Fort Gaines Is Still Standing. Why the Hell Isn’t Georgia Standing With It?

If you want to understand what rural Georgia is fighting for and what it’s fighting against  take a slow drive into Fort Gaines, the Clay County seat perched on the bluffs of the Chattahoochee River. It’s one of those towns where the history is heavy, the future feels uncertain, and the present is a daily negotiation.

Fort Gaines ain’t dying.  

But it sure as hell is holding on.

Clay County is one of the least populated counties in Georgia, with barely 2,700 residents left. Twenty years ago, it had more than 3,500. That’s a 25% population drop, one of the steepest in the state.

When young folks leave, they don’t trickle out.  

They drain out.

One of the Poorest Counties in Georgia

This is the hard truth:

- Clay County has one of the lowest median household incomes in the state.  

- Nearly one‑third of residents live below the poverty line.  

- The tax base is so thin you can see daylight through it.

Folks here aren’t lazy.  

They’re survivors in a place where the math stopped working years ago.

A Healthcare Desert With No Hospital

Clay County has no hospital.  

None.

Emergency care means crossing the river into Alabama or driving to neighboring counties both of which have had their own hospital struggles. When rural Georgians talk about healthcare deserts, Fort Gaines is the map.

Clay County is one of the most Democratic counties in rural Georgia, even as other regions of rural Georgia around it has turned red. But the story isn’t simple:

- Black turnout has slipped.  

- Younger voters are harder to reach.  

- Frustration with both parties is rising.

Fort Gaines voters don’t fit the national narrative.  

They’re loyal, but tired.  

Engaged, but skeptical.  

And they know damn well nobody in Atlanta or D.C. is losing sleep over Clay County.

Agriculture Still Matters, But It Ain’t Enough

The farmland is still productive... peanuts, cotton, timber but farming doesn’t employ people like it used to. A handful of large operations dominate the landscape now.

The old days of 40‑acre family farms are gone.  

The new days are consolidated and mechanized.

One School, One Heartbeat

Clay County has one K‑12 school. It’s the largest employer, the biggest gathering place, and the one institution still holding the community together.

When the school struggles, the county feels it.  

When the school succeeds, the county breathes easier.

A Town With History and a Long Memory

Fort Gaines was once a river‑trade hub, a military outpost, a place with promise. The bones of that history are still there:

- The old fort site  

- The river bluffs  

- The historic district  

- The quiet, wide streets  

It’s a town that remembers what it used to be and refuses to forget.

Fort Gaines is rural Georgia in its rawest form:

- Shrinking population  

- Thin economy  

- No hospital  

- One school  

- Deep political loyalty  

- Even deeper frustration  

- And a community that keeps showing up anyway  

This town isn’t asking for miracles.  

It’s asking not to be erased.

And in a state where every vote, every county, every margin matters, Fort Gaines says the quiet part out loud:

“We’re still here.  

Don’t act like we ain’t.”

It's Decision week for Central Georgia Bluedog Democrat LeMario Brown... Lt. Governor or Agriculture Commissioner?

If  LeMario Brown, the 40-year-old moderate Democrat, pecan farmer, and Fort Valley City Councilman/Mayor Pro-Tem, officially enters the 2026 race for Georgia Lieutenant Governor instead of Commissioner of Agriculture, it would represent a strategic pivot from his specialized agricultural expertise toward a broader, more politically influential role. As of August 26, 2025, Brown has only for med an exploratory committee for Lieutenant Governor (announced July 13, 2025), This choice would have ripple effects on his political trajectory, rural Georgia's representation, and the Democratic Party's long-term strategy in a purple state where Republicans dominate statewide offices.

Opting for Lieutenant Governor—a role that involves presiding over the Georgia State Senate, influencing committee assignments, and serving as a potential successor to the Governor—would elevate Brown's profile beyond his rural roots. His "Growing Hope" slogan and focus on working families, veterans, small businesses, young voters, and farmers could appeal in a high-visibility race.

However, this is a riskier bet: Lieutenant Governor requires statewide name recognition, robust  fundraising, and navigating a competitive Democratic primary (currently with at least one other candidate) and general election against GOP contenders like state Sens. Blake Tillery, Steve Gooch, or John F. Kennedy. In contrast, Agriculture Commissioner aligns directly with his farming background (revitalizing pecan groves, livestock operations, and advocacy for Black and disadvantaged farmers), potentially offering a more winnable path against incumbent Tyler Harper (R), who won by only 7.5 points in 2022 amid vulnerabilities like handling bird flu outbreaks, feral hog damage, and equity issues for minority farmers.

