Former Secretary of State and gubernatorial candidate Karen Handel announced today that her campaign had raised nearly $400,000 in the first three months of this year – 3/4 as much as it had raised in the last six months of 2009.
Handel, who is in a clear second place in the polls and in a strong position to be in the nearly inevitable runoff election in August, reported having nearly $600,000 cash on hand. This brings the total raised by the campaign to over $1.3 million.
"I am grateful for all of the support my campaign has received from people across Georgia and am determined to do them proud in this campaign," Handel said. "Georgians are clearly responding to our message of economic growth and ethical leadership and I am excited to have this level of momentum as we head into the critical months ahead."
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Karen Handel Announces 1st Quarter Fundraising Totals
The following press release just came over from the Karen Handel gubernatorial campaign:
Blacks Can Be Every Bit As Racist As Whites. . .
. . .Especially against their own people.
State Rep. Ralph Long was accused of running away from his race when he backed Mary Norwood over Kasim Reed for Atlanta mayor [Galloway, Jim (2009-11-12). Your morning jolt: Ralph Long and his lonely endorsement of Mary Norwood. Political Insider. Retrieved on 2010-4-7.]. Norwood is white. Reed is black.
Black lawmakers, including Georgia Congressmen John Lewis and David Scott, were under enormous pressure to support Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton simply because Clinton is white and Obama is black.
The quote that stands out in my mind came from Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri said Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois had recently asked him"if it comes down to the last day and you're the only superdelegate? ... Do you want to go down in history as the one to prevent a black from winning the White House?" [Espo, David (2008-2-15). AP: Black lawmakers rethinking support for Clinton. USA Today. Retrieved on 2010-4-7.]
What does that say about black people?
What does it say about the black race when someone gets chastised, ridiculed and criticized for refusing to support a politician simply because that politician is black.
What does it say about blacks when we can't even criticize the first black president without being labeled an Uncle Tom; an Oreo; a traitor to our race.
Allow me to answer my own question. It makes us look as stupid and ignorant as those racist rednecks we protest.
Blacks should not give the first president who looks like us a free pass.
That's ignorant.
We need to hold Barack Obama accountable, and let him know that he should not take the black vote for granted. If Barack Obama wants black support, he needs to earn it like everyone else. And that goes for every other black politician across the nation.
Don't expect the votes of black people. Earn the votes of black people, and expect to be held accountable.
They've been called Oreos, traitors and Uncle Toms, and are used to having to defend their values. Now black conservatives are really taking heat for their involvement in the mostly white tea party movement -- and for having the audacity to oppose the policies of the nation's first black president.
"I've been told I hate myself. I've been called an Uncle Tom. I've been told I'm a spook at the door," said Timothy F. Johnson, chairman of the Frederick Douglass Foundation, a group of black conservatives who support free market principles and limited government.
The Associated Press (2010-4-6). Black Conservative Tea Party Supporters Take Heat. WXIA-TV. Retrieved on 2010-4-7.
State Rep. Ralph Long was accused of running away from his race when he backed Mary Norwood over Kasim Reed for Atlanta mayor [Galloway, Jim (2009-11-12). Your morning jolt: Ralph Long and his lonely endorsement of Mary Norwood. Political Insider. Retrieved on 2010-4-7.]. Norwood is white. Reed is black.
Black lawmakers, including Georgia Congressmen John Lewis and David Scott, were under enormous pressure to support Barack Obama over Hillary Clinton simply because Clinton is white and Obama is black.
The quote that stands out in my mind came from Illinois Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr.
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri said Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois had recently asked him"if it comes down to the last day and you're the only superdelegate? ... Do you want to go down in history as the one to prevent a black from winning the White House?" [Espo, David (2008-2-15). AP: Black lawmakers rethinking support for Clinton. USA Today. Retrieved on 2010-4-7.]
What does that say about black people?
What does it say about the black race when someone gets chastised, ridiculed and criticized for refusing to support a politician simply because that politician is black.
What does it say about blacks when we can't even criticize the first black president without being labeled an Uncle Tom; an Oreo; a traitor to our race.
Allow me to answer my own question. It makes us look as stupid and ignorant as those racist rednecks we protest.
