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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Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elections. Show all posts
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
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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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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Click to read MORE news:
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Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
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Monday, October 18, 2010
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.
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.
Friday, October 15, 2010
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:
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
National FOP Throws Financial Support Behind Carter to Represent Georgia 4th U.S. Congressional District
Through its political action committee in Washington, D.C., the National Fraternal Order of Police is donating $1,000 to business owner Liz Carter to represent Georgia's 4th Congressional District.
William E. Peacock, Jr. Lodge #10, representing law enforcement officers in DeKalb County, already had voted to endorse Carter in her race against incumbent candidate Hank Johnson.
Members of the local lodge will present the donation to Carter on behalf of the national membership at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 1238 Ridge Ave., Stone Mountain, Ga., 30083. Georgia President of the Fraternal Order of Police Carlton Stallings and State Trustee W.E. "Billy" Peacock will be also be in attendance. The public and press are invited to attend.
The national organization regularly backs candidates who focus on public safety issues, according to National FOP President Chuck Canterbury. "The FOP exists to support law enforcement officers across the country," he said. "That responsibility includes working to ensure officers' needs and concerns are a priority to local, state and national officials. Johnson's public safety record is unsatisfactory, and Carter should be a refreshing change."
Carter considers public safety an issue of national security - one of her key concerns. "Our sheriff, police and fire departments are our first responders and should be treated with the respect we give our troops," she said. "These men and women serve our country and are part of our national security infrastructure. With the issues that face our great nation, we cannot afford to cut public safety jobs."
Carter, a job creator who focuses on delivering best practices and thought leadership, has 20 years of business experience. She's been noted for managing multi-million dollar business units, effectively cutting costs and increasing revenues - skills she intends to leverage in Congress.
Prior to owning her own consulting firm, she held executive-level marketing and business management positions at high technology and financial companies. Carter began her career in land development and transitioned into the world of technology at Novell before continuing in leadership positions at State Street Corporation, Sitara Networks and CheckFree Corporation.
William E. Peacock, Jr. Lodge #10, representing law enforcement officers in DeKalb County, already had voted to endorse Carter in her race against incumbent candidate Hank Johnson.
Members of the local lodge will present the donation to Carter on behalf of the national membership at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at the DeKalb Fraternal Order of Police Lodge, 1238 Ridge Ave., Stone Mountain, Ga., 30083. Georgia President of the Fraternal Order of Police Carlton Stallings and State Trustee W.E. "Billy" Peacock will be also be in attendance. The public and press are invited to attend.
The national organization regularly backs candidates who focus on public safety issues, according to National FOP President Chuck Canterbury. "The FOP exists to support law enforcement officers across the country," he said. "That responsibility includes working to ensure officers' needs and concerns are a priority to local, state and national officials. Johnson's public safety record is unsatisfactory, and Carter should be a refreshing change."
Carter considers public safety an issue of national security - one of her key concerns. "Our sheriff, police and fire departments are our first responders and should be treated with the respect we give our troops," she said. "These men and women serve our country and are part of our national security infrastructure. With the issues that face our great nation, we cannot afford to cut public safety jobs."
Carter, a job creator who focuses on delivering best practices and thought leadership, has 20 years of business experience. She's been noted for managing multi-million dollar business units, effectively cutting costs and increasing revenues - skills she intends to leverage in Congress.
Prior to owning her own consulting firm, she held executive-level marketing and business management positions at high technology and financial companies. Carter began her career in land development and transitioned into the world of technology at Novell before continuing in leadership positions at State Street Corporation, Sitara Networks and CheckFree Corporation.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Physicians Endorse Casey Cagle for Lt. Governor of Georgia
The Georgia Medical Political Action Committee (GAMPAC), which is the Medical Association of Georgia’s (MAG) political action committee, has endorsed incumbent Casey Cagle for lieutenant governor of Georgia.
“Casey Cagle is receiving widespread support from physicians for one of the most important leadership positions in the state because he has a demonstrable track record as an advocate for patients and physicians,” GAMPAC Chairman Jack M. Chapman Jr., M.D., says. “We share a common vision when it comes to addressing health care issues in that we believe in sustainable free market solutions that empower individuals.”
Dr. Chapman points out that, “Beginning in 2007, Lt. Gov. Cagle helped pass the prompt pay bill in the Senate for three years running.” He said the legislation would have required third party administrators to pay claims in a reasonable timeframe – just like traditional insurers.
