Oct 9 Mon Last day to register to vote in the Nov 6 general election

Oct 15 Mon Advance (in person) voting starts

Oct 26-27 Ludwig Von Mises Institute 30th Anniversary Celebration, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain. www.mises.org

Oct 27 Sat Early voting

Nov 6 Tue ELECTION DAY

Nov 9-11 Fri-Sun Ga Literary Festival, Golden Isles

Dec 1 Sat 1:00-5:00 pm Magnolia Garden Club 4th Annual Historic Christmas Tour http://mgcbrunswickga.blogspot.com

2013

May 17 and 18, 2013, State GOP Convention in Athens, GA

Tuesday, November 30, 2010


And Vote Chris McFadden for Court of Appeals

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Republicans make historic gains

Check out the National Conference of State Legislatures for the news on historic gains in state legislatures.
For example:
  • “Republicans have added over 675 seats to their ranks in this election, dramatically surpassing 1994 gains.
  • The chamber switches thus far are all Democratic to Republican except for Montana House which was tied and is now Republican, and the Oregon House which was Democratic and is now tied. …
  • This is the first time in Alabama that Republicans have controlled the legislature since reconstruction.
  • The North Carolina Senate has not been Republican since 1870.
  • And Republicans have reportedly taken over 100 seats in the New Hampshire House.
  • For the first time in history, the Minnesota Senate will be controlled by the GOP.”
See more http://www.ncsl.org/tabid/21253/default.aspx

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Vote TODAY for Mary Helen Moses for Superior Court - call your friends


Dear friends, if you haven't voted yet, please vote TODAY for Mary Helen Moses for Superior Court Judge.
If you HAVE already voted, please call 2 or 3 people who know and trust you - in Glynn, Camden, Appling, Wayne, and Jeff Davis County and ask THEM to vote TODAY for Mary Helen Moses. Believe me, people get busy. They don't pay attention. It's not too late until the polls close at 7:00 pm - in little over 17 hours.
 
It is the MOST IMPORTANT vote I will cast today.

Glynn, Camden, Appling, Wayne, and Jeff Davis voters in the Brunswick Judicial Circuit have a RARE opportunity to vote in the FIRST contested race in 16 years and the first competitive challenger vs incumbent race in my memory.

I will vote for Mary Helen Moses for Superior Court Judge because I like that she (1) advocates open and modern court processes for the legal community and the public; (2) stresses the importance of listening and applying the law vs. advocating social policy; (3) conducts herself professionally with a temperament that inspires confidence; and (4) is not involved in court transactions which may raise questions of nepotism.  I think she is objective, courageous, fair & fit for the court. (And for the record she is a conservative Republican)

If you know Judge Williams from 10, 20, or 30 years ago you might be mystified at the opposition to her now. You might only remember her distinguished career and first 3 or 4 terms as Superior Court Judge. Since becoming Chief Judge (due to seniority) her circuit administrative responsibilities are much larger. And approximately concurrently, she has managed the Drug Court from its inception to its daily operations. A SIXTH term is too much. It’s time for a change. Electing Mary Helen Moses to the Superior Court will allow many changes. It will make Judge Wilkes the new Chief Judge. It will allow reassignment, reorganization, and a fresh look at the court administration.

From what I've seen personally at forums; the calls and emails I am getting from attorneys, reporters, activists, and a variety of people in criminal justice; and from the advertisements I've seen in the paper, I am very concerned about the openness and appropriateness of operations in our Brunswick Circuit Superior Court in recent years. Maybe it’s just a workload and micromanagement problem. I see an "out of touch" royal incumbency after Judge Williams 20 years in office. In Judge Williams most recent tenure, I see someone:
        Insufficiently concerned about the appearance of propriety. Judge Williams says if all parties agree it's perfectly ok for her to hear cases before her attorney family members. Could it be possible that parties could be too INTIMIDATED to speak or object? Wouldn't someone concerned about abuse of power avoid even the appearance of abuse of power and nepotism? Why not simply recuse herself from any cases involving her family?
        Insufficiently concerned about the appearance of intimidation.   I do not think it’s appropriate to use the names of Sheriffs and particularly the Chief of Police in a paid political advertisement.  Of course those law enforcement individuals are citizens with the right to vote and contribute $$ as they wish. But it's too readily perceived as intimidation. Does the Judge not recognize this?
        Who doesn't seem to recognize the truth if it doesn't suit her.
Judge Williams says in a Fri Oct 29 paid advertisement regarding the jail location "I have not been involved in anything about site selection, site discussions. I have never been involved in that.”  In the Mary Helen Moses radio spot, you can hear Judge Williams words in her own voice speaking to the County Commissioners "To me it just doesn't make any sense to move this jail away from the Courthouse"
        Who must control every drug case and administer the drug court - unlike other counties where the cases rotate among judges.
        Who can't tolerate open discussion or q&a in public.
        Who uses public funds, law enforcement, and jails to enforce her vision of social good - at a more extreme level than other similar courts
        Who frightens attorneys and others into silence.