Blacks should not give the first president who looks like us a free pass.
That's ignorant.
We need to hold Barack Obama accountable, and let him know that he should not take the black vote for granted. If Barack Obama wants black support, he needs to earn it like everyone else. And that goes for every other black politician across the nation.
Don't expect the votes of black people. Earn the votes of black people, and expect to be held accountable.
Southside Transportation Hopes To Fill Void Left By C-TRAN
The demise of Clayton County Transit (C-TRAN) may lead to the rise of a private bus company that could fill the void left by public transit.
The Clayton County Commission failed their constituents when they voted to end C-TRAN. Now, private enterprise is stepping up to the plate and picking up where government left off.
If Southside Transportation is successful (and I believe they will be), then the private company gradually will buy more vans from local dealerships and hire more drivers from the local community, stimulating the economy more effectively than any bailout possibly could.
Southside Transportation could be extremely beneficial to Clayton County. The only thing missing is a public-private partnership that provides Southside riders with discounted transfers to MARTA and vice-versa.
This could work, folks. I'm excited about it.
The Georgia Public Service Commission voted Tuesday to grant emergency authority to Southside Transportation to provide transportation service to Clayton residents left without a ride when the cash-strapped county commission voted to shut down C-TRAN on March 31.
According to the company’s application, Southside will operate two 15-passenger vans that will carry passengers from Clayton County to a MARTA Park-and-Ride lot on Riverdale Road. Riders will pay $2 per trip.
Williams, Dave (2010-4-6). Vans to replace Clayton County buses. Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved on 2010-4-7.
The Clayton County Commission failed their constituents when they voted to end C-TRAN. Now, private enterprise is stepping up to the plate and picking up where government left off.
If Southside Transportation is successful (and I believe they will be), then the private company gradually will buy more vans from local dealerships and hire more drivers from the local community, stimulating the economy more effectively than any bailout possibly could.
Southside Transportation could be extremely beneficial to Clayton County. The only thing missing is a public-private partnership that provides Southside riders with discounted transfers to MARTA and vice-versa.
This could work, folks. I'm excited about it.
Graham Balch Raises Nearly $32K In First Quarter Of 2010
Remember Graham Balch?
He's the political newcomer challenging state Sen. Vincent Fort in the 39th district Democratic primary this summer.
Tuesday evening, the Balch campaign released their first quarter fundraising totals.
State Sen. Vincent Fort, who is prohibited from raising money while the legislature is in session, only has $1,534.61 left in the bank.
Balch said of his fundraising success, "In this difficult economic environment, quite honestly, I have found fundraising difficult."
"It is only through the help of Atlanta and East Point residents who want more effective representation in the state senate that we have been able to achieve our fundraising success to date. Going forward, I am confident that with their help we can raise the money we need to win this election. As I have said from the beginning, united we succeed."
He's the political newcomer challenging state Sen. Vincent Fort in the 39th district Democratic primary this summer.
Tuesday evening, the Balch campaign released their first quarter fundraising totals.
To date, Graham Balch’s state senate campaign has raised more money than his opponent from African-Americans, Asians, Caucasians, Hispanics, Atlanta residents, East Point residents, business leaders, lawyers, educators and the LGBT community. Highlighting the diversity of Balch’s growing support are contributions from his opponent’s African-American city council representative in East Point and Balch’s LGBT city council representative in Atlanta.
Graham Balch's March 31st campaign finance disclosure shows that during the first three months of 2010, he raised $31,761.47 from 151 contributors including a $2,400 donation from former Cousins Properties CEO Tom Bell and Cox Enterprises' Anne Cox Chambers. That brings Balch's fundraising totals to $104,185.58 in contributions since he launched his campaign. Balch has a net cash on hand total of $74,953.78.State Sen. Vincent Fort, who is prohibited from raising money while the legislature is in session, only has $1,534.61 left in the bank.
Balch said of his fundraising success, "In this difficult economic environment, quite honestly, I have found fundraising difficult."
"It is only through the help of Atlanta and East Point residents who want more effective representation in the state senate that we have been able to achieve our fundraising success to date. Going forward, I am confident that with their help we can raise the money we need to win this election. As I have said from the beginning, united we succeed."
