidate (besides Austin Scott against Jim Marshall)
She has all the intagibles to be a great Lt. Governor. It just going to take a little push here & there to get Porter where she wants to be & that's Georgia next Lt. Governor. It would be nice if one of our former democrats would give their seal of approval like Sam Nunn (who Carol's Husband DuBose Porter once worked for while Nunn was a senator), Max Cleland, Zell Miller, Cathy Cox, who all are independent individuals who have significant crossover appeal.
Americans for Legal Reform PAC, or (ALIPAC) endorses Jim Marshall (D-Macon) for re-election
Yesterday, right leaning group ALIPAC gave its endorsement to Jim Marshall (D-Macon) who is facing Austin Scott for the 8th District. ALIPAC supports those that legally immigrate, but they DO NOT support any amnesty, visa expansion, or "Guest Worker" program designed to reward illegal aliens or legalize their presence in the US.
Their platform includes:
1. Secure Our Borders
2. Crack down on employers that intentionally hire illegals
3. Remove incentives and rewards to illegals such as licenses, welfare, and other taxpayer benefits
4. Enforce our existing laws and deport illegal aliens when convicted of crimes or detected during routine law enforcement activities
Marshall received a 'A" grade from NumbersUSA, a national group that monitors the actions of Federal lawmakers with regard to their legislative votes on issues of border security, Amnesty, illegal immigration, and hyper legal immigration problems
They have also endorsed John Barrow (D-Savannah) who appears to be criusing to re-election against token opposition.
This make this Marshall's fifth endorsement from a republican-leaning organization (NRA, NFIS, National Right to Life, US Chamber of Commerce)
Their platform includes:
1. Secure Our Borders
2. Crack down on employers that intentionally hire illegals
3. Remove incentives and rewards to illegals such as licenses, welfare, and other taxpayer benefits
4. Enforce our existing laws and deport illegal aliens when convicted of crimes or detected during routine law enforcement activities
Marshall received a 'A" grade from NumbersUSA, a national group that monitors the actions of Federal lawmakers with regard to their legislative votes on issues of border security, Amnesty, illegal immigration, and hyper legal immigration problems
They have also endorsed John Barrow (D-Savannah) who appears to be criusing to re-election against token opposition.
This make this Marshall's fifth endorsement from a republican-leaning organization (NRA, NFIS, National Right to Life, US Chamber of Commerce)
Monday, October 18, 2010
Georgia Prosecutors Stand behind Law Enforcement Candidate Conservative Democrat Ken Hodges (D-Albany) for Attorney General
Presser from Ken Hodges Campaign:
Today thirty-three of Georgia's forty-nine District Attorneys, both Republican and Democrat, endorsed their fellow prosecutor, Ken Hodges, for Attorney General.
Ken Hodges served as District Attorney of Dougherty County for twelve years, was President of the Georgia District Attorneys Association and Chairman of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council. He has stood in front of juries hundreds of times, supervised thousands of additional prosecutions, and argued in front of the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court.
Ken has earned wide bipartisan support across the state of Georgia because he is a respected, experienced prosecutor, not a career politician. A majority of Ken’s fellow prosecutors join an already impressive list of Democrat and Republican support for Hodges – including over 100 Sheriffs, the Georgia Police Benevolent Association, the International Brotherhood of Police in Atlanta, four decades of State Bar Presidents, and the “Father” of the modern day Republican Party, Howard “Bo” Callaway.
The Attorney General is the state’s top prosecutor and law enforcement officer and the majority of District Attorneys agree that an experienced, proven prosecutor should fill that role.
“Ken worked hard for the citizens of his circuit and now wants to work hard for the citizens of the entire state as Attorney General. Being district attorney is a great training ground for being the top attorney for the state which is why I believe he is the most qualified for the job,” said Richard Currie (D), District Attorney of the Waycross Circuit, which includes Bacon, Brantley, Charlton, Coffee Pierce and Ware Counties.
“I have had known Ken Hodges for nearly 15 years. For 12 of those years, I had the privilege of serving side by side with Ken as elected District Attorneys in our State. I personally observed his dedication to our profession and his commitment to serving the people of Georgia. Ken proved himself to be a tireless advocate for victims of crime and passionate crusader on behalf of justice,” said Pete Skandalakis (R), District Attorney of Coweta Circuit, which includes Carroll, Heard, Meriwether and Troup Counties.
“I have always known Ken as an excellent prosecutor with the highest ethical standards. His knowledge and experience have been assets to me and the prosecutorial community,” said Brad Smith (R), District Attorney, Piedmont Judicial Circuit, which includes Banks, Barrow and Jackson Counties.
“A majority of Georgia’s prosecutors –regardless of party—are endorsing me because they know the Attorney General is the state’s top prosecutor and law enforcement officer, and it helps if you have done the job. We share the same law and order values of keeping Georgians safe. As Attorney General, my number one priority will be public safety and keeping Georgians safe,” said Ken Hodges. “I am honored to have the support of my fellow District Attorneys.”Ken Hodges was the first District Attorney in the state to sue predatory lenders, shut them down, seize their assets and kick them out of Georgia.
