Its never too early: A look ahead to 2014 for Georgia Democrats

Ok! With the 2010 elections now long gone, its time to ponder on 2014 & who may run on the democratic side.

On the senate side, Saxby Chambliss will be up for re-election, as well as every single republican statewide officeholder who won last year in the GOP Tsunami.

So who could step up to the plate for the democrats here in Georgia?

There are alot of different scenarios that could arise when 2014 rolls around, but let's take a stab at it.

On the senate side, two names comes to mind when talking about a possible challenge to Chambliss. (1) Former Congressman Jim Marshall & (2) Michael Thurmond.

Marshall was done in more by the Tsunami that swept Georgia just like it did all over the country than the campaign strategy of Austin Scott in my opinion. Marshall, a moderately conservative democrat haven't ruled out another & final run for office & since he has served in the House of Representatives, only the senate remain in his sights. It won't be the first time Marshall & Chambliss squared off against each other. In 2000, Marshall, then mayor of Macon lost to then-congressman Chambliss by 59-41%. Both men had a good working relationship while Marshall was in Washington because of common interest like RAFB, Agriculture, etc.

Thurmond left a "safe" seat in Labor Commissioner to take on popular Johnny Isakson for the senate. Looking back at the election in november, Thurmond would have gotten swept out of office just like all of the other democrats in the south despite his stellar record as Labor Commish. Thurmond ran a lackluster campaign with weak fundraising to boot. I seriously doubt that's the way Thurmond wants to be remembered. I made the suggestion last year that Thurmond remain at Labor to then run for the senate against Chambliss in 2014.

Governor: Nathan Deal perhaps became the weakest candidate to become governor of Georgia in decades with one allegation after another hanging over his head. Any other year, he might not have won the election for governor with all those things swirling around him. There are three potential candidates for the democrats.

(1) Former Lt Governor candidate & Businesswoman Carol Porter (2) Former State Rep DuBose Porter (3) Jim Marshall (4) Michael Thurmond

Porter (Carol) bust onto the scene with her passionate speech to the NFIB last summer in place of her husband & candidate DuBose Porter. After that, on her own terms she decided to run for Lt Governor due to no other democrat stepping up to the plate. She got just as many votes as did Roy Barnes on a budget that was barely $1 million dollars. She has left a built in base of grassroots support in Georgia. If she decides to run, she will need to shore up Central & South Georgia, where she didn't spend quite as much time at in comparison to Metro Atlanta & North Georgia.

Porter (DuBose) was unsuccessful in his first bid at statewide office. Porter had been a state legislator out of Central Ga since 1982 before giving up his seat to run for governor. Porter is one of the few remaining white, rural democrats still left in the party after 9 others bolted to the GOP. With Roy Barnes political career now a done deal, 2014 maybe the year Porter decides to give it one more try. Plus he's only 57 years old, so he still has alot of political fight left in him. Especially with Education being targeted yet again by the GOP he will have a issue to run with.

Marshall could run for governor & be successful at it. He shares the same central Georgia base along with Carol & Dubose Porter . Having represented a district that ran from the Atl suburbs to the Ga-Fla State line, his connections will be a plus if he guns for the governorship.

Thurmond had eyes on running for governor last year. That was before Thurbert Baker got in the race, which threw a wrench in those plans. Thurmond's communication skills & ability to connect on a personal level with hard working families makes him a threat. He will have to do a better job at fundraising & building a better grassroots organization on the ground

Lt Governor: Casey Cagle at first was thought to run for governor, but had a change of heart & decided to stay at Lt Gov due to "health" issues. He could be a candidate for governor if Deal who is 68 decides not to run for re-election in 2014. Cagle was stripped of most of his power by the GOP majority in the senate, making him ineffective.

