Angry GOPers

This can be applied to democrats as well, but I wanted to focus on the GOP for a minute.

Anger! Everyday whether its on the television, radio internet, blogs, newspaper editorials, that's all I see/hear at the moment.

So why are republicans so angry? Why do they sound so angry, despite regaining control of Congress?

They just don’t argue with Democrats; they vilify them. Instead of disagreeing with President Obama’s policies, they call him a Hitler, a Stalin, a terrorist, a socialist, a communist, the anti-Christ, someone who hates whites - the list is endless. Republicans spew the same kind of ravenous rage towards Nancy Pelosi (who Im no fan of) and other prominent Democrats.





Why?



People say politics is a contact sport. Maybe it is. But the way Republicans approach it it is not a sport. In athletic sports we insist you follow the rules and that you respect the winner. Well, the winner is Barack Obama. At the very beginning of this administration, Rush Limbaugh, the titular hear of the Republican Party, said he wanted Obama to fail. Even the luminaries on Fox News immediately followed his lead, spitting daily invective against Obama, Democrats and anything even remotely related to Democrats. Republican legislators in Congress followed suit.



Pundits say it has always been this way. No, it has not always been this way. Sure, during election season the parties would throw dirt at each other. But after winners were chosen, the mud-slinging would diminish. There was a certain amount of respect each side had for the other side.



But in the last decade or so, Republicans have become emotional and irrational. Since Obama's election, Republicans have become hysterical. Just listen to the ridiculous stuff spouted by Limbaugh's lieutenants: Palin, Beck and Bachmann.



Why are Republicans hysterically angry? Why do people, in general, get angry? Because things do not work out the way they expected. Or because they don't know what to do in a crisis. Or because they realize that what they believed all their life is not true; this is sometimes called congnitive dissonance.



It seems to me that Republicans are faced with cognitive dissonance. Ever since Reagan, they believed in 2 immutable "laws":



1. Deregulation will produce a booming economy.



2. Tax cuts will increase government revenue





That's it!

Do deregulation produce a booming economy? In some cases yes & no.

So I did a little research & I found that the telecommunications and airlines industries were more successfully deregulated. This allowed more competition, and eventually lower prices for these services. However, many companies that could no longer compete went out of business, which had a negative effect on the economy.

On the other hand however, fraud occurred with a company called Enron, which essentially ended any further efforts to deregulate. Enron's fraud also hurt investors' confidence in the stock market, and led to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

But back to the topic:

Although they may not admit it, some Republicans who have a brain can see that neither of these two "laws" is true. It should be obvious to them by now that sticking to these two "laws" was a big cause, perhaps the most important cause, of the current terrible economic depression, the worst since the 1930s. When Democrats denounce deregulation and tax cuts for the rich, Republicans have no rational retort. Their emotions run wild and crazy. They go ballistic criticizing Democrats.

To my angry Republican friends I say, Calm down and start using your head. It may help you build a more rational Republican program. If they took some of the anger out of their rhetoric maybe it'll increase their chances of picking up more African-Americans & regain the trust of the Hispanic Vote because they don't realize it, but that kind of spewing rhetoric makes some folks uneasy about becoming a republican, let alone voting for a republican

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.

$12 Million Dollar Plan by Star Racing to bring Motorsports to Sumter County

Motorsports Facility coming to Americus

In yesterday's edition of the Americus Tines Recorder, George and Jackie Bryce of Star Racing Inc. announced plans to bring a world-class motorsports racing facility to Americus. The $12 million facility is expected to attract as much as $75 million annually for the community and to create more than 200 full-time and part-time job positions over a five-year span.The facility, to be located across from South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) my alma mater, is expected to include “a quarter-mile concrete drag strip, 2.5-mile road racing circuit (similar to Road Atlanta), a motorsports related technology park, a training facility for drivers education and law enforcement training, and a national motorcycle drag racing museum,” according to the press release from the Bryces.

The idea is to get 40 (motorsports-related) companies to move to Americus to put their shops on the race track ... where they can test, race ... their own products right in their own backyard,” George said. “There’s not one of these in the world where there’s an airport and a technical school (right next door) and 450 acres of available farmland,” George said. He adds that the low altitude of the area is also a “big draw” for racers. The mild weather conditions also offer opportunities for testing, training and competition year-round.The planned technology park will be “the destination for participants, fabricators, suppliers in the motorsports market and other major players within the industry,” according to the release. George is hoping to receive similar responses like a letter he received from a road race car builder on the West Coast. The letter, from a company that produces 170 replica Porsche road race cars each year and ships them worldwide, stated that if the facility is completed in Americus the company will move it’s operation here to take advantage of the close proximity of the track to the business’ building facility. It is exactly this type of interest the Bryces are expecting once all the details are in place.

