BARNES: "THE PEOPLE DESERVE THE GOLD DOME TO WORK FOR THEM, NOT THE SPECIAL INTERESTS"
Former Governor Roy Barnes unveiled his comprehensive ethics reform package on Thursday, promising to fight corruption and restore confidence in the very building he was standing in front of: Georgia's State Capitol.
A former Cobb County prosecutor, Barnes has a long record of "walking the walk" on ethics reform. In 1999, Roy passed legislation to expand the scope of Georgia's open records and open meetings laws.
As Governor, his first act was to sign an order banning all lobbyist gifts to employees working in the executive branch. In May 2010, Barnes released 25 years of complete tax returns on his campaign website - making Roy 2010 the most transparent statewide campaign in Georgia's history. Additionally, when Barnes launched his gubernatorial bid in 2009, he announced that his campaign would not accept contributions from registered Georgia lobbyists - a pledge his campaign has strictly adhered to.
The Barnes Plan to Restore Ethical Leadership to State Government includes:
Open government to the people by promoting access and transparency, strengthening Georgia's disclosure laws and limiting lobbyist influence.
Close the loophole that allows the General Assembly to be excluded from Georgia’s Open Records Law
Mandate that all candidates for statewide office release seven years of complete income tax returns, including all schedules and addendums.
Eliminate lobbyist and vendor gifts.
Require state elected officials to adhere to election year disclosure requirements every year.
Strengthen transparency by requiring that state vendors who earn over $10,000 in non-salary earnings from the state register as vendor lobbyists.
Prohibit any executive employee from having private meetings with a state or federal elected official about his personal business
Reveal any contract or business arrangement with state of Georgia within 10 years
Fight corruption and increase ethical standards by bolstering corruption laws, strengthening the authority of the State Ethics Commission and implementing ethics training for agency heads and senior staff.
Strengthen Georgia's anti-corruption laws to ensure that they are as strong as or stronger than the federal RICO laws.
Strengthen the authority of the State Ethics Commission by allowing them to initiate investigations based on reliable and publicly disseminated information.
End conflicts of interest by requiring statewide elected officials to put their financial interests into a blind trust and holding appointed board members financially accountable.
“The Gold Dome should shine as a beacon of honesty and openness, but we all know that has not been the case," said Barnes. "It’s been the home of secret, inside deals. We need to return the Gold Dome to the people and let the sunshine through. I promise to restore confidence in state government by opening government to the people, fighting corruption, cracking down on conflicts of interest and increasing ethical standards under the Gold Dome.”
“The people deserve the Gold Dome to work for them, not the special interests. And when I am Governor, it will,” said Barnes.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Is the GOP planning to use a "Mini Southern Strategy" in the Bishop-Keown 2nd Congressional District Race?
That's what I call this plan of attack
Last night I got a email from a unnamed source detailing the GOP's plan of attack against U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D) who is locked in a tight race with State Rep. Mike Keown (R) for the 2nd congressional district race.
Here's what it says:
GOP Plan of attack on Bishop is to mail negative pieces about Bishop's votes for cap-and-trade and health care to white voters while bombarding the airwaves with allegations of scandal, aimed more at turning black voters away.
Huh???
This is what I call a "mini southern strategy" being possibly implemented here in the 2nd District. This is your classic divide & conquer tactic. Divide, or break up the coalition that Bishop has enjoyed since his election to congress in 1992.
Sending out the mailings to one segment of the population in the district about his votes for the controversial Healthcare Bill, which is seen by opponents of the bill such as the Tea Party & rank & file republicans & some conservative democrats as another "government handout" to the undeserving, or another form of welfare to the less fortunate that will increase taxes on small businesses & drive up the already runaway deficit. Cap and Trade is seen as a job killer, raising energy bills on consumers, & increasing taxes as well. If I was a betting man, I'd bet that those mailing will have much more on them than just detailing Bishop's votes for the two controversial legislative bills.
Then running negative campaign ads on "alleged" scandals involving Bishop in hopes of damping black voter turnout for Bishop, which will increase Keown's chances of winning the district that consist of 48% African-American population.
I hope this tactic doesn't materialize, but knowing the history of Washington Republicans since the days of Richard Nixon, it wouldn't surprise me at all.