And Dr. Chapman explains that while the bill did not ultimately pass out of the state House of Representatives, Lt. Gov. Cagle was also a leading advocate for the “rental network” bill (S.B. 50) – which passed the Senate by a 51-1 vote. He says the measure would have protected physicians with some additional safeguards by requiring full disclosure and transparency in the secondary health insurance payer market.
Dr. Chapman also points out that Lt. Gov. Cagle was instrumental in passing S.R. 277, which cleared the way for the electorate to vote on a $10 vehicle registration fee on November 2 to raise some $80 million in dedicated funds for trauma care each year. (Go to www.yes2savelives.com for additional information.)
“The bottom line is that Lt. Gov. Cagle has supported a number of bills that protect patients and that would enhance the practice environment in the state, measures that would reduce the administrative burden on physicians, and measures that ensure that physicians are paid in a timely and accurate way,” Dr. Chapman says. “This ultimately goes to the quality of life in the state because the better the practice environment we have in Georgia, the more physicians we’ll have to care for patients.”
GAMPAC is encouraging patients and physicians to visit www.caseycagle.com for additional information and to support Cagle with a campaign contribution.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
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www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
“Casey Cagle is receiving widespread support from physicians for one of the most important leadership positions in the state because he has a demonstrable track record as an advocate for patients and physicians,” GAMPAC Chairman Jack M. Chapman Jr., M.D., says. “We share a common vision when it comes to addressing health care issues in that we believe in sustainable free market solutions that empower individuals.”
Dr. Chapman points out that, “Beginning in 2007, Lt. Gov. Cagle helped pass the prompt pay bill in the Senate for three years running.” He said the legislation would have required third party administrators to pay claims in a reasonable timeframe – just like traditional insurers.
And Dr. Chapman explains that while the bill did not ultimately pass out of the state House of Representatives, Lt. Gov. Cagle was also a leading advocate for the “rental network” bill (S.B. 50) – which passed the Senate by a 51-1 vote. He says the measure would have protected physicians with some additional safeguards by requiring full disclosure and transparency in the secondary health insurance payer market.
Dr. Chapman also points out that Lt. Gov. Cagle was instrumental in passing S.R. 277, which cleared the way for the electorate to vote on a $10 vehicle registration fee on November 2 to raise some $80 million in dedicated funds for trauma care each year. (Go to www.yes2savelives.com for additional information.)
“The bottom line is that Lt. Gov. Cagle has supported a number of bills that protect patients and that would enhance the practice environment in the state, measures that would reduce the administrative burden on physicians, and measures that ensure that physicians are paid in a timely and accurate way,” Dr. Chapman says. “This ultimately goes to the quality of life in the state because the better the practice environment we have in Georgia, the more physicians we’ll have to care for patients.”
GAMPAC is encouraging patients and physicians to visit www.caseycagle.com for additional information and to support Cagle with a campaign contribution.
---
Community News You Can Use
Click to read MORE news:
www.GeorgiaFrontPage.com
Twitter: @gafrontpage & @TheGATable @HookedonHistory
www.ArtsAcrossGeorgia.com
Twitter: @artsacrossga, @softnblue, @RimbomboAAG
www.FayetteFrontPage.com
Twitter: @FayetteFP
Friday, September 24, 2010
Deal stakes out differences on Ga. 400
Republican nominee for governor Nathan Deal disagrees with today's decision to extend Ga. 400 tolls until 2020.
"Ga. 400 commuters are also taxpayers like all other drivers in our state, and I don't think it's fair to continue to single them out for this daily fee," Deal said. "It's certainly true that this corridor has undergone explosive growth in the past 20 years, but so have many other corridors in the metro Atlanta area.
"In these tight budget times, we must consider all options for improving mobility in metro Atlanta and throughout the rest of the state. Tolls will play a role in how we fund needed expansions in highway capacity. Georgians will only support that option if we keep our promises. The state said it would end the tolls when the bonds were paid. I said this summer that the tolls should end when the bonds are paid off next year, and I believe that would have been the best path to take."
Barnes' sordid record on Ga. 400
While Nathan Deal sides with Ga. 400 commuters, Democrat Roy Barnes should add north Fulton and Forsyth County to his "2010 Apology Tour."
In 2002, Barnes took $10.4 million from Ga. 400 toll funds and bought 6.8 acre tract of land at Atlantic Station - a price that state officials determined was THREE times the land's appraised value. That parcel of land still sits vacant today at Atlantic Station.