Potential candidates here include: (1) Cattle Farmer & State Senator J.B. Powell (2) Former State Rep Rob Teilhet (3) Former Gubernatorial candidate Carl Camon (4) Augusta mayor Deke Copenhaver (5) Thurbert Baker

Powell ran for agriculture commissioner last year losing to Gary Black. Powell, a conservative democrat, a country boy was State Senator of the 23rd District. He could mount another run for his old seat next year. He could have another democratic challenger for that seat in Chuck Pardue of Rural Richmond County. Powell's aw-shucks persona & bluecollar background will appeal to bluecollar types who reside in rural Georgia. A+ rating from NRA

Teilhet, a young energetic democrat lost to South Georgia Democrat Ken Hodges for the nomination for Attorney General. Teilhet future in politics is still bright. He hails from Cobb County where he was succeeded by Stacey Godfrey-Evans in the Statehouse. At age 36, Teilhet is someone to keep an eye on. He could run for Attorney General again, but who knows.

Camon is the former mayor of Ray City, Ga located in Berrien County. Camon, a conservative democrat had a message that resonated with alot of voters, but when you don't have $ behind you, it makes it hard for the rest of the state to hear your message. Camon is the new blood that the party needs to re-invigorate itself after a demoralizing defeat at the polls in 2010. The former USAF Veteran & Gulf War Veteran is a man of deep faith, which scares the hell out of many democrats who aren't so much into religion. I was sold on Camon when I first met him at a outing over in Houston Co back in 2009. At age 41, he's has a future in Georgia Politics. He was recognized as Georgia Trend's top 40 under 40 a few years ago

Coperhaver is the mayor of Georgia's second largest city, Augusta. He was first elected in 2005 to carry out a unexpired term & later elected in 2006 & 2010 as a independent. In 2003, he was recognized by Georgia Trend Magazine as one of Georgia’s “Top Forty Under Forty”. In 2006 and 2008, he was named a Notable Georgian by Georgia Trend Magazine and in 2007, 2009,2010 and 2011 was named as one of the 100 Most Influential Georgians. Although a independent, Coperhaver could be persuaded to run as a democratic moderate if he so chooses to run for higher office in the future. At age 43, he is a very attractive candidate to run statewide.

Baker ran & lost the nomination for governor last year. He was the Attorney General, appointed by then governor Zell Miller in 1997. Baker a centrist with a conservative streak may want to give it another try three years from now. Baker co-sponsered the two strikes law & has gotted a A+ rating from NRA

Its never soon to speculate, but as of right now these are the names that comes to mind in talking about 2014 for Georgia Democrats.

What Now for the Georgia Democratic Party?

I knew it was going to be a tough road for democrats last night, but not at the level I witnessed.



Democrats here bet the entire farm on this election & got swept. Zero Dems hold statewide offices.



Lost two formerly held democratic seats, HD 176 & HD 143. Only gained four seats out of a dozen races that fielded democratic challenges. Zero gains in the State Senate. Zip. Nada. Nil'.



There is no way to go but up, but its going to have to start at the state party, where the entire structure needs to be overhauled, or blown up & then start anew with new fresh faced, energetic leaders who will bring the party back to its roots & separate themselves from the National Democrats for good.



And to use the words of Patrick Davis, the party needs a stronger focus in developing the party in areas SOUTH of Macon. Areas such as Swainsboro, Statesboro, Moultrie, Ocilla, Waycross, Cordele, Dublin, Douglas, and Vienna. In addition, there has to be a better media strategy in these areas which lacks media.. The Dems got to do a better job of educating and SUPPORTING fellow Dems...



That is absolutely true!



Jane Kidd was elected in 2006 pledging to implement a 159 county strategy. Haven't seen it. Under her watch, democrats haven't won any statewide races, didn't made any significant gains in the State Legislature & in the process, lost more seats that they gained.



She's a nice lady & I was a supporter of hers, but as that old saying goes: "What have you done for me lately", well nothing. Its time to go!



Next the leadership in the House & Senate needs to change.



DuBose Porter left his seat to run for governor, so he won't be apart of the leadership once the legislature reconvenes. Carolyn Hughley, Calvin Smyre & others leaders of the house caucus has to go.