Keown has run a flawless campaign thus far & the thought of such a strategy being used may decrease his chances if winning against the incumbent Bishop, who was caught flat-footed this year, & have had some missteps along the way. No way he saw this coming, neither did his campaign.
Bishop who has had a center-right voting record for well over a decade has veered toward the left since the inauguration of Presdient Obama as president voting for big ticket liberal democratic items like Healthcare & the flop that was the Cap and Trade Bill, or "Climate Bill". Some of his longtime supporters wondered why he voted for such toxic pieces of legislation in the first place.
Was it because his allegiance for the president? Bishop served as vice-chairman (Hank Johnson, chairman) of the Obama campaign here in Ga during the 2008 elections.
Was it because he got caught up in the hoopla that was Obama & his moving rhetoric that in the beginning had people on the edge of their seats, believing in the Hope & Change message?
Some have suggested he might have been duped & conned in voting for a bill that 2/3rds of Americans were opposed to (Healthcare).
I don't know, but it sure is coming back to haunt him in a big way. Cook Political report has moved the race from a Safe, to likely, to now lean democratic seat.
Despite all of the hype surrounding the Jim Marshall-Austin Scott race, which I predict Marshall will win, this race is the darkhorse race to watch.
Last night I got a email from a unnamed source detailing the GOP's plan of attack against U.S. Rep. Sanford Bishop (D) who is locked in a tight race with State Rep. Mike Keown (R) for the 2nd congressional district race.
Here's what it says:
GOP Plan of attack on Bishop is to mail negative pieces about Bishop's votes for cap-and-trade and health care to white voters while bombarding the airwaves with allegations of scandal, aimed more at turning black voters away.
Huh???
This is what I call a "mini southern strategy" being possibly implemented here in the 2nd District. This is your classic divide & conquer tactic. Divide, or break up the coalition that Bishop has enjoyed since his election to congress in 1992.
Sending out the mailings to one segment of the population in the district about his votes for the controversial Healthcare Bill, which is seen by opponents of the bill such as the Tea Party & rank & file republicans & some conservative democrats as another "government handout" to the undeserving, or another form of welfare to the less fortunate that will increase taxes on small businesses & drive up the already runaway deficit. Cap and Trade is seen as a job killer, raising energy bills on consumers, & increasing taxes as well. If I was a betting man, I'd bet that those mailing will have much more on them than just detailing Bishop's votes for the two controversial legislative bills.
Then running negative campaign ads on "alleged" scandals involving Bishop in hopes of damping black voter turnout for Bishop, which will increase Keown's chances of winning the district that consist of 48% African-American population.
I hope this tactic doesn't materialize, but knowing the history of Washington Republicans since the days of Richard Nixon, it wouldn't surprise me at all.
Keown has run a flawless campaign thus far & the thought of such a strategy being used may decrease his chances if winning against the incumbent Bishop, who was caught flat-footed this year, & have had some missteps along the way. No way he saw this coming, neither did his campaign.
Bishop who has had a center-right voting record for well over a decade has veered toward the left since the inauguration of Presdient Obama as president voting for big ticket liberal democratic items like Healthcare & the flop that was the Cap and Trade Bill, or "Climate Bill". Some of his longtime supporters wondered why he voted for such toxic pieces of legislation in the first place.
Was it because his allegiance for the president? Bishop served as vice-chairman (Hank Johnson, chairman) of the Obama campaign here in Ga during the 2008 elections.
Was it because he got caught up in the hoopla that was Obama & his moving rhetoric that in the beginning had people on the edge of their seats, believing in the Hope & Change message?
Some have suggested he might have been duped & conned in voting for a bill that 2/3rds of Americans were opposed to (Healthcare).
I don't know, but it sure is coming back to haunt him in a big way. Cook Political report has moved the race from a Safe, to likely, to now lean democratic seat.
Despite all of the hype surrounding the Jim Marshall-Austin Scott race, which I predict Marshall will win, this race is the darkhorse race to watch.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Conservative Democrat Doug Heckman Billboards reaches out to Independent Voters
I like this!