I want fresh air in the Glynn County Courthouse.
We don't get to vote on federal judges. We do get to vote at the state level. Let's take this opportunity seriously and make sure no one gets too comfortable or powerful. Call someone you know in Glynn, Camden, Wayne, Appling or Jeff Davis County. Remind them to vote for Mary Helen Moses TODAY.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Mary Helen Moses for Superior Court - fit, fair, able to take the heat, willing to air the issues

Mary Helen Moses for Superior Court - fit, fair, able to take the heat, willing to air the issues

by Karen Ross on Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 8:50pm
Brunswick Circuit of Superior Court has it's first contested race in 16 years and first competitive race in my memory.
But has the incumbent been willing to campaign in PUBLIC where she might be asked questions or where she might be seen side by side with her challenger? NO.

When asked in the Brunswick News, Judge Williams said she debated at RUPA debate.  The St. Simons Island Residents United for Planning and Action (RUPA) forum was NO debate. There were MANY candidates. Each candidate could field questions from the audience but there were no panels, moderator questions, or questions between the candidates. I'm glad for that one event; to my knowledge it is the only time they have appeared together.

Judge Williams also said she accepted an invitation to a Brunswick Kiwanis "forum" which Ms. Moses did not. It's too bad the reporter didn't ask follow-up questions. I wonder if it was in the middle of the week. Ms. Moses teaches law school out of town and is not here to campaign in the middle of the week - unlike the Judge who is available to campaign full time.
Ms. Moses preparing remarks at the Oct 23
Conservative Values Rally
in St. Mary's (photo by Melanie Spencer)
What about the many other forums and meet & greets where both were invited, both accepted, and at the last minute Judge Williams would decline and not show if she knew Ms. Moses would be there? If you doubt what I'm saying check with the Golden Isles Tea Party, Camden County Tea Party, and the sponsors of the Conservative Values Rally -- all events that Ms. Moses attended.

There are at least 3 other similar incidents I know of personally. Further Ms. Moses rented space at the library and invited Judge Williams to a debate. No show. No response.



Knowing how difficult it has been for interested voters to see the candidates side by side and knowing that some don't subscribe to the Brunswick News or don't have time to collate all the paid advertisements, I have collected the entire series of Judge Williams' 5 full page advertisements and Ms. Moses 3 advertisements. You will probably need to zoom the Moses advertisements.
See https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B9p3TJzco4oJMmYwMzk2ZTQtM2I3NS00OTg5LTkwNDAtNjVkOWMyNjZiOGQ3&hl=en


It is a large file. You will get a message that Google Docs couldn't scan it for viruses. I did scan it and there are no viruses.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Sam Olens for Attorney General

Joey Strength, Sam Olens, Charles Taylor
Sam Olens stood out in the GOP field for Attorney General - and thankfully won the nomination.
Deservedly, he has broad support across the state.

We can count on him to (1)fight Obamacare, (2)protect communities of interest in redistricting and Georgia's rights to draw district lines, and (3)continue his work with local law enforcement to enforce immigration laws. Now he needs to count on us to elect him Georgia's next attorney general in the first OPEN seat race in Georgia in 68 years.

Learn more in this 2 page summary of the office he's seeking, his background, and his commitments. https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B9p3TJzco4oJOTE2NGIzNjUtYzRlMC00MTRjLWFkZmYtM2M2YzFkMzllY2M5&hl=en

Listen to this 17 minute interview -- and if you like personal excellence, competence, personal choice and competition, local control and respect for the states, you'll love what you hear in this Oct 14 interview.
http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wabe/news.newsmain/article/418/0/1713085/WABE.Election.Coverage/WABE.Candidate.Interview..Sam.Olens..Republican.for.Georgia.Attorney.General

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Mary Helen Moses for Superior Court Judge (Brunswick Circuit)

A rare choice this year.
Glynn County and the Brunswick Judicial Circuit voters have a RARE opportunity this year to vote in a contested race for Superior Court Judge. This is the first contested Brunswick Circuit Superior Court race in 16 years and the first competitive challenger v. incumbent race in my memory.