Ga. 400 toll money was supposed to be used only for building and improvements in that corridor. Barnes' toll authority director quietly changed the rules so that the money could be used for other projects - but the Atlantic Station property purchase was the only other use of the money. Barnes' toll authority director, Jim Croy, added to the deception in an April 2, 2002, AJC piece by acknowledging the Ga. 400 agreement had been changed but that "there have been no changes, nor are there any currently planned, as to how Ga. 400 tolls will be spent." The AJC pointed out on Sept. 30, 2002, that $10.4 million HAD ALREADY BEEN DIVERTED for the property purchase at that point.
A state inspector general's report released in April 2003 showed that Barnes paid $6.7 million too much for the property. ("$10 million in tolls for $3 million land - Inspector suggests Ga. 400 revenue misused," AJC, 4-22-2003). The IG called the purchase a "questionable use of state funds without documented due diligence." A Georgia Department of Transportation appraisal THREE MONTHS before the purchase placed the value of the land at $3.7 million.
According to the same AJC article cited above: "A deputy attorney general said state lawyers working with the authority believed the transaction was conceived and expedited because Atlantic Station developers were experiencing cash flow problems and needed money to bridge the gap."
The project's co-developer was Jim Jacoby, a major donor to Barnes. Jacoby Development gave $10,000 to Barnes' campaign in November 2001.
The next toll authority director, John Leonard, said after the IG's report: "It's disappointing. It's embarrassing, and we're going to make sure it never happens again."
"Ga. 400 commuters are also taxpayers like all other drivers in our state, and I don't think it's fair to continue to single them out for this daily fee," Deal said. "It's certainly true that this corridor has undergone explosive growth in the past 20 years, but so have many other corridors in the metro Atlanta area.
"In these tight budget times, we must consider all options for improving mobility in metro Atlanta and throughout the rest of the state. Tolls will play a role in how we fund needed expansions in highway capacity. Georgians will only support that option if we keep our promises. The state said it would end the tolls when the bonds were paid. I said this summer that the tolls should end when the bonds are paid off next year, and I believe that would have been the best path to take."
Barnes' sordid record on Ga. 400
While Nathan Deal sides with Ga. 400 commuters, Democrat Roy Barnes should add north Fulton and Forsyth County to his "2010 Apology Tour."
In 2002, Barnes took $10.4 million from Ga. 400 toll funds and bought 6.8 acre tract of land at Atlantic Station - a price that state officials determined was THREE times the land's appraised value. That parcel of land still sits vacant today at Atlantic Station.
Ga. 400 toll money was supposed to be used only for building and improvements in that corridor. Barnes' toll authority director quietly changed the rules so that the money could be used for other projects - but the Atlantic Station property purchase was the only other use of the money. Barnes' toll authority director, Jim Croy, added to the deception in an April 2, 2002, AJC piece by acknowledging the Ga. 400 agreement had been changed but that "there have been no changes, nor are there any currently planned, as to how Ga. 400 tolls will be spent." The AJC pointed out on Sept. 30, 2002, that $10.4 million HAD ALREADY BEEN DIVERTED for the property purchase at that point.
A state inspector general's report released in April 2003 showed that Barnes paid $6.7 million too much for the property. ("$10 million in tolls for $3 million land - Inspector suggests Ga. 400 revenue misused," AJC, 4-22-2003). The IG called the purchase a "questionable use of state funds without documented due diligence." A Georgia Department of Transportation appraisal THREE MONTHS before the purchase placed the value of the land at $3.7 million.
According to the same AJC article cited above: "A deputy attorney general said state lawyers working with the authority believed the transaction was conceived and expedited because Atlantic Station developers were experiencing cash flow problems and needed money to bridge the gap."
The project's co-developer was Jim Jacoby, a major donor to Barnes. Jacoby Development gave $10,000 to Barnes' campaign in November 2001.
The next toll authority director, John Leonard, said after the IG's report: "It's disappointing. It's embarrassing, and we're going to make sure it never happens again."
Thursday, September 23, 2010
First Student-Led Gubernatorial Debate to be Aired Live on GPB Oct 3rd
In an effort to increase voter participation among college students, student leaders from universities across the State of Georgia have planned a gubernatorial debate between the three candidates in the Governor’s race: Roy Barnes (D), Nathan Deal (R), and John Monds (I). All three candidates have confirmed to participate in the live debate on Sunday, October 3rd from 78pm on Georgia Public Broadcasting, located on Fourteenth Street in Atlanta. The debate will focus on issues pertinent to voters aged 18‐30, including the economy, transportation, taxes, higher education, and energy policy.