By choosing Lieutenant Governor, Brown could position himself as a stepping stone to higher office (e.g., Governor) if successful, but a loss might sideline him politically, It


signals ambition but forgoes immediate, hands-on impact on agriculture policy. Rural Georgia, home to the state's $70+ billion agriculture industry and communities facing economic decline, infrastructure gaps, and demographic shifts, stands to gain or lose depending on Brown's success. If he runs for and wins Lieutenant Governor, rural voices could amplify in the Senate: As a lifelong rural resident and moderate with experience in economic development and farmer mentorship, Brown could push legislation on sustainable farming, tech innovations (e.g., drones for agriculture), federal aid for small farms, and rural broadband—issues he's championed through his nonprofit L.E.A.P., Inc., and local governance. This could foster bipartisanship on rural priorities, countering GOP dominance in these areas and addressing challenges like inflation-driven food costs, climate impacts, and labor shortages

However, bypassing Agriculture Commissioner means forgoing direct oversight of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, which handles critical rural functions like food safety, animal health, crop regulations, and programs like the Georgia Agricultural Tax Exemption (GATE).3f20cb Without a strong Democratic alternative in that race, incumbent Harper could coast to reelection, potentially perpetuating policies critics view as favoring large agribusiness over small, diverse farmers. For rural Georgia—where Democrats have hemorrhaged support—Brown's Lieutenant Governor bid might inspire turnout among disillusioned voters but risks leaving ag-specific needs unaddressed if he loses, exacerbating urban-rural divides.

Brown's entry into the Lieutenant Governor race would signal the Democratic Party's push to reclaim statewide relevance by fielding moderate, rural, and diverse candidates, key to flipping red-leaning areas in a state that elected Democrats like Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock but struggles down-ballot. As a Black, rural moderate, he could broaden the party's appeal, rebuilding coalitions in South Georgia (e.g., through groups like the Blue Dog Coalition) and countering GOP narratives on agriculture and family values. This aligns with recent party shifts, such as former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan's party switch and considerations for Governor, highlighting fluidity in Georgia politics.

Long-term, a competitive run could energize young and minority voters, boost Democratic infrastructure in rural districts via initiatives like Contest Every Race, and set a precedent for non-Atlanta-based candidates. Success might pave the way for more moderates in top roles, strengthening the party's bench for 2030 and beyond. But a defeat, plausible in a GOP-leaning cycle could reinforce perceptions of Democratic weakness statewide, especially if the Agriculture Commissioner race lacks a viable contender, allowing Republicans to solidify control over ag policy. Overall, it represents a high-stakes bet on expansion over consolidation, potentially reshaping the party's rural strategy if it pays off.

Conservative Democrat Mike Ford awaits the winner of the Republican Primary for Ga-9th CD

Up in deeply conservative 9th Congressional District, Mike Ford, a Conservative Democrat is the lone democrat in the May 24th primary and awaits the winner of the GOP primary.

Ford, a native of Macon, Ga is a Vietnam War Veteran where he was awarded the Air Metal with Six Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service medal and Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal.

He is also a member of the NRA, and the Georgia Sport Shooting Association.

He is a democrat in the mold of former 8th Congressional District Jim Marshall and Charles Jenkins who once represented the 9th Congressional District in the 80s and early 90s.

Ford is a retiring attorney who has practiced law at the State Court, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, etc.

For more on Mike Ford go to his website at https://mike4georgia.com/

Jefferson Jackson Dinner Last Night in Fort Valley

Jason Carter addressing the audience during Peach Co JJ Dinner

Last Night, the Peach County Democratic held its first ever Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in Fort Valley located in Rural Central Georgia at the Agriculture Technology Center. An estimated 200 were in attendance as they got to hear from Gubernatorial candidate Jason Carter, as well as other statewide hopefuls, Connie Stokes (Lt Governor), Alisha Morgan (State Superintendent), Chris Irvin (Agriculture Commissioner), Tarnisha Dent (State Superintendent), Gerald Beckum (Secretary of State) & Robin Shipp (Labor Commissioner)

Candidate for Agriculture Commissioner Chris Irvin speaking

Senator Carter was introduced by Macon Circuit D.A. David Cooke in which afterwards Carter gave a rousing, charismatic speech critical of Gov. Nathan Deal on Public Education, Jobs, etc.

Also on hand was Congressman Sanford Bishop & wife Vivian Creighton-Bishop, sheriffs David Davis (Bibb County) & Lewis Walker (Crawford County) and host of local elected officials from surrounding counties as well.

Rep. Sanford Bishop presents Carter with a Plaque

Candidates Gerald Beckum Secretary of State with Keith Heard Insurance Commissioner

What A Obama Re-Election Would Mean for Sanford Bishop?

If President Obama is re-elected, what will mean for Congressman Sanford Bishop, who let's not forget was the co-chair for Obama's Campaign here in Georgia back in 2008. In addition Bishop has voted in favor of key domestic policies from President Barack Obama. For example, he voted in favor of the 2009 approximately $800 billion economic stimulus package & the hotly debated Healthcare Legislation, which caused him to sweat it out during his 2010 re-election bid which many, including me thought he had lost, only to wake up the next morning to find he squeaked out a victory.

Bishop is heavily favored to defeat John House, republican out of Muscogee County in the newly redrawn 2nd Congressional district which now includes the majority of Bibb County.

If President Obama wins re-election,  Bishop should be in line to become the next Secretary of Agriculture during a Obama second term..PERIOD! One of the knocks on Bishop back in 2008 when Obama was searching for a Ag Secretary was that he wasn't on record with a agricultural vision that addresses the production, trade and sustainability issues of the 21st century. I don't if that's true or not, but I don't buy it.

Bishop currently sits on the subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, as well as the powerful Appropriations Committee & one of the leading voices on Agriculture in Congress.