Same goes for the senate. Robert Brown is all but likely to run for Mayor of Macon next year, so it maybe time to replace as minority leader. JB Powell is no loner in the mix having waged a unsuccessful bid at Agriculture Commissioner, Tim Golden is Caucus chair & he maybe in line to become minority leader of the senate democrats.



Here's who I would like to see in these positions when the legislative session begins in 2011



Minority Leader: Alan Powell (D-Hartwell)

Minority Whip: Debbie Buckner (D-Junction City)

Caucus Chair: Mike Cheokas (D-Americus)

Caucus Vice Chair: Stacey Abrams (D-Atlanta)

Caucus Secretary: Stephanie Stuckey-Benfield (D-Atlanta)





Minority Leader: Tim Golden (D-Valdosta)

Minority Whip: Lester Jackson (D-Savannah)

Asst. Minority Whip: Steve Henson (D-Tucker)

Caucus Chair: Hardie Davis (D-Augusta)

Caucus Vice-Chair: Freddie Powell Sims (D-Dawson)

Caucus Secretary: Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta)



As for who should run for Chairman of the Georgia Democratic Party, here are some names who should or ought to be considered:

Jim Marshall political veteran who have written the playbook on how to win elections in rural Georgia. A conservative democrat, he has familiarity with small town Georgia & would be able to bring centrist/conservative white voters back to the democratic party as well as those Zell Miller Democrats back to the fold. He could move the party back to the days of David Gambrell (70-71) & Bert Lance (82-85), past chairman of the Georgia Democratic Party. He could run the party until possibly 2014 when he may run for office again, (Governor or US Senate)



Carl Camon. Camon is what I call "New Blood" the party needs to help reinvigorate themselves if they are to be competitive in the future. He wrote a great piece called" Is the Democratic Party losing its Democracy". He hails from South Georgia & would bring a new perspective to the party, as well as build up the grassroots base of the party in South Georgia. Don't close the door on Camon for office in the future

Carol Porter. Porter came out of nowhere to run a flawless campaign for Lt Governor. She went from a neophyte to legitimate contender over night with her rousing speech in pace of her husband, State Rep DuBose Porter at a Small Business meeting in the spring. She has brought new life to the party with her passionate speeches & her ability to draw support from republicans as well. She may well run for office again, but who knows.



Darkhorse Candidates



Ted Terry, Finance Director for John Barrow & former Ground Organizer for Democrats in Georgia

Graham Balch, former campaign manager for JB Powell

Quentin Howell, ex-candidate for HD 141 & Small Business Owner


Or there maybe a need for another democratic party that is geared more to the rural areas of the state, more toward voters who are more conservative than the more liberal counterparts. I wouldn't rule it out!

National Horse Racing Announcer Dave Johnson Supports JB Powell Campaign for Ag Commissioner

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.

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.

Another JB Powell Ad: Farmer, not a Lobbyist

JB Powell TV Spot with Outgoing Ag Commissioner Tommy Irvin

Campaign Ad from JB Powell, Agriculture Commissioner

Rural Farmer & State Senator JB Powell, Lobbyist Gary Black Discuss Agricultural Issues

Agriculture Commissioner candidate J.B. Powell Calls for Breeders’ Cup World Championship in Georgia

JB Powell, running for Agriculture Commissioner, calls for the Breeders’ Cup World Championship to be hosted in Georgia after horse racing is legalized.

“Today, I called the Breeders’ Cup and expressed our interest in bringing the Breeders’ Cup World Championships to Georgia as soon as we legalize horse racing” said JB Powell. “Georgia has hosted major sporting events including the Olympics, the Superbowl and the World Series, and Georgia would be a perfect location for one of the biggest horse racing events of the year.”

The Breeder’s Cup World Championships is a prestigious horse racing event that attracts the best horses from North America and Europe. Like the Olympics, future sites are selected by a committee that evaluates a state’s ability to host such an event. With experience hosting world sporting events and a strong hotel industry, the only thing Georgia needs to capitalize on this opportunity is to legalize horse racing in Georgia.

The Breeders’ Cup historically generates in excess of $50 million in annual economic impact for host states.