Continue reading: Star Racing announces plans for a 12 million motorsports facility in Americus

Do these three Democrats hold the Key in unlocking the GOP grip on Georgia?

We've heard the names of Chris Carpenter,Bobby Kahn, Jeff DiSantis, as well as others who are well-known, highly regarded poilitical pols for democrats here in Georgia from strategizing to running a campaign. But the success rate for these gentlemen have been zero & its time for potential candidates for office in the near future like Rob Teilhet, Carol Porter, DuBose Porter, Michael Thurmond, etc to take a look at some new blood to help bring a "V" to the democratic column. There are a few that could do just that beginning next year when congressional & legislative races begin & in 2014 when statewide elections begin.

Im talking about Gunner Hall of Chatham County, Jay Stalnaker of Taylor County ,Christopher Sloan of Troup County.

Before any of you say "WHO?", let me tell you something about each of these gentlemen & why they ought to be considered by any democrat who will run for statewide office in 2014.

Gunner Hall has been involved in shaping the political landscape of Georgia. After helping found the Augusta/Richmond County Young Democrats,he was voted President of the organization. Quickly moving up the ranks in the Young Democrats, he has served as 12th District Field Director, Membership Chair and also Vice-President of Fundraising for the Young Democrats of Georgia.

In 2008 he helped James Vaughn, a first time candidate for Monroe County Commission Chairman, shock local politicos by out raising the Republican incumbent 2 to 1. This huge financial advantage not only aided Mr. Vaughn in winning his campaign, but also in becoming the top Democratic vote getter in the county in the general election.

he guided 10 of his 12 clients to victory, showing that Democrats can and do get elected in South Georgia. During the 2008 primary, he was a part of last minute efforts to aid Mickey Stephens in reclaiming his State House seat. In just a few short weeks, Mr. Stephens had raised the money necessary to push through the last few pieces of mail needed to reach thousands of voters that otherwise would not have been contacted, ultimately winning the seat. Also in 2008, Gunner aided Bill Gillespie on his run for Congress in Georgia’s First Congressional District. Although the campaign ultimately ended in a loss, Gillespie’s campaign was the first ever to organize every major population center and also was the first Democrat to run T.V. ads in that district, against longtime congressman Jack Kingston. A outdoorsman, Hall wasvoted “Top 40 under 40” by the Savannah Business Report and Journal. Using his contacts throughout South Georgia, Gunner was recently involved in a candidate recruitment program in South Georgia for the 2010 election cycle. A excellent commnuicator & strategist, the time has arrived for Hall to operate a major statewide contest.

Jay Stalnaker is a young conservative democrat hailing from Taylor County which is the home of former Lt Governor Garland Byrd. Stalnaker started the Taylor County Young Democrats a couple of years ago, & at age 23 ran for Butler City Council which he fells hort by a dozen votes back in 2008. Stalnaker who is a Freemason, Methodist, Kappa Sigma, Consultant could be the democrats version of Nick Ayers if given the opportunity. Stalnaker sharp political mind & quick thinking makes him a valuable asset to any democratic candidate whether its for the State Legislature, Congress, of Statewide office next year or in 2014. I happen to know Jay & believe me he is the REAL deal! Stalnaker once worked at the Taylor County Board of Registars as deputy registar & is a graduate of Columbus State University.

Christopher Sloan is another young, rural democrat hailing from Troup County. Sloan is the current chair of the Troup County Democratic Party. A progressive moderate, Sloan ran for Chair of County Parties at the DPG, falling short due to what I call the lack of familiarity by the committee. Sloan's great communication skills, passion & determination as a rural progressive is something that is unrivaled by any other rural progressive I've seen here in Rural Georgia. He is the poor man's & Georgia's version of Paul Begala. Sloan experience in Georgia politics maybe limited, but from what I've seen, he has the tools to be a consultant of advisor for any democratic contender down the line. Sloan is a graduate of Gordon College at Barnesville & currently attending Ashford University

While Gunner Hall have been at this for a while, he, along with Stalnaker & Sloan would make a terrific strategist or campaign manager for any perspective democratic candidate. Each of these gentlemen have the magic key in unlocking the GOP stranglehold on this state since the election of Sonny Perdue in 2002. Are you listening Mr. Teilhet? Mrs Porter? Mr Porter? Mr Thurmond? Any democrat who have eyes on higher office?

Democrats to Lookout for in the Near Future

1. Brandon Braddy (D-Mt. Vernon) Montgomery County.

Braddy is a life long resident of Montgomery County. After graduating from Montgomery County High School in 1991, he attended Brewton Parker College for two years then transferred to Georgia Southern University where he majored in Accounting. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration from GSU in 1995. Currently, Mr. Braddy is employed as a community banker with Montgomery Bank & Trust in Ailey, Georgia.