If not Secretary of Agriculture, then U.S. Ambassador to Cuba would be another option for President Obama. Why? The loosening of trade sanctions against the communist country will make it easier for America’s farmers and ranchers to sell their high-quality products.The political relationship between the United States and Cuba has been tense over the last 50 years. Yet, expanded efforts by both governments over the last decade suggest that U.S. farm exports could increase to the Caribbean island. The U.S. exported $4 billion in farm products, mostly feed stuffs, to Cuba from 2002 to 2008. About 95 percent of the total included corn, wheat, soybeans and soybean meal. The largest U.S. value-added product exported to Cuba is poultry......guess what? Bishop hails from one of, or if not the leading state in terms of Poultry Production, Georgia.

I don't know if any of this will materialize under a Obama second term, but given how Congressman Bishop has supported the majority of the president's policies, even at the risk of losing his seat 2years ago, he should reward him with a post in his administration. It would be the icing on the cake for a what has been a good legislative career for Bishop


 

Republican Ken DeLoach announces Bid for GA-2nd Congressional District

In a press Release sent out yesterday, Ken Deloach will seek the 2nd CD seat where he will face off against Rick Allen (R-Columbus) in the primary.

Here's the Presser:

Ken DeLoach Announces Bid for Georgia's Second Congressional District Seat

February 21, 2012 -“ Educator and minister Ken DeLoach has announced his candidacy for Georgia's second congressional district. Eager to begin the process, DeLoach has already met with Republican groups in Peach, Lee, Bibb and Muscogee counties. He will also participate in the Republican debate being held the night of February 28th in Lee County.

DeLoach is currently the Dean of Students and a teacher at Central Fellowship Christian Academy in Bibb County as well as Associate Pastor at River of Light Church in Warner Robins. He is also the current 1st Vice-Chairman of the Houston County Republican Party.

DeLoach, a native Georgian, made the decision to run after being approached by several people within that district.

DeLoach stated, "We're receiving very positive feedback on our messages of jobs, jobs, jobs. The people of Georgia's second congressional district want more jobs, not more government. A government check can neither buy a man's dignity nor his dreams."

"We've put together a team, not just to see us through the Republican Primary on July 31st, but to see us to victory on November 6th . We will return this district to those who have the real answers to our problems: We the People," DeLoach added.

DeLoach married his wife, Lynn, in 1987. She is a registered nurse working as a travel nurse for a Bibb County company. Ken and Lynn have two sons; Caleb, 16; and, Andrew, 14.

DeLoach sees individual Constitutional rights, energy, national defense and an aggressive reduction in the size and spending of our federal government as additional issues that must be faced and dealt with as soon as possible, "It's time for Congress to be responsible adults and choose American workers over beltway lobbyists and career politicians."

Georgia New Congressional Map: Barrow on the move.....AGAIN??? Bishop a lock! Scott more safer?

Today the New Georgia Congressional Map is out & with no surprise, Conservative Democrat John Barrow (D-Savannah) is on the move once again. Hos home of Chatham County is now occupied by Jack Kingston (R-Savannah). New counties in Barrow's district are Laurens, Coffee, Appling, Jeff Davis, Telfair, Wheeler, & republican south Columbia County.

Other Bluedog Sanford Bishop is made safer with the removal of Thomas County from his district. He now has Bibb County & much more of Muscogee County (Columbus) going into midtown Columbus.

Freshman Austin Scott is made safer by the removal of democratic Bibb County, but he has republican North Bibb County in the district. He takes in much of Kingston's western half of the district of Lowndes, Clinch, Lanier, Cook, Berrien, Atkinson, Echols, & he takes democratic Brooks County from Sanford Bishop.

Arch Conservative Paul Broun of Athens now has a much more competitive district for democrats to contend with. He takes Barrow & Walton Counties from Rob Woodall of the 7th CD, & he takes John Barrow democratic areas of Hancock, Baldwin, Taliaferro, Johnson, Warren, republican lean Glascock, Jefferson, Washington (Dem leaning counties) & Takes old portions of 8th CD Jasper, Butts, Newton & eastern Henry County.

The new 14th CD now hovers over NE Georgia, with Hall County the anchor county

Tom Price 6th CD now occupies Bartow County & snakes into north central Fulton County.

The other Districts are pratically the same Tom Graves now takes Floyd, Polk & Haralson Counties, as well as Paulding County.

What to make of this?

This opens the door for State Senator Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) to run for this seat. Based on the proposed district, it was drawn specifically for him. Greg Morris, (R-Vidalia), a former democrat who switched in 2006 could also be another possibility.

Bishop is less likely to received a challenge from a republican, but given the mrgin he won, its like he will receive another challenge.

Austin Scott must be happy camper right now. With Thomas County now included, the 8th appears to be much safer for him, but who knows? Although North Bibb is republican, there are democrats up there as well & could get a challenge from that portion of the county. Or it could come from Houston County or down somewhere in South Georgia.

Paul Broun is in a totally new district! If this stands, former Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond would be the ideal candidate to run in this district. Its much more friendly for democrats.

The 12th & 10th CD in my opinion are tossup districts because they have been so altered by the ruling Georgia GOP.

The Bitterness towards Sanford Bishop........WHY?

2nd Congressional District Congressman Sanford D Bishop, Jr of Albany has always demostrated a knack of attracting support from voters who are either independent, conservative, & in some cases; Republicans in the 2nd Congressional District.

But every since 2009 there have been such a harsh backlash towards Bishop that it has left me scatchng my head.

