Gov.-elect Deal Announces Transition Committee

Gov.-elect Nathan Deal today announced the full roster of his transition committee.

In addition to Chairman T. Rogers Wade and vice chairs Pete Robinson, John Watson and Philip Wilheit, the committee will include:

· Jimmy Allen

· Denise Deal

· Kit Dunlap

· Randy Evans

· Rep. Melvin Everson

· Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald

· Sen. Eric Johnson

· Rep. Jan Jones

· Rep. Jerry Keen

· Dan Lee

· Rob Leebern

· Bill Lingenfelter

· Steven Meeks

· Sen. Jeff Mullis

· Sen. Chip Pearson

· Trisha Pridemore

· Neil Pruitt

· Wesley Smith

· Michael Shaffer

· Joe Tanner

· Charles Tarbutton

· Monty Veazy

Libertarian Party of Georgia Breaks Own Records With 2010 Election Results

The 2010 election did not result in any newly-elected Libertarians, however the Libertarian Party of Georgia is happy with the results. With nearly 1 million votes earned cumulatively by the first full slate of statewide candidates in the party's history, the most important aspect of Tuesday's results are the growth in support the Libertarian Party has seen in Georgia. Experiencing a 30% increase in membership since the beginning of 2010, many in the leadership of the Libertarian Party of Georgia expected big things on Election Day. On Tuesday evening, the Party's candidates reached and set many milestones and records.

The most important milestone achieved Tuesday was the retention of ballot access for all statewide offices for the next election cycle. State School Superintendent candidate Kira Willis was the first of all ten candidates to cross the threshold of receiving votes from enough voters to equal one percent of registered voters statewide. She was quickly followed by Secretary of State candidate David Chastain and gubernatorial candidate John Monds.

"Retention of ballot access for the Libertarian Party of Georgia is a milestone many take for granted," said Operations Director Brett Bittner. "However, operating under the most draconian ballot access laws in the nation here in Georgia, we understand the importance of providing Georgians with a choice at the ballot box, and we will continue to work to offer that choice to an ever-increasing number of Georgians. With a little help from the General Assembly, we should be able to field many candidates to oppose the one hundred or so candidates that ran unopposed this cycle."

John Monds, a candidate accustomed to making history, became the first gubernatorial candidate in Party history to eclipse the 100,000 vote mark while also setting the record for highest percentage of the vote as well with 4.0%, besting Garrett Michael Hayes' vote total in 2006 by 26%. Joining Mr. Monds in setting the office record and percent of vote were Secretary of State candidate David Chastain, Agriculture Commissioner candidate Kevin Cherry, and Insurance Commissioner candidate Shane Bruce. Election night's highest vote-getter came from political newcomer and State School Superintendent candidate, Kira Willis, as she earned a total just shy of 125,000 votes in her bid for office. Other notable campaigns include Lieutenant Governor candidate Dan Barber, Attorney General candidate Don Smart, and Labor Commissioner candidate Will Costa, all of whom set the records highest vote totals for their respective races. Public Service Commissioner - District 2 candidate Jim Sendelbach set the record for highest vote percentage for that post.

"The most important thing we can take away from these election results is the growth we have seen over prior cycles," offered Daniel N. Adams, chairman of the Libertarian Party of Georgia. "To see growth across the board in terms of the number of new Libertarian voters is encouraging, and it gives us a base with which to move forward."

The Libertarian Party is Georgia’s third largest political party and the only party in Georgia promoting fewer taxes, less government and personal liberty for all Georgians. To learn more, please visit www.LPGeorgia.com.

Incoming Georgia Governor Deal Names Rogers Wade to Lead Transition Team

T. Rogers Wade, chairman of the Board of Trustees at the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, was named today to head the transition team for Georgia’s incoming governor, Nathan Deal.

Wade, who served on the Foundation’s Board of Governors before becoming Foundation president in 1997, stepped down in 2009 and was named chairman of the Board of Trustees.

"We’re thrilled at the opportunity for Rogers to share his years of expertise in politics and policy with the new leadership in Georgia," said Kelly McCutchen, who succeeded Wade as president and CEO of the Foundation. The Foundation is an independent, non-profit, state-based think tank that proposes practical, market-oriented approaches to public policy to improve the lives of Georgians.

"As it has for the past 19 years, the Foundation will continue to provide research and sound, free market-based policy ideas to all Georgia’s elected officials and policy-makers, regardless of their party affiliation," McCutchen added.

Wade has been active in the Georgia business and political community for more than 40 years. He served as chief of staff to Senator Herman E. Talmadge in Washington, from 1973 through 1980. Upon returning to Georgia, he was named vice president of Watkins Associated Industries, a national company with major holdings in transportation, development, seafood processing, insurance and communications.