He prosecuted corrupt public officials, including his former assistant chief of police, more than a dozen police officers, and was co-counsel in the trial of former DeKalb County Sheriff Sidney Dorsey. As D.A. in Albany, Hodges brought the conviction rate of child predators from below 50% to nearly 100%. He has tried death penalty cases and is the only prosecutor in the race. To learn more about Ken, please visit his website http://www.kenhodges.com/. Editor’s Note:
Pictured (L-R), Brad Smith – Piedmont Circuit (R), R. Javoyne Hicks White – Stone Mountain Circuit (D), Pete Skandalakis – Coweta Circuit (R), Leigh Patterson – Floyd County (D), Paul Howard – Atlanta Circuit (D), and Kermit McManus – Conasauga Circuit (R).
***District Attorneys for Ken Hodges1) Catherine Helms – Alapaha Circuit (D)
2) Paul Howard – Atlanta Circuit (D)
3) Tom Durden – Atlantic Circuit (D)
4) Joseph Campbell – Cherokee Circuit (R)
5) Tracy Graham-Lawson – Clayton Circuit (D)
6) Kermit McManus – Conasauga Circuit (R)
7) Denise Fachini – Cordele Circuit (D)
8) Pete Skandalakis – Coweta Circuit (R)
9) Greg Edwards – Dougherty County (D)
10) David McDade – Douglas Circuit (R)
11) Craig Fraser – Dublin Circuit (D)
12) Tommy Floyd – Henry County (D)
13) Herbert Franklin – Lookout Mountain Circuit (D)
14) Wayne “Biff” Tillis – Macon Circuit (D)
15) Hayward Altman – Middle Circuit (D)
16) Brian Rickman – Mountain Circuit (R)
17) Robert Lavender – Hart County (D)
18) Fred Bright – Ocmulgee Circuit (D)
19) Timothy Vaughn – Oconee Circuit (D)
20) Richard Mallard – Ogeechee Circuit (R)
21) Craig Earnest – Pataula Circuit (D)
22) Brad Smith – Piedmont Circuit (R)
23) Richard Read – Rockdale Circuit (R)
24) Leigh Patterson – Floyd County (D)
25) Joe Mulholland – South Georgia Circuit (D)
26) J. David Miller – Southern Circuit (R)
27) Plez Hardin – Southwestern Circuit (R)
28) Javoynne Hicks – Stone Mountain Circuit (D)
29) Paul Bowden – Tifton Circuit (D)
30) Dennis Sanders – Toombs Circuit (D)
31) Richard Milam – Towaliga County (R)
32) Richard Currie – Waycross Circuit (D)
33) Ken Mauldin – Western Circuit (D)
Deal tried to weakened Rape Shield Law according to Barnes Campaign
Last week Roy 2010 released a new ad exposing Congressman Nathan Deal's attempt to gut Georgia's rape shield law and strip women of their basic protections. Unfortunately, the rape shield isn't the only time Deal tried to impede the justice system for Georgia's women - on four separate occasions, he voted to oppose domestic violence bills.In 1981, then-State Senator Roy Barnes authored legislation that allowed police to make an arrest, without warrant, of individuals suspected of committing violent acts against their spouses. Nathan Deal fought against the bill. His excuse? He said it violated the "sanctity of the family."
Several years later, Deal solidified his anti-women resume by casting the lone "nay" vote on a bill that strengthened domestic violence laws. While every other member of the state legislature voted to strengthen domestic violence laws, Nathan Deal made a point of voting against the best interest of Georgia's women.
Downloads:
Click here to read more about Deal's voting record.
News articles about Deal's record on domestic violence can be found here.
Deal's voting record on Barnes' 1988 Domestic Violence Bill can be found here and here."
The Governor of Georgia is tasked with the important responsibility of ensuring that our citizens are safe," said spokeswoman Anna Ruth Williams. "Time after time, Congressman Deal voted in the interest of the criminal - not the female victim. Thankfully, other members of the legislature - like Roy Barnes - fought Deal's attempts to hurt women. But if he's elected governor - the safety of women could be jeopardized."
"After fighting against the Domestic Violence Act and trying to gut the rape shield law, Congressman Deal owes Georgia's women and the countless victims of physical and sexual assault across this state an apology. You can tell a lot about the character of a man...you can also tell when that man shouldn't be your governor," Williams said.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, in 2009 there were 62,156 reported cases of family violence and over a quarter of those involved spouses.
Several years later, Deal solidified his anti-women resume by casting the lone "nay" vote on a bill that strengthened domestic violence laws. While every other member of the state legislature voted to strengthen domestic violence laws, Nathan Deal made a point of voting against the best interest of Georgia's women.
Downloads:
Click here to read more about Deal's voting record.
News articles about Deal's record on domestic violence can be found here.
Deal's voting record on Barnes' 1988 Domestic Violence Bill can be found here and here."
The Governor of Georgia is tasked with the important responsibility of ensuring that our citizens are safe," said spokeswoman Anna Ruth Williams. "Time after time, Congressman Deal voted in the interest of the criminal - not the female victim. Thankfully, other members of the legislature - like Roy Barnes - fought Deal's attempts to hurt women. But if he's elected governor - the safety of women could be jeopardized."
"After fighting against the Domestic Violence Act and trying to gut the rape shield law, Congressman Deal owes Georgia's women and the countless victims of physical and sexual assault across this state an apology. You can tell a lot about the character of a man...you can also tell when that man shouldn't be your governor," Williams said.
According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, in 2009 there were 62,156 reported cases of family violence and over a quarter of those involved spouses.