“Georgia could really benefit from $50M being spent here if we host the Breeder’s Cup” said JB Powell “and as Agriculture Commissioner, I will work bipartisanly to give Georgia voters the chance to legalize horse racing and bring major horse racing events to Georgia that help our economy.”

JB Powell has already publicly expressed his support for horse racing in Georgia, which could boost Georgia’s economy by up to $1B, create between 10,000 and 20,000 jobs and increase revenues to help offset state budget cuts without raising taxes on hard working Georgians.

Another bold, outside of the box idea from Powell.

Video of Bacon Co Republican Darwin Carter's endorsement of Richmond Co Democrat J.B. Powell at the Ga National Fairgrounds

JB Powell Receives Republican Endorsement from GOP Ag Commissioner candidate Darwin Carter

In a press conference this afternoon at the Georgia National Fairgrounds, JB Powell, the Democratic Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, received an endorsement from Darwin Carter, a 2010 Republican candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture and former Reagan administration official. This is the only cross-party endorsement from a statewide candidate in over a decade in Georgia politics.

“I am honored to receive Darwin Carter’s endorsement today. We need to move past partisan politics and come together as Georgians, and I look forward to working with Darwin Carter to earn the support of Democratic, Republican and Independent voters this November.”

“As a conservative Republican who was appointed by Ronald Reagan to work in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, I know real leadership when I see it, and I believe JB Powell will do a great job of representing conservative principals as Agriculture Commissioner for Georgia” said Darwin Carter. “I felt that in good moral conscience, I could not support the Republican nominee for Agriculture Commissioner because his ties to special interests as a lobbyist will hurt Georgia farmers and Georgia families. I support JB Powell because he has bold ideas that will help grow Georgia’s agricultural economy and help protect our food safety and I encourage all Reagan conservatives like me to vote for JB Powell this November.”

Darwin Carter was appointed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture by President Reagan from 1981 to 1989. From 1981 to 1982 he served as the Georgia State Executive Director for Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. From 1982 to 1989, Darwin Carter served as the Assistant to the Undersecretary for International Affairs, Commodities and Programs and the Assistant to the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. In these roles, he oversaw the exportation of 454 million pounds of beef and 120,000 live dairy animals. Darwin Carter ran in the Republican primary for Agriculture Commissioner of Georgia in 2010 and is a lifelong resident of Bacon County.

Now supporters of Gary Black is going to look at this as nothing, but you consider the face that this is rare for a candidate from the opposite party endorsing another candidate from another party in a long, long time. Carter gives Powell instant credibility for the Ag job & proves that Powell is the true conservative candidate in this race.

Endorsement Announcement for JB Powell Today

Press Conference Announcing Significant Republican Endorsement


Who:
JB Powell, Democratic Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture
Republican Endorser

What:

Endorsement Announcement

When:

September 15, 2010 at 3:00 PM

Where:

East Entrance
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter
401 Larry Walker Parkway
Perry, GA 31069-1367

Gary Black Fails to Lead on Major Agricultural Issue

Presser from JB Powell Campaign:

Gary Black seeks the support of voters in November to lead Georgia agriculture by failing to lead on horse racing saying “It's not an agricultural issue.”

Legalizing horse racing in Georgia can create 10,000 to 20,000 jobs in Georgia most of which are in agriculture with four jobs being created for every horse that races. Farmers who breed horses or grow hay, veterinarians who care for horses and stable hands are all agricultural jobs created by horse racing.

If Mr. Black wants to dodge the agricultural issue of horse racing and fail to provide the leadership Georgia needs in growing our agricultural economy by up to $1B and creating 10,000 to 20,000 jobs, than he is unfit to lead” said JB Powell, Democratic Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture. “I want to put the issue of horse racing on the ballot because I trust the people of Georgia to decide what is best. I believe the people of Georgia would rather have someone like me who trusts Georgians rather than a lobbyist who plays politics and dodges the issue.”

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.