Before joining the Foundation, he opened the Atlanta offices of Edington, Wade and Associates, where he was a senior partner in the public affairs firm representing over half the Fortune 100 companies from the United States and Europe.

A founding member of Leadership Georgia, Wade is currently active on the boards of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the U.S.O. and the Georgia Motor Trucking Association, and is a trustee of the Richard B. Russell Foundation. He has also been active on the boards of the Gordon College Foundation, the P.A.G.E. Foundation and the Fanning Leadership Institute at the University of Georgia. He has a BS and MBA and is a member of the Rotary Club of Atlanta. Wade and his wife, Marcia, are longtime residents of Sandy Springs.
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Note from Sam Olens

Dear Friends, Supporters and Georgia Voters:

We did it! Together, we made history last night. I want to thank every one of you who voted for me and played a part in electing me as Georgia Attorney General.

We began this journey 19 months ago. Whether you put up a sign, called friends, put a bumper sticker on your car or donated your hard earned money, you are the reason we crossed the finish line in first place.

It is impossible to thank every person statewide who played a part in our success. Scores of people contributed in ways large and small; and collectively, made this possible. I will keep my campaign promises and do my best everyday to fulfill the trust that you and the Georgia voters have placed in me.

Lisa and I and our children are deeply grateful and humbled by your support. I will take office as Georgia Attorney General in January and I vow to serve you and the citizens of Georgia with integrity and honor.

May God bless you and the great state of Georgia.

In your service,

Sam Olens

Message from DeKalb County Young Republicans re: Election Night Events

Liz for Congress Alex for State Senate and Victory Parties
If you haven't already voted, do so today! Find Your Polling Location and times: http://www.sos.ga.gov/mvp/

Make your way to the polls and encourage friends and family to support two DYR Members

*Liz Carter for GA 4th Congressional District &

*Alex Johnson GA State Senate District 41

ELECTION NIGHT PARTY FOR STATEWIDE CANDIDATES!
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 2, beginning at 7 PM
WHERE: Grand Hyatt Buckhead :: 3300 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta CANDIDATES: U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, Nathan Deal, and the entire statewide team.
NOTE: There will be a private valet entrance located on Highland Avenue for guests (across the street from Peachtree). The self-parking deck is off this street as well. For more information please visit: http://www.gagop.org/events/events.php?id=849

ELECTION NIGHT PARTY FOR LIZ CARTER FOR CONGRESS (GA-4)!
When: Tuesday, Nov. 2, beginning at 7 PM
WHERE: Doubletree Hotel (285/LaVista) :: 4156 LaVista Road, Atlanta
QUESTIONS?: rhonda@lizcarterforcongress.com or (678) 642-2830
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=157996444235706

ELECTION NIGHT PARTY FOR AUSTIN SCOTT FOR CONGRESS (GA-8)!
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 2, beginning at 7:30 PM
WHERE: Hilton Garden Inn, 201 Boo Drive, Tifton, GA
NOTE: For room reservations call the Hilton at (229) 382-8484
RSVP: Please send names to rsvp@scottforga.com

Get Out and Vote!!

Join the Georgia Republican Party for Election Night

Georgia Republican Party
Election Night at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 @ 7:00

Click here for full info: Join the Georgia Republican Party for Election Night

GOP / Tea Party Election Night in Fayette County

Fayette County GOP

You are invited to join us at the Headquarters tonight at 7:00 to watch the election results come in. We also have several events coming up this November. Address: 111 South Glynn Street, Fayetteville. 770-716-1545.

Fayette Tea Party

We will host a Victory Party for Nathan Deal and the other winners. This victory party will be held on Tuesday, November 2, 2077 in the Redwine Room in the Whitewater Creek Community Center just inside the main gate of Whitewater Community Association. Starting at 7:00 PM (food will be served). Please come and join in for an exciting evening. Please let me know via return e-mail at 770-719-0638 or you may email me at hbostmail@aol.com.

Having an election night party?

If we hear or read about them, we'll post them on here! Send info to news@georgiafrontpage.com and we'll try to help spread the word.

Libertarian Party of Georgia Candidates Celebrate Election Night Results

Who: All Libertarian Party of Georgia statewide candidates, Chuck Donovan, John Monds, Dan Barber, David Chastain, Don Smart, Kira Willis, Shane Bruce, Kevin Cherry, Will Costa, Dr. Jim Sendelbach
What: Election Night Festivities
When: 7 p.m., 2 November
Where: The Georgian Terrace Hotel Main Ballroom, 659 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308

**2008 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate, Bob Barr, will address those gathered around 8 PM.**

Federal Judge Allows Tea Party T-shirts on Election Day (Arizona)

I heard on the radio that Brian Kemp, Georgia Secretary of State, had issued a statement banning Tea Party hats, t-shirts, etc. from polling places tomorrow. I understand he's taking some heat for the ruling. I haven't looked into it and am not sure if anything changed after the following ruling. We did not receive a statement from Kemp regarding the ruling. I'll see if I can looking into it and will let you know - jmd

Goldwater Institute lawsuit restores First Amendment rights at polling places
A federal judge has issued an emergency order stating that Maricopa County cannot ban clothing worn by voters on Election Day that refers to the phrase “tea party,” unless there’s also a message on the clothing that attempts to influence how other voters might cast their ballots.