Ok, he voted for the controversial, divisive Helathcare Reform Legislation, then he voted for the Cap & Trade Bill that went no where. Then there was the CBC Scholarship episode that accused Bishop of handling scholarships out to relatives, but it was his wife Mrs. Creighton-Vishop, a municipal court clerk at Muscogee County who was in charge of the selection process, which Bishop didn't know that scholarships was going to relatives instead of needy students.

And then there was the so-called fraud involving the "Pigford” settlement between the government and black farmers who claimed that a Department of Agriculture farm loan program discriminated against them. South Georgia farmers Eddie Slaughter and Willie Head complain that Bishop did nothing when they asked him to investigate the Pigford settlement & that more settlement money went to lawyers and people who aren’t farmers than to them and other active farmers. Nothing ever came to these accusations.

And now everywhere you look, you see people saying "Bishop has to go" or "Boot Bishop", I mean my god, do some people in the 2nd really can't stand Rep. Bishop that much?

Now did he dip his toe in the tempting liberal waters with those votes I mentioned? Yes!

But make no mistake about it, Bishop's no liberal except last year when his voting record was as liberal as Nancy Pelosi.

But Congressman Bishop, a graduate of Morehouse & former State legistator has always been a moderateto conservative democrat for the 2nd District.

Bishop has co-sponsored amendments to the U.S. Constitution protecting the U.S. flag against acts of desecration, preserving the institution of marriage as between a man and a woman, ensuring a balanced federal budget, and allowing voluntary, non-denominational prayer in schools and other public localities. He also is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, receiving the grade of “A+” from the National Rifle Association.

He has also supported Tax Relief for working men & women of the 2nd & he has & will always look after the agriculture interest of the 2nd, no matter what, which I didn't understand why so many farmers & those with Ag interest in the 2nd Congressional District would just turn their backs on Bishop who has fought tooth & nail to support & strengthened their interest in D.C. Many speculated that is was his vote for the Cap & Trade legislation. Maybe, it was more than that! Was it a protest vote against Pelosi & Obama?Was it just a anti-democratic vote? Or did they really leave bishop because of his job performance, which if you ask me has been pretty damn good for a region, SW Georgia with high levels of poverty.

Bishop, like him or not has gotten a raw deal from those who voted against him last year. Did many of these anti-Bishop voters forgot about all the good things he's done for the 2nd District? For some, they only look at 2008 & beyond rather than the whole 19, going on 20 year (Jan 2012) record of Bishop. I also hear some mention that Bishop only represents one segment of the 2nd Congressional District.................ARE YOU KIDDING ME? So Bishop only supports Black voters in the 2nd & not whites? Please! Stop trying to make Bishop the politician for "Blacks" Only. That's not going to work! Bishop first won the 2nd when it was a majority white district back in 1992 & since then it has changed, which is now comprised of 47% African-Americans.

Currently he is ranking member of the Subcommittee for Defense, the Subcommittee on Military Construction-Veterans Affairs & the 3rd ranking member on the House Agriculture Committee. Bishop is the go-to guy for Georgia Agriculture now that Saxby Chambliss no longer sits on the Senate Agriculture Committee.

I normally do not come to the defense of politicians here in Georgia, but I made a exception here. Bishop is well liked by many here in the 2nd, whether you are black, white, liberal, moderate, conservative, republican, democrat, independent, libertarian. All of the criticism Bishop has gotten (especially from hardcore republicans) & still continues to get is uncalled for. Nobody's perfect, people! If Bishop was a republican, you can bet your last dollar he wouldn't gotten the kind of scrutiny he's been getting over the past year.

Im curious to see will many of the longtime voters Bishop lost last year come back to Bishop or have they got caught up in the left vs right divide that's destroying our country.

Keown to seek Thomas County Commission District 4 seat, will not run for Congress

Mike Keown will seek the District 4 Thomas County Commission seat that becane vacant by the death of Incumbent Louis Rehberg back in April.

Keown almost pulled the upset over Sanford Bishop for the 2nd Congressional District during the 2010 elections.

Keown says he is not considering another run for Congress, adding that his involvement in politics has been what the Lord led him to do. “I never say never,” Keown said.

With Keown out of the picture, who will challenge Bishop in 2012?

My Own Version of Reapportionment: Georgia Style 2011

Here's what the districts would look like if I were redrawing the maps (Sorry I didn't include the Metro Atlanta Districts) If you are the democrats here in Georgia especially Barrow, Bishop, I would hope & pray that this version or something similar would be the end result after the special session. (Note: Clayton is still in Scott's District, not in Bishop's) In the 2nd, I included all of Muscogee County, as well as Upson comes into the fold. Tift, Cook are brought back into the district. The District will be knocking on the door of 50% African-American population. And it sets up nicely for Bishop's replacement when he decides to retire from congress. But it may spur more GOP candidates in running for this seat with the inclusion of Tift & Cook County, but Bishop represented these counties before & did very well in them

In the 8th, Tift (Scott's former home is now gone) & East Atlanta Republican Suburb of Walton County is brought in the 8th, all of Newton is now included as well & Lamar County is back as well. This district should help Scott in retaining the seat. Bibb County stays in the 8th. It belongs in Middle Georgia, not in a SW Georgia based district. The district remains a republican tilt district, but if the right democrat comes along, it can be won back by the dems.