Powell Supports Horse Racing, saying it could boost Ga's Economy by $1 Billion

In a press conference yesterday at Chukkar Farms, JB Powell, the Democratic Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, publicly expressed his support for horse racing in Georgia, which could boost Georgia’s economy by $1B, create between 10,000 and 20,000 jobs and increase tax revenues to help offset state budget cuts without raising taxes on hard working Georgians.

“I support growing our economy, creating thousands of jobs and increasing state tax revenues through legalizing horse racing in Georgia” said JB Powell. “Georgians deserve to have a Commissioner of Agriculture who will fight for common sense ideas that will help lead Georgia out of the economic challenges we face.”

Georgia is well poised to receive a large economic boost from horse racing as Metro Atlanta has the 3rd highest rate of horse ownership in the United States behind Ocala, FL and Lexington, KY according to the American Horse Council. Racetracks could open in Georgia between 2013 and 2014, but horse farms would begin operations as soon as horse racing became legal in Georgia in order to be ready for when racetracks open bringing an immediate boost to Georgia’s rural economy.

Hannah Flynn, an accountant with Equine Financial Services, adds “Right now, the economic impact from horse racing is traveling through Georgia between Florida and the Eastern U.S. and we aren’t receiving any of that benefit, but we are well poised to take advantage of it if horse racing is allowed in Georgia.”

Ed Gadrix, Executive Director of the Georgia Equine Education Project (GEEP), and a thoroughbred owner who races horses in Florida, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, said, “I’ve heard numerous big time trainers, jockeys and owners say they’ll move their entire operation to Georgia if we ever get horseracing. J.B. Powell is right on target with creating these jobs and revenue for Georgians.”

Horse racing is a $12.3B industry in the United States with average revenues of $384M in each of the 38 states that support horse racing. Eight states have an economic impact of $1B or more from horse racing. Studies by Deloitte & Touche show that Florida receives $2.2B in economic impact and 55,000 jobs due to horse racing.

The Beat Goes On!

Press Release from Republican Darwin Carter, who was unsuccessful in his bid for the GOP nod against Gary Black:


Our efforts to derail Big Chemical Companies from taking over the Georgia Department of Agriculture using their hired puppet, Gary Black, did not succeed. This was due, primarily, to the press refusing to expose this politically insidious relationship between these Chemical Giants and their Lobbyist of 21 years.

These multi-national companies spend vast sums of money advertising in the newspapers and electronic media each year: Therefore, using this advertising clout, they stymied, any and all, news exposure of Black's activities and their involvement. They were so effective in this effort, the Atlanta Press Club which sponsors a debate between every candidate for state wide office in Georgia refused to include the Commissioner of Agriculture race. (I would have asked the embarrassing questions and they knew it.)

Fortunately, our efforts did not fall on deaf ears. In the attached press release you will find candidate J.B. Powell is making every effort to expose this takeover of the agency which safeguards your food supply.

Make no mistakes, my friends, this is all about CONTROL of what you and your family eat and the profits of these multi-national corporations.

Black's primary backer holds in excess of 300 seed patents (G.M.O.s ). (The long term effect of these genetically modified seeds is not yet known.)

They are the petroleum based fertilizer companies....

They provide the Insecticides, Herbicides and Pesticides sprayed on your food supply.

As Commissioner of Agriculture, Black would be in a position to increase the amount of chemicals used and allow G.M.O.s without limitation.

This is not about politics. This is about a compromised regulator sitting behind the desk of the Commissioner of Agriculture dictating what you and your family consume and increasing the profits of his employers of 21 years.

Pay attention to these Press Releases....They are important !!

Darwin Carter


JB Powell Decisively Wins Commissioner of Agriculture Debate

September 2, 2010

Atlanta, GA – JB Powell, the Democratic Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, scored a decisive victory tonight in the debate hosted by Georgia Organics.

Will Harris, President of the Board for Georgia Organics said “We are astounded and encouraged by the attendance and support for organic farming.”