At the request of the Goldwater Institute, U.S. District Judge James A. Teilborg issued a temporary restraining order Monday afternoon to stop poll workers from telling voters to hide or remove any clothing that refers in some fashion to a “tea party.” Poll workers also are not allowed to record the names of voters wearing “tea party” clothing for later investigation, the judge’s order says.

“This is a great day for liberty,” said Diane Cohen, the Goldwater Institute’s lead attorney on the case. “The court recognized that Maricopa County’s policy went far beyond what’s required to protect anyone from the threat of intimidation or coercion while voting.”

Judge Teilborg ruled Maricopa County election officials would violate the First Amendment rights of voters by enforcing a universal ban of any mention of “tea party” on a T-shirt or other clothing at polling places. Judge Teilborg noted Maricopa County didn’t issue a similar, universal ban for clothing associated with other groups active in election politics including labor unions and trade groups. In his ruling, the judge wrote, ““The Constitution abhors the misuse of discretion as a license for arbitrary procedure.”

Judge Teilborg previously issued a similar order for Coconino County so members of the Flagstaff Tea Party could wear their T-shirts while voting. But Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell and county Elections Director Karen Osborne announced after this ruling that no clothing referring to tea parties would be allowed during voting on Tuesday.

“Some election officials seem to have singled out tea party groups while ignoring others who also exercise their right to speak out during elections,” said Clint Bolick, the Goldwater Institute’s litigation director. “But the federal court has twice put all Arizona officials on notice that such discrimination at polling places is not acceptable under the U.S. Constitution.”

The Goldwater Institute Scharf-Norton Center for Constitutional Litigation represents Mark Reed, who intends to vote Tuesday while wearing a T-shirt that says “Tea Party: Principles Not Politicians” and includes a “Don’t Tread on Me” logo.

Read more about this and other Goldwater lawsuits to protect individual rights and keep government within its constitutional limits at www.goldwaterinstitute.org/litigation. The Goldwater Institute is an independent government watchdog supported by people who are committed to expanding free enterprise and liberty.

Write-in Candidates Required to Qualify Before General Election

This came from Gwinnett, but the info is applicable across the state of Georgia:

Gwinnett County Voter Registration and Elections wants to inform voters about write-in candidate requirements before they head to the polls tomorrow. Gwinnett Elections Director Lynn Ledford said, “There is a misconception that votes for any write-in candidate will be tabulated. However, Georgia has laws in place that govern ballot access, including ballot access by write-in candidates.”

Only qualified write-in candidates can have their votes counted. In order to be qualified, a candidate must send a notice to the Georgia Secretary of State’s office according to the deadlines set for that particular office. A candidate must also run a legal ad in a newspaper and provide a publisher’s affidavit within five days after the deadline for filing.

“Voters should also remember to vote at their polls on Tuesday and if they have an absentee ballot, to turn it in by 7 p.m. to the Election’s main office located at 455 Grayson Highway, Suite 200, Lawrenceville in order to have their ballot counted,” Ledford added. “Additionally, by Georgia law, voters may only turn in their own ballots or ballots of disabled relatives.”

For more information, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com. Election results will be available on this website and on TVgwinnett on election night as soon as they are available.

Join the Georgia Republican Party for Election Night

Georgia Republican Party
Election Night at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead
Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 @ 7:00

Grand Hyatt Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305
Contact Information:
404-257-5559

Georgia Republican Party Election Night at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead. Election Night with Senator Isakson, Nathan Deal and the entire statewide team will be at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead located at 3300 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta 30305. We will have a private valet entrance located on Highland Avenue for our guests (this is across street from Peachtree). The self-parking deck is off of this street as well. The main ballroom party will begin at 7:00PM.

Please note the Grand Hyatt rooms have been taken - we have secured an additional room block at the InterContinental Hotel Buckhead, 3315 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta 30326, across the street from the Grand Hyatt Buckhead. The rate is $189 + 15% tax. Rooms will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through October 28th. To make your reservation, please call 877-422-8254.

Who:
Georgia Republican Party Chairman Sue Everhart
U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson
Gubernatorial Nominee Nathan Deal
Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle
Secretary of State Brian Kemp
Sam Olens, Nominee for Attorney General
Gary Black, Nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture
Ralph Hudgens, Nominee for Commissioner of Insurance
Dr. John Barge, Nominee for State School Superintendent
Mark Butler, Nominee for Commissioner of Labor
Tim Echols, Nominee for Public Service Commissioner

Coweta Tea Party Election Night Party

Hi all,

Join us Tuesday, November 2 for an election night celebration starting at 7:00pm at ‘Me-n-Ed’s Pizzeria’ located at 80 Newnan Station Blvd, Newnan, GA.