8th District race could decide on what's inside of Austin Scott's Divorce Papers
Story from TPM, Talking Points Memo:
Sometime before the election, a Georgia judge will decide whether the Republican nominee for Congress in the 8th Congressional District's 2001 divorce records will remain under seal until after the election. The decision, according to one newspaper editor and one Democratic activist, could be the turning point in Rep. Jim Marshall's (D) battle for reelection in the Peach State.
Chatter about just what's in the divorce records of state Rep. Austin Scott, the Republican facing Marshall, first began when Scott was considering running in the Republican primary for Lt. Governor, according to Macon Telegraph columnist Charles Richardson. Allies of the sitting Lt. Governor -- also a Republican -- "started leaking" info on the divorce while Scott was making his decision, Richardson says.
After Scott decided to run for Congress against Marshall -- one of two Democrats in Georgia's Congressional delegation -- back in April, a Democratic activist and blogger picked up the cause and filed a motion to get the records unsealed. A judge will decide whether to unseal them on Oct. 26, just days before the election.
So what's in the records? No one knows for sure. But two separate political operations attempting to track them down -- as well as Scott's recent public freakout at the notion of their release -- suggest what's in them is what opposition researchers like to call "gold." Marshall's in a tough race (a Republican poll in late September in showed the incumbent Democrat down eight points to Scott), and some on the ground in Georgia believe that the juicy details of a messy divorce could make all the difference.
According to Richardson, what's sealed in the divorce records is potentially damning for Scott. In a recent radio appearance on WMAC-AM in Georgia, Richardson detailed what he said were rumors swirling of troubling "allegations" regarding "a restraining order" and "domestic violence."
"If that's in there, voters ought to know," Richardson said on air. "If these allegations are correct, they'll punish Austin Scott." The columnist and editorial page editor at the Telegraph said the allegations had been swirling around political circles since Scott's abortive campaign for Lt. Governor began.
For his part, Scott is unwilling to discuss what's in the sealed records. In a debate with Marshall Thursday night, CQ reported that Scott said "he and his ex wife are 'at peace with our divorce' but that they will both 'respect the ruling of the court.'"
In a previous interview with the Tifton, GA Gazette, Scott alleged that the push to release his records was a dirty trick by Marshall.
"This is an act of desperation by a person who is getting beaten on his voting record," Scott told the paper. "He's trying to change the focus of the campaign."
Marshall denied any involvement in the motion during Thursday's debate, according to CQ. "I had nothing to do with the filing of the petition. It really gripes me that people accuse me of having had something to do with that," Marshall said. "Had I wanted to get this done it would have been done a long time ago. It would not have been brought up at the very last minute."
But in an interview with CQ after the debate, Marshall made it clear he wouldn't mind seeing the records come to light, and hinted at the dirt that could be found inside.
"I've heard consistent allegations of what's in there and it's not pretty stuff," Marshall told CQ. "There are things that go on in marriages that can shed light on the character of the individual."
Remember when the Scott Campaign & his supporters were crying foul that the judge who set the date for a hearing over the divorce filings Melanie Cross had given campaign contribution to Jim Marshall, turns out Judge Cross and her husband, had also donated to Scott — $150 in 2004, during Scott’s primary fight according to the AJC.
And the judge who sealed the divorce papers, Gary McCorvey wife Betty McCorvey gave Scott $250 on July 2, 2004. The McCorvey's are close friends to the Scott family says Sam Ray, spokesman for the Scott Campaign.
If I had to say right now, those divorce papers will be unsealed & if the allegations are true about domestic viloence, etc, then you might as well put a fork in the Scott Campaign.
Sometime before the election, a Georgia judge will decide whether the Republican nominee for Congress in the 8th Congressional District's 2001 divorce records will remain under seal until after the election. The decision, according to one newspaper editor and one Democratic activist, could be the turning point in Rep. Jim Marshall's (D) battle for reelection in the Peach State.
Chatter about just what's in the divorce records of state Rep. Austin Scott, the Republican facing Marshall, first began when Scott was considering running in the Republican primary for Lt. Governor, according to Macon Telegraph columnist Charles Richardson. Allies of the sitting Lt. Governor -- also a Republican -- "started leaking" info on the divorce while Scott was making his decision, Richardson says.
After Scott decided to run for Congress against Marshall -- one of two Democrats in Georgia's Congressional delegation -- back in April, a Democratic activist and blogger picked up the cause and filed a motion to get the records unsealed. A judge will decide whether to unseal them on Oct. 26, just days before the election.
So what's in the records? No one knows for sure. But two separate political operations attempting to track them down -- as well as Scott's recent public freakout at the notion of their release -- suggest what's in them is what opposition researchers like to call "gold." Marshall's in a tough race (a Republican poll in late September in showed the incumbent Democrat down eight points to Scott), and some on the ground in Georgia believe that the juicy details of a messy divorce could make all the difference.
According to Richardson, what's sealed in the divorce records is potentially damning for Scott. In a recent radio appearance on WMAC-AM in Georgia, Richardson detailed what he said were rumors swirling of troubling "allegations" regarding "a restraining order" and "domestic violence."
"If that's in there, voters ought to know," Richardson said on air. "If these allegations are correct, they'll punish Austin Scott." The columnist and editorial page editor at the Telegraph said the allegations had been swirling around political circles since Scott's abortive campaign for Lt. Governor began.
For his part, Scott is unwilling to discuss what's in the sealed records. In a debate with Marshall Thursday night, CQ reported that Scott said "he and his ex wife are 'at peace with our divorce' but that they will both 'respect the ruling of the court.'"