Students will have the opportunity to pose questions to the candidates via the debate website www.gastudentvote.com. Questions will be selected from that website and used during the debate. The interactive and web‐based nature of the debate makes it truly unique and helps students connect with the election cycle in ways previously unexplored or underutilized. In addition to the debate, universities will hold voter registration drives on their campuses and promote active participation in the various statewide and federal races.
The studio audience will be principally comprised of students representing various universities and colleges throughout Georgia. The studio can accommodate 250 audience members. School administrators and the Board of Regents have been invited to attend, as well. All universities are invited to attend the debate and submit questions for the candidates. In addition to a student audience, each university is encouraged to host its own live viewing party on campus, especially to accommodate the schools who located too far to attend the debate. Debate watching parties will increase total audience size and participation throughout the state.
The debate has primarily been organized by the Student Government Association of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, the student governments from the University of Georgia, Georgia College and State University, and Morehouse College have chosen to participate as principal partner schools and will each have a student panelist asking questions to the candidates during the debate. Susan Hoffman, a GPB host and producer, will be the moderator for the debate. Her fifteen years of experience with GPB brings additional expertise and guidance. GPB has been an excellent process throughout the entire planning process, and broadcasting the debate live on their network will greatly increase the scope of this debate.
Students will have the opportunity to pose questions to the candidates via the debate website www.gastudentvote.com. Questions will be selected from that website and used during the debate. The interactive and web‐based nature of the debate makes it truly unique and helps students connect with the election cycle in ways previously unexplored or underutilized. In addition to the debate, universities will hold voter registration drives on their campuses and promote active participation in the various statewide and federal races.
The studio audience will be principally comprised of students representing various universities and colleges throughout Georgia. The studio can accommodate 250 audience members. School administrators and the Board of Regents have been invited to attend, as well. All universities are invited to attend the debate and submit questions for the candidates. In addition to a student audience, each university is encouraged to host its own live viewing party on campus, especially to accommodate the schools who located too far to attend the debate. Debate watching parties will increase total audience size and participation throughout the state.
The debate has primarily been organized by the Student Government Association of the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, the student governments from the University of Georgia, Georgia College and State University, and Morehouse College have chosen to participate as principal partner schools and will each have a student panelist asking questions to the candidates during the debate. Susan Hoffman, a GPB host and producer, will be the moderator for the debate. Her fifteen years of experience with GPB brings additional expertise and guidance. GPB has been an excellent process throughout the entire planning process, and broadcasting the debate live on their network will greatly increase the scope of this debate.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
PSC candidate Echols to speak at “Farm of the Future” on Monday
On Monday, September 20th, PSC Candidate Tim Echols will join PSC Chairman Bubba McDonald at Haven Farms at 628 Battle Road in Calhoun, Georgia for a “flip switching” ceremony at one of the largest solar farms in the state of Georgia. The ceremony will be at 12:30pm followed by a BBQ lunch.
“The Grogan Family with their 440 ground-mounted solar panels are helping themselves, their poultry farm, and the environment,” said Tim Echols. “North Carolina has created over 10,000 jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and Georgia should follow their lead.”
Echols said that solar is part of the solution for national energy independence and energy security because becoming energy independent is required in order to have economic security.
“Solar works great in our state and it is creating a significant number of jobs and economic development,” said Echols. “Georgia has the ingredients to be a leader in Solar and Cleantech development with GA Tech, The Technical College Network, The Port in Savannah, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, I-85, I-95 and I-75.”
Echols, the GOP nominee for the open seat on the Public Service Commission, won both the primary and primary run-off for the Republican party. He has conducted his “town hall” style meetings across Georgia discussing Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light’s rate increase cases. Other forum items include discussion on alternative energy sources and the two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle.
“Vogtle’s construction of the two new reactors will be a huge economic boost for Georgia,” said Echols. “It will be my job to try to make sure Ga. Power and their partners stay on budget.”
“One of the primary jobs of a good Public Service Commissioner is to make sure to balance consumers expectations to keep rates low with the need for utilities to recover their operating costs,” said Echols. “With the heat wave this summer, Georgia Power has certainly had a windfall in profit, and their rate increase request needs to be adjusted.”