IF YOU CAN ATTEND - R.S.V.P. to David Stover (david@votestover.com) with number of attendees. We need to give the restaurant a head count ASAP.

There will be Pizza, Beer and Wine available at the event. If we don't have enough people, we may have to cancel.

Thanks everyone,
Wendy Bloedt
County Coordinator
National Leadership Council
Coweta Tea Party Patriots - Georgia
wendy.bloedt@cowetateaparty.org
www.cowetateaparty.org

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GFP Note: We're going to be posting election night events from a variety of sources just in case you're interested in joining the fun in your neck of the woods. - jmd

Election Day Program

United States Attorney Michael J. Moore announced today(October 28) that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Harry J. Fox, Jr. will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 2, 2010 general elections. AUSA Fox has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer for the Middle District of Georgia, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

United States Attorney Moore said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process.”

Eight years ago, former Attorney General Ashcroft established a Department-wide Ballot Access and Voting Integrity Initiative. The goals of this ongoing initiative are to increase the Department’s ability to deter election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and to prosecute these offenses whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 2, 2010, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, United States Attorney Moore stated, “Assistant United States Attorney/District Election Officer Fox will be on duty in this district while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 478-752-3511.”

In addition, the Federal Bureau of Investigation will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The FBI can be reached by the public at 478-745-1271.

Complaints about ballot access problems or discrimination can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington at 1-800-253-3931 or 202-307-2767.

United States Attorney Moore said, “The effectiveness of our Election Day Program depends in large part on the watchfulness and cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to my Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division.”

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Landmark Communications Releases Poll of Congressional District Two

State Rep. Mike Keown (R) is challenging incumbent Congressman Sanford Bishop (D).

Landmark Communications' latest poll shows State Representative Mike Keown (R) is leading incumbent Congressman Sanford Bishop (D). You can also download the results at www.landmarkcommunications.net.

Voters were asked to self-identify their own likelihood for voting: only respondents who said they “definitely plan” to vote “somewhat likely to vote” are included in the final report, crosstabs and analysis. Voters who said they are “not likely to vote” or “definitely won’t vote” are excluded from all reports, crosstabs and analysis. Forty one percent of participants were African-American, which correctly reflects the likely turnout of this demographic on Election Day. Previous gubernatorial elections have resulted in turnout of 40% of the black vote. The margin of error was 3.25%, with 914 likely voters participating.

Perspective and Background -- Various national Republican candidates have performed well in this district despite its large African American population:

McCain carried 45% of the vote in the district in 2008; Bush carried 48% in 2004, and Bush carried 47% in 2000.

1. Challenger Mike Keown leads the race in the final week of the election. Keown leads Bishop by a 50% to 46% margin.

2. The district has a stronger than usual “decided” vote: only 3% of white voters and 6% of black voters say they are undecided.

3. Based on the numbers one week prior to the election: assuming 90%+ of the remaining undecided black vote goes to Bishop on Election Day, and assuming that Keown carries 70% of the remaining undecided white vote, Keown would win the election by 51-49%.

4. What has changed for Bishop is the total collapse of his white vote: only 15% of white voters say they will vote for Bishop, while 82% say they will vote for Keown.

5. THE AGE DIVIDE: Keown leads by a large margin with voters over the age of 50, while Bishop leads with those under age 50.

6. BY GENDER: Men are voting for Keown by more than a 20 point margin: 59% for Keown and 39% for Bishop. Women lean to Bishop over Keown by a 52%-44% margin.

CONCLUSION

It is premature to say that Keown will win this election. However, as of the date that this poll was conducted (October 26th 2010) -- one week before Election Day -- it is clear that Keown has gained traction and has developed a slight lead.

If Bishop does not successfully turn around white voters who are supporting Keown in the closing days of the election, there may very well be an upset victory for Keown.

Landmark Communications Releases Poll of Congressional District Seven

Republican Rob Woodall is leading Democrat Doug Heckman by a 60-30% margin

Landmark Communications conducted a poll of Congressional District Seven on October 25th, 2010. You can download the results at www.landmarkcommunications.net.

Voters were asked to self-identify their own likelihood for voting: only respondents who said they “definitely plan” to vote “somewhat likely to vote” are included in the final report, crosstabs and analysis. Voters who said they are “not likely to vote” or “definitely won’t vote” are excluded from all reports, crosstabs and analysis. Forty one percent of participants were African-American, which correctly reflects the likely turnout of this demographic on Election Day. Previous gubernatorial elections have resulted in turnout of 18% of the black vote. The margin of error was 3.0 %, with 1070 likely voters participating.