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Republican Jef Fincher Joins Race To Succeed John Linder
Jef Fincher became the latest Republican to announce his candidacy for Congress in Georgia's 7th district. The incumbent, John Linder, is not running for re-election in November. Below is the press release from the Fincher campaign:
Local conservative activist and longtime community volunteer James “Jef” Fincher will announce his candidacy for Georgia’s 7th Congressional district on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. Fincher, a 34-year veteran flight attendant with Delta Airlines and local real estate broker, will throw his name in the ring for the seat that U.S. Congressman John Linder will vacate at the end of this year.
A supporter of Republican candidates and causes for many years, Fincher became involved with the national Tea Party Movement in 2009 and began rallying in Washington D.C. with hundreds of thousands of anti-tax activists from all over the country. Always having had a fundamental belief in conservative values, it was these rallies and marches that propelled Fincher to take a stand and run for U.S. Congress.
“I am running for Congress because I could no longer sit by and watch as the Democrats in power put the futures of my two daughters in peril,” said Fincher. “I have been involved in this community for 25 years, and the 7th District needs someone in Congress who is ready to fight the battle for conservatism every day, and who also understands the needs and values of the people he is serving.”
Fincher is an active member and past Chairman of the Duluth Rotary Club and has worked with the Duluth Fall Festival committee for the past 18 years. He has also served on the foundation board of the Gwinnett Medical Center and on the board of the Gwinnett Council for the Arts. Fincher has been married to Kathy Andrews Fincher of Duluth since 1985 and they have two daughters, Maggie (24) and Kelley (22). Jef and Kathy Fincher live in Duluth and are members of Duluth First United Methodist Church.
State Sen. Don Thomas Not Running For Re-election
Another state legislator is retiring from office at the end of the year.
On Monday, state Sen. Don Thomas, R-Dalton, said he will retire at the end of the year.
Part of his decision, he said during his announcement at WDNN-TV in Dalton, was that his wife, Emma Jean, was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago.
“I’m much more needed now at home, in my medical practice, and first of all, in helping take care of my wife in her illness,” he said.
Bradfield, Timothy (2010-4-6). Thomas to retire; Williams to seek re-election. Chattanooga Times Free Press. Retrieved on 2010-4-6.
Secretary of State Launches Voter Fraud Web Site
Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced a new web page designed to stop voter fraud Monday.
The site, which can be found at www.sos.ga.gov/StopVoterFraud, allows people to report possible voter fraud online. Voter fraud can also be reported utilizing the new voter fraud hotline: (877)725-9797.
The site, which can be found at www.sos.ga.gov/StopVoterFraud, allows people to report possible voter fraud online. Voter fraud can also be reported utilizing the new voter fraud hotline: (877)725-9797.
In Case You Missed It: The J-Hey Kid's First Career Homer
What a way to start the season!
First career at-bat for Braves rookie Jason Heyward, and he goes yard for his first career home run.
How ya like them apples!
First career at-bat for Braves rookie Jason Heyward, and he goes yard for his first career home run.
How ya like them apples!
Dates Set For 2012 Democratic National Convention
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine announced Monday that the 46th quadrennial Democratic National Convention would be held the week of September 3, 2012.
My friends at Democratic Convention Watch report that Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix are among the top cities being considered to host the DNC.
I'm supporting Charlotte's bid because it is high time the Democrats came back to the south. Our region continues to grow and after the cenus is completed, the south will increase its numbers both in Congress and the electoral college. The fact is that Democrats cannot afford to ignore the south if they intend to build a lasting majority.
While we're on the subject of the Democratic National Convention, let's talk about delegate selection. Here's how it'll go:
My friends at Democratic Convention Watch report that Charlotte, Philadelphia and Phoenix are among the top cities being considered to host the DNC.
I'm supporting Charlotte's bid because it is high time the Democrats came back to the south. Our region continues to grow and after the cenus is completed, the south will increase its numbers both in Congress and the electoral college. The fact is that Democrats cannot afford to ignore the south if they intend to build a lasting majority.