Mr. Braddy was elected to the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners in 1996, and is currently serving his fourth term. Mr. Braddy has served as Vice-Chairman for the past six years and now currently serves as Chairman. Mr. Braddy chairs the Commission’s Public Safety, Jail and Finance/Budget Committees. As an extension of his service as a county commissioner, he has represented Montgomery County on the Heart of Georgia – Altamaha Regional Development Center’s Board of Directors. Mr. Braddy also served on the Audit Committee for the RDC. In addition to serving on the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, Mr. Braddy serves as a director for the Altamaha Electric Membership Corporation.

Mr. Braddy has participated in various leadership development programs including Leadership Georgia’s Class of 2000, Leadership Toombs-Montgomery’s Class of 2000, and Georgia Academy for Economic Development’s Class of 2003.

2. Patty James- Bentley (D-Reynolds) Taylor County

Patty James-Bentley was elected to the board in 2004 at the age of 34. She enjoys her position as a public servant. Patty is currently serving as Vice Chairman of the Board for 2011. She has also served as Chairman for the Economic Development Committee for the Association of County Commissioners (ACCG). She received her advanced certification as a County Commissioner immediately after becoming a Certified Commissioner.

Mrs. James-Bentley is a proud member of the 2007 class of Leadership Georgia and 2006 class of Leadership Taylor. She completed the Georgia Academy for Economic Development in 2006 and completed the Basic Course for Economic Development at Georgia Tech in March 2008. She is also one of the founding members of the Taylor County Chamber of Commerce

Commissioner Bentley was featured in Georgia Trend magazine in October 2006 for the "40 Under 40" Rising Stars in Georgia. She is also a member of the Young Elected Officials Network (YEO). Commissioner James-Bentley is married to Darryl Bentley and they are the owners of Bentley-Montford Mortuary in Butler. She and Mr. Bentley are the host of two talk shows, "Straight Talk With the Bentleys" Flint Cable Channel 14 and "Let's Talk With Patty and Darryl" 94.3 FM Radio Station. They are the proud parents to five children.

3. Maurice Draines (D-Thomaston) Upson County.

Currently the Chairman of the Upson County Commission, Draines is one of the rising stars in the Democratic Party. Draines was the Vice-Chairman of the Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority and serve on the Flint River Technical College Board of Directors.

He is a 1987 graduate of the Robert E. Lee Institute. I attended Columbus State University in both 1995 and 2007, having achieved a PMP Certificate in Budgeting, Personnel, Legal Liability, and Decision Making. I also graduated from the Georgia Police Academy in 1989, the Georgia Correctional Academy in 1991, Officer Orientation School in Quantico, Virginia, in 1992, and Field Officer Training School in 1997

In 2003 he was appointed by Judge Gary Hamby to serve as Interim Chairman of the Upson County Board of Commissioners for eight months until a special election could be held. Earlier that year, he also served as Chairman of the Thomaston-Upson County Recreation Commission, a group he was a board member of for over four years. He have also served on the boards of numerous other groups, including the Red Cross and Habitat for Human.

Prior to being commisisoner, Draines was a Sergeant with the Georgia State Patrol in LaGrange. Some of his experience and accomplishments with the State Patrol include:

-Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., 2005
-G-8 Summit Security Detail at St. Simons Island
-Governor-elect Sonny Perdue’s Transition Team
-Governor Perdue’s Inauguration Ceremony in 2003
-Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle’s Web Page Photo Gallery
-Receiving more than a dozen praise letters, including one from Colonel Sid Miles for assisting the GBI in the arrest of a murder suspect in Pike County.

4. Carlos Nelson (D-Waycross) Ware County.

Carlos Nelson began his first term as District 1 representative on the Ware County Board of Commissioners on January 1, 1999.A lifelong resident of Ware County and a 1983 graduate of Waycross High School, Commissioner Nelson served honorably in the United States Air Force for six years.

Currently, Commissioner Nelson serves Ware County as Executive Director of the Waycross Operation Weed and Seed Initiative. He serves on many local and State Boards. In 2009, he was elected to the Board of Managers for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG).Commissioner Nelson is owner and operator of Viddie-O's Professional Video and Photography, a local photography and videography business

5. Bill McGowan (D-Americus) Sumter County.

McGowan who was a firefighter before becoming mayor of Americus, is now serving as Tax Commissioner for Sumter County. McGowan challenged Mike Cheokas for HD 134 back in 2006 during the democratic primary.