In a previous interview with the Tifton, GA Gazette, Scott alleged that the push to release his records was a dirty trick by Marshall.
"This is an act of desperation by a person who is getting beaten on his voting record," Scott told the paper. "He's trying to change the focus of the campaign."
Marshall denied any involvement in the motion during Thursday's debate, according to CQ. "I had nothing to do with the filing of the petition. It really gripes me that people accuse me of having had something to do with that," Marshall said. "Had I wanted to get this done it would have been done a long time ago. It would not have been brought up at the very last minute."
But in an interview with CQ after the debate, Marshall made it clear he wouldn't mind seeing the records come to light, and hinted at the dirt that could be found inside.
"I've heard consistent allegations of what's in there and it's not pretty stuff," Marshall told CQ. "There are things that go on in marriages that can shed light on the character of the individual."
Remember when the Scott Campaign & his supporters were crying foul that the judge who set the date for a hearing over the divorce filings Melanie Cross had given campaign contribution to Jim Marshall, turns out Judge Cross and her husband, had also donated to Scott — $150 in 2004, during Scott’s primary fight according to the AJC.
And the judge who sealed the divorce papers, Gary McCorvey wife Betty McCorvey gave Scott $250 on July 2, 2004. The McCorvey's are close friends to the Scott family says Sam Ray, spokesman for the Scott Campaign.
If I had to say right now, those divorce papers will be unsealed & if the allegations are true about domestic viloence, etc, then you might as well put a fork in the Scott Campaign.
South Georgia Voters will be key in Governor's Race
Great Story from the AP via Tifton Gazette:
The sun was barely up on a recent weekday morning when Nathan Deal arrived at the Blueberry Inn in this sleepy south Georgia town and began shaking hands with the Republican faithful who had gathered over coffee to meet their nominee for governor.
Later that same day, Democrat Roy Barnes was about 70 miles west in Tifton wooing teachers with his plans to get the state's schools back on track.
In this hotly contested election year, the road to the governor's mansion could lead through south Georgia. Both Barnes and Deal say the region is critical to their election strategies.
Anyone needing further proof needs only to look at how much time the candidates are spending there. Barnes and Deal have each been south of the so-called "gnat line" — which splits middle and south Georgia from the rest of the state — once or twice a week since they won their respective parties' nominations.
The heavy focus on the vast bottom half of the state comes down to a simple matter of electoral math. Deal hails from north Georgia and will almost certainly perform well in the conservative part of the state he has represented for 18 years in Congress.
Barnes, the former one-term governor from Cobb County, is widely expected to draw support in voter-rich metro Atlanta, the state's Democratic stronghold.
That means the rest of the state is — at least theoretically — up for grabs.
For Barnes, it means trying to win back the regions that deserted him in his re-election bid. Fueled by anger over Barnes' push to shrink the Confederate battle emblem on the state's flag, south Georgia voters turned out in numbers in 2002 and voted against Barnes, helping elect Republican Sonny Perdue. "South Georgia will decide this race," said Roger Boatright, chairman of the Bacon County Board of Commissioners. "You have two flawed candidates. I think it really could go either way.
Libertarian John Monds is a wild card who hails from Cairo in the southwest corner of the state and could pull some local support.
Today, the region — rural and still reliant on agriculture — has been hit hard by economic woes. Many voters there told The Associated Press it was pocketbook issues, rather than partisanship, that would determine their vote. But it was opposition to Democratic leadership in Washington, in particular President Barack Obama, that got voters riled up. Sometimes, the race for the state's top spot seemed almost an afterthought.
"People just hate Obama so badly," 54-year-old Peggy Lee, of Alma, said after Deal's appearance. "It's hard for some folks here to get past that and see anything else." Paul Bennett, a 55-year-old banker from Alma, said he liked that Deal was a businessman who "knows how to meet a payroll." "But quite honestly I think more people are paying attention to what's happening at the national level right now," Bennett said.
That could be bad news for Barnes. Voters are associating the state's economic problems with Democrats at the helm in Washington, not Republicans who have led the state for the past eight years. And in a year of anti-incumbent fervor, some say Deal's long tenure in the nation's capital could actually play well.
Darwin Carter, a failed GOP candidate for agriculture commissioner, introduced Deal at the Blueberry Inn by stressing that the former congressman's deep knowledge of Washington would help defeat "Obamacare." To beat the enemy, Carter suggested, you have to know the enemy's game.
"Right now it's extremely important to have someone who understands Washington in the governor's office," Carter said. Leroy Carver, chairman of the Bacon County Republican Party, summed up a sentiment held by a number of Deal backers: "We don't need four more years of Roy Barnes, no way."
"He's been down here a lot," Carver acknowledged. "But he can play the country boy act up all he wants, he's not one of us."
Others, past a few cotton fields up the road in Douglas, have different thoughts that suggest the region may be conservative — but not monolithic. The closure a year ago of a poultry processing plant was a devastating blow to Douglas, residents said. It is set to reopen, but some say Republicans in Atlanta have done little to help. "I think Roy Barnes might do a better job on the economy," John Martin, owner of the Hometown Barber Shop, said between cuts. "I lean Republican but to me the most important thing is jobs, and the economy."
Doug Douglas, a police officer from Ocilla, said he never thought he would consider voting for Barnes after he changed the flag. "But I might," Douglas said. "It's not like I've forgiven him for that, but I've moved on. There are other things that are more important now in my book."
During a town hall with teachers in Tifton at Tift County High School, one question from the audience suggested 2002 was not so long ago.