While we're on the subject of the Democratic National Convention, let's talk about delegate selection. Here's how it'll go:
- The Democratic National Committee (DNC) will adopt the Call to the 2012 Convention and the Delegate Selection Rules (likely in August, 2010);
- The DNC will then forward those documents to the state Democratic parties for use in crafting their delegate selection plans;
- The state Democratic committees will adopt their delegate selection plans (likely in the summer or early fall of 2011); and
- 2012 National Convention delegate selection starts with the first determining step --a primary or caucus-- to allocate district-level and at-large delegates.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Back By Popular Demand: The Vernon Jones' Rape Documents
Three years ago today, I posted this blog entry. Since then, this post became the most searched entry on this site. Sex sells, so I'm front-paging the Vernon Jones' rape documents. -Andre
Tuesday night, at Manuel's, I was provided with a packet of documents containing police reports and various witness accounts of Vernon Jones' alleged rape of a "29 year old aspiring singer at his [Vernon Jones'] home in south DeKalb County on the night of Dec. 28." [Source: 1/5/2005 11Alive article "DeKalb CEO Denies Rape Allegation"]. As you probably know, DeKalb County District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming decided not to prosecute "at the accuser’s request," which in turn made Vernon Jones elicit the response that "the D.A.’s decision not to prosecute proves the rape accusation was false." [Source: 11/5/2005 11Alive article "Jones' Accuser Finally Speaks Out"] Of course, that isn't necessarily true, because the DeKalb County D.A. said "nothing was proven or disproven."
Last night, I finally got around to reading the police report and the victim's account of what happened at Vernon Jones' home the night of December 28, 2004. I have to warn you that these documents contain very explicit material, but I want the world to read what I've read and make their own judgements. So here they are:
First, the police report:
Next, the victim's account of the events:
And finally, the third woman, Heidi Lee's account of the events:
.jpg)
Tuesday night, at Manuel's, I was provided with a packet of documents containing police reports and various witness accounts of Vernon Jones' alleged rape of a "29 year old aspiring singer at his [Vernon Jones'] home in south DeKalb County on the night of Dec. 28." [Source: 1/5/2005 11Alive article "DeKalb CEO Denies Rape Allegation"]. As you probably know, DeKalb County District Attorney Gwen Keyes Fleming decided not to prosecute "at the accuser’s request," which in turn made Vernon Jones elicit the response that "the D.A.’s decision not to prosecute proves the rape accusation was false." [Source: 11/5/2005 11Alive article "Jones' Accuser Finally Speaks Out"] Of course, that isn't necessarily true, because the DeKalb County D.A. said "nothing was proven or disproven."
Last night, I finally got around to reading the police report and the victim's account of what happened at Vernon Jones' home the night of December 28, 2004. I have to warn you that these documents contain very explicit material, but I want the world to read what I've read and make their own judgements. So here they are:
First, the police report:
Next, the victim's account of the events:
.jpg) | .jpg) |
.jpg)
Nonbinding MARTA Referendum For Clayton County Moves Forward
One could call it a case of too little, too late, if the referendum meant anything.
Last week, as Clayton County shut down its public bus system, the House passed legislation authorizing a nonbinding referendum on MARTA in ClayCo. House Bill 1446 puts the following question on the July primary ballot:
"Should Clayton County become a full participant in MARTA (the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) and levy a sales tax in support of MARTA and Clayton County's public transportation needs?"
I believe the "yes" votes will vastly outnumber the "no" votes on this question. But, I don't believe Clayton County's Commissioners will pay attention to the referendum's results. MARTA could be in ClayCo today if the county commission would simply authorize a binding referendum on the issue. They haven't, and they won't regardless of how the people vote; unless, of course, the people start sending some county commissioners home.
Last week, as Clayton County shut down its public bus system, the House passed legislation authorizing a nonbinding referendum on MARTA in ClayCo. House Bill 1446 puts the following question on the July primary ballot:
"Should Clayton County become a full participant in MARTA (the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) and levy a sales tax in support of MARTA and Clayton County's public transportation needs?"
I believe the "yes" votes will vastly outnumber the "no" votes on this question. But, I don't believe Clayton County's Commissioners will pay attention to the referendum's results. MARTA could be in ClayCo today if the county commission would simply authorize a binding referendum on the issue. They haven't, and they won't regardless of how the people vote; unless, of course, the people start sending some county commissioners home.