1. Republican Rob Woodall is leading Democrat Doug Heckman by a 60-30% margin.

2. Eight percent of white voters remain undecided, 17% of black voters are undecided, and 15% of ‘other race’ voters are undecided.

3. Assuming that 90%+ of the remaining undecided black vote goes to Heckman on Election Day, that Heckman carries 60% of the undecided voters who are of “other race”, and that Woodall carries 66% of the remaining undecided white vote (reasonable since he currently is carrying 75% of the “decided white vote”), Woodall will win the election by a 2-1 margin of about 65-35%.

4. Republican Rob Woodall is running stronger in the Seventh Congressional District than GOP gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal is running in the same district. Nathan Deal holds 55% of the overall vote vs. Woodall’s 60% of the vote.


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Georgia’s Small Businesses Support Mark Butler for Labor Commissioner

The state office of the National Federation of Independent Business, Georgia’s leading small business association, said today it has endorsed Mark Butler for labor commissioner.

The endorsement follows a special survey of NFIB/Georgia members, in which 98 percent of respondents said they supported Butler.

“Mark Butler recognizes the challenges Georgia’s entrepreneurs and small, family businesses face in records to labor issues,” said David Raynor, state director of NFIB/Georgia.

“As a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, he has earned a 100 percent voting record,” Raynor said. “Our members believe he will do everything he can to help secure the state’s unemployment trust fund and oppose card check, an initiative intended to help Big Labor push its way into small businesses and bully workers into signing union cards.”

Butler said, “I am honored and appreciate the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, the recognized voice of small businesses across the country. Like the NFIB, I understand the struggles of small business, having been a small business owner for the past 18 years. I know small business is the backbone of our economy, and understand the need to create a pro-business environment to grow jobs in Georgia.”

Small business owners and their employees vote in large numbers and recruit their friends and family members to support small business candidates, as well. NFIB’s political support is based on the candidates’ positions and records on small business issues.
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Landmark Communications Releases Poll of Eighth Congressional District of Georgia

Scott continues solid lead over Marshall

Republican challenger Austin Scott is leading over Democratic incumbent Jim Marshall by solid margins within Georgia Congressional District 8. Last night’s poll results show Marshall at 39.1 percent of the vote with Scott in the lead at 52.5 percent.

In 2006, the African American vote accounted for 25 percent of all voters in the district. For this poll, Landmark Communications raised that percentage to 26.5 in order to accommodate for demographic growth.

Currently 15 percent of African American voters say they are undecided in the election, as well as six percent of white voters. It is our projection that the black vote will return to historical levels of 95% support for a Democratic candidate, and that two-thirds of white undecideds will go to Austin Scott. Therefore, it is our projection that Scott will win by a margin of 9 to 10 points and carry around 55 percent of the vote on Election Day.

Landmark Communications polled 1,133 randomly selected active voters residing in Georgia Congressional District Eight. The poll was conducted Tuesday, October 26th, 2010. Only voters who said they would “definitely vote” or “likely vote” are included in the final analysis. Voters who did not identify themselves as “definitely” or “likely” to vote were not included in the final analysis. 25.8 percent of respondents were African American, corresponding with traditional voting participation in the district in gubernatorial election years. The margin of error of the survey is 3 percent.

You can download the results directly from landmarkcommunications.net.
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Join Newt & Nathan in Gwinnett Tomorrow!

American Solutions/Deal for Governor
Real Jobs for Georgia Rally
October 28, 2010

3:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Gwinnett Center - Grand Ballroom
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth GA 30097
This event is free. Please RSVP here to reserve your spot.

Please join Republican nominee Nathan Deal for Governor along with special guest Newt Gingrich this Thursday the 28th as he makes his last stop along the Real Jobs for Georgia Bus Tour.

Also speaking at the rally will be Senator Johnny Isakson, Attorney General nominee Sam Olens, Agriculture Commissioner nominee Gary Black, Republican congressional nominee for GA-4 Liz Carter, Commissioner of Labor nominee Mark Butler, State School Superintendent nominee John Barge and Public Service Commissioner nominee Tim Echols.

Deal for Governor
PO BOX 2495
Gainesville, Georgia 30503

Sample ballot

If you'd like to see a sample ballot, here's a link provided by the South Atlanta Tea Party:

Produced by the League of Women Voters of Georgia

If you would like to see a sample ballot or search for candidates running by zip code, Click here.

Landmark Communications Poll Release, Top GA Races

Deal leads Barnes 49-42% heading into final days
Attorney General: Olens (R) leads Hodges (D) 47-40%
School Superintendent: Barge (R) leads Martin (D) 48-36%

Despite a slight tightening in the race for governor, Republican Nathan Deal continues to lead Democrat Roy Barnes by 49 to 42 percent. Libertarian John Monds carries 4 percent.