"I didn't vote for Sonny Perdue. I voted against you," Spud Bowen told Barnes.
"Alright, well that's OK," Barnes said with a chuckle, who proceeded to answer Bowen's question about student testing. Afterward, Bowen, who runs a business selling class rings and other school supplies said he was impressed. "He definitely gave me a lot to think about," Bowen said. "I was supposed to be heading from here to a Nathan Deal fundraiser."
Asked if he still planned to attend the Deal event, Bowen paused and then said, "I don't think I am."
The sun was barely up on a recent weekday morning when Nathan Deal arrived at the Blueberry Inn in this sleepy south Georgia town and began shaking hands with the Republican faithful who had gathered over coffee to meet their nominee for governor.
Later that same day, Democrat Roy Barnes was about 70 miles west in Tifton wooing teachers with his plans to get the state's schools back on track.
In this hotly contested election year, the road to the governor's mansion could lead through south Georgia. Both Barnes and Deal say the region is critical to their election strategies.
Anyone needing further proof needs only to look at how much time the candidates are spending there. Barnes and Deal have each been south of the so-called "gnat line" — which splits middle and south Georgia from the rest of the state — once or twice a week since they won their respective parties' nominations.
The heavy focus on the vast bottom half of the state comes down to a simple matter of electoral math. Deal hails from north Georgia and will almost certainly perform well in the conservative part of the state he has represented for 18 years in Congress.
Barnes, the former one-term governor from Cobb County, is widely expected to draw support in voter-rich metro Atlanta, the state's Democratic stronghold.
That means the rest of the state is — at least theoretically — up for grabs.
For Barnes, it means trying to win back the regions that deserted him in his re-election bid. Fueled by anger over Barnes' push to shrink the Confederate battle emblem on the state's flag, south Georgia voters turned out in numbers in 2002 and voted against Barnes, helping elect Republican Sonny Perdue. "South Georgia will decide this race," said Roger Boatright, chairman of the Bacon County Board of Commissioners. "You have two flawed candidates. I think it really could go either way.
Libertarian John Monds is a wild card who hails from Cairo in the southwest corner of the state and could pull some local support.
Today, the region — rural and still reliant on agriculture — has been hit hard by economic woes. Many voters there told The Associated Press it was pocketbook issues, rather than partisanship, that would determine their vote. But it was opposition to Democratic leadership in Washington, in particular President Barack Obama, that got voters riled up. Sometimes, the race for the state's top spot seemed almost an afterthought.
"People just hate Obama so badly," 54-year-old Peggy Lee, of Alma, said after Deal's appearance. "It's hard for some folks here to get past that and see anything else." Paul Bennett, a 55-year-old banker from Alma, said he liked that Deal was a businessman who "knows how to meet a payroll." "But quite honestly I think more people are paying attention to what's happening at the national level right now," Bennett said.
That could be bad news for Barnes. Voters are associating the state's economic problems with Democrats at the helm in Washington, not Republicans who have led the state for the past eight years. And in a year of anti-incumbent fervor, some say Deal's long tenure in the nation's capital could actually play well.
Darwin Carter, a failed GOP candidate for agriculture commissioner, introduced Deal at the Blueberry Inn by stressing that the former congressman's deep knowledge of Washington would help defeat "Obamacare." To beat the enemy, Carter suggested, you have to know the enemy's game.
"Right now it's extremely important to have someone who understands Washington in the governor's office," Carter said. Leroy Carver, chairman of the Bacon County Republican Party, summed up a sentiment held by a number of Deal backers: "We don't need four more years of Roy Barnes, no way."
"He's been down here a lot," Carver acknowledged. "But he can play the country boy act up all he wants, he's not one of us."
Others, past a few cotton fields up the road in Douglas, have different thoughts that suggest the region may be conservative — but not monolithic. The closure a year ago of a poultry processing plant was a devastating blow to Douglas, residents said. It is set to reopen, but some say Republicans in Atlanta have done little to help. "I think Roy Barnes might do a better job on the economy," John Martin, owner of the Hometown Barber Shop, said between cuts. "I lean Republican but to me the most important thing is jobs, and the economy."
Doug Douglas, a police officer from Ocilla, said he never thought he would consider voting for Barnes after he changed the flag. "But I might," Douglas said. "It's not like I've forgiven him for that, but I've moved on. There are other things that are more important now in my book."
During a town hall with teachers in Tifton at Tift County High School, one question from the audience suggested 2002 was not so long ago.
"I didn't vote for Sonny Perdue. I voted against you," Spud Bowen told Barnes.
"Alright, well that's OK," Barnes said with a chuckle, who proceeded to answer Bowen's question about student testing. Afterward, Bowen, who runs a business selling class rings and other school supplies said he was impressed. "He definitely gave me a lot to think about," Bowen said. "I was supposed to be heading from here to a Nathan Deal fundraiser."
Asked if he still planned to attend the Deal event, Bowen paused and then said, "I don't think I am."
HD 153: Tibbetts, McBrayer debate the issues at Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce last friday morning
Down in Tifton, candidates for HD 153 John Tibbetts & Tony McBrayer debated the issues at a forum hosted by the Tiftin-Tift County Chamber of Commerce last fridat morning at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center. Also on hand was 8th District candidate Austin Scott, (Jim Marshall didn't attend)
McBrayer, Tibbetts and Scott agreed that the economy and jobs are the top issues facing the state.