6. James Davenport (D-Fort Gaines) Clay County.

Davenport serves on the Clay County Board of Commissioners

James Davenport is the son of Sam and Mary Davenport. He attended Clay County High School and graduated in 1973. He later attended Albany Technical School. Commissioner Davenport is a Deacon at the Midway Baptist Church of Morris, GA. He also serves as the Adult Sunday School Teacher. Commissioner Davenport has always lived in Clay County. He married to Linda and has three children, Aundrek, Jermaine and Farrah.

7. Jack Lance (D-Blairsville) Union County

Lance ran for the state legislature in 2010 only to come up short in what would be described as a once-in-a-lifetime election. Once a former aide to then-senator Zell Miller, Lance then attended Mercer University Walter F. George School of Law in Macon, Georgia, where he earned his Juris Doctorate in 2008. He and his wife, Carmen Smith Lance then returned to Jack’s hometown of Blairsville to practice law with his sister Kenya L. Patton.

At 30 years of age, he is the future of the Bluedog Democrats here in Georgia

Honrable mention:

Jowan Johnson (Wilcox County) County Commissioner

Alphonso Andrews (Burke County) County Commisisoner

Shela Holland (Evans County) County Commisisoner

More names will be added to this list down the road, but each of these individuals could be future candidates for another office in the near future.

Louisiana Attorney General to switch Parties

Well the defections aren't over yet as another Southern Democrat will leave the Democratic Party.

Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell (D) will announce at a place nto yet determined that he will switch parties & become a republican. Caldwell, a conservative democrat is one of two remaining democrats in the state: Senator Mary Landrieu & Congressman Cedric Richmond. Read more from the Daily Kingfish.

Battle Brewing for Chair of the Republican Party of Georgia

Just as the DPG held its elections to elect new leadership, the RPG (Republican Party of Georgia) will do the same.

Incumbent Sue Everhardt announced that she will run for another term as chair of the RPG.

BUT...........

She will have serious competition in Tricia Pridemore, who was governor Nathan Deal pick to lead the party after the november sweep in which republicans now hold every statewide office in the state.

Another guy Shawn Hanley also announced he will seek the position as well.

Everhardt, a ex-banker, is a long-time Republican activist who served as Chairman of the Sixth District Republican Party and First Vice-Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party. First elected in 2007, she is a big reason that the party increase its majority in both the state house & state senate, as well as increasing its control on state government by the victories of statewide candidates during last november's elections.

Pridemore who is challenging Everhardt has the backing of Gov Deal & former State Senator Eric Johnson. A veteran grassroots campaigner, Pridemore is president of the Cobb/Cherokee 9.12 Project and serves as the state director for the Georgia 9.12 Project. She served as the Nathan Deal for Governor Cobb County Co-Chair and the unpaid State Grassroots Chair for Deal’s campaign in addition to helping other GOP politicos in their bids for office.

Other endorsements include:

Dave Barbee, 10th Congressional District Chairman,

Mike Crane, 2010 Republican nominee for the 13th Congressional District

Michael Huneke, Bartow County Republican Party Chairman

Carolyn Meadows, former GAGOP National Committee Woman from Georgia, board member of the National Rifle Association and the American Conservative Union

Linda Parker, past chairman of the Cherokee County Republican Party

Gerry Purcell, 2010 Republican candidate for Insurance Commissioner

Shawn Hanley of Fulton Co is the other candidate to run for Chair of the Georgia GOP. I don't how much of a threat he is in running for the position, but its good to see a young cat in Hanley throwing his hat in the ring. Hanley is 2010 Tea Party Coalition Director for Veterans & Chair of the Fulton Co GOP.


Now I'm not that in tune with the politics of the Georgia GOP, but from where I sit, I don't see a reason why the GOP State Committee members should get rid of Everhardt & favor of Pridemore. (Hanley maybe a nice guy in all, but let's face facts here, he's not going to win. Let's just be honest here)

Everhardt & Pridemore are two stalwarts in the Republican Party & each bring plenty to the table.

One of Everhardt's big things she wants to do if elected is to increase efforts to switch local elected officials to the Republican Party. And as you know the local level is the last line of defense for the Democratic Party. We've already seen a number of local officials on the local level in Georgia switch from democratic to republican since the November elections. And with so many counties that doesn't have a democratic party chapter active, local officials are ripe for the taking, especially the sheriffs.

Pridemore has plenty support from the grassroots level & will be a force to be reckoned with. When announcing her candidacy, Pridemore stressed that the next Party Chair must be able to articulate a vision that builds upon the successes of the party, moving quickly to strengthen the Party for the battles ahead.

If you ask me, there is no need for the Party to change ships right now. WINNING! That what matters most more than anything. Everhardt maybe the "establishment" candidate, but she has won since becoming chair in 2007 & that should be the only thing that matters. But then again it may not matter what Everhardt has done. We'll see though!