“The PSC is the gatekeeper and makes sure the energy providers, phone companies and others regulated entities are held accountable,” said Echols. “I intend to ask the hard questions to these companies and make sure consumers are protected.”
Echols said that serving on the Public Service Commission is an incredibly complex job with a mountain of data that has to be analyzed before any hearing—a challenge he looks forward to. “The action of the PSC impacts your electric, gas and phone bill,” said Echols. “Voters can count on me to scrutinize all rate requests before the Commission.”
Echols has spent the last 15 years at the Georgia Capitol training young people and their parents on how the legislative process works. “Being involved in training others in how to impact public policy has prepared me for this position.”
Tim Echols has been married to Windy Davis Echols of Roswell 27 years and they have seven children ranging from a 21 year old to a 10 year old. Echols has three degrees from the University of Georgia. He is the author of the book "Real Citizenship," a primer on grassroots political activism. The book is available on Amazon. Echols has been active in GOP politics assisting candidates all over the country. He grew up in Clayton County and attended public schools there before attending the University of Georgia.
After the Calhoun event, Echols will speak at the Fannin County GOP meeting in Blue Ridge, held at 440 W. First Street, Blue Ridge, GA at 7pm.
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“The Grogan Family with their 440 ground-mounted solar panels are helping themselves, their poultry farm, and the environment,” said Tim Echols. “North Carolina has created over 10,000 jobs in energy efficiency and renewable energy, and Georgia should follow their lead.”
Echols said that solar is part of the solution for national energy independence and energy security because becoming energy independent is required in order to have economic security.
“Solar works great in our state and it is creating a significant number of jobs and economic development,” said Echols. “Georgia has the ingredients to be a leader in Solar and Cleantech development with GA Tech, The Technical College Network, The Port in Savannah, Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, I-85, I-95 and I-75.”
Echols, the GOP nominee for the open seat on the Public Service Commission, won both the primary and primary run-off for the Republican party. He has conducted his “town hall” style meetings across Georgia discussing Georgia Power and Atlanta Gas Light’s rate increase cases. Other forum items include discussion on alternative energy sources and the two new nuclear reactors at Plant Vogtle.
“Vogtle’s construction of the two new reactors will be a huge economic boost for Georgia,” said Echols. “It will be my job to try to make sure Ga. Power and their partners stay on budget.”
“One of the primary jobs of a good Public Service Commissioner is to make sure to balance consumers expectations to keep rates low with the need for utilities to recover their operating costs,” said Echols. “With the heat wave this summer, Georgia Power has certainly had a windfall in profit, and their rate increase request needs to be adjusted.”
“The PSC is the gatekeeper and makes sure the energy providers, phone companies and others regulated entities are held accountable,” said Echols. “I intend to ask the hard questions to these companies and make sure consumers are protected.”
Echols said that serving on the Public Service Commission is an incredibly complex job with a mountain of data that has to be analyzed before any hearing—a challenge he looks forward to. “The action of the PSC impacts your electric, gas and phone bill,” said Echols. “Voters can count on me to scrutinize all rate requests before the Commission.”
Echols has spent the last 15 years at the Georgia Capitol training young people and their parents on how the legislative process works. “Being involved in training others in how to impact public policy has prepared me for this position.”
Tim Echols has been married to Windy Davis Echols of Roswell 27 years and they have seven children ranging from a 21 year old to a 10 year old. Echols has three degrees from the University of Georgia. He is the author of the book "Real Citizenship," a primer on grassroots political activism. The book is available on Amazon. Echols has been active in GOP politics assisting candidates all over the country. He grew up in Clayton County and attended public schools there before attending the University of Georgia.
After the Calhoun event, Echols will speak at the Fannin County GOP meeting in Blue Ridge, held at 440 W. First Street, Blue Ridge, GA at 7pm.
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Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Gary Black: Spend School Lunch Dollars on Georgia Grown Produce
Partnership with Education Department Would Result in Fresh Local Foods for Kids, Expanded Markets for GA Farmers
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner candidate Gary Black today called for a partnership with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) to increase the use of fresh, local produce in Georgia's school lunch program. He said he has met with Republican State School Superintendent candidate John Barge to begin discussions to implement such a plan.
"Georgia educators and school nutritionists want to provide top quality fresh food to their students and we will give them the tools to do just that," Black said today. "We can buy healthy, locally-grown produce through our school lunch program which is good for the students, good for the farmers and good for Georgia's economy."
