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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Logsdon Pulls Out of GA Insurance Commissioner Race

Harold Logsdon's hopes of becoming Georgia's next Insurance Commissioner were put on hold this week.

"It is with great disappointment that I announce today that I will not be qualifying to become Georgia's next Insurance Commissioner," said Logsdon, Wednesday afternoon.

Logsdon, the former Mayor of Peachtree City, began campaigning for the seat currently held by John Oxendine almost a year ago. However, Friday afternoon, Logsdon was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"We have spent the last few days considering all the options," said Logsdon. "But, first and foremost, is addressing the cancer. I must consider my health.

"I am extremely disappointed that I have to pull out of the race," he added. "We really felt like we had a strong message for all Georgians and felt we could make a difference in 2010."

Logsdon will undergo surgery in the near future, and is expecting a full recovery.

"We had hoped to stay in the race, but it is not possible at this time," said Logsdon.

"But I would like to take the time to thank everyone who worked for me, contributed to my campaign and showed confidence in me to become Georgia's next Insurance Commissioner.

"There are some very good candidates in this race, and Georgia voters will need to study the qualifications carefully. This office is extremely important to all Georgians."

Logsdon would not rule out another political race in the future.

"I am disappointed that I won't be able to finish this race, but everyone faces disappointment and adversity in their life," said Logsdon.

"However, I am committed to serving the people of Georgia. I will find other ways to do that for the immediate future, and then think about what the political future holds for me."
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Candidates Forum - GA Senate Dist. 49 Special Election"

Thursday, April 29 at 7:00pm.

Bill says, "We are hosting a Candidates Forum for the GA Sen. 49th District special election, moderated by Martha Zoller. All three candidates - Butch Miller, Jimmy Norman, and Brandon Givens - are participating at 7pm on Thurs. 4/29 at the Mulberry Creek Community Center in Flowery Branch. For directions call 770-965-7140. This is the ONLY full forum where your questions for the candidates will be answered - don't miss it!".

Event: Candidates Forum - GA Senate Dist. 49 Special Election
What: Informational Meeting
Start Time: Thursday, April 29 at 7:00pm
End Time: Thursday, April 29 at 8:30pm
Where: 4491 J M Turk Rd, Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Conservative Republican Women 13 Congressional District Candidate Debate

Thursday, May 13 at 7:00pm.

Event: Conservative Republican Women 13 Congressional District Candidate Debate 
What: Club/Group Meeting
Start Time: Thursday, May 13 at 7:00pm
End Time: Thursday, May 13 at 9:00pm
Where: Henry County Community Room of the Safety Building 

Rasmussen re: Election 2010: Georgia Governor

Congressman Nathan Deal shapes up for now as the strongest Republican vote-getter against likely Democratic nominee Roy Barnes in Georgia's race for governor.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of likely voters in the state shows Deal with 46% support to Barnes 39%. A month ago, Deal was ahead 43% to 40%.

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/election_2010_governor_elections/georgia/election_2010_georgia_governor

Jeremy Jones Qualifies to Run for GA Senate 53rd District

Today Jeremy Jones of Ringgold qualified in Atlanta to run for the Georgia Senate representing the 53rd district. The seat is currently held by Senator Jeff Mullis of Chickamauga, who qualified earlier in the week. At the qualification Jones said, “The power of the government resides within the state. The federal government can do nothing without the consent of the states. I want to represent the people of Northwest Georgia in Atlanta and remind DC of this basic principle of our Republic.” Jones attended Lakeview High School and the University of Cincinnati. He is a small business owner in Ringgold and attends Boynton United Methodist Church. When asked why he is running against Mullis in the Republican Primary Jones said, “No incumbent, good or bad, should feel safe in his seat. If we are unwilling to challenge our representatives every election, at every level, then we accept the status quo. I do not accept the status quo and it is time for fresh ideas, and new people, to represent us at all levels of the government.”

The campaign will hold an informal Meet and Greet on Monday May 3rd at Lee-Gordon Mills in Chickamauga at 6:30. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

The Georgia primary will be held July 20th. The 53rd Senate district covers all of Dade, Walker and Chattooga counties and parts of Catoosa County. For more information about Jeremy Jones, please visit his website, JonesForUs.com.

Graves Joins Georgia Grassroots Activists in Helping Launch Historic “Contract from America”

Today, Tom Graves, congressional candidate for a May 11 special election in Georgia’s 9th Congressional District, joined hundreds of local Tea Party and limited government groups around the country joined together to announce the launch of the “Contract from America,” a grassroots legislative blueprint for 2010 and beyond. Originally proposed by Ryan Hecker, a Houston Tea Party activist and National Coordinator for the initiative’s chief organizing group Tea Party Patriots, this project is intended to present a different kind of agenda for our federal lawmakers: unlike the Contract with America introduced in the 1990s, everyday citizens proposed and voted on every plank of the Contract from America.