I will vote for Mary Helen Moses for Superior Court Judge because I like that she (1) advocates open and modern court processes for the legal community and the public; (2) stresses the importance of listening and applying the law vs. advocating social policy; (3) conducts herself professionally with a temperament that inspires confidence; (4) is not involved in court transactions which may raise questions of nepotism.
 

Who are the candidates in this non-partisan race?
 

Both the incumbent and the challenger are impressive Republican women. Using Political Data Sources and Open Secrets.org, I checked primary voting records and donor reports:

  • Judge Williams regularly votes in GOP primaries. Ms. Moses voted in both 2010 GOP primaries. Neither has voted in Dem primaries. 
  • Neither has donated reportable amounts to federal political campaigns in 2006, 2008, or 2010 (according to the Center for Responsive Politics) nor to state candidates (according to Political Data Systems).
  • In addition Judge Williams was an active Glynn Republican in the 1980’s. And Ms. Moses is a member of the Golden Isles Republican Women.
     
What have I read/seen firsthand about Ms. Moses?
I first heard of Ms. Moses when she wrote to the Glynn County Commission in Jan 2010 recommending the jail expansion move to a new location – outside downtown Brunswick. And she was later the attorney in the federal lawsuit to block jail expansion in downtown Brunswick. When I met her, I saw a Southern “girl next door” woman who introduced herself “I am not a Yankee”. She has deep South Georgia roots in Vidalia, is Atlanta born, and South Carolina (Furman) and Georgia (UGA law school) educated. To those roots she added a rich career as trial attorney, mediator, and professor in NC, Washington DC; Albany NY; and here in Glynn County since 1999. She has a “preeminent” AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. She has the firm and gentle demeanor of a very nice person who happens to be a very fine and experienced lawyer and law professor.

I’ve listened and/or spoken to her at a meet and greet; 2 GOP breakfast programs which she attended (but which she was never invited to address as the program speaker); and at the Conservative Values Rally in St. Mary’s. I also questioned people I’ve known decades – people whose views I know and trust and who also have personal ties to Ms. Moses which predate any campaign. They said she was highly competent, conservative, and reputable – confirming what I’ve seen.

What have I read/seen firsthand about Judge Williams?
I first knew of Amanda Williams when she supported Mack Mattingly in his 1980 US Senate race. We’ve had a cordial acquaintance for decades. But I was away nearly 20 years and have nothing to do with the court system – unless called for jury duty – so our paths rarely cross. In August, she spoke at the Coastal Republican Women’s Club and told a very impressive story about her background, her family, and her pride in the drug court. During the Q&A session I asked her a few questions about the drug court. I was particularly interested if it could be thought of as a middle approach between “legalizing” some recreational drugs and prosecuting every offense to the fullest. She answered and elaborated on experiences around the country. The exchange seemed friendly and open.


She also was the program speaker at the October 16 GOP breakfast forum. Again her primary topic was drug court and drug court had been in the news that week so during Q&A I wanted to continue the friendly discussion. It wasn’t a good day to ask questions about the drug court or related policies. Judge Williams angrily berated me and went into a tirade “I don’t care what YOU think. You can express your opinions at the ballot box… I’ve seen how you ask questions in public and I don’t like it. Our host Kevin Gough stepped in and added that she had yelled at him far worse in court. I said “so now I’m in the club?” and the mood lightened. Q&A continued and she answered at length – apparently willingly. But when I approached her after the program in a friendly way and said I didn’t know why she was so upset about questions, she again bellowed in my face and said “I have never been so insulted in 20 years.” I said “But it’s a Public meeting. Q&A is what we do” and she suggested I should come to her office at court to ask questions. Her anger was stunning. I have attended candidate forums since I was 8 years old (that’s a LONG time) and I have never before seen a candidate react this way.