GOP Attorney General Candidates Say They'd Challenge Health Care Law In Court
The debate over the constitutionality of the newly-enacted health care law has spilled over into the race for Attorney General.
Two Republican candidates hoping to be the state's chief top lawyer say they would have filed suit challenging ObamaCare in court.
Two Republican candidates hoping to be the state's chief top lawyer say they would have filed suit challenging ObamaCare in court.
Former U.S. attorney Max Wood and former Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens said at a University of Georgia debate that they would have joined a dozen other states in suing to have the health care law President Obama signed last week declared unconstitutional.
"This is a huge, huge step toward socialism that we need to push back on," said Wood, who served as the federal prosecutor in Middle Georgia under President George W. Bush.
"This is an unprecedented federal directive," [Olens] said. "You're taxing someone for doing nothing."
Aued, Blake (2010-4-2). AG hopefuls say they would've joined suit. Athens Banner Herald. Retrieved on 2010-4-5.
David Scott Hosting Jobs Fair - April 23rd
13th district Congressman David Scott is hosting his seventh annual jobs fair April 23rd at the Georgia International Convention Center.
Over seventy employers are confirmed for the event. Job seekers are strongly encouraged to dress for success and bring several copies of their resume.
What: 13th Congressional District Jobs Fair
When: Friday, April 23, 2010 (10AM - 4PM)
Where: Georgia International Convention Center
2000 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, Georgia 30337
Over seventy employers are confirmed for the event. Job seekers are strongly encouraged to dress for success and bring several copies of their resume.
What: 13th Congressional District Jobs Fair
When: Friday, April 23, 2010 (10AM - 4PM)
Where: Georgia International Convention Center
2000 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, Georgia 30337
Quote of the Day: the Connie Stokes Edition
"I'm the frontrunner in the Congressional race."
-DeKalb County Commissioner & 4th district congressional candidate Connie Stokes
11Alive's Doug Richards reports that the Connie Stokes campaign has "never looked better" because two of her opponents stumbled politically this past week.
Congressman Hank Johnson put his foot in his mouth, and former DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones was found guilty of reverse discrimination.
So Connie Stokes, by virtue of keeping her mouth shut, is the front-runner. Oh boy, I can see the campaign bumper stickers now:
Vote for Connie - She'll embarrass us the least.
Or better yet: Connie Stokes - Seen & Not Heard.
-DeKalb County Commissioner & 4th district congressional candidate Connie Stokes
11Alive's Doug Richards reports that the Connie Stokes campaign has "never looked better" because two of her opponents stumbled politically this past week.
Congressman Hank Johnson put his foot in his mouth, and former DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones was found guilty of reverse discrimination.
So Connie Stokes, by virtue of keeping her mouth shut, is the front-runner. Oh boy, I can see the campaign bumper stickers now:
Vote for Connie - She'll embarrass us the least.
Or better yet: Connie Stokes - Seen & Not Heard.
Former State Senator Thinks Legislature Could Stay 'Til May
Former state Senator Michael Meyer von Bremen (D - Albany) thinks the 2010 legislative session could last until early May
[Meyer von Bremen, Michael (2010-4-3).
Session could last until May. Albany Herald. Retrieved on 2010-4-5.]. I believe he's right.
The legislature's only constitutionally-required mandate is to pass the budget. As of April 5th, the 2010 supplemental budget sits in the House awaiting further action after passing the Senate in February. The 2011 "big" budget has yet to pass out of committee.
The budget is such a mess right now. Everything in it stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and the budget will fail to the ruin of all. Thursday, legislators got a sample of that when the Senate spent hours searching for votes to pass the hospital bed tax. The word around the Capitol Thursday seemed to be that without the bed tax, the entire budget would fall apart.
The bed tax passed the Senate, but now it goes back to the House where I'm sure they'll disagree with the Senate's bill, insist on their position and appoint a committee of conference.
That, my friends, is when the real fun begins as the House and Senate takes some time to negotiate a final bill.
And let's be truthful here, the General Assembly needs time (and lots of it) to fix this budget with or without the bed tax.