JB Powell drew repeated applause from the several hundred people in the audience as he championed the cause of sustainably and locally produced food as a way of promoting food safety, healthy eating and local farming. Powell demonstrated he was the candidate who stood up for the issues that the large crowd in attendance cared about

Specifically, Powell talked about:
Reducing childhood obesity by increasing the amount of locally grown fruits and vegetables served in public schools

Eliminating government regulations that prevent small, local farmers from selling farm products such as raw milk directly to consumers

Creating local markets making it possible for local farmers to sell their food locally

Increasing the percent of food served by the University System of Georgia that is produced sustainably and locally following Emory University’s 75% sustainable and locally grown food initiative

Creating tax credits and loan guarantees for grocery stores that open in low income communities

Growing the amount of acreage in organic production in Georgia from 1700 acres to 5000 acres by 2015

Making it easier for young farmers to get into farming and make a living
Protecting food safety oversight capacity as the Department of Agriculture is required to cut $3.5M in 2011

Conducting a cost benefit analysis for the Department of Agriculture operations in order to determine what can be done more efficiently

During the debate, Gary Black, the Republican candidate, found himself defending his constant ducking on questions as he offered to solve many of the issues by forming a committee. Mr. Black was also questioned by, Kevin Cherry, the Libertarian candidate, about Mr. Black’s ethical challenges that have plagued him during the campaign and then by JB Powell regarding how Mr. Black could be a lobbyist for big agribusiness companies for two decades and expect us to believe he would side with the public instead of the interests of big agribusiness companies.

“I want to commend Georgia Organics for organizing this debate” said JB Powell. “I think the high level of interest in this debate is a strong indicator of the support for organic farming in Georgia and I am proud to support getting locally grown food to local markets. We can grow Georgia’s economy and make our food healthier by increasing the amount of food eaten by Georgians that is sustainably and locally produced.”

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


September 7, 2010

Atlanta, GA – In the ongoing scandal about Gary Black’s campaign largely being supported by the lobbying firm that employed Black as a lobbyist for over 20 years, today it was discovered that the lobbying firm treasurer, Wayne Christian, is also the treasurer for Gary Black’s campaign.

“A lobbying firm has not just paid Black’s salary during his political campaign, but is also supplying staff for Gary Black’s campaign. This just goes to prove that Black’s election would be putting the fox in charge of the hen house and special interests would be staffing the Department of Agriculture if Black is elected. Georgia farmers and families do not need a lobbyist, they need an advocate for food safety and farmers” said JB Powell, Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture.

Records from the Georgia Ethics Commission and Georgia Agribusiness Council’s tax filings reveal that Wayne Christian is the treasurer for both Gary Black’s campaign and a lobbying firm sheltered from paying taxes by non-profit status despite a majority of expenses incurred for “promoting agribusiness.”


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.

JB Powell supports Horse Racing in Georgia

This morning JB Powell will be holding a press conference with Ed Gadrix President of Ga Equine Education Project & Robert Akin, VP of Ga Quarterhorse Association to announce support of Horse Racing in Ga.

JB Powell Press Conference Announcing Support for Horse Racing in Georgia

Who:

JB Powell, Democratic Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture
Ed Gadrix, President of Georgia Equine Education Project
Robert Akin, VP of Georgia Quarterhorse Association

What:

Announcement about support for horse racing and it's economic impact on Georgia’s economy

When:

September 9, 2010 at 10:00 AM

Where:

Chukkar Farm
1140 Liberty Grove Road
Alpharetta, GA 30004

Lobbying Firm Staffing Black’s Campaign For Agriculture

Presser from the campaign of JB Powell, candidate for Agriculture Commissioner

In the ongoing scandal about Gary Black’s campaign largely being supported by the lobbying firm that employed Black as a lobbyist for over 20 years, today it was discovered that the lobbying firm treasurer, Wayne Christian, is also the treasurer for Gary Black’s campaign.

“A lobbying firm has not just paid Black’s salary during his political campaign, but is also supplying staff for Gary Black’s campaign. This just goes to prove that Black’s election would be putting the fox in charge of the hen house and special interests would be staffing the Department of Agriculture if Black is elected. Georgia farmers and families do not need a lobbyist, they need an advocate for food safety and farmers” said JB Powell, Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture.