Grassroots activists from across the country, including Tom Graves, visited the website to choose their top ten priorities from a list of 21 action items that committed Americans from all walks of life proposed. The top ten issues comprise the final Contract. By asking website visitors to propose and vote on the agenda, the result is not a list handed down from on high by old-bull politicians, but one handed up from the true grassroots in this country. After garnering nearly half a million votes in less than two months, the Contract from America has now been finalized into a blueprint that will serve notice to public officials about what the people want for their future.

When voting was completed, the top ten planks were: (1) Protect the Constitution; (2) Reject Cap and Trade; (3) Demand a Balanced Budget; (4) Enact Fundamental Tax Reform; (5) Restore Fiscal Responsibility and Constitutionally Limited Government in Washington; (6) End Runaway Government Spending; (7) Defund, Repeal, and Replace Government-run Health Care; (8) Pass an ‘All-of-the-Above” Energy Policy; (9) Stop the Pork; and (10) Stop the Tax Hikes.

Tom Graves is proud to join with millions of Tea Party activists across the country to announce the arrival of the Contract from America and the exit of elected officials who continue to ignore calls for fiscal responsibility, constitutionally-limited government, and free markets.

More information about each plank, including its full description and the name of the activist who first proposed it, is available at the Contract from America’s website, www.contractfromamerica.org.

The front runner in the race, Graves has dominated every straw poll in the crowded field of Special Election. He has been endorsed by FreedomWorks, RedState’s Erick Erickson, Club for Growth PAC, the nation’s premier free-market, free enterprise group of conservatives, the Atlanta Tea Party and was the first candidate to be certified 100 percent pro-life by the Georgia Right to Life PAC.

Graves represented the 12th House District from 2003 until March 23, 2010. Graves announced last May that he would seek the 9th District Congressional seat that was vacated by Congressman Nathan Deal, who is running for Governor.

For more information about the campaign, go to www.GravesForCongress.org.

Graves, who was in his fourth term representing House District 12, was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002. He has chaired numerous subcommittees, served in several leadership positions and been recognized statewide as a conservative leader. He received a 2009 “National Legislator of the Year” from the American Legislative Exchange Council, a 2009 “Guardian of Small Business” Award from the National Federation of Independent Business, the 2009 “Legislator of the Year” Award from the Georgia Retail Association, the 2009 “Legislator of the Year” from the 9th Congressional District of Georgia and was nationally recognized as the “Legislative Entrepreneur of the Year Award” by the Freedom Works Foundation for his tireless effort to stem the tide of expansive government and reduce the tax burden on Georgians. Georgia Trend named Graves to its 2009 “40 under 40, Georgia’s Best and the Brightest.” Graves has been endorsed by Club for Growth PAC, the nation’s premier free-market, free enterprise group of conservatives, FreedomWorks PAC, RedState’s Erick Erickson and was the first candidate to be certified 100 percent pro-life by the Georgia Right to Life PAC.

Graves grew up in White, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance. Graves is a small businessman, past member of the Gordon County Board of Elections and an active member of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Julie, a native of Marietta, and the couple has three children, JoAnn, John and Janey. They attend the Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun. 

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Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage
www.ReadMyLipstickNetwork.com
Twitter: @readmylipstick
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com
Twitter: @hhpotterystudio
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Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Senator Seth Harp Qualifies For Insurance Commissioner and Bo Callaway and Nancy Coverdell to Serve as Co-Chairs

Senator Seth Harp (R-Midland) officially qualified to run in the Republican Primary for Georgia's Insurance Commissioner and announced a broad-based Statewide Steering Committee composed of community, industry and political leaders from throughout Georgia.

"I am very thrilled and privileged to have so many great people throughout Georgia endorse my candidacy and support my campaign," Sen.Harp stated. "Over the next few months we will continue to aggressively campaign throughout this state and deliver a message of an Insurance Commissioner who promises to put the taxpayers of Georgia first and give you what you deserve: an Insurance Commissioner you can depend on."

Seth pledges to apply the same conservative values he used in the State Senate in order to crack down on fraud and ensure that Georgians' rights are protected. Seth vows to fight to keep rates low, investigate fraud and bring integrity, honor and accountability to the Department of Insurance.

In addition to qualifying, Seth announced a broad-based Statewide Steering Committee composed of community, industry and political leaders from across Georgia. The steering committee consists of many current and former elected officials, Republican leaders, and industry leaders. Serving as Co-Chairs to the campaign are Nancy Coverdell, wife of the late U.S. Sen. Paul Coverdell, and former Congressman Bo Callaway.