“Nothing has effectively changed since we last conducted a statewide survey a week ago,” said Mark Rountree, President of Landmark Communications. “Barnes’ support has increased slightly as traditional voting groups solidify. But Deal’s numbers have not moved much. The attacks on him by Barnes are not working at this point.”

FIRST BALLOT TEST ON A POTENTIAL RUNOFF VOTE: Landmark asked voters how they would vote between Deal and Barnes in the event of a runoff election. 51 percent of voters chose Deal and 43 percent chose Barnes – an 8-point margin.

Rountree said, “Libertarians decidedly come down on the side of Deal. Third party voters say they would support Deal over Barnes by a 3 to 1 margin."

In the race for Attorney General, Republican Sam Olens leads Democrat Ken Hodges by 47 to 40 percent.

In the race for School Superintendent, Republican John Barge leads Democrat Joe Martin by 48 to 36 percent.

Landmark Communications polled 1,686 randomly selected active voters on Tuesday, October 26. Only voters who said they would “definitely vote” or “likely vote” are included in the final analysis. Voters who did not identify themselves as “definitely” or “likely” to vote were not included in the final analysis. 25.8 percent of respondents were African American, a traditional number for gubernatorial year elections in Georgia. The margin of error is plus or minus 2.4 percent.

You can download the results directly from landmarkcommunications.net.
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Isakson, Deal and Republican Candidates Begin the Real Jobs for Georgia Bus Tour

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, Gubernatorial nominee Nathan Deal and other Republican candidates will tour Georgia and visit with voters as part of the Real Jobs for Georgia BusTour. The Republican candidates will discuss their plan for Georgia’s economy and job creation and encourage voters to cast their ballots for the Republican slate.

“America is at a crossroads. In the final days of this election, it is important to continuecarrying our message across the state of Georgia to ensure that our countrygets back on the right track. Priority one is job creation. I will continue to fight for private-sector growth through lower taxes, less regulation, repealing and replacing the health care law and stopping reckless federal spending,” said Isakson. “Our country has always been one of endless opportunity. I want to see that it stays that way for future generations of Americans.”

“My Real Prosperity plan will lower taxes on Georgia families, increase our competitiveness and create high-quality, private-sector jobs in Georgia,” said Nathan Deal. “With unemployment consistently exceeding 10 percent statewide, the reality of our current economic environment hits home with hard-working families struggling to make ends meet. I look forward to meeting and sharing ideas with many Georgians during this important bus tour.”

The following Republican candidates and elected officials are confirmed to make appearances during the Real Jobs for Georgia Bus Tour: Georgia Republican Party Chairman Sue Everhart; U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss; U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson; Gubernatorial NomineeNathan Deal; Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle; Secretary of State Brian Kemp; Sam Olens, Nominee for Attorney General; Gary Black, Nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture; Ralph Hudgens, Nominee for Insurance Commissioner; Dr. JohnBarge, Nominee for State School Superintendent; Mark Butler, Nominee for Labor Commissioner; Tim Echols, Nominee for Public Service Commissioner; Congressman Jack Kingston; Mike Keown, Nominee for Georgia’s Second Congressional District; Congressman Lynn Westmoreland; Liz Carter, Nominee for Georgia’s Fourth Congressional District; Congressman Tom Price; Rob Woodall, Nominee for Georgia’s Seventh Congressional District; Austin Scott, Nominee for Georgia’s Eighth Congressional District; Congressman Tom Graves; Congressman Paul Broun; Congressman Phil Gingrey; Ray McKinney, Nominee for Georgia’s Twelfth Congressional District; and more.

The Real Jobs for Georgia Bus Tour will make 25 stops around the state between Sunday, October 24 andThursday, October 28. Information for each bus stop will be listed on http://www.gagop.org/bustour/. For more information, you can follow the bus tour on Twitter @RealJobs4GA.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, please call the Georgia Republican Party at (404) 257-5559.

Professor: Barnes charges 'false'

Barnes served on State Bar panel that reviewed and OK'd legislation

In a desperate, last-ditch smear on Nathan Deal, Roy Barnes is embarrassing himself by telling lies about Deal's work to update Georgia's rules of evidence to meet federal standards - which 42 states have done.

Just how desperate is he? Roy Barnes SERVED on the State Bar Evidence Committee of Georgia during the time that panel reviewed and approved this legislation.

You don't have to take our word for it. Professor of Law at Georgia State University, Paul Milich - who drafted the reform of the evidence code in the legislation - had this to say:

"To suggest, as the ad does, that the proposal approved by the State Bar would have abolished rape shield protection for victims in Georgia is simply and absolutely false."