McBrayer said that he would support cutting corporate income tax, lowering the capital gains tax and eliminating inventory tax and energy tax on businesses as ways to assist current Georgia businesses and those that would consider setting up businesses in the state.“Georgia is one of 11 states that charge sales tax on energy use,” McBrayer said. “That’s a huge negative for Georgia.
”Tibbetts said that the district is “located in a magical location” for business opportunities and noted that the new inland port at Cordele is a plus for job creation and the economy.“We can be an innovation center with green energy here,” Tibbetts said.
Tibbetts said he did favor placing a “fiscal note to indicate the impact” of tax exemptions to ensure those exemptions are working.“I want to put jobs in Tift and Turner counties,” Tibbetts said, adding “I’ll leave the jobs in Cook County to Tony.”
McBrayer founded and operates TMM Enterprises, Inc., located in Adel. The company is a wholesale grocery distributor of foods, including Hispanic foods. Tibbetts' comment during a Wednesday night forum at Spring Hill Country Club during a discussion of illegal immigrants was, “My opponent feeds them...I’m not sure where that goes.”During a discussion of the illegal immigrant situation Friday, McBrayer responded to Tibbetts’ remark about his business.“
I guess if you eat Mexican food, you are an illegal immigrant,” McBrayer said.McBrayer said that the flow of illegal immigrants to the country had to be stopped but that farmers need the labor pool they provide in order to carry out their business.
He said that Georgia has passed tough immigration laws that Republicans support and added that Democrats haven’t sponsored tough immigration laws in years.Tibbetts said “illegal is illegal” when discussing immigration and added that those who enter the country illegally are following the jobs.
He said he has no problem with guest workers and urged legislators to be careful when considering arresting illegal immigrants.“We can arrest illegal immigrants but we can’t deport them,” Tibbetts said.He said the federal government is responsible for deportation and that the states can “round them up” but then the states have to pay to house them in jails.“It must be addressed on the federal level,” Tibbetts said.Scott said he believes the illegal immigration issue should have been resolved years ago by the federal government and the borders should have been sealed.“
The cheapest way to address the issue is to stop the influx at the border,” Scott said.Scott said he believed that voters are going to give Republicans “the privilege of governing on Election Day” and that the party would be able to pass legislation that will deal with mandates, such as the president’s health care reform.“I think Americans know that spending in Washington is out of control,” Scott said. “
Those habits are wreaking havoc on our families, businesses and industries.”Tibbetts said he believes that every Georgian should have access to health care and that he favors allowing small business owners to form co-ops so that they and their employees can afford health insurance policies. McBrayer said that he believes allowing more competition between insurance companies would drive the price down.
McBrayer, Tibbetts and Scott agreed that the economy and jobs are the top issues facing the state.
McBrayer said that he would support cutting corporate income tax, lowering the capital gains tax and eliminating inventory tax and energy tax on businesses as ways to assist current Georgia businesses and those that would consider setting up businesses in the state.“Georgia is one of 11 states that charge sales tax on energy use,” McBrayer said. “That’s a huge negative for Georgia.
”Tibbetts said that the district is “located in a magical location” for business opportunities and noted that the new inland port at Cordele is a plus for job creation and the economy.“We can be an innovation center with green energy here,” Tibbetts said.
Tibbetts said he did favor placing a “fiscal note to indicate the impact” of tax exemptions to ensure those exemptions are working.“I want to put jobs in Tift and Turner counties,” Tibbetts said, adding “I’ll leave the jobs in Cook County to Tony.”
McBrayer founded and operates TMM Enterprises, Inc., located in Adel. The company is a wholesale grocery distributor of foods, including Hispanic foods. Tibbetts' comment during a Wednesday night forum at Spring Hill Country Club during a discussion of illegal immigrants was, “My opponent feeds them...I’m not sure where that goes.”During a discussion of the illegal immigrant situation Friday, McBrayer responded to Tibbetts’ remark about his business.“
I guess if you eat Mexican food, you are an illegal immigrant,” McBrayer said.McBrayer said that the flow of illegal immigrants to the country had to be stopped but that farmers need the labor pool they provide in order to carry out their business.
He said that Georgia has passed tough immigration laws that Republicans support and added that Democrats haven’t sponsored tough immigration laws in years.Tibbetts said “illegal is illegal” when discussing immigration and added that those who enter the country illegally are following the jobs.
He said he has no problem with guest workers and urged legislators to be careful when considering arresting illegal immigrants.“We can arrest illegal immigrants but we can’t deport them,” Tibbetts said.He said the federal government is responsible for deportation and that the states can “round them up” but then the states have to pay to house them in jails.“It must be addressed on the federal level,” Tibbetts said.Scott said he believes the illegal immigration issue should have been resolved years ago by the federal government and the borders should have been sealed.“
The cheapest way to address the issue is to stop the influx at the border,” Scott said.Scott said he believed that voters are going to give Republicans “the privilege of governing on Election Day” and that the party would be able to pass legislation that will deal with mandates, such as the president’s health care reform.“I think Americans know that spending in Washington is out of control,” Scott said. “
Those habits are wreaking havoc on our families, businesses and industries.”Tibbetts said he believes that every Georgian should have access to health care and that he favors allowing small business owners to form co-ops so that they and their employees can afford health insurance policies. McBrayer said that he believes allowing more competition between insurance companies would drive the price down.