In the 12th, Chatham is gone from the district & Greene, Morgan, & Putnam is brought into the district, all of Richmond Co is now included & Johnson Co is gone, making the district a Tossup/lean democratic district. And it will force Barrow to either run in the 1st (Jack Kingston) or relocate to Augusta. Remember, here in Georgia, a candidate does not have to reside in his or her district to run for congress, (Saxby Chambliss back in 1994 lived in the 2nd, but represented the old 3rd, now 8th District)

In the 3rd, Westmoreland District remains safe, no worries there for the GOP

In the 10th, Broun loses Greene, Morgan, & Putnam Counties, but that's offset with the inclusion of fast growing Barrow County. Its still safe for Broun for now!

(GA-2) Sanford Bishop: Past, Present & Future

Sanford Bishop has never been short of smarts. After graduating from Morehouse College in 1968 and from Emory University Law School in 1971, he served in the U.S. Army, completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, entered Advanced Reserve Officers Training, and received an Honorable Discharge in 1971. He resided in Columbus, Georgia, from 1972 to 1996, where he was the primary partner in the law firm of Bishop and Buckner, P.C. He is an Eagle Scout, a 33rd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and a life time member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

Bishop has surprised and disappointed me and many of my rural Democratic friends who lean More conservative than your typical democrat, with his votes supporting the flawed health-care reform, cap-and-trade legislation and President Obama’s stimulus bills. But we shouldn’t have been surprised. He has never pledged complete allegiance to either the Republican or Democratic Party. Besides he is a Bluedog Democrat & that suits me just fine.


Fellow Yellow Dog Democrats are also conflicted about the endorsements Bishop has received. He was endorsed by the NRA, the US Chamber of Commerce, groups that traditionally supports republicans.

Last election saw Bishop hanging on by a thread for his seat over Mike Keown, a State Rep out of Thomas County. Allegations from Bishop improperly steering three scholarships to family members between 2003 and 2005 to the Jr. Marshall Program Scandal where his step daughter and son-in-law were being paid out of a Sanford Bishop earmark. It was later found that the Jr. Marshall Earmarked Funds were directly deposited into his wife's Vivian Creighton Bishop’s bank account.

Bishop was labeled a liberal for those votes for healthcare, cap & trade, the bailouts & TARP despite his long middle of the road record of supporting Gun rights, (A+” grade from NRA), hawkish positions on defense matters, outlawing same-sex marriage & support of prayer in our schools, & support of tax cuts. Last year was the perfect year for the GOP to defeat Bishop.

I suspect some of those longtime Bishop supporters who voted against Bishop voted against him out of protest of the way things were being handled by the President & the Pelosi led House of Representatives, as well as Bishop's toe dipping into the liberal waters that almost cost him last time. Im eager to see how many of them will come back into Bishop's column. I suspect Bishop will retire as congressman rather that be defeated. Lasr year results will no doubt encourage republicans to pour money into the second, but I believe that was a one time thing. With rumors of Bibb County moving in the second district, it will make republicans chances of defeating of Bishop damn near impossible.

Bishop has served the second district going on now for 20 years. (elected 1992). The only way I see him leaving that seat other than retirement is getting appointed to a federal position in a Obama Administration (Ag Secretary, Secretary of State, Energy) if Obama gets re-elected in 2012.

Blue Dogs like Bishop are good for the Democratic Party and the country. They’re a constant, necessary reminder to Democrats that if they want to be a majority party, they have to earn it, not just preach to the choir. We’d be a lot better off as a country if we had more people like the Blue Dogs on both sides of the aisle, who are independent-minded, willing to work across party lines, and more interested in getting things done than in partisan gain.”

Sanford Bishop Receives Legislative Impact Award from Military Spouse Magazine

Presser from the Bishop Campaign:

Military Spouse Magazine recognized Rep. Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (D-GA) for his work on behalf of military families during their annual Military Spouse of the Year Luncheon. Rep. Bishop received the Legislative Impact Award for his work in Congress on behalf of military families and his commitment to improving the lives of those serving in the Armed Forces.

"It is an honor to receive this award from Military Spouse Magazine, a great publication which advocates for and highlights the needs of our military spouses," said Rep. Bishop. "This award will give me even more determination to continue fighting for our service members, their spouses, and their families."

Rep. Bishop co-chairs the Congressional Military Family Caucus with Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA) who also received a Legislative Impact award. During the ceremony, Military Spouse Magazine presented Mrs. Bianca Strzalkowski of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina with the Military Spouse of the Year Award. The award ceremony recognizes the sacrifice of the 1.1 million military spouses who provide unwavering support to the armed services.

Rep. Bishop has been a tireless supporter of military families throughout his career. Along with co-chairing the Congressional Military Family Caucus, he also serves as the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies, which has held several hearings on quality of life issues facing military families.

Congrats to Rep Bishop on this honor

Sanford Bishop, John Barrow & Racial Gerrymandering

Racial Gerrymandering will hit Georgia at its worst if everything I'm hearing bears fruit.