Extreme Partisanship is Irresponsible and No Way to Represent this District
NORCROSS, Georgia – Doug Heckman, candidate for the House of Representatives in Georgia’s 7th Congressional District, has taken over the billboards previously used by candidate Jody Hice in the Primary. These billboards inflamed partisan divisions with their caustic symbolism . Heckman’s new message on the three billboards summarizes his campaign theme of ending extreme politics as usual and getting back to statesmanship on behalf of the people: “Had Enough of Partisan Politics?”
Heckman remarked: “Partisanship is harming our government and grinding reasonable debate to a halt. These cynical rules of engagement are being practiced at the expense of our Country. Being very partisan helps one get re-elected.”
He said: “Leadership in this environment requires perspective and balance. My life experiences are qualitatively different from my opponent and have been honed in many different arenas such as business, the church, and my military service. I am a statesman, not a hardened ideologue.”
Heckman had previously commented on the fact that all Georgia Republicans, including his opponent, had to sign loyalty oaths pledging allegiance to their Party in order to qualify as candidates. “Woodall has come of age on the Far-Right being taught that the way to succeed is to be as partisan and purist as possible. It is the citizens of our Country who have been suffering as a result of this kind of politics.”
He also said: “I took an oath as an Army officer to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. I find it disturbing that someone would make a pledge to a political party and then mindlessly spout partisan talking points because their GOP Party elders demand it.”
Heckman added: “Organizations you’ve never heard of control our politics through money and influence. Political insiders like my opponent have gotten used to the lobbying industry being the 4th branch of our Government. This has to stop. Independence from these influences and moderation is what is called for now more than ever.”
Heckman recently returned from his second military deployment to Iraq where he earned his third combat Bronze Star. He was stationed in the Baghdad area with other Special Operations soldiers. He previously served a tour of duty in Afghanistan in Oct 2001.
He has long-standing ties in the community and real-world experience in national security and in business. Doug Heckman is a West Point graduate and has two sons at West Point and one daughter at Norcross High School. Heckman also has an MBA from Duke University and has lived in the 7th District for 20 years with his wife and three children.
The location of the 3 billboards are: on Peachtree Industrial Blvd. (southbound just before South Berkeley Lake Rd.), I-85 South before the Beaver Ruin exit, and S.R. 20 southbound at the Braselton Hwy/124 intersection.
The 7th Congressional District is being vacated by John Linder who retired last year. His aide Rob Woodall is looking to replace Linder as congressman, but I always thought this race was a possible pickup for democrats this year despite the mood towards democrats & I still feel that way. Heckman's message ought to resonate with fustrated voters of the district.

Extreme Partisanship is Irresponsible and No Way to Represent this District
NORCROSS, Georgia – Doug Heckman, candidate for the House of Representatives in Georgia’s 7th Congressional District, has taken over the billboards previously used by candidate Jody Hice in the Primary. These billboards inflamed partisan divisions with their caustic symbolism . Heckman’s new message on the three billboards summarizes his campaign theme of ending extreme politics as usual and getting back to statesmanship on behalf of the people: “Had Enough of Partisan Politics?”
Heckman remarked: “Partisanship is harming our government and grinding reasonable debate to a halt. These cynical rules of engagement are being practiced at the expense of our Country. Being very partisan helps one get re-elected.”
He said: “Leadership in this environment requires perspective and balance. My life experiences are qualitatively different from my opponent and have been honed in many different arenas such as business, the church, and my military service. I am a statesman, not a hardened ideologue.”
Heckman had previously commented on the fact that all Georgia Republicans, including his opponent, had to sign loyalty oaths pledging allegiance to their Party in order to qualify as candidates. “Woodall has come of age on the Far-Right being taught that the way to succeed is to be as partisan and purist as possible. It is the citizens of our Country who have been suffering as a result of this kind of politics.”
He also said: “I took an oath as an Army officer to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. I find it disturbing that someone would make a pledge to a political party and then mindlessly spout partisan talking points because their GOP Party elders demand it.”
Heckman added: “Organizations you’ve never heard of control our politics through money and influence. Political insiders like my opponent have gotten used to the lobbying industry being the 4th branch of our Government. This has to stop. Independence from these influences and moderation is what is called for now more than ever.”
