In the last month of 2011, the Democratic Party of Georgia raised $50,011.16 according to campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission. The state Democratic Party has $55,771.67 in the bank, but owes $30,119.17 to Political C.F.O.s for compliance consulting fees.
The Georgia Republican Party reported raising $48,449.79 during the month of December. The GOP has $762,666.97 in the bank and no debt.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
A Little Nudge Yields Nine FEC Campaign Finance Reports
Remember Wednesday, February 1st.
On that day, nine Members of Congress from this state were all late in filing their FEC campaign finance disclosures.
But unlike the 1993 motion picture Groundhog Day, where the same day repeated itself over and over again, with a little nudge those nine Members of Congress got their FEC reports in, albeit a day late.
Below are the FEC campaign finance disclosures for the period beginning October 1, 2011 and ending December 31, 2011:
What can be learned from these numbers?
On that day, nine Members of Congress from this state were all late in filing their FEC campaign finance disclosures.
But unlike the 1993 motion picture Groundhog Day, where the same day repeated itself over and over again, with a little nudge those nine Members of Congress got their FEC reports in, albeit a day late.
Below are the FEC campaign finance disclosures for the period beginning October 1, 2011 and ending December 31, 2011:
| Contributions | Expenditures | Cash on Hand | Debt | |
| Jack Kingston | $199,770.17 | $ 59,102.37 | $1,170,724.25 | $ 0.00 |
| Sanford Bishop | $155,870.00 | $ 53,702.64 | $ 251,758.24 | $15,500.00 |
| Lynn Westmoreland | $130,822.99 | $ 49,652.67 | $ 536,366.64 | $ 0.00 |
| Hank Johnson | $ 61,920.00 | $ 36,692.71 | $ 52,094.22 | $23,172.10 |
| John Lewis | $186,025.00 | $ 92,481.11 | $ 387,844.91 | $ 6,989.56 |
| Tom Price | $235,858.79 | $101,026.08 | $1,483,869.60 | $ 0.00 |
| Rob Woodall | $ 62,625.00 | $ 22,354.33 | $ 122,334.02 | $ 0.00 |
| Austin Scott | $150,964.28 | $ 61,496.31 | $ 232,203.83 | $ 8,719.63 |
| Tom Graves | $132,516.00 | $106,553.63 | $ 120,930.52 | $ 5,000.00 |
| Paul Broun | $175,157.07 | $106,579.81 | $ 171,568.27 | $ 0.00 |
| Phil Gingrey | $255,434.00 | $ 80,348.62 | $1,787,525.23 | $ 0.00 |
| John Barrow | $272,266.05 | $ 59,939.01 | $ 903,789.25 | $ 0.00 |
| David Scott | $ 37,500.00 | $ 91,013.47 | $ 67,791.81 | $ 0.00 |
What can be learned from these numbers?
- Democrat John Barrow raised the most money this fundraising period. Barrow is ensuring he has enough monetary resources for his tough re-election battle this fall;
- Republican Paul Broun spent the almost as much money as he raised;
- Democrat David Scott raised $37,500 this fundraising period. His colleagues raised an average of $158,209.95 during the same period. David Scott is not a prolific fundraiser;
- Five members of Georgia's congressional delegation carry campaign debt; and
- Jack Kingston, Tom Price, and Phil Gingrey win the award for having the most cash on hand.
Romney Schedules Atlanta Fundraiser for February 8th
GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney is headed to Atlanta for a big dollar fundraiser next week.
The event, scheduled for February 8th at the W hotel in midtown, will cost $1,000 just to get in the door.
$2,500 is the price for folks looking for a bit of face time with Romney.
The event, scheduled for February 8th at the W hotel in midtown, will cost $1,000 just to get in the door.
$2,500 is the price for folks looking for a bit of face time with Romney.
BREAKING: King Eddie the Long Winded Re-Establishes Georgia as Royal Colony
Shortly after ascending to the throne at an elaborate ceremony held in Lithonia, Bishop Eddie Long --now known as King Eddie the Long Winded-- claimed lordship over all these lands and re-established Georgia as a royal colony under his dominion.