Lawmakers are off this week. They return Monday, April 12th for the 34th legislative day. That leaves six legislative days in the 2010 session. Candidate qualifying is two weeks later. Fiscal Year 2011 does not begin until July 1st, which means that the legislature could conceivably adjourn for qualifying and then come back in May to pass the budget.
That may seem far fetched to some, but it is an option probably being considered by legislative leaders.
[Meyer von Bremen, Michael (2010-4-3).
Session could last until May. Albany Herald. Retrieved on 2010-4-5.]. I believe he's right.
The legislature's only constitutionally-required mandate is to pass the budget. As of April 5th, the 2010 supplemental budget sits in the House awaiting further action after passing the Senate in February. The 2011 "big" budget has yet to pass out of committee.
The budget is such a mess right now. Everything in it stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and the budget will fail to the ruin of all. Thursday, legislators got a sample of that when the Senate spent hours searching for votes to pass the hospital bed tax. The word around the Capitol Thursday seemed to be that without the bed tax, the entire budget would fall apart.
The bed tax passed the Senate, but now it goes back to the House where I'm sure they'll disagree with the Senate's bill, insist on their position and appoint a committee of conference.
That, my friends, is when the real fun begins as the House and Senate takes some time to negotiate a final bill.
And let's be truthful here, the General Assembly needs time (and lots of it) to fix this budget with or without the bed tax.
Lawmakers are off this week. They return Monday, April 12th for the 34th legislative day. That leaves six legislative days in the 2010 session. Candidate qualifying is two weeks later. Fiscal Year 2011 does not begin until July 1st, which means that the legislature could conceivably adjourn for qualifying and then come back in May to pass the budget.
That may seem far fetched to some, but it is an option probably being considered by legislative leaders.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
It's Official: April 1 Is Blogger Day At The Capitol
After a flurry of invite resolutions recognizing other important Georgia groups, the state's political bloggers had their day as state Rep. Steve Davis took the well to announce that April 1st is "Blogger Day At The Capitol."
Dustin Baker of Georgia Liberal, Jason Pye of Jason Pye.com and myself received a standing ovation from the House of Representatives.
Hopefully we can make this an annual thing.
Dustin Baker of Georgia Liberal, Jason Pye of Jason Pye.com and myself received a standing ovation from the House of Representatives.
Hopefully we can make this an annual thing.
A Bold & Visionary Idea: Georgia Hosting A Presidential Debate
I'm going to toss an idea out here:
the possibility of Georgia hosting a presidential debate in 2012.
The Commission On Presidential Debates will soon be publishing their site selection guidelines and application.
Here are the guidelines from 2008:
2008 Site Selection Guidelines.
Georgia State University or Georgia Tech would be two good venues for the forum. Atlanta has the hotel space as well as the infrastructure to pull off such an event. But do we have the will?
Let's put some feelers out there to test the waters.
the possibility of Georgia hosting a presidential debate in 2012.
The Commission On Presidential Debates will soon be publishing their site selection guidelines and application.
Here are the guidelines from 2008:
2008 Site Selection Guidelines.
Georgia State University or Georgia Tech would be two good venues for the forum. Atlanta has the hotel space as well as the infrastructure to pull off such an event. But do we have the will?
Let's put some feelers out there to test the waters.
Candidate Qualifying Closes For May 11th Special Elections
Candidate qualifying for the special elections in state House district 12, state Senate districts 42 and 49, and the 9th congressional district closed Wednesday at noon.
Below is a list of candidates who will appear on the May 11th ballot. A run-off, if necessary, is scheduled for June 8th.
Below is a list of candidates who will appear on the May 11th ballot. A run-off, if necessary, is scheduled for June 8th.
| Candidate | Party |
| Rick Jasperse | Republican |
| Truett Moss II | Republican |
| Jerry Nally | Democrat |
| Candidate | Party |
| Jason Carter | Democrat |
| David Montane | Libertarian |
| Steve Patrick | Independent |
| Tom Stubbs | Democrat |
| Candidate | Party |
| Brandon Givens | Libertarian |
| Butch Miller | Republican |
| Jimmy Norman | Republican |
| Candidate | Party |
| Chris Cates | Republican |
| Mike Freeman | Democrat |
| Tom Graves | Republican |
| Lee Hawkins | Republican |
| Bert Loftman | Republican |
| Lee Hawkins | Republican |
| Eugene Moon | Independent |
| Bill Stephens | Republican |
| Steve Tarvin | Republican |
Congressman Hank Johnson On Census 2010: "Stand Up & Be Counted"
Thursday afternoon, 4th district Congressman Hank Johnson will mail his family's census form at the Wesley Chapel Post Office.