Black said that he will work with the School Superintendent and local school systems to identify seasonal needs of schools and match them with local growers who can fulfill those needs and increase on-site preparation of Georgia-grown products. "Local leaders know best what is best for their communities. But I believe state leaders of agriculture and education can be of service by partnering to address the in-school nutrition needs of Georgia students," Black said.
He also said that highlighting individual school nutrition success stories will provide a blueprint to best practices that all schools can look to. "Cobb County and Decatur City Schools have initiated creative farm to school programs that deserve recognition. Teaming Georgia farmers, school nutrition professionals and parents together promises to yield positive, sustainable results we can all be proud of," Black said.
According to the GaDOE, 74% of Georgia's public school students eat school lunches -- including 1.2 million servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
"Georgia Grown carrots and strawberries are better for our kids and for our economy than potatoes grown and frozen in Idaho any day of the week," Black said.
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Georgia Agriculture Commissioner candidate Gary Black today called for a partnership with the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) to increase the use of fresh, local produce in Georgia's school lunch program. He said he has met with Republican State School Superintendent candidate John Barge to begin discussions to implement such a plan.
"Georgia educators and school nutritionists want to provide top quality fresh food to their students and we will give them the tools to do just that," Black said today. "We can buy healthy, locally-grown produce through our school lunch program which is good for the students, good for the farmers and good for Georgia's economy."
Black said that he will work with the School Superintendent and local school systems to identify seasonal needs of schools and match them with local growers who can fulfill those needs and increase on-site preparation of Georgia-grown products. "Local leaders know best what is best for their communities. But I believe state leaders of agriculture and education can be of service by partnering to address the in-school nutrition needs of Georgia students," Black said.
He also said that highlighting individual school nutrition success stories will provide a blueprint to best practices that all schools can look to. "Cobb County and Decatur City Schools have initiated creative farm to school programs that deserve recognition. Teaming Georgia farmers, school nutrition professionals and parents together promises to yield positive, sustainable results we can all be proud of," Black said.
According to the GaDOE, 74% of Georgia's public school students eat school lunches -- including 1.2 million servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
"Georgia Grown carrots and strawberries are better for our kids and for our economy than potatoes grown and frozen in Idaho any day of the week," Black said.
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Monday, September 13, 2010
Physicians Endorse Deal for Governor of Georgia
The Georgia Medical Political Action Committee (GAMPAC), which is the Medical Association of Georgia’s (MAG) political action committee, has endorsed Nathan Deal in the gubernatorial race in Georgia.
“Nathan Deal truly understands the issues that affect physicians the most, including tort reform and insurance reform and Medicaid funding,” says GAMPAC Chairman Jack M. Chapman Jr., M.D. “He’s earned his reputation as an intellectual champion for patients and physicians in Georgia based on his actions, and he has an articulate vision for health care in this state.”
When it comes to noteworthy action, Dr. Chapman points out that Deal opposed the Clinton administration’s health reform proposal – and he says the Republican candidate led the fight against the recently-enacted national health reform law in his role as the leading Republican of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
“In his role as governor, we are confident that Nathan Deal will take steps to mitigate the effects of the new federal health care law at the state level in the legal and legislative advocacy arenas,” Dr. Chapman says. “He knows that this new law can’t possibly be sustained from a financial standpoint, and he understands it’s given far too much power to the federal government when it comes to individual medical decisions.”
MAG recognized Deal with the James A. Kaufmann Award for outstanding government service in 1998, while the American Medical Association gave him the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service in 2009.
“In the same way you build a house, Nathan Deal has built his reputation as an effective and trustworthy advocate for both physicians and patients in Georgia,” concludes Dr. Chapman. “That means day-after-day, one brick at a time.”
GAMPAC is encouraging patients and physicians to visit www.nathandeal.org for additional information and to support Deal with a campaign contribution.
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“Nathan Deal truly understands the issues that affect physicians the most, including tort reform and insurance reform and Medicaid funding,” says GAMPAC Chairman Jack M. Chapman Jr., M.D. “He’s earned his reputation as an intellectual champion for patients and physicians in Georgia based on his actions, and he has an articulate vision for health care in this state.”
When it comes to noteworthy action, Dr. Chapman points out that Deal opposed the Clinton administration’s health reform proposal – and he says the Republican candidate led the fight against the recently-enacted national health reform law in his role as the leading Republican of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health.