Not since the 1700s has Georgia been under the rule of a king. It is now expected that all laws passed by the General Assembly must receive royal assent before becoming effective.
His Majesty, Eddie the Long Winded, has declared that his regnal name shall be styled, His Majesty, Eddie the Long Winded, by the grace of God, of Georgia and of His other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
Not since the 1700s has Georgia been under the rule of a king. It is now expected that all laws passed by the General Assembly must receive royal assent before becoming effective.
His Majesty, Eddie the Long Winded, has declared that his regnal name shall be styled, His Majesty, Eddie the Long Winded, by the grace of God, of Georgia and of His other Realms and Territories, King, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Democrats, Nine Georgia Congressmen Miss FEC Filing Deadline
Nationally, political analysts are combing through recently filed Federal Election Commission (FEC) campaign finance disclosures, following the money trail from PACs and the so-called "super" PACs back to the candidates running for office.
Here in Georgia though, it's a little difficult to see where the campaign cash is coming from; especially when candidates and political parties miss the filing deadline.
January 31st was the deadline for political parties and congressional candidates to file their year-end campaign finance disclosures with the FEC.
Nine Georgia Congressmen, hailing from both the Republican and Democratic parties, missed the due date. Those Congressmen are Lynn Westmoreland, Hank Johnson, John Lewis, Tom Price, Austin Scott, Tom Graves, John Barrow, and Paul Broun. The Democratic Party of Georgia missed the January 31st deadline as well.
The Georgia Republican Party, Jack Kingston, Sanford Bishop, Rob Woodall, and David Scott all met the FEC deadline.
Here in Georgia though, it's a little difficult to see where the campaign cash is coming from; especially when candidates and political parties miss the filing deadline.
January 31st was the deadline for political parties and congressional candidates to file their year-end campaign finance disclosures with the FEC.
Nine Georgia Congressmen, hailing from both the Republican and Democratic parties, missed the due date. Those Congressmen are Lynn Westmoreland, Hank Johnson, John Lewis, Tom Price, Austin Scott, Tom Graves, John Barrow, and Paul Broun. The Democratic Party of Georgia missed the January 31st deadline as well.
The Georgia Republican Party, Jack Kingston, Sanford Bishop, Rob Woodall, and David Scott all met the FEC deadline.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Libertarians Plan Protest Against College Campus Gun Ban
We've all seen or heard the news reports about college students becoming victims of crime while on campus.
Lately though, we've also seen or heard reports of would-be crime victims protecting their life, their property, and the lives and property of others. Each incident, from 18-year-old Sarah McKinley who shot and killed an intruder breaking into her home to the South Carolina Waffle House customer who shot and killed a hoodlum trying to rob the joint, featured law-abiding citizens exercising their 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.
I've frequently heard that when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.
In nearly every instance of violent crime on Georgia's college campuses, the perpetrators were able to commit the crime and flee the scene long before police could arrive. When precious seconds counted, the police were only minutes away. And the victims could not protect themselves because guns are banned on college campuses in Georgia.
Late last year, state Representative Sean Jerguson (R - Holly Springs) proposed legislation lifting the college campus gun ban. Unfortunately that proposal hasn't received much attention from lawmakers under the Gold Dome this legislative session.
The Libertarian Party of Georgia hopes to change that.
Calling their protest the "Empty Holster Protest," Libertarians are calling on 2nd Amendment supporters to wear an empty gun holster February 24th to show their opposition to the college campus gun ban.
Lately though, we've also seen or heard reports of would-be crime victims protecting their life, their property, and the lives and property of others. Each incident, from 18-year-old Sarah McKinley who shot and killed an intruder breaking into her home to the South Carolina Waffle House customer who shot and killed a hoodlum trying to rob the joint, featured law-abiding citizens exercising their 2nd Amendment right to bear arms.
I've frequently heard that when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.
In nearly every instance of violent crime on Georgia's college campuses, the perpetrators were able to commit the crime and flee the scene long before police could arrive. When precious seconds counted, the police were only minutes away. And the victims could not protect themselves because guns are banned on college campuses in Georgia.
Late last year, state Representative Sean Jerguson (R - Holly Springs) proposed legislation lifting the college campus gun ban. Unfortunately that proposal hasn't received much attention from lawmakers under the Gold Dome this legislative session.