Other members include:
Gerard Bernier
Dot Burns
Dr. Burch Cameron, DMD
John & Judy Cole
Joe Cornelius, Jr.
Pat & Dick Donnelly
Mary Flanders
Molly Dye Franklin
James Madden Hatcher, III, J. Smith Lanier
Sheriff Mike Jolley, Harris County
Mayor Jeff Lukken, LaGrange
Camille Russo
Andrea Shoemaker
John Sours
Commissioner Helen Stone, Chatham County
Dianne Strickland
Martin Sullivan
Mat Swift
Eric Tanenblatt

A resident of Muscogee County, Seth is married to Linda Collins Harp of Camilla, Georgia and they have two married daughters, Mary Rebecca Dick and Leslee Shannon (and three grandchildren). The Harps are members of Wynnton United Methodist Church in Columbus where they have taught Sunday school.

Eric Johnson Qualifies for Governor

Thanks supporters, reaffirms pledge to put Georgia back to work

Monday, April, 26th

Senator Eric Johnson today qualified as a Republican candidate for Governor. Immediately prior to qualifying, he addressed a crowd of supporters in the North Wing of the State Capitol.

“So many of you here today- and countless others across this state- have put your trust in our campaign. There isn’t a day that goes by that Kathryn and I don’t remember that and renew our pledge to never let you down,” said Johnson. “With the right leadership, we can put Georgia back to work and, folks, I’m just the guy to do it.”

Johnson had a greater than $1 million cash on hand advantage over Karen Handel and Nathan Deal at the last disclosure report. The campaign continues to be on TV in markets across the state with an ad that emphasizes Johnson’s proven conservative record and plans to put Georgia back to work.

“I want you to hear it from me- we are going to win this race,” continued Johnson. “I don’t ever want to turn back or be turned back by Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi, MoveOn.Org, ACORN, or Roy Barnes!” An architect and a respected conservative leader, Eric Johnson served as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. In that role, he passed legislation that cut taxes and spending, empowered small businesses, and protected doctors and businesses from frivolous lawsuits. He and his wife Kathryn have two grown children and live in Savannah. For more information please visit www.JohnsonForGeorgians.com.

PSC Commissioner Bobby Baker Announces Will Seek Relection

Dear Friends:

I had hoped to let you know before you read it in the newspaper that, after long and careful consideration, I have decided not to seek a fourth term on the Public Service Commission. This has not been an easy decision for Joselyn and me, but it is the right one. I sincerely appreciate the trust and support you and Georgia voters have given to me over the past 18 years.

My tenure on the Public Service Commission has been challenging and exciting. I joined the Commission in 1992 when I was the only statewide elected Republican official, and the GOP was a struggling minority party. Consumers had no choice as to who their utility provider was for telephone or natural gas service. That has all changed.

Over the years I have worked on hundreds of cases that have had a direct impact on millions of Georgia consumers. Deregulation of the transportation, telecommunications and natural gas industries have created hundreds of new businesses and given Georgia consumers more service options. Balancing ratepayer interests with sound regulatory policy has enabled Georgia's economy to grow and prosper.

Commitment, accountability and openness are the guiding principles I have followed as a public servant. Commitment to treating the job as a full-time position. Accountability to the consumers who pay the bills every month. Openness in the operation and decision making process of the Public Service Commission. I have been proud to serve the people of this State and hope that my contributions have made a positive difference.

Many new challenges face Georgia and I hope to continue to contribute to the betterment of our State.

Once again, thank you very much for your help and support over the years.

Best regards,
Bobby

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Superintendent Cox Uses Advisory Councils as Communication Tool

When Superintendent Kathy Cox took office in 2003, she made one of her top priorities improving communication with the thousands of people across the state who dedicate their lives to educating our children. As a former classroom teacher, she knows communication is a two-way street, and that input and feedback from those in the classrooms is vital to ensuring our children receive a quality education.

Specifically, Superintendent Cox created Advisory Councils for the purpose of communicating directly with Students, Teachers, Parents and Principals, those groups who are the most directly affected by the policies of the State Board of Education. These groups meet multiple times throughout the school year and act as liaisons to the Department of Education. Advisory Council members serve one-year terms.

The Student Advisory Council consists of about 50 students from across Georgia who meet four times a year all around the state. Their meeting locations highlight Georgia’s Colleges, Universities and Technical Schools. The Student Advisory Council has also visited, as a group, Zoo Atlanta, the Carlos Museum at Emory University, the State Legislature, and the Georgia Academy for the Blind. These students provide direct input on topics such as Testing, the Dropout Rate, and Student Leadership.

The Teacher Advisory Council is made up of Georgia Teacher of the Year finalists, Milken Award winners and other outstanding teachers from around Georgia. These teachers meet to advise the Department on such topics as Teacher Training, Discipline, Testing, and the Georgia Performance Standards.