Macon-Bibb County, a majority-minority city & county possibly going into the second, therefore making it easier for Austin Scott to maintain a hold on the 8th District. Potential Richmond Co moving into the 10th & Chatham in the 1st, therefore making it much, much more easier for a republican to take the 12th away from John Barrow

The biggest supporters of racial gerrymandering are Republicans. The answer is simple:

To the extent that the black Democrats are concentrated in congressional ( even legislative) districts, it is easier for Republican candidates to win more seats overall. The creation of a newly majority black district is likely to drain black voters from other districts (like the 8th, 12), one of them represented by a white Democrat , John Barrow. The more "lily-white" the districts become, the easier it is for Republicans to win them. In short, buy adopting such a redistricting strategy, Republicans give African Americans the opportunity to increase their descriptive representation but, quite possibly, at the expense of their substantive representation.

Racial gerrymandering has once again become a political tool. In this case, racial gerrymandering is being used to ensure political victory for Georgia Republicans. This is not to say that the problems in the electoral system today are on par with those of the past. Yet, these are problems that need to be address all the same.

Sanford Bishop by all means is not your typical "Liberal" democrat. He has always been a moderately conservative democrat since his election back in 1992. Yes he lost a substantial number of white voters due to his support of the Healthcare Legislation that rocked town halls all across the county during the summer of '09-10, but that doesn't mean that he can't win in a district where the black vote is in the minority. Let's not forget he won the 2nd when it was a majority white district, but this whole idea of moving Macon-Bibb County into the second to so-call "Strengthened" Bishop is absurd!

The district is already around 48-50% African American. He only needs 60,000 more voters to meet the 692,000+ needed for a congressional district. The answer is simple: Include all of Muscogee County, as well as Lowndes County into the district. And with Westmoreland (Lynn) district being over populated, the district will have to move northward to take away some of his votes, so include Meriwhether, Upson & Harris in the second.

But instead they want to make the district a solid "Black" District by throwing Macon to Bishop in order to protect Austin Scott, who by not opening a office in Macon sent a signal that he wanted no part of Macon in his 8th district.

Despite the fact that blacks are in general more liberal on economic issues, majority-minority districts are not necessary for blacks to win elections & Bishop have already proven that he can with or without a Majority African-American Constituency.

Gerrymandering is becoming an ineffective method of ensuring minority representation. When majority-minority districts are created first a pocket of blacks must be target.

Majority-Minority districts are harmful to blacks and democrats in general & should be done away with if for no other reason that the fact that majority-minority redistricting will no longer work.

Then there's the saga of John Barrow, one of the few remaining white conservative democrats left in the south that survived the massacre of 2010. The goal of the Georgia GOP is to make his district either more of a swing district or even republican-leaning. And to do that, something will have to be done about Richmond & Chatham Counties, which one or both maybe included in new districts north & south respectively.

Going back to what I mentioned earlier, the more black voters that can be drained from a district, the more it increases the republican's chances of competing or winning a congressional district & in this case that's what they are going to do with Barrow, who does well among white independents & conservatives in the 12th. The logic here is that the more whiter the 12th becomes, the more vulnerable John Barrow becomes. Other than Jack Kingston who's district they can move into the 12th, one thinks Barrow will be alright regardless how they redraw the lines to make it more favorable for a republican.

Majority-minority districts also capture black voters from surrounding congressional districts, leaving white congressmen with no incentive to craft messages appealing to African-American voters. This explains why Republicans receive so few votes from African-Americans

State Senator Robert Brown (D-Macon) expressed two weeks ago that he would like to see Bibb County go back into the second, as well include Warner Robins (including RAFB) which has a 40% Black Population. A study was done not too long ago that show safe black districts dampen electoral turnout so why bother to vote when the outcome will surely be the election of one black candidate or another?

The axiom behind this gerrymandering is that a "safe," predominantly black district could guarantee the election of Bishop, as well other potential black candidates to Congress whenever Bishop retires, because of protracted racism among whites that left Bishop in droves during the 2010 election. I'm going to say this right now, the next representative from the district will be a white democrat. You heard it here first!

Let me close this out: When African Americans are elected to the House from majority-black, heavily gerrymandered congressional districts in big cities in their districts they're unlikely to have the wide appeal necessary to win statewide office. Just look at Georganna Sinkfield who ran for Secretary of State in 2010. She represented a overwhelmingly black district & could not appeal to a more mainstream electorate.

So if I were Bishop' Ill say leave Bibb County in the 8th & if I were Barrow, don't sweat it. Your record speaks for itself!

Majority-Minority Voting Districts and Their Role in Politics

Do two rights ever make a wrong? When it comes to two important aspects of voting rights, the answer may be yes.

The first is the use of majority-minority districts. These are political districts in which members of a racial minority make up an effective voting majority. This gives them the ability to participate and elect representatives of their own choosing, and has been the solution of choice in situations where there is, or could be, racial vote dilution.

But majority-minority districts give rise to a dynamic that undercuts the very goal they are designed to achieve. While they improve the ability of minority voters to elect a candidate of their choice in a particular district, they also cost their preferred political party other valuable seats in the legislature.

This, however, is less the fault of the majority-minority districts than of the second aspect of voting rights: the strict application of the one person, one vote standard.

Majority-minority districts have at least one very curious effect: they help Republicans. This is curious because minority voters, especially blacks, vote for Democrats in overwhelming numbers.