Friday, October 15, 2010
PSC Commissioner candidate Keith Moffett gets support from former & current legislators, including friend Erick Erickson of Redstate.com
Keith Moffett (D-Macon) has piked up support from around the state as he attempts to win a seat on the PSC Commission representing District 2.
Senator Hardie Davis of Augusta, Former State Representative Jed Harris, Jr. of Columbus, Senator Lester Jackson of Savannah, and State Representative Nikki Randall of Macon all are endorsing Moffett's run for PSC District 2 Commission Seat.
Says Hardie Davis: Keith Moffett’s combination of education and experience is unparalleled by the opposition. His platform of fostering energy independence through employing alternate energy resources will save money and put Georgians back to work. Keith Moffett is the man for the job.
Jed Harris: Keith Moffett has the experience we need on the Georgia Public Service Commission. Keith will make decisions in the best interest of all Georgians. He will be a good steward of our tax dollars. He is mindful of the economic pressures facing Georgia's families and small businesses. “I encourage all Georgians for vote for Keith Moffett.
Moffett also has the support of Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys & Redstate Founder & Macon CityCouncilman Erick Erickson who says Moffett would be an asset to the job. Moffett & Erickson are Good friends
Senator Hardie Davis of Augusta, Former State Representative Jed Harris, Jr. of Columbus, Senator Lester Jackson of Savannah, and State Representative Nikki Randall of Macon all are endorsing Moffett's run for PSC District 2 Commission Seat.
Says Hardie Davis: Keith Moffett’s combination of education and experience is unparalleled by the opposition. His platform of fostering energy independence through employing alternate energy resources will save money and put Georgians back to work. Keith Moffett is the man for the job.
Jed Harris: Keith Moffett has the experience we need on the Georgia Public Service Commission. Keith will make decisions in the best interest of all Georgians. He will be a good steward of our tax dollars. He is mindful of the economic pressures facing Georgia's families and small businesses. “I encourage all Georgians for vote for Keith Moffett.
Moffett also has the support of Georgia Association of Black Women Attorneys & Redstate Founder & Macon CityCouncilman Erick Erickson who says Moffett would be an asset to the job. Moffett & Erickson are Good friends
Redstate.com Founder & Macon Councilman Erick Erickson says he will vote for Carol Porter for Lt. Gov
CNN Contributor, founder of Redstate.com, Peach Pundit & Macon City Councilman Erick Erickson said in a post on his website Peach Pundit that he will cast a vote for Carol Porter who is running for Lt. Governor against Casey Cagle.
Here's what Erickson said last night on PP: "I think the Senate GOP was much more functional when they ran the place as a committee with a marginalized Mark Taylor. I think Casey Cagle has been vain, vapid, vindictive and driven by innuendo and incompetence".
The decision by Erickson came on the heels of a report originating from the 8th District debate last night in which Jim Marshall was asked a question regarding Austin Scott divorce & whether or not he played any role in the call for Austin Scott to unseal his divorce records.
There have been rumors about Cagle's Ethics & Morals as he was the favorite to win the GOP nod for governor, but abruptly dropped out the race, due to so called health reasons (Bad Back) & decided to run for Lt Governor again, despite a open seat to be the state's top Chief Executive.
I believe Scott also had dirt on Cagle, like Cagle had dirt on Scott as a reason GOP officials were so anxious in getting Scott to reconsider a race for Lt Governor, where it would have gotten very ugly & instead pushed him to run against Jim Marshall, avoiding a blood-bath within the GOP.
But back to Erickson's endorsement, I wonder if any other high-profile republicans will come out & support Carol Porter bid to be the No.2 Executive behind the governor. Its too early to say what kind of impact this will have on the Lt Gov's race, but for Porter this should give her a boost as she marched toward Nov 2.
Here's what Erickson said last night on PP: "I think the Senate GOP was much more functional when they ran the place as a committee with a marginalized Mark Taylor. I think Casey Cagle has been vain, vapid, vindictive and driven by innuendo and incompetence".
The decision by Erickson came on the heels of a report originating from the 8th District debate last night in which Jim Marshall was asked a question regarding Austin Scott divorce & whether or not he played any role in the call for Austin Scott to unseal his divorce records.
There have been rumors about Cagle's Ethics & Morals as he was the favorite to win the GOP nod for governor, but abruptly dropped out the race, due to so called health reasons (Bad Back) & decided to run for Lt Governor again, despite a open seat to be the state's top Chief Executive.
I believe Scott also had dirt on Cagle, like Cagle had dirt on Scott as a reason GOP officials were so anxious in getting Scott to reconsider a race for Lt Governor, where it would have gotten very ugly & instead pushed him to run against Jim Marshall, avoiding a blood-bath within the GOP.
But back to Erickson's endorsement, I wonder if any other high-profile republicans will come out & support Carol Porter bid to be the No.2 Executive behind the governor. Its too early to say what kind of impact this will have on the Lt Gov's race, but for Porter this should give her a boost as she marched toward Nov 2.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Howard “Bo” Callaway, “Father of the Modern Georgia Republican Party,” endorses Ken Hodges for Attorney General (Updated)
Presser from Ken Hodges Campaign:
Callaway says Qualifications, Character More Important than Partisanship in Choice for Attorney General
In another show of wide bi-partisan support, Ken Hodges, candidate for Attorney General, received the endorsement today of well known Republican Howard “Bo” Callaway. A respected national Republican figure, Callaway was the first modern day Republican candidate for Governor of the state of Georgia on the ballot and is widely regarded as the “father” of the modern Georgia Republican Party.