“In his role as governor, we are confident that Nathan Deal will take steps to mitigate the effects of the new federal health care law at the state level in the legal and legislative advocacy arenas,” Dr. Chapman says. “He knows that this new law can’t possibly be sustained from a financial standpoint, and he understands it’s given far too much power to the federal government when it comes to individual medical decisions.”
MAG recognized Deal with the James A. Kaufmann Award for outstanding government service in 1998, while the American Medical Association gave him the Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service in 2009.
“In the same way you build a house, Nathan Deal has built his reputation as an effective and trustworthy advocate for both physicians and patients in Georgia,” concludes Dr. Chapman. “That means day-after-day, one brick at a time.”
GAMPAC is encouraging patients and physicians to visit www.nathandeal.org for additional information and to support Deal with a campaign contribution.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Secretary of State Brian Kemp Certifies General Primary Run-off Election Results
Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today certified the results for the August 10, 2010 General Primary Run-off Elections. The certified results of state and federal races can be found on the Secretary of State’s website: http://sos.georgia.gov/elections.
In certifying the results, Secretary of State Kemp affirmed that all counties have provided to the state the total votes tabulated for each candidate. Further, Secretary of State Kemp affirms that the returns are a true and correct tabulation of the certified returns received by this office from each county.
Additionally, with the certification, the time period for a candidate for state office to request a recount begins. Certification does not preclude the state from continuing any current investigations related to the General Primary Run-off or from pursuing any future allegations that may arise from the election.
Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
In certifying the results, Secretary of State Kemp affirmed that all counties have provided to the state the total votes tabulated for each candidate. Further, Secretary of State Kemp affirms that the returns are a true and correct tabulation of the certified returns received by this office from each county.
Additionally, with the certification, the time period for a candidate for state office to request a recount begins. Certification does not preclude the state from continuing any current investigations related to the General Primary Run-off or from pursuing any future allegations that may arise from the election.
Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
FreedomWorks PAC Gains Key Victories in “Super Tuesday” Elections
(BUSINESS WIRE)--The hard work and dedication of FreedomWorks PAC activists were rewarded at the close of a nationwide series of primary, run-off, and special elections held yesterday, June 8th. Two key conservative victories in Nevada and Georgia will be sure to advance FreedomWorks PAC’s ambitious “Take America Back in 2010” campaign agenda.
“It is so exciting to see a new generation of conservative leaders emerge in the ongoing fight for small government, lower taxes and more individual freedom”
In the Nevada Republican Senate primary, FreedomWorks PAC joined the likes of other national conservative groups including Club for Growth, Tea Party Express, and Jim DeMint’s Senate Conservatives Fund, to propel small-government conservative Sharron Angle to a landslide victory with 40.1 percent of the 3-way vote.
Angle earned a “Champion of Freedom” endorsement from FreedomWorks PAC for her strong commitment to limited government, and will take on one –if not the biggest- target for the conservative movement this fall: Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Meanwhile, FreedomWorks PAC was also heavily engaged in yesterday’s special election to fill Georgia’s 9th Congressional District seat, supporting State Representative and longtime FreedomWorks ally Tom Graves. When all was said and done, Graves cruised to victory thanks to his campaign’s strict, limited government, fiscally conservative message and the hard work of FreedomWorks Georgia activists who engaged in “Get Out The Vote” (GOTV) phone calls and door-to-door literature drops on his behalf.
Graves won an impressive 12 out of 15 counties in the northern Georgia District, with 56 percent of the overall vote.
“It is so exciting to see a new generation of conservative leaders emerge in the ongoing fight for small government, lower taxes and more individual freedom,” commented Dick Armey, Chairman of FreedomWorks PAC. “Tom Graves and Sharron Angle have the principles and the promise necessary to defeat the culture of corruption in Washington and to take back the conservative majority in 2010.”
In addition to yesterday’s gains, FreedomWorks PAC has enjoyed success in other key early electoral contests. In Senate primary races in Kentucky and Pennsylvania, FreedomWorks PAC endorsed “Champions of Freedom” Rand Paul and Pat Toomey, who both won outright and easily. In Utah, PAC efforts played a significant role in ousting the long time big-government apologist Senator Bob Bennett, and advancing PAC endorsed candidate Mike Lee to a run-off election on June 22.