News of her outburst generated calls to me asking what happened. I was told she frequently acted this way around professionals in court but this was the first angry outburst in public. It also made me start asking others about their experiences. Some verified and some disputed the claims you can easily find in various anonymous forums. Obviously some are reluctant to speak publicly. The best I can do is rely on my own experience and findings or experiences of people I trust. Anonymous rants can’t be trusted.


Judge Williams is a super achiever; a very strong person; very dedicated to her family and her mission in life. But her passionate social advocacy and temperament do not represent the objective, analytical, dispassionate demeanor I expect in court.


This year we have a choice. It’s time for a change.


Learn more about both candidates:
 

Mary Helen Moses

  1. http://www.mosesforjudge.com/
  2. http://www.martindale.com/Mary-Helen-Moses/388425-lawyer.htm
  3. http://www.ethics.ga.gov/Reports/Campaign/Campaign_ByContributions_RFR.aspx?NameID=7141&FilerID=C2010000437&CDRID=29428&Name=Moses,%20Mary%20Helen&Year=2010&Report=September%2030th%20-%20Election%20Year – (Sept 30 – contributors)
  4. http://www.ethics.ga.gov/Reports/Campaign/Campaign_Name.aspx?NameID=7141&FilerID=C2010000437&Type=candidate (all reports)
Judge Amanda Williams (Incumbent)

  1. http://www.reelectamandawilliams.com/
  2. http://www.martindale.com/Amanda-F-Williams/874141-lawyer.htm
  3. http://www.ethics.ga.gov/Reports/Campaign/Campaign_ByContributions_RFR.aspx?NameID=1111&FilerID=C2006000460&CDRID=29000&Name=Williams,%20Amanda%20F.&Year=2010&Report=September%2030th%20-%20Election%20Year (Sept 30 – contributors)
  4. http://www.ethics.ga.gov/Reports/Campaign/Campaign_Name.aspx?NameID=1111&FilerID=C2006000460&Type=candidate (all reports)

Objective sources about this race:
  1. Court judge faces first challenge since 1994
    http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-10-24/story/superior-court-judge-faces-first-challenge-1994
  2. RUPA video Sept 20
    http://ournetnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=910&Itemid=84
  3. League of Women's Voters survey
    http://www12.thevoterguide.org/v/ajc10/race-detail.do?id=196623570&sfr=1287957286387

 
 

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Golden Isles Republican Women get Grand Slam

Golden Isles Republican Women, chaired by Ruby Robinson,  hosted Voter Registration at the college two days this week. Congratulations ladies on the front page news. And thank you for a double good deed  -  Voter Registration at the College! (Photo from Sept 16, 2010 Brunswick News front page)

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Georgia Council on Tax Fairness for Georgians - coming VERY SOON to Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta, Macon, Rome, and Gainesville

It's time to pay attention to the Special Council on Tax Fairness for Georgians. If you want to abolish the Georgia Income Tax or abolish (or protect) any of the hundreds of sales tax exemptions in Ga - now is the time to speak up and to also study the proposals.

Hearings are being held the rest of the year in Atlanta.
In addition there are "fact finding" meetings being held around the state August 30 through Sep 9 in Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta, Macon, Rome, and Gainesville

The Special Council on Tax Fairness for Georgians was established pursuant to OCGA 28-12-2 (HB1405) to "conduct a thorough study of the state's current revenue structure and make a report of its findings and recommendations for legislation to the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor no later than January 10, 2011.

Scheduled Meetings
Aug 30 Mon Fact Finding Session, Augusta Doubletree Hotel, Master’s Ballroom (706) 855-8100
Aug 31 Tue Fact Finding Session Savannah – Coastal Georgia Center, Auditorium (912) 651-2005
Sep 1 Wed Fact Finding Session Valdosta – Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, (229) 333-2100
Sep 2 Thu Fact Finding Session Macon – Macon State College, (478) 471-2700
Sep 7 Tue Fact Finding Session Rome – Forum Civic Center (706) 291-5281
Sep 8 Wed 1:00 - 5:00 Meeting, Blue Room, Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, ATL
Sep 9 Thu Fact Finding Session–Gainesville – Gainesville State College (678) 717-3639
Sep 29 Wed 1:00 - 5:00 Meeting, Floyd Room, Twin Towers
Nov 3 Wed 1:00 - 5:00 Meeting, Blue Room, Georgia Railroad Freight Depot
Dec 1 Wed 1:00 - 5:00 Meeting, Blue Room, Georgia Railroad Freight Depot

Thursday, August 26, 2010

"Gravity applies in Camden" by Gloria Burns

Thanks to Gloria Burns for the following which she distributed earlier this week and allowed me to post. She can be contacted at gloriaburns@comcast.net

A stark contrast...