He went on to say that Barnes's allegation that this legislation would have softened the protection for victims of rape is in insult to lawyers and judges:

"The point to keep in mind is that nobody was remotely suggesting that Georgia back off its protection of rape victims. No one on the State Bar Committee would ever have even suggested that we reduce protection for rape victims. That is an insult to the thoughtful lawyers and judges who served on that committee."

The proposed law actually strengthened protections for victims. First, it expanded the shield to ALL sexual assault victims, whereas before it covered only rape victims. Second, it had no exception to the rape shield for "highly material" evidence that would suggest consent. Third, the proposed rule stated that even if the evidence of the victim's past was admissible under an exception, the trial judge also had to find that the need for or probative value of the evidence outweighed its prejudicial effect on the victim before allowing it in.

"This has become absolutely pathetic," said Deal spokesman Brian Robinson. "Trial lawyer Roy Barnes defended child molesters and murderers, doing his part to keep criminals on the streets of Georgia. While Nathan has a tough-on-crime record, Roy Barnes has an anything-for-a-dime record."

Nathan Deal was a respected prosecutor who put rapists in prison and authored the Georgia law that allows victim impact statements at the time of sentencing. Nathan also supported the Violence Against Women and DOJ Reauthorization Act of 2005 that increased annual VAWA funding from $185 million per year to $225 million per year. The bill also supported the placement of special victim assistants in law enforcement to serve as liaisons between victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sex assault and stalking -- and law enforcement personnel. It also increased by $10 million funding for services for victims of violence, including rape crisis centers and other rape and violence support centers.

Carol Porter Receives Endorsements From Prominent Conservative Pundits

Yesterday conservative blogger and CNN political commentator Erick Erickson, along with several of his conservative colleagues, announced that they would be supporting Carol Porter’s campaign to be Georgia’s next Lt. Governor. Last week former Republican Gubernatorial Candidate and businessman Ray Boyd also announced that he is endorsing Porter’s candidacy.

Mrs. Carolyn Young, who is also the wife of Civil Rights leader and former Atlanta mayor, Ambassador Andrew Young, has endorsed Carol Porter as well. A seasoned educator, philanthropist, and executive, Mrs. Young joined Porter’s campaign earlier this fall, serving as Co-Chair along with Shannon Fickling of Macon. Mrs. Young said she views her role as, “an opportunity to make the right choice at an important time for our state.”

Porter is not the typical candidate for public office. She has worked on the policy and issues facing Georgia for over 26 years, but as a non-incumbent, she is not a career politician. She is a small business owner, the General Manager of nine newspapers, a Sunday school teacher, and the mother of four Eagle Scout sons. Porter’s real-word business experience, her common sense approach to the issues, and her commitment to ethics are a sharp contrast to her opponent, the incumbent Lt. Governor.

As Carol states, "Georgia doesn’t have reliable water, decent transportation, is in the bottom of education and is number one in the percentage of our population in the correctional system. None of this is pro-business, none of this will grow our economy and until we get ethics into Georgia's government none of this will change."

Carol Porter’s campaign has focused on exposing the unethical decisions coming from the Lt. Governor's office that have hurt Georgia’s economy. Porter often speaks about the solutions that exist for our state if we would elect fresh, new, ethical leadership to the Lt. Governor's office.

From the beginning Carol Porter’s campaign for Lt. Governor has been about doing what is best for Georgia's economy. Everyday more and more Georgians across all party lines are uniting behind the common sense, ethical values of Carol Porter.

Black Campaign Announces Sportsmen Coalition

Second Amendment, Conservation, Preservation of Wildlife Economy Are Priorities

Gary Black's Campaign for Agriculture Commissioner got a big boost today from the announcement of a coalition of sportsmen from across Georgia who are going to work hard toward victory in the next 17 days.

The "Sportsmen for Black" group includes Governor Sonny Perdue, former Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Joe Tanner, and is Chaired by Cader Cox IV, of Riverview Plantation of Camilla. In all, Georgia sportsmen from over 54 counties have joined Gary's charter team.

"Gary's lifelong support for the Second Amendment, conservation and our hunting and fishing traditions are part of why he will make an excellent Agriculture Commissioner," said Coalition Chairman Cox. "He understands how much Georgia's economy and its sense of identity are dependent on sportsmen and the industries that support them."

Hunting and fishing are big business in Georgia. Their economic impacts include:

$3.5 billion in wildlife-associated spending by residents and non-residents

$20 million in revenue for conservation from hunting and fishing licenses each year

$112 million in hunting leases for farmers annually

$41.5 million per year for raised quail for release


Nationally, spending by hunters and anglers is more than the revenues of Microsoft, Google, eBay and Yahoo-combined (76 billion vs. 73.6 billion).

"Hunting and fishing are a part of Georgia's natural heritage and they are also critical to our economy and to our aggressive conservation efforts," Black said. "I am going to do everything I can to expand opportunities for sportsmen and for Georgia farmers and landowners who also benefit from these activities."