The Libertarian Party of Georgia hopes to change that.
Calling their protest the "Empty Holster Protest," Libertarians are calling on 2nd Amendment supporters to wear an empty gun holster February 24th to show their opposition to the college campus gun ban.
The Libertarian Party thinks that the ban of firearms on University System of Georgia campuses violates the second amendment rights of students, employees, and on campus visitors. So they are organizing the empty holster protest to increase awareness.
Recent assaults and robberies of Georgia Tech and Georgia State students have Libertarians questioning the college campus gun ban, saying criminals know it's a place where potential victims are unarmed.
[Libertarian Party of Georgia Southwest Georgia chairman Tom]Knighton said, "By definition they are criminals. They don't follow the rules. All these Board of Regents regulations do is disarm the law abiding."
Wallace, Jim (2012-1-30). Empty Holster Protest Called For Across Georgia. WALB-TV. Retrieved on 2012-1-31.
Georgia Presidential Primary Early/Absentee Voting Totals (as of 1/30/2012)
The following are the early/absentee voting totals as of January 30, 2012:
2,179 Georgians have voted early/absentee in either the Republican or the Democratic presidential preference primary. That represents an increase of 1,909 over the past week.
| Congressional District | Number of Early Votes Republican Primary | Increase from 1/24/2012 |
| 1 | 69 | +53 |
| 2 | 44 | +33 |
| 3 | 224 | +216 |
| 4 | 212 | +177 |
| 5 | 72 | +67 |
| 6 | 119 | +110 |
| 7 | 48 | +47 |
| 8 | 50 | +38 |
| 9 | 130 | +110 |
| 10 | 201 | +182 |
| 11 | 180 | +145 |
| 12 | 42 | +29 |
| 13 | 28 | +26 |
| Totals | 1,419 | +1,233 |
| Congressional District | Number of Early Votes Democratic Primary | Increase from 1/24/2012 |
| 1 | 43 | +38 |
| 2 | 54 | +36 |
| 3 | 98 | +95 |
| 4 | 223 | +209 |
| 5 | 103 | +91 |
| 6 | 21 | +20 |
| 7 | 3 | +2 |
| 8 | 27 | +19 |
| 9 | 37 | +34 |
| 10 | 61 | +56 |
| 11 | 52 | +42 |
| 12 | 16 | +14 |
| 13 | 22 | +20 |
| Totals | 760 | +676 |
2,179 Georgians have voted early/absentee in either the Republican or the Democratic presidential preference primary. That represents an increase of 1,909 over the past week.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Fulton Republican Tom Lowe Goes Against Conservative Principles
Small government and low taxes are two basic principles of conservative ideology.
Many conservatives campaigning for office often repeat they want to reduce the size of government and lower taxes. Indeed, those politicians self-identifying with the conservative cause frequently find themselves in hot water when they seemingly abandon their pledges of less government and low taxes.
One such example of a politician abandoning conservative principles can be found in Fulton County, where Republican Commissioner Tom Lowe has emerged as an unlikely advocate of higher taxes and more government.
First came news reports that Commissioner Lowe (R - Sandy Springs) proposed a 5.8% property tax increase earlier this year. Now the record shows that Lowe voted to spend county tax dollars fighting against reform for Fulton County, which includes reducing the size of Fulton County government.
By any measure, it is difficult to describe any of Commissioner Tom Lowe's recent actions as upholding conservative ideals. Proposing a tax increase instead of proposing spending cuts; voting to oppose any efforts that might shrink the size of government in a county that is over 90% municipalized; both of these actions by Commissioner Lowe goes against conservative principles. Fulton County Commissioner Tom Lowe may be a Republican, but he is certainly not a conservative.
It should be interesting to see whether conservatives in Commissioner Lowe's district holds his feet to the fire; or go shopping for a new conservative candidate the next time Lowe stands for election.
Many conservatives campaigning for office often repeat they want to reduce the size of government and lower taxes. Indeed, those politicians self-identifying with the conservative cause frequently find themselves in hot water when they seemingly abandon their pledges of less government and low taxes.