To continue the momentum this election cycle, FreedomWorks PAC has begun to mobilize for aggressive GOTV campaigns in House and Senate races all over the country. Campaign efforts will include volunteer phone banks, district door-to-door walks, and 72 hour teams that will ensure success for the true conservative Champions of Freedom, and defeat for those candidates that most threaten the limited government agenda.
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“It is so exciting to see a new generation of conservative leaders emerge in the ongoing fight for small government, lower taxes and more individual freedom”
In the Nevada Republican Senate primary, FreedomWorks PAC joined the likes of other national conservative groups including Club for Growth, Tea Party Express, and Jim DeMint’s Senate Conservatives Fund, to propel small-government conservative Sharron Angle to a landslide victory with 40.1 percent of the 3-way vote.
Angle earned a “Champion of Freedom” endorsement from FreedomWorks PAC for her strong commitment to limited government, and will take on one –if not the biggest- target for the conservative movement this fall: Democrat Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
Meanwhile, FreedomWorks PAC was also heavily engaged in yesterday’s special election to fill Georgia’s 9th Congressional District seat, supporting State Representative and longtime FreedomWorks ally Tom Graves. When all was said and done, Graves cruised to victory thanks to his campaign’s strict, limited government, fiscally conservative message and the hard work of FreedomWorks Georgia activists who engaged in “Get Out The Vote” (GOTV) phone calls and door-to-door literature drops on his behalf.
Graves won an impressive 12 out of 15 counties in the northern Georgia District, with 56 percent of the overall vote.
“It is so exciting to see a new generation of conservative leaders emerge in the ongoing fight for small government, lower taxes and more individual freedom,” commented Dick Armey, Chairman of FreedomWorks PAC. “Tom Graves and Sharron Angle have the principles and the promise necessary to defeat the culture of corruption in Washington and to take back the conservative majority in 2010.”
In addition to yesterday’s gains, FreedomWorks PAC has enjoyed success in other key early electoral contests. In Senate primary races in Kentucky and Pennsylvania, FreedomWorks PAC endorsed “Champions of Freedom” Rand Paul and Pat Toomey, who both won outright and easily. In Utah, PAC efforts played a significant role in ousting the long time big-government apologist Senator Bob Bennett, and advancing PAC endorsed candidate Mike Lee to a run-off election on June 22.
To continue the momentum this election cycle, FreedomWorks PAC has begun to mobilize for aggressive GOTV campaigns in House and Senate races all over the country. Campaign efforts will include volunteer phone banks, district door-to-door walks, and 72 hour teams that will ensure success for the true conservative Champions of Freedom, and defeat for those candidates that most threaten the limited government agenda.
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Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Superintendent Kathy Cox Qualifies for Re-Election
Superintendent Kathy Cox officially qualified to run for re-election as Georgia’s Superintendent of Schools.
“I am very excited with the opportunity to continue to serve the children our great state for the next four years.” Superintendent Cox stated. “I am honored by the support I have received over the past eight years as the Superintendent and look forward to continuing to campaign throughout Georgia over the coming months. Thanks to the dedication of our teachers, students and parents we have made marked progress statewide and they inspire me daily to stay focused on our mission of improving student achievement.”
Kathy is currently finishing her second term as Georgia’s State School Superintendent. During her tenure, Kathy has visited over 700 schools and every school system in Georgia. She started her public service as an award winning classroom teacher and has also previously served two terms in the Georgia State House of Representatives. She and her husband live in Peachtree City and are the proud parents of two sons, John, 19, and Alex, 16. The Cox family remains active in the community and attends Peachtree City United Methodist Church.
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“I am very excited with the opportunity to continue to serve the children our great state for the next four years.” Superintendent Cox stated. “I am honored by the support I have received over the past eight years as the Superintendent and look forward to continuing to campaign throughout Georgia over the coming months. Thanks to the dedication of our teachers, students and parents we have made marked progress statewide and they inspire me daily to stay focused on our mission of improving student achievement.”
Kathy is currently finishing her second term as Georgia’s State School Superintendent. During her tenure, Kathy has visited over 700 schools and every school system in Georgia. She started her public service as an award winning classroom teacher and has also previously served two terms in the Georgia State House of Representatives. She and her husband live in Peachtree City and are the proud parents of two sons, John, 19, and Alex, 16. The Cox family remains active in the community and attends Peachtree City United Methodist Church.
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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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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.
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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.
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.
---
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/
---
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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