In 1964, Callaway was the first Georgia Republican elected to Congress from Georgia since Reconstruction in 1875. In 1966, he ran for Governor of Georgia and was a strong contender in the race, winning the popular vote. Due to a Democratic write-in effort following the primaries, Callaway failed to receive the constitutional required majority to win. Under state law at the time, the Georgia House of Representatives chose the Governor, and being majority Democratic, they voted for the Democratic nominee, Lester Maddox.
In addition to his work in Georgia, Callaway served as Secretary of the Army under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. He also headed President Ford’s 1976 campaign committee. Callaway moved to Colorado in the 1970s, where he ran for the United States Senate and served as Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party. Callaway has also served as a member of the Republican National Committee. In 1993, Callaway returned to Georgia, and Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, which his family owns and son now manages.
“Modern Georgia has been fortunate to have Attorney Generals of both parties who have put service to the public ahead of partisanship. I know Ken Hodges, I watched his career as a District Attorney in Southwest Georgia, and I know he has the integrity, character and experience necessary to serve in that critical office,” Callaway said. “Ken is a prosecutor, not a politician, and he showed as District Attorney that he will fight crime and government corruption, regardless of who the perpetrator is and their partisan affiliation.”
“It is an honor to have the support of Bo Callaway. He is highly regarded in both parties and has a distinguished career of public service. I am proud to be standing with him here today,” said Ken Hodges.
The Attorney General is the state’s top prosecutor and law enforcement officer. Ken has earned wide bipartisan support across the state of Georgia because he is a respected prosecutor, not a career politician. Callaway joins an impressive list of Democrat and Republican support for Hodges – including over 100 Sheriffs, the majority of District Attorneys, the Police Benevolent Association, the International Brotherhood of Police in Georgia, and four decades of State Bar Presidents.
Ken Hodges, a fiscal conservative, served as the District Attorney in Dougherty County for 12 years and operated the office at or under budget. Hodges was the first District Attorney in the state to sue predatory lenders, shut them down, seize their assets and kick them out of Georgia. He prosecuted corrupt public officials, including his former assistant chief of police, more than a dozen police officers, and was co-counsel in the trial of former DeKalb County Sheriff Sidney Dorsey. As D.A. in Albany, Hodges brought the conviction rate of child predators from below 50% to nearly 100%. He has tried death penalty cases and is the only prosecutor in the race.
Ken Hodges has served as President of the District Attorneys Association, the Prosecuting Attorneys Council, and was named District Attorney of the Year in 2002
Callaway says Qualifications, Character More Important than Partisanship in Choice for Attorney General
In another show of wide bi-partisan support, Ken Hodges, candidate for Attorney General, received the endorsement today of well known Republican Howard “Bo” Callaway. A respected national Republican figure, Callaway was the first modern day Republican candidate for Governor of the state of Georgia on the ballot and is widely regarded as the “father” of the modern Georgia Republican Party.
In 1964, Callaway was the first Georgia Republican elected to Congress from Georgia since Reconstruction in 1875. In 1966, he ran for Governor of Georgia and was a strong contender in the race, winning the popular vote. Due to a Democratic write-in effort following the primaries, Callaway failed to receive the constitutional required majority to win. Under state law at the time, the Georgia House of Representatives chose the Governor, and being majority Democratic, they voted for the Democratic nominee, Lester Maddox.
In addition to his work in Georgia, Callaway served as Secretary of the Army under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. He also headed President Ford’s 1976 campaign committee. Callaway moved to Colorado in the 1970s, where he ran for the United States Senate and served as Chairman of the Colorado Republican Party. Callaway has also served as a member of the Republican National Committee. In 1993, Callaway returned to Georgia, and Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, which his family owns and son now manages.
“Modern Georgia has been fortunate to have Attorney Generals of both parties who have put service to the public ahead of partisanship. I know Ken Hodges, I watched his career as a District Attorney in Southwest Georgia, and I know he has the integrity, character and experience necessary to serve in that critical office,” Callaway said. “Ken is a prosecutor, not a politician, and he showed as District Attorney that he will fight crime and government corruption, regardless of who the perpetrator is and their partisan affiliation.”
“It is an honor to have the support of Bo Callaway. He is highly regarded in both parties and has a distinguished career of public service. I am proud to be standing with him here today,” said Ken Hodges.
The Attorney General is the state’s top prosecutor and law enforcement officer. Ken has earned wide bipartisan support across the state of Georgia because he is a respected prosecutor, not a career politician. Callaway joins an impressive list of Democrat and Republican support for Hodges – including over 100 Sheriffs, the majority of District Attorneys, the Police Benevolent Association, the International Brotherhood of Police in Georgia, and four decades of State Bar Presidents.
Ken Hodges, a fiscal conservative, served as the District Attorney in Dougherty County for 12 years and operated the office at or under budget. Hodges was the first District Attorney in the state to sue predatory lenders, shut them down, seize their assets and kick them out of Georgia. He prosecuted corrupt public officials, including his former assistant chief of police, more than a dozen police officers, and was co-counsel in the trial of former DeKalb County Sheriff Sidney Dorsey. As D.A. in Albany, Hodges brought the conviction rate of child predators from below 50% to nearly 100%. He has tried death penalty cases and is the only prosecutor in the race.
Ken Hodges has served as President of the District Attorneys Association, the Prosecuting Attorneys Council, and was named District Attorney of the Year in 2002
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