One such example of a politician abandoning conservative principles can be found in Fulton County, where Republican Commissioner Tom Lowe has emerged as an unlikely advocate of higher taxes and more government.
First came news reports that Commissioner Lowe (R - Sandy Springs) proposed a 5.8% property tax increase earlier this year. Now the record shows that Lowe voted to spend county tax dollars fighting against reform for Fulton County, which includes reducing the size of Fulton County government.
By any measure, it is difficult to describe any of Commissioner Tom Lowe's recent actions as upholding conservative ideals. Proposing a tax increase instead of proposing spending cuts; voting to oppose any efforts that might shrink the size of government in a county that is over 90% municipalized; both of these actions by Commissioner Lowe goes against conservative principles. Fulton County Commissioner Tom Lowe may be a Republican, but he is certainly not a conservative.
It should be interesting to see whether conservatives in Commissioner Lowe's district holds his feet to the fire; or go shopping for a new conservative candidate the next time Lowe stands for election.
Georgia Looking to be the Site of Newt's Last Stand
Notwithstanding statements by former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich that he's remaining in the Republican presidential primary campaign until the GOP National Convention, Georgia's March 6th delegate contest is looking increasingly like it will be the site of Newt's last stand.
Political commentator and Strategic Vision CEO David Johnson posted on his Facebook page that, "Romney may make a play for Georgia to drive a stake thru Newt and humiliate him."
Anecdotal evidence suggests this may be true.
The Romney campaign quietly announced a list of supporters January 20th, many of whom are elected officials hailing from Newt's old congressional district. As the Georgia primary draws near, it's expected that many of these elected officials will promote Romney in former Gingrich territory and elsewhere across the state.
Then there's the Gingrich campaign memo obtained by The Daily Caller. The memo heavily emphasizes Georgia and its 76 delegates at stake on March 6th.
Should Romney win Tuesday's Florida primary, he'll be looking for a knock out blow in Georgia March 6th. If Gingrich loses Florida, then he'll be looking to regain footing on what he believes is friendly ground; the state of Georgia.
A Florida loss by Newt will start the calls on him to end his presidential campaign. If Gingrich goes on to lose Georgia, the pressure on him to drop out will become insurmountable and, I think, the money will dry up.
Georgia is the last stand for Newt Gingrich. Newt knows this, he just isn't ready to admit it publicly.
Political commentator and Strategic Vision CEO David Johnson posted on his Facebook page that, "Romney may make a play for Georgia to drive a stake thru Newt and humiliate him."
Anecdotal evidence suggests this may be true.
The Romney campaign quietly announced a list of supporters January 20th, many of whom are elected officials hailing from Newt's old congressional district. As the Georgia primary draws near, it's expected that many of these elected officials will promote Romney in former Gingrich territory and elsewhere across the state.
Then there's the Gingrich campaign memo obtained by The Daily Caller. The memo heavily emphasizes Georgia and its 76 delegates at stake on March 6th.
The memo, from National Political Director Martin Baker, notes Romney’s lack of conservative grassroots support, and stresses that Romney currently has just 33 of the 1144 needed (Gingrich has 25 of 1144).
More than 20 percent of the available delegates (467) will be awarded on Super Tuesday, and the memo notes that, one of the Super Tuesday states is Georgia, with 76 delegates at stake. To put that in perspective, “even if Romney wins Florida on Tuesday, he will only have 83 total delegates; Newt’s home state could effectively cancel out his entire delegate count to date.”
Lewis, Matt (2012-1-30). Gingrich memo downplays Florida; looks ahead to Super Tuesday. Daily Caller. Retrieved on 2012-1-30.
Should Romney win Tuesday's Florida primary, he'll be looking for a knock out blow in Georgia March 6th. If Gingrich loses Florida, then he'll be looking to regain footing on what he believes is friendly ground; the state of Georgia.
A Florida loss by Newt will start the calls on him to end his presidential campaign. If Gingrich goes on to lose Georgia, the pressure on him to drop out will become insurmountable and, I think, the money will dry up.
