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.