The theory goes like this. When creating a majority-minority political district, the additional minority voters must come from somewhere. That somewhere is adjoining districts, which are drained of their minority voters. Those voters, though, are not merely minority voters-they are also reliably Democratic voters. And this makes it more likely that the Republican candidates will prevail in those adjoining districts.

Would this actually happen in practice? It's well-documented that it already has. Now, after the 1990 census, scores of majority-minority districts were created in order to comply with the mandates of the Voting Rights Act. For example, thirteen additional majority-black Congressional districts were created. They, in turn, produced thirteen additional black representatives. Majority-minority districting did, indeed, lead to the election of the candidates of the minorities' choosing.

Unfortunately, a large number of studies of the 1992 and 1994 Congressional elections revealed that this additional representation came at a cost. As a result of majority-minority districting, Democrats lost at least ten seats to Republicans. When minority voters were drained out of adjoining districts, Republican majorities were the result.

Both parties apparently notice that majority-minority districts tend to help Republicans overall, and hurt Democrats overall. In the early 1990s, the Republican National Committee pushed for the creation of more black and Hispanic districts as part of a strategy to win additional seats in the House. And in states like here in Georgia, Democrats sought to reduce the number of safe minority districts in order to improve the party's chances overall. In doing so, both parties were acting contrary to their general positions on race-conscious lawmaking.

Minority voting rights advocates, then, was faced with a choice between pushing districting plans that increase the number of minority representatives and those that increase the number of Democratic representatives. This is a real dilemma, since, of the two major parties, Democrats are generally more sympathetic to minority interests (hence the overwhelming support).

And this raises several important questions. First, we've seen that, as a result of majority-minority districting, minority voters ,who overwhelming vote Democratic, end up with fewer Democratic Congressmen & women.

But remember, the key to fulfilling the mandates of the Voting Rights Act involves ensuring effective minority participation. Democrats would be helped but would they be helped unfairly?

I think the answer is a clear no! Given that most minority groups overwhelmingly support Democrats, it makes some sense that if minorities' ability to participate truly does improve, Democrats would benefit. At least it makes more sense than what's currently happening.

What does all of this mean for this and future elections? Well, given the margins enjoyed by Republicans in Congress and many state legislatures, it reminds us that some of those Republican victories may be a result of majority-minority districting, not any genuine change in the country's political views.

To see what I'm talking about, just keep an eye on the 2nd Congressional District, as well as the 8th Congressional District where Republicans would probably look one of their own, Austin Scott by making the 2nd more democratic friendly by packing more African-American Voters into Bishop's District, while making Scott's 8th more white & republican. This is called Gerrymandering & this has hurt democrats more than it has hurt republicans, on the congressional & local level as well.

Bishop Votes to Reduce Regulatory Burdens on Georgia Farmers

While I was on hiatus, back on March 31, Sanford D. Bishop (D-Albany) voted to eliminate a costly and duplicative permitting requirement for the application of pesticides that would hurt local farmers and further stretch state budgets. The House passed H.R. 872, the Reducing Regulatory Burdens Act of 2011 by a vote of 292 to 130. If signed into law, the bill would overturn the misguided court decision in National Cotton Council v. EPA.

Bishop co-sponsored the bill, which amends the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodentcide Act (FIFRA) of 1947. If passed, the bill would prohibit the EPA or state governments from requiring farmers and small businesses to file an additional permit for pesticides already authorized for sale by the FIFRA. The Georgia Cotton Commission, Georgia Peanut Commission, Georgia Farm Bureau and American Farm Bureau all support the bill.

Says Bishop: "Over the last few years, the EPA has slowly but surely stepped up its regulation of our agriculture sector, but this action by Congress should help restore some balance in the regulatory process," said Rep. Bishop. "Our farmers cannot afford to meet these burdensome requirements that would raise costs and further strain state budgets trying to comply with the requirement. I am glad Congress acted to solve this problem"

Ross Tolleson, Sanford Bishop, Austin Scott & the outlook in 2012

Don't rule it out. With a special session on the horizon to re-draw the congressional districts its not out of the realm of possibility that republicans could put Austin Scott into the 2nd Congressional District to go up against Sanford Bishop i 2012.

Here's why I think it may happen

I remember back in 2009 when republicans were trying to find a challenger to Jim Marshall for 2010. Early on it was thought that State Senator Ross Tolleson would make a run at Marshall, but he decided against it at the time, because he wanted to wait until his twin daughters finish high school. This was back in 2009 when he said this. He has made no secret that he wants to run for congress & 2012 seems like the best time since the GOP now have control of the House.

Wait..........

The one obstacle standing in his way is Austin Scott & he just defeated Bluedog Democrat Jim Marshall in the wave election that helped him in that quest.

So what a man to do?

Well this where redistricting comes in play

Scott by some accounts is not well liked by some in the GOP up there in the state house. If Tolleson still has aspirations for a run for higher office, then they'll do what it takes to make the path for Tolleson as easy as they can & that means lumping Scott into the second against Sanford Bishop who narrowly escaped defeat by Mike Keown.

The Georgia GOP can say 'hey if can knock off one democratic incumbent, why not another" Its something to think about here. No way Tolleson runs if Scott is still in the 8th. No way, No how!