Records from the Georgia Ethics Commission and Georgia Agribusiness Council’s tax filings reveal that Wayne Christian is the treasurer for both Gary Black’s campaign and a lobbying firm sheltered from paying taxes by non-profit status despite a majority of expenses incurred for “promoting agribusiness.”

Powell Shines in First Agriculture Debate Last Night in Gainesville

Presser from the JB Powell for Agriculture Commissioner Campaign:

JB Powell, the Democratic Candidate for Commissioner of Agriculture, scored a decisive victory tonight in the debate hosted by Georgia Organics.

Will Harris, President of the Board for Georgia Organics said “We are astounded and encouraged by the attendance and support for organic farming.”

JB Powell drew repeated applause from the several hundred people in the audience as he championed the cause of sustainably and locally produced food as a way of promoting food safety, healthy eating and local farming. Powell demonstrated he was the candidate who stood up for the issues that the large crowd in attendance cared about

Specifically, Powell talked about:

Reducing childhood obesity by increasing the amount of locally grown fruits and vegetables served in public schools

Eliminating government regulations that prevent small, local farmers from selling farm products such as raw milk directly to consumers

Creating local markets making it possible for local farmers to sell their food locally

Increasing the percent of food served by the University System of Georgia that is produced sustainably and locally following Emory University’s 75% sustainable and locally grown food initiative

Creating tax credits and loan guarantees for grocery stores that open in low income communities

Growing the amount of acreage in organic production in Georgia from 1700 acres to 5000 acres by 2015

Making it easier for young farmers to get into farming and make a living
Protecting food safety oversight capacity as the Department of Agriculture is required to cut $3.5M in 2011

Conducting a cost benefit analysis for the Department of Agriculture operations in order to determine what can be done more efficiently

During the debate, Gary Black, the Republican candidate, found himself defending his constant ducking on questions as he offered to solve many of the issues by forming a committee. Mr. Black was also questioned by, Kevin Cherry, the Libertarian candidate, about Mr. Black’s ethical challenges that have plagued him during the campaign and then by JB Powell regarding how Mr. Black could be a lobbyist for big agribusiness companies for two decades and expect us to believe he would side with the public instead of the interests of big agribusiness companies.

“I want to commend Georgia Organics for organizing this debate” said JB Powell. “I think the high level of interest in this debate is a strong indicator of the support for organic farming in Georgia and I am proud to support getting locally grown food to local markets. We can grow Georgia’s economy and make our food healthier by increasing the amount of food eaten by Georgians that is sustainably and locally produced.”

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.

Gary Black is Wrong for Georgia Agriculture. Plain & Simple!

Like many Georgians I am concerned what may happen if Gary Black is elected as the next GA Ag Commissioner. Folks says Gary Black is the best qualified and most experienced candidate. BUT! He is supported by the same companies the GA Agriculture Commissioner is charged with regulating like Monsanto for example. How closely do you think he would be watching over these large agribusiness companies that back him and finance his campaign. He is strictly for large Agribusiness and food processing type companies instead of the GA farmer.

How in the hell can Gary Black be in touch with the farmers in rural Georgia while spending the bulk of his time in the state capital trying to push his lobbying organization's agenda's? Gary Black is a not for the family farmer, nor the working class bluecollar voter.


Conservative State Senator JB Powell, a rural democrat from Rural Richmond County maynot have the big backing of major dollars from Big Ag Corporations & Lobbyist like Black has but one thing for sure, he won't sell out the Farm Families of Georgia in favor of Special Interest Groups & Big Ag Corporations that'll swallow up the backbone of Georgia Agriculture & that is the family farmers as well as independent farmers as well.

JB will cut the red tape and reduce government involvement in our everyday lives. Permits and licensing will be made simple while maintaining necessary standards to safeguard our citizens. Unnecessary paperwork and government bureaucracy will not be tolerated & as a small businessman, JB understands the hard work that is necessary to survive in the world of multi-national corporations that attempt to dominate the marketplace, the people Gary Black represents.

JB Powell New Website in up & running.

Click on the Link at the top to view new Website