Black is a strong supporter of the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment program (CUVA) which has reduced the burden of ad valorem tax rates for farmers and landowners and protected millions of acres of Georgia land from development. He has also been an advocate for sound water management policies, riparian rights, and private property rights. He also supports the USDA's wildlife habitat incentive programs which will again be reviewed during 2012 Farm Bill debate in Washington.

As Agriculture Commissioner, Gary has proposed providing online licensing for breeders, kennels and stables associated with hunting facilities aimed at cutting the red tape involved in dealing with requirements of state government.

Sportsmen interested in joining the coalition may visit the campaign website.

Members of the Sportsmen for Gary Black include:

First	Last	City
Jonathan	Aaron	Hawkinsville
Kenneth	Adams	Sharpsburg
Doug	Anderson	Camilla
Don	Baker	Nashville
Mone	Baker	Nashville
Billy	Barker	Kathleen
Jeffrey	Barnard	Reidsville
John	Benoit	Valdosta
Richard	Cartie	Dexter
Travis	Conley	Winder
Scott	Cosper	Covington
Cader	Cox IV	Camilla
Todd	Creech	Thomasville
Bobby	Davis, Jr.	Nicholls
Gary	Dawson	Hawkinsville
Andrew	Day	Ft. Valley
Lucretia	Dove	Elberton
David	Dunaway	Hawkinsville
Angela	Edge	Braselton
Joseph	Ellenberg	St. Simons Island
David	Evans	Fitzgerald
Eric	Garland	Canton
Kyle	Goss	Hawkinsvile
Brittany	Greer	Abbeville
Jacob	Hair	Vienna
J.P.	Hendrickson	Macon
Vic	Hill	Colquitt
Robin	Hill	Mansfield
Chris	Hoss	Perry
Glenn	Howell	Dudley
Matt	Hunter	Preston
Louise	Hunter	Preston
Cody	Hutcheson	Wrightsville
Stephanie	Jones	McDonough
Donald	Key	Tifton
Greg	Kimball	Gray
Tommy	Kimbrell	Cordele
Joan	Knowles	Cochran
Gen	Kuen	Centerville
Ken	Langford	Hawkinsville
Brett	Lee	Abbeville
Jonathan	Lee	Macon
Chris	Lickliter	Crigton
Kitty	Loper	Sycamore
Chris	Luke	Nicholls
Delbert	Maddox	West Green
John	Mallory	Woodland
Randy	Malone	Hawkinsville
Elliot	Marsh	Statesboro
Clifford	McCook	Eastman
James	McCrary	Americus
Kay	McCurdy	Chatsworth
W.E.	McDaniel	Thomaston
Marshall	McDonald	Tyty
Dan	McGlagan	Atlanta
Sonya	McNab	West Green
Wade	Mize	Commerce
David	Moncrief	Moultrie
Leavy	Moore	Blackshear
Laura	Needhan	Loganville
Carmen	Neil	Perry
Robert	Pennington	Madison
Sonny	Perdue	Bonaire
Slade	Pittman	Homerville
Alec	Poitevint	Bainbridge
Jim	Pooser	Watkinsville
Jonathan	Porter	Mariett
Scott	Rials	Cumming
Jeffery	Salter	Andersonville
Patrick	Shivers	Blakely
Jana	Sizemore	Arlington
Thomas	Skuja	Thomaston
Kelly	Smith	Juliette
Stacy	Stone	McRae
David	Strickland	Cairo
Chase	Stringfield	Evans
Joe	Tanner	Atlanta
Ernest	Tanner	Hamilton
Will	Thacker	Canton
Layton	Tompkins	Valdosta
Jason	Tyus	Kathleen
Mike	Vickers	Ambrose
Jason	Weaver	Norman Park
Rep. Mark	Williams	Jesup
Chuck	Williams	Watkinsville
William	Yancy	Jackson
Blake	Yates	Newnan

Gary Black is a Republican candidate for Georgia Agriculture Commissioner. His first experience as an advocate for agriculture came at age 17 when he served as Georgia FFA State President. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Agricultural Education in 1980. Gary began his career with the Georgia Farm Bureau in 1980 supervising the young farmer leadership development program for Georgia's largest general farm organization. In 1989, leaders of the Georgia Agribusiness Council selected Gary as its President--a role he held for 21 years. In 1993 Gary organized AgriTrust of Georgia, a self-funded workers compensation insurance fund that now provides coverage for over 17,000 agricultural employees in Georgia. Gary helped lead efforts to manage the Showcase of Southern Agriculture during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta and also co-managed the Georgia Food Industry Partnership, a food safety and quality research consortium, for the past 13 years. Gary and his wife Lydia, have two children, Ward and Caroline. Together, the family operates Harmony Grove Farms in Commerce, GA and are active members of the Maysville Baptist Church.