Heckman recently returned from his second military deployment to Iraq where he earned his third combat Bronze Star. He was stationed in the Baghdad area with other Special Operations soldiers. He previously served a tour of duty in Afghanistan in Oct 2001.
He has long-standing ties in the community and real-world experience in national security and in business. Doug Heckman is a West Point graduate and has two sons at West Point and one daughter at Norcross High School. Heckman also has an MBA from Duke University and has lived in the 7th District for 20 years with his wife and three children.
The location of the 3 billboards are: on Peachtree Industrial Blvd. (southbound just before South Berkeley Lake Rd.), I-85 South before the Beaver Ruin exit, and S.R. 20 southbound at the Braselton Hwy/124 intersection.
The 7th Congressional District is being vacated by John Linder who retired last year. His aide Rob Woodall is looking to replace Linder as congressman, but I always thought this race was a possible pickup for democrats this year despite the mood towards democrats & I still feel that way. Heckman's message ought to resonate with fustrated voters of the district.
Here's what Hasting Wyman of the Southern Political Report says about Ga's 2nd & 8th Districts
Georgia 2 (Albany, etc.) Nine-term Sanford Bishop (D) should be okay in this 47 percent black district, but this year state Rep. Mike Keown (R) is waging a well-financed challenge in a district that occasionally votes Republican. In 2004, for example, George W. Bush, squeezed out a 50 percent to 49.6 percent victory over John Kerry within the district’s current boundaries, though Obama got 54 percent in 2008. The black vote usually declines sharply in a non-presidential year – 46 percent of turnout in 2008, but 38 percent in 2006. Bishop, who usually gets significant white support, may be losing a lot of it over his vote for “Obamacare.” A Public Opinion Strategies (R) poll taken for Keown in early August gave Bishop 50 percent, Keown 44 percent. Leans Democratic.
Georgia 8 (Macon, etc.) Four-termer Jim Marshall (D) looked problem-free for months, then he got a foe with credentials in state Rep. Austin Scott (R), a somewhat maverick lawmaker (one of the few GOPers to favor a non-Confederate state flag) and the national mood started to make itself felt in this district where McCain beat Obama 56 percent-43 percent. The near-solidly Democratic black vote here was 33 percent of turnout in 2008, but 25 percent in 2006. An American Viewpoint (R) poll taken in late August for Scott gave Marshall 44 percent, Scott 39 percent. Another poll gave Marshall 50 percent, Scott 45 percent. Scott is getting hit for state legislative votes for tax hikes. The district gave McCain 57 percent in 2008 and though Marshall voted against healthcare, he’s got a fight on his hands. Tossup.
Georgia 8 (Macon, etc.) Four-termer Jim Marshall (D) looked problem-free for months, then he got a foe with credentials in state Rep. Austin Scott (R), a somewhat maverick lawmaker (one of the few GOPers to favor a non-Confederate state flag) and the national mood started to make itself felt in this district where McCain beat Obama 56 percent-43 percent. The near-solidly Democratic black vote here was 33 percent of turnout in 2008, but 25 percent in 2006. An American Viewpoint (R) poll taken in late August for Scott gave Marshall 44 percent, Scott 39 percent. Another poll gave Marshall 50 percent, Scott 45 percent. Scott is getting hit for state legislative votes for tax hikes. The district gave McCain 57 percent in 2008 and though Marshall voted against healthcare, he’s got a fight on his hands. Tossup.
Second Ad from Rural Democrat Jim Marshall: "Whose Burden"?
Every Two Years after Marshall won the District back in 2002, Republicans have hit Marshall with negative attack ads. Finally, its good to see Marshall turning the tables & going on offense for once. Nice Ad!
What's the Relationship Between Birthers Nathan Deal & Orly Taitz?



It appears that both Deal & Taitz were Facebook Pals. Taitz is the attorney who files suit against President Obama questioning his citizenship, as well as represented a few military officers who refused deployment over Obama's citizenship status.
As I always say, two birds of a feather flock together! Despite ending the FB froendship with Taitz, Deal is among the Birthers who questioned Obama's Birth certificate, even sending a letter to the president asking the president to prove his citizenship status.
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.
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.
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