A open 8th Congressional District would be much more appealing to Tolleson that one occupied by another GOPer in Scott. Making that move will have consequences for the Georgia GOP. Despite Scott defeating Marshall, he won't defeat Bishop in '12. With those divorce records now unsealed with all sorts of unsavory accusations hurled by his wife against him & vice-versa, the luster, the shine of Austin Scott will be long gone. Plus you can expect the district to become more democratic with the state still being under the VRA of 1965 & in a presidential year, democratic voters will turn out at a higher level that in 2010

If this happens, not only you will have not only a open 8th District seat, but a open State Senate seat in Central Georgia, which will be a prime opportunity. Nelson Carswell who ran for HD 143 last year would be the ideal candidate democrats could recruit to run for that Senate Seat in the 20th district. DuBose Porter, if he have the urges to go back to Atlanta could be another potential candidate, but I doubt it. Governor is in his future if he decides to make another in 3 years. He's only in his mid 50s.

An Austin Scott-Sanford Bishop matchup may well happen next year. But all hinges on Ross Tolleson & his apirations for higher office

Albany Herald Wrong About Rep. Sanford Bishop

Ted Sadler of Project Logic Georgia wrote a must read article about Albany Herald's Endorsement of Mike Keown. Please Read:Herald endorsed Mike Keown/

The Albany Herald endorsed Mike Keown for congress in Georgia’s second district over Sanford Bishop. I think that newspaper is wrong because Bishop is uniquely qualified and appropriate to represent the urban/rural; liberal/conservative and yes Black/White hodgepodge that is the 2nd District.

Keown is a conservative pastor from a very rural area and speaks with a command similar to a stern father chastising a wayward child. That type sternness has been at the center of the far Right’s reaction to the election of President Barrack Obama. In our system of government, most American adults have the right to elect officials and the actions of those public servants should reflect the will of the people.

That concept sounds clear in theory but we know that a more detailed explanation is that elected officials do the work of those Americans that vote, vote, vote. President Obama and the Democrats did well in southwest Georgia in 2008 and those election results gave direction to Rep. Sanford Bishop. For some reason, the Tea Party division of the conservative movement feels their votes count heavier that other Americans’ vote. It must because they are smarter or something.

If Rep. Sanford Bishop did everything the Tea Party Movement wanted during the last two years, he would have been functioning in an unconstitutional manner because he would have ignored the desires of the majority that put him in office. As a moderate, I could accept a Republican taking this swing seat if the guy was a policy wonk like Austin Scott or a conservative with a personal history of talking with various communities like Rep. Jack Kingston, Senator Johnny Iasakson or former Senator Sam Nunn.

Bishop came to congress 18 years ago after serving in a majority White state legislature seat; he prides himself on relating to and having a comfort level with everyone. As a blogger, I watched the Keown campaign from day one and rarely saw them working to build relationships with my community. The tone in Tea Partiers’ voice when then say “Barrack Obama,” “Sanford Bishop” and “Nancy Pelosi” is something different from regular Republicans. You know the tone and if you have forgotten it shame on you. Those who don’t remember history are doomed to repeat it.

Keown ran a strong race but some other congressional district or statewide position would be better for him and better for us. Bishop won’t win this election if the people who gave him a mandate in 2008 don’t vote on November 2.

An Albany city commissioner, who is also a Darton College professor, told the Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call that Rep. Sanford Bishop was a $100 million dollar industry in south Georgia based on this position on the House Appropriations Committee. In one of the poorest areas of the nation, the voters shouldn’t drop a congressman who secures funding for economic development, training and job creation.

This hard campaign has served the purpose of making Rep. Bishop aware that he must be in the middle of helping President Obama shape more-moderate policy if he wants a second term. And that’s it; the reason far right conservatives want Bishop gone from the Democrat Caucus is so the remaining Dems are so liberal that the presidency will go their way in 2012. The Tea Party candidate for president will be Sarah Palin and keeping Palin out of the White House starts with voting for Bishop on Tuesday.

Did the Albany Herald ever ask Mike Keown about his opinion of a possible Palin presidency? Keown keeps bring up my old boss Rep. Charles Hatcher, who Bishop defeated in 1992. As one of the last loyal Hatcherheads, I can say Hatcher always said you don’t get rid of committee chairs and appropriators because they deliver for home. Hatcher knew the Farm Bill like the back of his hand and wouldn’t jeopardize the provisions of interest to south Georgia by bouncing Bishop during tough times.

Politico House Tracker

The Democrats' House majority hangs in the balance in November. Here's POLITICO's guide to the massive battlefield of congressional races - including every district the top analysts call competitive - with the latest polls, fundraising numbers and up-to-date handicapping.

GA-02

COH Rep. Sanford Bishop$353,261

State Rep. Mike Keown$177,141

Cook: Toss-up, Rothenberg: Lean Democrat, Sabato: Leans Democratic

Lester & Associates (D): Bishop 50 - Keown 40

10/7-10

GA-08

COH Rep. Jim Marshall$601,742

State Rep. Austin Scott$227,165

Cook: Toss-up, Rothenberg: Toss-up/Tilt Democrat, Sabato: Toss-up

Grove Insight (D): Marshall 48-Scott 36

9/13-15

GA-12
COH Rep. John Barrow$337,671

Ray McKinney, businessman$65,999

Cook: Likely Democratic, Rothenberg; n/a, Sabato: n/a n/a

Sanford Bishop New Ad: Jimmy Webb Farmer's Spot

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.