Georgia is the last stand for Newt Gingrich. Newt knows this, he just isn't ready to admit it publicly.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
2012 Georgia GOP Delegate Allocation Rules
With absentee and early voting now started across Georgia, now is the time to examine how Republicans allocate the state's Republican National Convention delegates to presidential candidates.
The Peach State has 76 National Convention delegates (42 district-level, 31 at-large, and 3 "super"). All 76 delegates are allocated based on the results of Georgia's presidential preference primary, scheduled for March 6th.
Each of the state's fourteen congressional districts elects three delegates, for a total of 42 district-level delegates. If a presidential candidate receives fifty percent plus one (50% + 1) of the vote in any given congressional district, the candidate wins all three of that district's delegates [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(3)]. If no presidential candidate receives 50% + 1, then the candidate receiving the highest number of votes is awarded two delegates, and the second place candidate receives one delegate [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(3)].
The 31 at-large and 3 "super" delegates are awarded in a slightly different manner.
First, a presidential candidate must receive at least twenty percent (20%) of the state-wide primary vote to be eligible for at-large delegates [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(1)]. The 31 at-large delegates are awarded to the presidential candidates based on the candidates' percentage of the state-wide primary vote [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(4)]. For example, if Mitt Romney received 42% of the state-wide primary vote, he would win 13 of the 31 at-large delegates.
The three remaining delegates --the state Republican Party chairman and two Georgia Republican National Committee members-- are awarded to the presidential candidate finishing first in the Georgia presidential preference primary [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(4)].
The Peach State has 76 National Convention delegates (42 district-level, 31 at-large, and 3 "super"). All 76 delegates are allocated based on the results of Georgia's presidential preference primary, scheduled for March 6th.
Each of the state's fourteen congressional districts elects three delegates, for a total of 42 district-level delegates. If a presidential candidate receives fifty percent plus one (50% + 1) of the vote in any given congressional district, the candidate wins all three of that district's delegates [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(3)]. If no presidential candidate receives 50% + 1, then the candidate receiving the highest number of votes is awarded two delegates, and the second place candidate receives one delegate [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(3)].
The 31 at-large and 3 "super" delegates are awarded in a slightly different manner.
First, a presidential candidate must receive at least twenty percent (20%) of the state-wide primary vote to be eligible for at-large delegates [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(1)]. The 31 at-large delegates are awarded to the presidential candidates based on the candidates' percentage of the state-wide primary vote [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(4)]. For example, if Mitt Romney received 42% of the state-wide primary vote, he would win 13 of the 31 at-large delegates.
The three remaining delegates --the state Republican Party chairman and two Georgia Republican National Committee members-- are awarded to the presidential candidate finishing first in the Georgia presidential preference primary [Rules of the Georgia Republican Party, 7.3.B(4)].
Romney Wins Straw Poll in Newt's Old Congressional District
Twitter is abuzz with reports that Mitt Romney placed first in a straw poll conducted at a GOP event in Gingrich's old congressional district.
Sandy Springs City Council member Gabriel Sterling, who attended the BuckSprings Republican Breakfast January 28th, says voters were asked to rank their choices from one through four.
Romney finished with the most first place votes. Gingrich came in second, while Rick Santorum and Ron Paul came in third and fourth.
I'm told between 80 and 100 people attended the event. Seventy-two people participated in the straw poll.
Meanwhile, the presidential campaign of former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich is already looking past Florida's presidential primary, scheduling a conference call with Georgia supporters on the night of the Sunshine State's delegate contest.
Gov. Nathan Deal is headlining the telephone call with grassroots activists. Deal endorsed the Gingrich presidential campaign last December.
Sandy Springs City Council member Gabriel Sterling, who attended the BuckSprings Republican Breakfast January 28th, says voters were asked to rank their choices from one through four.
Romney finished with the most first place votes. Gingrich came in second, while Rick Santorum and Ron Paul came in third and fourth.
I'm told between 80 and 100 people attended the event. Seventy-two people participated in the straw poll.
Meanwhile, the presidential campaign of former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich is already looking past Florida's presidential primary, scheduling a conference call with Georgia supporters on the night of the Sunshine State's delegate contest.
Gov. Nathan Deal is headlining the telephone call with grassroots activists. Deal endorsed the Gingrich presidential campaign last December.
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