In an effort to encourage people to complete their census forms, Johnson will be joined by local school principals, elected officials, community leaders, pastors, Census representatives and representatives from the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO).
"Our community can’t afford to lose out on crucial federal funds and programs," said Congressman Johnson. "In order to get our fair share of funding for our community, we must count everyone. Our schools, libraries, community centers and so many other important programs all rely on Census results."
The Census Bureau reports that Georgia has a census participation rate of 47%. In the 4th congressional district, the participation rates are 42% for Fulton County; 43% for DeKalb County; 39% for Clayton County; 45% for Gwinnett County; and 46% for Rockdale County.
The national average is 52%.
"We can do better,” said Rep. Johnson. "Stand up and be counted."
In an effort to encourage people to complete their census forms, Johnson will be joined by local school principals, elected officials, community leaders, pastors, Census representatives and representatives from the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO).
"Our community can’t afford to lose out on crucial federal funds and programs," said Congressman Johnson. "In order to get our fair share of funding for our community, we must count everyone. Our schools, libraries, community centers and so many other important programs all rely on Census results."
The Census Bureau reports that Georgia has a census participation rate of 47%. In the 4th congressional district, the participation rates are 42% for Fulton County; 43% for DeKalb County; 39% for Clayton County; 45% for Gwinnett County; and 46% for Rockdale County.
The national average is 52%.
"We can do better,” said Rep. Johnson. "Stand up and be counted."
Quote of the Day: the Thurbert Baker edition
"I will not relent from my position."
-Attorney General Thurbert Baker (D - Georgia) responding to a question from MSNBC political commentator Chris Matthews on his refusal to file suit challenging the constitutionality of the newly enacted health care law.
The entire exchange between Baker and Matthews can be seen below:
During the interview, Chris Matthews asked Attorney General Baker if he was afraid of Gov. Perdue. Baker was very diplomatic in his answer, but I would have love to seen him lean back in his chair, cock his head to the side and say, "Ain't nobody afraid of that punk Perdue!"
That would have been epic.
-Attorney General Thurbert Baker (D - Georgia) responding to a question from MSNBC political commentator Chris Matthews on his refusal to file suit challenging the constitutionality of the newly enacted health care law.
The entire exchange between Baker and Matthews can be seen below:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
During the interview, Chris Matthews asked Attorney General Baker if he was afraid of Gov. Perdue. Baker was very diplomatic in his answer, but I would have love to seen him lean back in his chair, cock his head to the side and say, "Ain't nobody afraid of that punk Perdue!"
That would have been epic.
House Resolution 1894: The Blogger Day Resolution
During the live-blogging of Crossover Day last week, I tossed out an idea that I initially thought would get little traction; a resolution commending Georgia's political bloggers and inviting them to the state House for "Blogger Day At The Capitol."
State Representative Steve Davis participated in that Crossover Day live blog and agreed to introduce the Blogger Day resolution; House Resolution 1894.
HR 1894 --sponsored by Representatives Steve Davis, Sean Jerguson, Ralph Long, Melvin Everson, Mike Glanton and Jeff May-- designates April 1st as Blogger Day At The Capitol. It also recognizes the unique role Georgia's political bloggers have in promoting openness and transparency in state government.
HR 1894 currently sits in the Rules Committee where, I'm sure, it will pass out easily.
State Representative Steve Davis participated in that Crossover Day live blog and agreed to introduce the Blogger Day resolution; House Resolution 1894.
HR 1894 --sponsored by Representatives Steve Davis, Sean Jerguson, Ralph Long, Melvin Everson, Mike Glanton and Jeff May-- designates April 1st as Blogger Day At The Capitol. It also recognizes the unique role Georgia's political bloggers have in promoting openness and transparency in state government.
HR 1894 currently sits in the Rules Committee where, I'm sure, it will pass out easily.
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