Here in Glynn County, the District paid students who failed or scored low on the high school graduation test to retake it in the summer with cold, hard cash... rewarding failure.

Also, at Glynn Academy, students with a discipline history or potential behavior problems are rewarded with tokens for good behavior (such as dying a mohawk red to show school spirit) that allows them to enter an annual drawing for a motor scooter. On the other hand, students at the same school taking AP classes, making straight A's and getting perfect attendance with no discipline referrals do not get tokens for a chance to win the scooter.

Anyone out there actually have a job in which failure gets you a bonus?

Meanwhile, in neighboring Camden County Schools, they are rewarding academic achievement and the students who aim higher.

Which life lesson do you want your children and grandchildren to learn?
(And where did the money to pay the Glynn students come from?)

Camden dangles car keys to motivate students to pass AP classes, Aug 9, 2010
Passing classes makes them eligible to win prizes at year's end.

By Gordon Jackson

KINGSLAND - Brittni May has demonstrated she is capable of learning challenging class work.

But before she leaves this month for New York and her freshman year at Columbia University, the 18-year-old Kingsland resident is going to have to learn to do something she never thought she would - drive a stick shift.

She won a 2004 Hyundai sedan with a manual transmission at a drawing at Camden County High School on Monday morning. She was among 280 students who passed challenging advanced placement classes last year, making her eligible to win the car. That was the top prize. Others won laptop computers, gift certificates for chain fast food and other consolation prizes.

"The whole time, I knew I wouldn't win the car," she said. "I though I might win a laptop, if I was lucky."

For the past three years, every Camden County High student who passed advanced placement classes was entered in a drawing for a reliable used car and other prizes. The drawing is an added incentive for students to enroll in the classes, said Heath Heron, assistant principal and an advanced placement coordinator.

"It rewards kids for taking such a rigorous course load," he said. "We try to encourage as many kids as possible to take advanced placement classes."

Read more at http://jacksonville.com/news/georgia/2010-08-09/story/camden-dangles-car-keys-motivate-students-pass-ap-classes
gordon.jackson@jacksonville.com, (912) 729-3672

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Shaw McVeigh for HD 179

I wholeheartedly support Shaw McVeigh for HD 179 in the GOP primary runoff. Shaw has received prestigious awards from many Glynn County organizations -- including the Boy Scouts, the Glynn GOP, the Kiwanis, and as a recipient of the Emory Dawson Humanitarian Award given by the Elks Lodge. Many people can and have testified repeatedly to his character, ability, experience, and commitment to better government and strong businesses in Glynn County.

Locally he has the endorsement of former US Senator and Georgia Ports Authority chairman Mack Mattingly. Most recently he was endorsed by Cap Fendig who came in 3rd in the 4 man July 20 primary. 
He wins the support of these organizations and individuals because they know they can trust Shaw and he has the desire and ability to serve Glynn County again.

In addition to being awed by his experience and generosity and comfortable discussing any issue with him, I support him for very specific reasons:
  1. He has legislative and county government experience. Glynn County is losing two important legislators - State Senator Jeff Chapman and House Majority Leader Jerry Keen. Having served previously in the state legislature, Shaw will have a head start. When we lose our House Majority Leader, we don't want to go to the back of the pack.
  2. He has been in the private sector his entire adult career with CPA experience in hospitality & tourism, agriculture, and pulp&paper processing industries.This experience makes him uniquely qualified to represent this area. 
  3. Shaw is not an attorney - and this year that matters more than usual. Because of turnover in our delegation, it is important to think about the potential influence and balance of the new delegation we send to Atlanta. The two legislators we're losing come from the private industry. One of their replacements, William Ligon, the new GOP nominee for SD3 is an attorney. The incumbent Republican Roger Lane for HD 167 (which includes part of Glynn) is also an attorney. Do we want THREE attorneys representing Glynn County in Atlanta? I think one of the strengths of the Republican Party is that our elected ranks represent many industries and professions and are not overwhelmingly comprised of attorneys.  If the legislature is going to remove barriers to starting and growing businesses and provide a healthy level playing field for business, it should have a significant business component.
  4. Shaw has served on the local Board of Education and is married to a career secondary school science teacher - with experience in public and private schools. Education is over half the state budget and over half the local budget. We need someone with a sharp CPA pencil and a knowledge of local education challenges. 
  5. Shaw's county government experience AND lifelong involvement in Brunswick and Glynn County assure that he will understand intergovernmental issues and work for the city and the county. 
  6. Shaw is the real proven Republican - not just at the national level but at the state and county level. 
  7. Shaw is focused on opportunities for our citizens and businesses - at the college, in tourism and hospitality, and with the ports.
  8. Shaw is still the YOUNG guy in the race! He has youthful energy and drive combined with wisdom of character and experience.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Thank you Eric Johnson voters and all GOP candidates.

First, thank you to every one who ran for office. Most people pay no attention. Some people pay attention and complain. Some people pay attention and work. Very few actually run for office. Congratulations to the winners – especially Gary Black for Agriculture Commissioner! I’m disappointed for many who ran and did not win this time but very thankful that I’ve heard not a word about fraud in any of the elections. A clean loss is much easier to deal with than a crooked loss (it’s been known to happen in Georgia history.)



Thank you to so many old and new, near and far, friends who joined me in supporting Eric Johnson for Governor. It became a razor thin race with a heartbreaking conclusion for Johnson supporters. Eric finished strong and ran a clean campaign. Statewide, he went from 2% to 55% name recognition – an expensive task which required a serious plan. Read Eric’s characteristically classy thank you and campaign wrap up.

Wondering what he’ll do next? According to the Savannah news, “Experts say Eric Johnson has a future in politics if he wants one.” Emory University political science professor Merle Black says “Johnson impressed me.  He really knows how to make a point and gain the attention of his audience.” My thoughts – wouldn’t any public policy foundation love to have someone like that?

Monday, July 19, 2010

I trust Eric Johnson to be a real Republican Governor


Polls close in less than 22 hours. If you will vote in the Republican Primary tomorrow, please vote for Eric Johnson for Governor.
Eric is the Republican who is running a campaign FOR Governor and FOR his agenda on jobs and education.
His is the honest conservative campaign with momentum. Eric is moving up in the race while former frontrunners slide.
Eric is the conservative who can win August 10 and November 2.

I support Eric Johnson for Governor because over 30 years I've known him as:

  1. a genuine Reagan Republican. He was there as a Chatham County YR founder and volunteer for Mack Mattingly for US Senate and Reagan for President in 1980.

  2. a solid Southern conservative and lifelong Republican. Did you know that of the "top four" there are 2 former Democrats, 1 Southern lifelong Republican, and 1 Maryland (apparently) lifelong Republican? Let's nominate a reliable genuine Republican. Someone who knows Georgia and whose record is unequivocal and known to anyone who looks.

  3. a citizen-politician who maintains a real career as an employer and producer in the private sector. Eric is a veteran legislator and leader - knowledgeable on the issues and the state budget and bureaucracy. But fortunately in Georgia as opposed to DC, being a legislator is a parttime citizen role, not a fulltime profession. Eric has decades of business development experience - with the priorities our state needs.

  4. a knowledgeable person of integrity, leadership, and courage.As Congressman Jack Kingston said on July 12, "Eric is the kind of person who does the right thing when no one is looking.
    He's just that kind of person. In public or private, he's the same."

    Eric was the Senator who put state legislators tax filing records under the bright spotlight - to be sure those who vote on taxes pay their taxes.
    Eric led the successful fight to pass comprehensive ethics reform - restricting lobbying by ex-legislators and agency heads; increasing disclosure; providing whistle blower protection and more. It raised Ga from 26th to 6th in the nation according to the nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity's Ethics Report Card.
    Eric is the only Republican who has disclosed his income tax returns.
    And you can count on Eric to  have the courage of his convictions.

As a former state senator from Savannah running in a field with two statewide officials from metro Atlanta, he has had to build, earn, and buy name recognition. 
He's doing it. With Karen Handel slinging lipstick at Deal and Oxendine and Deal shooting back, Eric is the one running a campaign on issues, credibility, and character.
His target is not the other Republicans. It's Roy Barnes and the oppressive agenda that  Obama/Reid/Pelosi are forcing on states, citizens, and businesses. 
Please join me in supporting Eric Johnson - an educated, knowledgeable, smart, capable person who handles challenges with directness, grace, and courage.
If you've already voted, please ask or remind at least TWO other people to vote for him too. Don't stop until 7:00 pm Tuesday! Every vote is important.

Eric Johnson is our best choice for Governor - by Tommie Williams

Eric Johnson is our Best Choice for Governor
Twelve years ago I was elected to the Senate by the good people of the 6th district. My district is now the 19th district due to some awful gerrymandering done by Roy Barnes and company. If anyone is considering re-electing Roy they should look at those old maps that he used to disrespect the people of Georgia and the whole institution of representative government.
Like most legislators that live a long distance away from Atlanta and the capital, I have had to rent an apartment when the legislature is in session. Eric Johnson was kind enough to take me as a green Senator from south Georgia on as a roommate and trained me in the art of being an effective legislator. Eric moved quickly up the leadership ladder due to his skill and tenacity in fighting for the conservative principles. I know he will take those same skills and principles to the Governor’s office.
During every election cycle, constituents ask me who they should vote for. I tell them what I know about the candidates since I have worked closely with most of the candidates on the ballot. This year is an exception in that many of the candidates have not been in the legislature. Having lived with Eric Johnson and serving with him in the General Assembly for the last 12 years, I think I know him well enough to say that he is far and away the most capable candidate for Governor.
Like Paul Coverdell, Eric is a worker. While he served as the minority leader of the Republican caucus he was successful in standing up for conservative principles. While many take credit for the republican take over, it was Eric Johnson that led the Senate in defeating Roy Barnes and company and giving Georgia a two party system. It was Eric that led the Senate challenge in Federal Court to change the horrible gerrymandered maps that were forced upon georgians by Roy Barnes and the Democrats.
Eric Johnson has lived up to his legislative promises. Just to name a few of the conservative legislation passed while Eric Johnson was leading the Senate:
Tort Reform.
This was important legislation that curbed frivolous lawsuits and has helped particularly rural areas of the state recruit and keep good doctors.
Protecting the Life of the Unborn.
He helped lead the fight to pass the woman’s right to know act.
Ethics Reforms
Introduced legislation to ensure legislators who failed to pay their own taxes were held accountable to the public.
Tax Cuts
Eric was a leader in passing some of the largest tax cuts in Georgia history.
Cutting Wasteful Spending
Due in part to Eric’s leadership in the senate, Georgia has the lowest debt per capita of any state in the country. He helped reform our budget process to bring transparency and accountability to the budget.
Fair Redistricting Maps
Eric fought for fair districts that respected the people of Georgia and representative government
Immigration
Helped to pass some of the strongest immigration enforcement laws in the country and has promised to protect the tax payers of Georgia in the same way that Arizona has done once he is Governor.
Property Rights
Eric fought to strengthen and protect the rights of property owners by restricting government powers of eminent domain

While other gubernatorial candidates will talk about what they will do, Eric is the only Republican candidate that can talk about what he or she has done.
Eric Johnson keeps his promises. During Eric Johnson's entire political career Eric has remained faithful to his wife and family. As Governors across this country have embarrassed their citizens, it is important to hire someone that understands the importance of public trust, and Eric Johnson is just the guy for the job.
The Governor of Georgia has tremendous power and influence within the Georgia constitution and in statute. Eric is the only candidate with the character, wisdom and experience to be entrusted with so much power. This is an important election and I urge you to vote for Eric Johnson for Governor.
# # #
Sen. Tommie Williams serves as President Pro Tempore. He represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Toombs, Wayne, and Wheeler counties and a portion of Liberty and Tattnall counties. He can be reached at 404.656.0089 or by email at tommie.williams@Senate.ga.gov.

Why Senator Chip Rogers supports Eric Johnson for Governor

This is an email received from Chip Rogers, Ga State Senate Majority Leader, on July 17, 2010.

I've had the honor of serving my community for 8 years in the General Assembly. The time in elected office has meant a number of political campaigns. In each campaign during these 8 years I have lived by one simple standard - I have never mentioned my political opponent in any form of advertising.
 
The voters deserve to know where I stand on the issues, not something bad about an opponent. In fact, most of the opponents I have run against are very good and decent people.
 
Eric Johnson has run a clean campaign for Governor, focusing on his conservative record and conservative agenda.
 
This week he called for a stop to negative ads.
 
I applaud him for this and it makes me even more proud to support his campaign.
 
When it could be very easy to retaliate for false accusations made against him, I appreciate Eric's positive message about the issues:
 
"Attacks on our fellow Republicans aren't going to create one job, they aren't going to stop one teacher furlough day, they're not going to lower taxes for one Georgia family," said Johnson.  
"It's time for us to focus on the issues that matter and that is why I am calling on my opponents to put an immediate end to the attacks."
 
 
If you're still "undecided" about the Governor's race, then I hope you will consider Eric Johnson.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Why I support Doug MacGinnitie for Secretary of State

I enthusiastically support Doug because I believe he is a genuine Reagan Republican. He actually worked for Reagan; he was an intern for Pres Reagan during his last year in office. And like Reagan, Doug had a successful private sector career prior to entering politics. He entered politics locally in a grassroots success story - as a councilman for the new city of Sandy Springs. Sandy Springs stands as a beacon for voter self determination and minimal government payroll with its extensive use of private services.  The Reagan and Sandy Springs experience are bookends to a stellar professional and business career. Doug is well prepared to bring vision and experience to the Secretary of State's office - to assure fair elections, less red tape in licensing new businesses, and a fresh look at occupational licensing.


Who is Doug? Doug grew up and was educated in the Dunwoody area. Following law school, he was Chief Counsel at Georgia Pacific before he co-founded Beecher Carlson, a commercial insurance brokerage.  

What does he want to do?  From the start I was drawn to his platform of modernizing absentee voting and  assuring the vote for the military. If you remember the 2000 vote in FL you remember how the military was disenfranchised there. We can't let that happen here. Doug also questions if the 140+ occupations, trades, and professions licensed by the state all REQUIRE state supervision. He wants to look at ways to make it easier for individuals to get to work without excessive state oversight if the nature of the work is not ever likely to be a threat to public safety. He believes starting to work or starting a business in GA should not be an ordeal of administrivia and state delay.

Can Doug win? Voters around the state have really responded to him. He wins straw polls hands down. And he's been endorsed by leading Tea Party organizations like the "912" project.

Many wonderful people in Glynn County agree with me that Doug is the new generation leader for the Secretary of State's office. Please join us. Vote in the GOP primary. Put up a yard sign! Ask your friends to support Doug. 

Learn more at http://www.macginnitie.org/index.php 


Doug is pictured here with Ruby Robinson at the May 15 Glynn GOP breakfast forum.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Spend 4 minutes with Fox and Friends

Saturday June 12, FOX and Friends asked Senator Eric Johnson's take on illegal immigration. But first of course they start with the usual scare tactics. Watch Eric deflect the sob stories and stand up for the taxpayer. I like his answers and you'd think he was carrying on a conversation. Instead he was in a dark room staring at a camera answering questions from disembodied voices. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w38zQclXVY

Monday, March 15, 2010

I support (former) State Senator Eric Johnson for Governor

... because he is a proven Reagan Republican, a southern conservative, and a leader in ethics and effective government.  

And because he knows the truth about Roy Barnes and is ready to face him in the fall. For example, see his response to Roy's first television ads: "Forgive but don't forget.

An architect from Savannah, State Senator Eric Johnson has helped put Georgia on a solid foundation. As Senate Minority Leader, he led Republicans to the majority for the first time in over 130 years. Respected by his colleagues, Johnson was then elected Senate President Pro Tempore. In that role, he passed legislation that cut taxes, empowered small businesses, and protected doctors and businesses from frivolous lawsuits. Eric has the vision to see beyond the next election cycle and think about  the Georgia his two children will inherit. As Governor, Eric Johnson can be trusted to put Georgia back to work. 

Other local supporters include Cleve Bennett, Jim Bishop, Pat Cooper, Nancy Coverdell, Carlton Devooght, Bobby & Barbara Ellis, Cap Fendig, Edwin Fendig, Fred & Elizabeth Freyer. Mike Hodges, J. Gregory Howard, Senator Mack & Leslie Mattingly, Joe McDonough, Russ Metzner, Ronnie Perry, Virginia Ramsey, Ben Slade, Bill & Willou Smith, Mayor Bryan Thompson, Thad Truett, and Jimmy Veal

Contact Molly Dye Franklin, 678.732.9496 or molly@forgeorgians.com or Karen Ross islandtreehouse@bellsouth.net