The members of the Parent Advisory Council are nominated by their local school district to serve for a year as an advisor and an ambassador. The members of this Advisory Council are mainly focused on how to increase parent and family engagement to ensure student success.

The Principal Advisory Council is actually made up of two separate groups of principals: one of elementary principals and one of secondary principals. These two groups meet separately and provide the Department of Education with their expertise concerning topics that include SAT Scores, Best Practices and Graduation Coaches.

These Advisory Councils have been an effective tool for improving the lines of communication between the State Department of Education and the people it serves. By re-electing Superintendent Kathy Cox to a third term, you can be sure that these Councils will continue to provide feedback and new ideas to an administration focused on improving student achievement.

Upcoming Events
Saturday April 24th – Atlanta Steeplechase (9:00 am – Kingston Downs, GA)
Saturday May 1st – 6th Congressional District Candidate Forum (9:30 am – Calvary Church 5067 Chamblee-Dunwoody Rd. Dunwoody, GA)
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Graves Demonstrates Conservative Leadership at Hall County Forum

Tom Graves, Republican candidate in Georgia’s 9th District, demonstrated at Friday evening’s Georgia Teen Republicans and Hall County Young Republicans forum that he is the top candidate to fill Congressman Nathan Deal’s unexpired term in just 18 short days.

The debate, held at the Georgia Mountains Center, focused on jobs, rebuilding the economy and tax reform.

Graves stuck to his message of lower taxes, less spending and limited government as the path to get this country back on track and provided a bold, clear conservative voice that young Republicans are eager to get behind.

“I’ve been the author of the Jobs Act in both 2009 and 2010, which eliminated and reduced taxes and regulation on businesses here in the state of Georgia,” Graves said. “You take that to the federal level and it’s about getting government and taxation out of the way.”

Graves said he supports replacing the current tax system with the FairTax. “We need a simpler, fairer, voluntary system that empowers the taxpayer and doesn’t empower the government.”

The former state representative from Ranger said if government would get out of the way, small businesses would “ignite the entrepreneur spirit” and create jobs. Graves said in Washington he would work towards, “eliminating the capital gains tax, reducing the corporate income tax, repealing the unused portions of the stimulus bill and vote down the cap and trade.”

In addition to being the front-running candidate among young conservatives, Graves dominated last week’s straw poll in the crowded field of Special Election hopefuls, gaining 53 percent of the straw-poll votes on the seven candidate ballot.

Graves has been endorsed by FreedomWorks, RedState’s Erick Erickson, Club for Growth PAC, the nation’s premier free-market, free enterprise group of conservatives, the Atlanta Tea Party and was the first candidate to be certified 100 percent pro-life by the Georgia Right to Life PAC.

Graves represented the 12th House District from 2003 until March 23, 2010. Graves announced last May that he would seek the 9th District Congressional seat that was vacated by Congressman Nathan Deal, who is running for Governor.

For more information about the campaign, go to www.GravesForCongress.org.

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A few of our other Political blogs:
http://jmacpolitics.blogspot.com/
http://barracudababes.blogspot.com/
http://republicancandidates.blogspot.com/
http://readmylipsticknetwork.blogspot.com/
http://republican-news-sweep.blogspot.com/
http://gfpteapartynews.blogspot.com/
http://statenationalpolitics.blogspot.com/
http://goodgovernmentga.blogspot.com/
http://politicalpitstop.blogspot.com/
http://politicalpotluckblog.blogspot.com/
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Graves, who was in his fourth term representing House District 12, was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002. He has chaired numerous subcommittees, served in several leadership positions and been recognized statewide as a conservative leader. He received a 2009 “National Legislator of the Year” from the American Legislative Exchange Council, a 2009 “Guardian of Small Business” Award from the National Federation of Independent Business, the 2009 “Legislator of the Year” Award from the Georgia Retail Association, the 2009 “Legislator of the Year” from the 9th Congressional District of Georgia and was nationally recognized as the “Legislative Entrepreneur of the Year Award” by the Freedom Works Foundation for his tireless effort to stem the tide of expansive government and reduce the tax burden on Georgians. Georgia Trend named Graves to its 2009 “40 under 40, Georgia’s Best and the Brightest.” Graves has been endorsed by Club for Growth PAC, the nation’s premier free-market, free enterprise group of conservatives, FreedomWorks PAC, RedState’s Erick Erickson and was the first candidate to be certified 100 percent pro-life by the Georgia Right to Life PAC.

Graves grew up in White, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance. Graves is a small businessman, past member of the Gordon County Board of Elections and an active member of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Julie, a native of Marietta, and the couple has three children, JoAnn, John and Janey. They attend the Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun.