Georgia: Karen Handel Campaign Update

Handel Declared Frontrunner

After less than a month of campaigning against candidates who have been running for as long as a year, Karen Handel's campaign has vaulted to the top spot in the minds of at least one Georgia newspaper. The Newnan Times-Herald printed an editorial yesterday that handicapped the race and named Karen "the front-runner."

According to the paper:

As the GOP field stands today, we see Handel as the front-runner. She has won a statewide race and has the blessings of Gov. Sonny Perdue. Oxendine has won four statewide races for insurance commissioner. Johnson, a popular leader in the state Senate, has never run a statewide race. Austin is not known statewide. No chance he will win.

With still more than a year to go before the Republican Primary, we would rate Handel the leader, Oxendine second and Johnson third.

For the entire article, please click here.

Upcoming Events

Coweta County Public Safety Appreciation Lunch
Friday, May 1, 2009
11:30 am – 1:00 pm
Coweta County Fairgrounds Building
275 Pine Road
Newnan, GA 30263

Cobb GOP Breakfast
Saturday, May 2, 2009
8:00 Am
Williams Bros. Bar-B-Q
1425 Roswell Road
Marietta, GA 3006

19th Annual Magnolia Ball
Saturday, May 2, 2009
6:30 pm
Roy Richards Estate
1 Southwire Drive
Carrollton, Georgia

National Day of Prayer Dinner
Monday, May 4, 2009
6:30 – 8:30 pm
Governor’s Mansion

Rhubarb Jones Celebrity Golf Tournament
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
8:30 am
Golf Club of Alpharetta

GEOA Banquet & Award Presentation
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
6:30 pm
Savannah Marriott
100 General McIntosh Boulevard
Savannah, GA 31401

16th Annual Fayette County Prayer Breakfast
Thursday, May 7, 2009
8:00 – 9:15 am
Grace Evangelical Church
164 Flat Creek Trail Fayetteville, GA

24th Annual Governor’s Awards in the Humanities Luncheon
Thursday, May 7, 2009
10:30am, luncheon immediately following at noon.
Freight Depot

District Attorney Law Enforcement Appreciation Banquet
Thursday, May 7, 2009
6:00 pm-8:30 or 9:00 pm
Fayetteville First Baptist Church
205 E. Stonewall Avenue
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Politico: NRSC abandoning Toomey?

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is recruiting Rep. Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) to run for the Senate because it views Pat Toomey as unelectable against Sen. Arlen Specter, according to Gerlach’s lead consultant.

According to Gerlach consultant Mark Campbell, Cornyn reached out to Gerlach this morning, and the two are expected to chat about the Senate race this afternoon.

“They are interested in Jim running for the United States Senate,” said Campbell. “The senatorial committee has told me that Toomey is unelectable in a general election.”
http://www.politico.com/blogs/scorecard/0409/NRSC_recruiting_Gerlach.html?showall

Georgia: Eric Johnson Announces Finance Committee

Key fundraisers from across Georgia join the campaign

Senator Eric Johnson, Republican candidate for Governor, today announced key additions to his finance committee including Virgil Williams of Stone Mountain who will serve as a Finance Committee Co-Chair. Williams joins Chairman Jamie Reynolds of Greensboro and Co-Chair Steve Greene of Savannah to form the Finance Committee’s leadership team.

“Our campaign will clearly have the resources necessary to get our message out during a highly competitive primary,” said Johnson. “A strong Finance Committee is an indicator of a candidate's strength and can help separate a campaign from the rest of the pack. I cannot imagine a better start to building our team.

Joining Reynolds, Green, and Williams as initial members of the Finance Committee are:

Robert Baker Robert Krueger Joe Sam Robinson, M.D.
Clay Boardman Bill Kuhlke Ben Slade
Pope Bullock Bill Langdale Mark Smith
John D Carswell Willard Lasseter Dr. George Snelling
Steve Croy Don Leebern, Jr. Ben Tarbutton, III
Sonny Deriso Don Leebern, III Charles Tarbutton
Richard and Judy Eckburg Hugh Lentile Jules Toraya, M.D.
Molly Dye Franklin Senator Mack Mattingly Tom Wiley, Jr.
Ted Graham Amos McMullen Dick Williams
Benjy Griffin Henry Monsees J.T. Williams, Jr.
Paul Holmes Brent Reid

Additionally, Johnson welcomed Rebecca Grant Cummiskey as his gubernatorial campaign’s Finance Director. Grant was a fundraiser for Governor Sonny Perdue’s 2006 re-election campaign and currently serves as a finance consultant for Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s campaign.
For more information please visit www.JohnsonForGeorgians.com.
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John Oxendine: Georgia's Conservative 10th Amendment Champion

Like Texas Governor Rick Perry, I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion into the lives of our citizens, and its interference into the affairs of the states. I join Governor Perry in his call and offer my unwavering support for efforts all across our country to reaffirm the states' rights affirmed by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Like Governor Perry, I believe we need to follow the letter and original intent of the U.S.
Constitution, specifically the essential 10th Amendment. I support Texas Resolution 50 which states that the Tenth Amendment defines the total scope of federal power as being that specifically granted by the Constitution of the United States and no more. This means that the federal government was created by the states specifically to be an agent of the states. Over the course of time, the states have been treated as agents of the federal government; many federal laws are directly in violation of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

The Tenth Amendment assures that we, the people of the United States of America and each sovereign state in the Union of States, now have, and have always had, rights the federal government may not usurp "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

Section 4, Article IV, of the Constitution says, "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government," and the Ninth Amendment states that "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled in New York v. United States, 112 S. Ct. 2408
(1992), that Congress may not simply commandeer the legislative and regulatory processes
of the states. A number of proposals from previous administrations and some now pending from the present administration and from Congress may further violate the Constitution of the United States.

If Governor, I would support legislation which puts Georgia on record as affirming our sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States and which would serve as notice and demand the federal government, as our agent, cease and desist, effective immediately, mandates that are beyond the scope of these constitutionally delegated powers.

Additionally, I would support legislation which states all compulsory federal legislation that directs states to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalties or sanctions or that requires states to pass legislation or lose federal funding be prohibited or repealed.


John Oxendine
Governor 2010

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The John Oxendine Contract with Georgia

Today, John Oxendine releases the John Oxendine Contract with Georgia. As the Republican front-runner for Governor, Oxendine continues to run a positive, issues oriented campaign. In the Contract with Georgia, John offers positive solutions for the problems facing Georgians. The
initial release offers John's message to Georgia and the 12 issues covered in the Contract. Subsequent releases, over the next several days, will offer a broader synopsis of the 12 issues.

In 1994, Newt Gingrich introduced the Contract with America. His vision transformed politics on a national scale and made government more accountable to the taxpayers. We can do the same in Georgia. We will transform our state government with a service oriented philosophy
that prioritizes families and taxpayers ahead of political self-interest.

Politics as usual have failed Georgians. Whether meted out by Democrats or Republicans, the results have been the same - mediocrity at best, regress at worst. The centerpiece of my campaign for Governor is a pledge. This pledge will break the cycle of promises made but not kept and transform government with one basic ideal - the good of the people before politics. I offer this contract for a better Georgia; a detailed agenda for transformation of state government, which is a written commitment.

The critics will complain, the doubters will hesitate, and the status quo will oppose; but I will move forward in a positive, determined and inclusive way. I will work for Georgia and offer real solutions to our most pressing issues. If you have been seeking an innovative approach, a new direction for government, then join me as we transform Georgia.

On the first day of the 2011 General Assembly, the new Oxendine Administration will have our Legislative Floor Leaders begin to introduce the following major reforms aimed at transforming our state government:

John Oxendine's Contract with Georgia

First - make state government smaller and more accountable by implementing zero-base
budgeting.

Second - create a modern 21st century tax code for Georgians which abolishes the
state income tax.

Third - implement a comprehensive statewide transportation system.

Fourth- actively assert that pursuant to the tenth amendment of the U.S.
Constitution belongs to the American people and not Washington
politicians.

Fifth - break ground on new water reservoirs to ensure an adequate water supply
for our future.

Sixth - invest in all schoolchildren by allowing tax dollars to follow the child
in the form of an education voucher. An equal access voucher system supports the
rights of parents to decide how to best educate their children.

Seventh- create an outcome-based, educational model which eliminates process
micromanagement at the state level; maintaining local control but
ensuring accountability.

Eighth - aggressively support legislation which protects and preserves human life
from conception to death.

Ninth - fight for less government restrictions on where law abiding and permitted
citizens can carry a firearm.

Tenth - protect taxpayers by defending the integrity of Georgia's borders through
upholding and enforcing immigration laws.

Eleventh- implement focused domestic and international economic development
which targets our efforts on the recruitment of industries for which
Georgia is a talent and resource fit.

Twelfth - work with the Governors of other states to strongly encourage Congress
to adopt The Fair Tax.

John Oxendine
Governor 2010

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Scott Takes Lead in Savings Georgians Lives

Georgia’s trauma care system is below the national average of care; Georgians are an appalling 20 times more likely to die from physical trauma then the rest of the country. If Georgia could increase the state’s trauma care services to that of the national average, an estimated 600 lives could be saved each year.

Candidate for Governor Austin Scott has sponsored legislation (House Bill 148) that would provide approximately $70 million annually to Georgia’s underserved trauma care network. The money would come from an annual $10 car tag fee.

“We cannot afford to linger around and play politics on a bill that immediately begins saving Georgians lives,” says Scott. “As a father and husband I’m not willing to stand by and see my family and families across Georgia being subjected to unnecessary risk.”

Typically, trauma cases occur due to car accidents, but trauma care is necessary for many types of sudden physical injury. Doctors agree that deaths drastically decrease if a patient is taken to a trauma center within an hour of the accident. “At approximately 3 cents per day, per vehicle, I believe it is a worthy investment for Georgians. This bill is about saving lives,” says Scott.

“The sooner a trauma patient can receive specialized care, the greater their chance of survival and recovery,” says Scott. “Throughout North and South Georgia, there are many areas far removed from the expert care of a trauma center,” says Scott. “More than a million Georgians live 50 miles or more from a trauma center, placing them well outside the ‘golden hour.’”

Currently, there is a network of fifteen trauma hospitals serving Georgia only four of which are Level Once centers. Advocates urge that Georgia’s trauma system needs $80 million a year to support these hospitals and expand services to underserved areas, yet this year’s budget has dropped to $23 million.

“This not just problem in rural areas,” Scott says. “This is a state wide issue.” Scott cites the problems facing Grady Memorial Hospital, metro Atlanta’s only Level One trauma hospital for serious injuries. “Grady loses $40 million a year on trauma care, yet they only received $13 million last year in trauma funds.” It’s nearly impossible to persuade additional hospitals to join a program that they cannot financially sustain. “Trauma care is costly; a low volume of patients at an extremely high cost,” he says.

As the son of an orthopedic surgeon, Austin understands the relationships between the patient, the physicians, the pharmacists, and other professionals in the health care system. In 2006, Representative Scott was selected to serve on the State Trauma Commission, which he helped create to improve access to trauma care throughout the state. He is a two-time recipient of the American Cancer Society’s Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award (2003, 2004), and the Georgia Association of Emergency Medical Services Star of Life Legislative Award (2007, 2008).
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Handel Announces Leadership for Two Grassroots Coalitions

Local Leader and Law Enforcement Teams Take Shape

Secretary of State Karen Handel's gubernatorial campaign today announced several new members of her grassroots leadership team. "I am proud to have the support of these extraordinary individuals, and they will play a vital role in communicating my message to the people of Georgia," Handel said. "These groups are going to grow exponentially in the coming weeks and they are going to be the real secret weapon of this campaign."

County Commissioners for Handel

County Commissioners for Handel will be led by Jan Tankersley, Bulloch County Commissioner and President of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). Serving as co-chairs are Mike Berg, Chairman of the Dawson County Commission, Tom McMichael, Houston County Commissioner and past President of ACCG, and Lynne Riley, Fulton County Commissioner.

Jan Tankersley said, “‘I am honored to serve as Chairman of County Commissioners for Karen. Having served as a county commission chairman, Karen has a keen understanding of the issues and problems we face at the local level all across Georgia. This state will be greatly served when she is elected as our next governor.”

Law Enforcement For Handel

The Law Enforcement for Handel coalition will be chaired by Sheriff Joe Chapman of Walton County. This group will work together with law enforcement officers of all stripes to share Karen’s tough-on-crime agenda. They will offer advice and guidance to Karen as to what they need to keep the people of Georgia safe.
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Letter from Sen. Eric Johnson

Dear Friends,

Let me begin by thanking you for all of your prayers, support and encouragement over the last week and a half. As you know, we set out to run for Lieutenant Governor many months ago, and with your help we are making tremendous strides. Our network of grassroots supporters and contributors across the state was second to none and everything is going according to plan. As a key supporter, you play a major part in the incredible momentum forming behind this effort.

Of course, Lieutenant Governor Cagle’s decision last week to run for re-election instead of running for Governor showed that even the best laid plans don’t always work out quite like you expect. Rightfully, the first reaction all of us had was concern for Casey, Nita, and their three boys. I know all of you join me in wishing him a full and speedy recovery.

I’m reminded of the old saying: “if you ever want to hear God laugh, just tell him your plans.” And it’s never been more true than in this case. As circumstances changed, I had the opportunity to hear from many of you and countless other Georgians about what we should do and how we might best be able to serve our State. And, of course, our friends in the media and the blogs had no shortage of opinions on the matter!

Many of you have encouraged me to stay in the race, while others have suggested I consider launching a gubernatorial campaign. Either way, your loyalty in standing with me, no matter the decision will always be remembered. Please know that I have taken your counsel to heart as I make this important decision.

As Kathryn and I consider our options this weekend, I ask you to pray for wisdom on our part. If you have an opinion, I hope you’ll share it with me. This is your campaign and your state. Let me know how you think we can make it better.

And stay tuned to hear about our plans and how you can get even more involved. This election is too crucial and the challenges that face us as a state too important for any of us to sit on the sidelines. I am committed to continuing to advocate for our ideas for creating jobs, improving education, and ensuring responsible government. Together, we can make it happen.

Your friendship means more to me and my family than you’ll ever know, and we will never forget all you’ve done for us. I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail soon.

Yours for a better Georgia,
Eric
www.johnsonforgeorgia.com
Candidate (currently) for Lt. Governor
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Georgia: Handel Announces Senior Campaign Team

Secretary of State Karen Handel today announced the top members of her campaign team, a group with more than 145 years of accumulated campaign experience and a solid record of political victories in Georgia and around the country.

“I am very excited to have been able to have put together such a top notch team for my campaign for Governor,” Handel said. “We are going to run a strong grassroots and issues-based effort that focuses on solving the problems that face all Georgians and giving them a government that truly serves them.”

The members of Karen’s senior campaign team are:

Marty Ryall – Campaign Manager

Marty Ryall has over twenty years of political experience in more than 25 states and two foreign countries. In Georgia, he managed the successful campaigns of Senator Paul Coverdell (the first Republican Senator to be re-elected in Georgia history) and Karen Handel for Secretary of State. He also managed campaigns for Governor Ernie Fletcher in Kentucky and Elizabeth Dole in North Carolina. He was a senior advisor for the campaigns of Governor Mike Huckabee and Senator Tim Hutchinson in Arkansas, and for Elizabeth Dole’s Presidential Campaign in 2000.

He has extensive party experience, having served as Executive Director of two state parties, Arkansas and Delaware, as state party chair in Arkansas, and Southern Political Director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee. He has also done extensive political work promoting democracy in Liberia and Nigeria.

Ryall has a degree in International Relations from Florida State University.

Dan McLagan – Communications Consultant and Spokesman

Dan’s political clients have included four presidential candidates (Bush ’88 and ’92, Alexander ’96, and McCain 2000) Governors (including current Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue), U.S. Senators (including the late Paul Coverdell), Oliver North, Rick Lazio (against Hillary Clinton in 2000) as well as the National Republican Senatorial Committee where he served as Press Secretary.

McLagan attended the School of International Service at the American University in Washington, D.C. and is also a graduate of the university’s respected Campaign Management Institute. A native Minnesotan, long-time resident of Washington D.C. and short time resident of a dozen U.S. states, he now resides in Atlanta.

Leigh Ann Gillis – Finance Director

Leigh Ann Wood Gillis is a native of Macon, GA. During 2007-2008, she served as Georgia Finance Director for John McCain for President as well as McCain Victory 2008. She was Executive Director of Georgia Inaugural 2007. During the 2006 election cycle, Gillis served as finance consultant for Governor Perdue’s re-election and the Georgia Republican Party. She served as Finance Director for Perdue for a New Georgia in 2002. Following Governor Perdue’s swearing in, she served as his Director of Executive Appointments for two years. Gillis has spent 15 years electing Republicans to office in Georgia, beginning in 1994 with the first campaign of then Congressman Saxby Chambliss.

Gillis is married to Jordan Gillis, an Iraq war veteran. They are parents of two small children and worship at the Northside Methodist Church.

Sherry Roedl – Deputy Finance Director

Sherry M. Roedl, comes to the Handel team from the non-profit sector, having served as Executive Director for the Cobb Symphony Orchestra, where her primary responsibilities included fundraising and marketing. During her tenure with the Cobb Symphony, Sherry helped to found the Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble (MAYWE) and served as its Executive Director. In addition, Sherry served as President of the Board of Directors of Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta (MYSO). Under Sherry’s leadership, these two youth ensembles had the distinct honor of performing at Carnegie Hall. She is also a licensed real estate broker and a graduate of Kennesaw State University. Sherry is the wife of Frank Roedl, Executive Vice President with Bank of North Georgia. The Roedls have two grown daughters and are long-time residents of East Cobb.

Andrew Claxton – State Field Director

Andrew is an experienced field director on local and statewide races in Georgia. Most recently he managed State Senator Judson Hill's campaigns in 2004 and 2006.

Andrew was a paratrooper in the Georgia Army National Guard and is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has a BS in Political Science from Kennesaw State University and has conducted graduate studies at George Washington University.

Emotive – Online Campaign Consultants

emotive, llc and its employees bring over 80 years of cumulative political experience and over 40 years in the Internet space. In the last two cycles they have worked on dozens of statewide campaigns including George Allen for Senate, Arnold Schwarzenegger for Governor, Green For Governor, McConnell Senate Committee, Dino Rossi For Governor, and work for major national political institutions including the Heritage Foundation, the National Republican Senatorial Committee, and the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Dr. Whit Ayers – Pollster

Whit Ayres provided polling for Georgia Senator Paul Coverdell's upset of Wyche Fowler in 1992 and Tennessee Senator Bill Frist's upset of Jim Sasser in 1994. Other political clients include U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander of Tennessee and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, former Governors David Beasley and Carroll Campbell of South Carolina, and the 1996 Lamar Alexander for President campaign. Other Georgia political clients include Karen Handel for Fulton County Commission Chair and Secretary of State, Mike Kenn for Fulton County Commission Chair, Wayne Hill for Gwinnett County Commission Chair, Bill Byrne for Cobb County Commission Chair, Congressman Bob Barr, Guy Millner for Governor and Mike Bowers for Governor. Corporate clients include the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts of America, Georgia-Pacific Corporation, America's Health Insurance Plans, the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Business Roundtable, and Environmental Defense Fund.

His comments and analysis appear periodically in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, and numerous regional newspapers. He also appears periodically on Fox News, CNN, and National Public Radio. He has been a guest speaker at the prestigious Sperling Breakfast for Washington's leading journalists, and he has on several occasions addressed the Policy Lunch attended by most Republican members of the United States Senate.

He graduated cum laude from Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina, with a major in political science. He received an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Ron Butler – Direct Mail

Ron Butler is President of Creative Direct, LLC, a direct mail firm located in Richmond, Virginia specializing in voter contact direct mail. Prior to forming Creative Direct, Ron managed many successful campaigns, including the campaign of Virginia Lieutenant Governor John Hager. He served for five years as Political Director for the Republican Party of Virginia and worked as Field Director for the Republican National Committee. Ron Butler has been working full-time on behalf of Republican candidates since 1985.

Under Ron Butler's leadership, Creative Direct has worked on behalf of more winning US Senate and Governor races than any other direct mail company. Ron Butler was a key part of Sonny Perdue’s 2002 campaign for Governor, as well as the 2006 reelection effort. In addition, he worked with the Georgia Republican Party during the 2004 campaign when they won control of the Georgia House and Senate.

In 2002, other Creative Direct clients included Governor Bob Riley (AL), Senator Susan Collins (ME) Senator Jim Talent (MO) and Congressman Eric Cantor (VA). In 2004 Creative Direct was involved in every winning GOP challenge race for the US Senate – including the toughest races: John Thune (SD), Mel Martinez (FL), Tom Coburn (OK) and David Vitter (LA). Creative Direct also produced the winning mail for Governor Matt Blunt (MO) and the Georgia Republican Party’s successful effort to take control of both the House and Senate for the first time in history.

In 2006, the toughest year for Republicans in decades, our clients were beating the odds, including Senator Bob Corker (TN), Governor Sonny Perdue (GA), Secretary of State Karen Handel (GA), Attorney General Bill McCollum (FL) and two of the top targeted congressional races in the nation.
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Senator Isakson Addressed Seniors' Issues at Town Hall Meeting

Isakson spoke to 200+ seniors at Park Springs in Stone Mountain

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga. spoke to a group of more than 200 seniors last week at Park Springs, an award-winning residential community offering a continuum of care for those over the age of 62, in Stone Mountain. The Senator presented a national perspective on a variety of topics from taxes to foreign relations to depedence on foreign oil. Isakson shared his thoughts on the economy, medicare, social security and the estate tax and then opened the discussion for more than one hour of questions from the attendees. Isakson candidly answered the group's questions about environmental and oil issues including offshore drilling and nuclear energy, illegal immigration and forged documentation, education, term limits in Congress and the Senator's opinion about the future of the national government as a republic.

Speaking on the economy, Isakson stated that “a lot of mistakes had been made, but I'm not playing the blame game. We need greater regulation and more transparency, specifically regarding hedge funds. We know what caused the problem and know what to do next. We need to re-establish the markets and build them back up. We're the United States. I have great confidence in the enterprise of our people and the strength of our prosperity.” And regarding the future of the nation as a republic, Isakson predicts a “renaissance of the America that we all love and respect,” noting that Americans are becoming more engaged in both civic and social issues.

At the national level, Isakson shared his support for a healthcare program that would allow those without company provided health insurance to purchase health insurance pre-tax. He reassured the residents at Park Springs that their social security benefits would be fine, but stressed his belief that today's social security funds must be invested and not borrowed upon in order to ensure a social security program for future seniors. Isakson predicted positive changes concerning the estate tax. He also spoke about his focus on foreign policy, speaking specifically about a nuclear armed Iran and North Korea and relations with Africa.

As to local issues, Isakson spoke on the future of small banks in Georgia and shared his thoughts on the F22 Raptor fighter jet program and unemployment in the state.

Park Springs enhances life for active seniors by providing independent residences alongside extensive amenities, on-site wellness and private health care facilities. The 398-home campus-style community is situated on 54 acres surrounded by Stone Mountain Park. A 64-suite health center provides assisted living, skilled nursing and dementia/Alzheimer's care. The campus style community boasts a 50,000 square foot clubhouse serving meals in four themed dining rooms daily and a 12,000 square foot fitness center with an indoor swimming pool. The Seniors Housing Council of the National Association of Home Builders named Park Springs a Platinum winner. Park Springs is developed by Isakson-Living and managed by Life Care Services LLC (LCS), a leader in senior living communities. LCS today serves more than 23,000 residents daily in over 80 communities nationwide. For more information on Park Springs, call 770-879-5006, 800-267-7126 or visit www.parkspringscommunities.com.

Isakson Living is Atlanta’s leading developer of residential communities offering a continuum of care for adults ages 55 and older. Isakson Living upholds a personal and professional commitment to empowering members through groundbreaking wellness opportunities, concierge medicine and hands-on involvement in their communities. Isakson Living has won multiple awards for its flagship community, Park Springs in Stone Mountain, Ga., and Peachtree Hills Place in Atlanta, currently in development. For more information on Isakson Living, visit www.isaksonliving.com or call 770-559-4829.

State Rep. Austin Scott Announces Candidacy for Governor

Today, State Rep. Austin Scott launched his candidacy for Governor of Georgia in 2010. Scott was elected to the Georgia General Assembly at the age of 26 and has since served 14 years as a state lawmaker.

“Serving in the Georgia House of Representatives has been one of the most rewarding opportunities of my life,” says Rep. Scott. “Today we start a mission that will combine the experience of 14 years in the legislature, the commitment to a higher ethical standard, and a campaign that represents the hard-working taxpayer who deserves for their voice to be heard—William Graham Sumner described this person best as the ‘The Forgotten Man.’”

Austin Scott, R-Tifton, represents House District 153, and serves as chairman of the House Governmental Affairs Committee; he also serves on the Appropriations Committee, the Rules Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee. He has been recognized by Georgia Trend as one of “Georgia’s Brightest Stars under the Age of 40.” The Atlanta-Journal Constitution named him a “Hero of Open Government.”

“The recent mobilization in the Republican Party represents a progression towards reaching tangible reforms in our State. We are ready to begin the fundraising process, and we want people to participate at all levels of our campaign. I invite people to visit our campaign site at http://www.scottforga.com/ to learn more and to join our team,” says Rep. Scott. “I also want to say a special thanks to my wife Vivien for her support, my son Wells for his encouragement, and to my family and supporters. It’s not going to be politics as usual.”

A devoted husband, father, and small businessman, Scott is a graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.B.A. in Risk Management and Insurance from the Terry College of Business, and a member of First Baptist Church of Tifton.
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Statement from Karen Handel on Cagle Announcement

"I am saddened to hear about the Lt Gov Cagle's health and his withdrawal from the race for Governor. I hope his health issue is resolved quickly. Steve and I will keep Casey, Nita and their family in our prayers and wish them the best."

Please visit our State and National Politics blog for more on Cagle's announcement yesterday.

John Oxendine Governor 2010 - The Grassroots Georgia Tour

John Oxendine, Republican candidate for Governor, has begun his grassroots listening tour of Georgia. The tour is called John Oxendine Governor 2010 - The Grassroots Georgia Tour. It
will be a multistage tour throughout the spring and summer taking John to every region of the state.

Stage one of the John Oxendine Governor 2010 Grassroots Georgia Tour runs Monday 13 April - Monday 20 April, 2009. John will visit Appling, Bartow, Bibb, Carroll, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, Coffee, Colquitt, Coweta, DeKalb, Dougherty, Fayette, Floyd, Fulton, Glynn, Gwinnett, Lowndes, McIntosh, Pierce, Thomas, Ware, Wayne, and Whitfield counties.

For regular photo updates on the trip, visit Facebook at John Oxendine for Georgia's Governor and www.johnoxendine.com.

Follow John's journey as he posts on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook throughout the tour.
"I want to listen to Georgia. I want to connect local governments back to our state government in a positive partnership based on mutual respect. I want to protect our small business owners
and local chambers of commerce. I want to restore the grassroots of the Georgia GOP to their appropriate place in the party. More than any of the above, though, I want every Georgia taxpayer to understand John Oxendine will be a Governor for all of Georgia," said John Oxendine.

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Message from Mayor Steve Lonegan, Candidate, Governor N.J.

We'll be sharing campaign messages from Republican candidates across the country as received. We're not endorsing anyone. Due to volume and reader interest, we won't be posting School Board, County Commission, City Council, Mayoral races unless it's a hot button election that has national or Party repercussions. Send your campaign press releases (NOT the ra-ra supporter info, press info only please) to this email AND this email (we use them in two un-related areas).

Dear Fellow Conservative,

President Barack Obama is determined to turn America into a Socialist "utopia." After only two months in office, he has supported and amassed more national debt than the first 200 years of our Republic!

CLICK HERE TO STOP OBAMA BY HELPING STEVE LONEGAN' S CAMPAIGN

So far, 2009 will see more than $1 TRILLION in new deficit spending. Most Americans have never heard the number "trillion" used before this year in regular conversation. But now, you and I hear it all the time to describe our present economic turmoil and how much taxpayer money is going to be needed to "fix" the problem.

Here in New Jersey, our ultra-liberal Governor, Jon Corzine, has just introduced his newest budget, which includes raising the state income tax yet again (already the highest in the land). Corzine also wants to increase taxes on small businesses - the biggest job creators in our economy. It's sheer madness to hurt job producers in a time when New Jersey is experiencing a massive out-migration of residents to more tax-friendly states.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO LONEGAN FOR GOVERNOR

Never in my life have I seen Free Market economics so openly attacked by the top officials in our land. Never before have you and I seen such a fast and reckless attack on the principles that made America the greatest economic powerhouse the world has EVER seen. My purpose in writing you today is to ask you to join the counter-revolution to take back our country - and to start by taking the battle to one of President Obama's strongest states: New Jersey.

I'm Steve Lonegan, and I want you to join my campaign for governor to send a message to President Obama that patriotic Americans want our country back. With your financial gift of $50, $500, $1,000, or $3,000, we can hand President Obama his first major post-election defeat by taking out one of his "favorite sons": Governor Jon Corzine.

And thanks to New Jersey's matching funds program, every dollar you invest in the Lonegan for Governor campaign is TRIPLED, thanks to the 2-1 match.

CLICK HERE TO INVEST IN MY CAMPAIGN AGAINST CORZINE

Rather than take his cues from the Free Market on the direction our country needs to take, President Obama has decided to take a page from Governor Corzine's administration.Taxes are about to go through the roof on the biggest job creators in the country in a time when America is shedding hundreds of thousands of jobs per month.

And even some liberal media sources are mocking the pork-barrel spending being rammed through Congress - all in the name of economic "stimulus." There is so much money being printed right now to finance this Obama-led spending orgy that some economists are beginning to predict that America will see hyper - inflation in 2010 that will destroy most of what is left of our retirement funds. Change has certainly come to America, and some believe we may never recover from it.

CLICK HERE TO SEND OBAMA A MESSAGE BY HELPING STEVE'S CAMPAIGN

But even though these are the worst of times, I believe they are also the best of times to be an American.

The reason for my optimism is because what President Obama is doing right now to America will fail. Rush Limbaugh doesn't have to "hope" that Obama fails. I can guarantee you that President Obama and his socialist agenda for America WILL FAIL. I know this because it's the same agenda Jon Corzine has pushed in New Jersey for years and it has failed. New Jersey is the poster child for what the rest of America can expect from the Barack Obama administration.

For years, our state has been ruled by liberal administrations that have made New Jersey the worst place in America to own a business and the highest tax jurisdiction in the country.

But not for much longer!

Barack Obama will fail as President - and it will start this fall in New Jersey with my defeat of Jon Corzine. HELP STEVE DEFEAT OBAMA AND CORZINE. CLICK HERE

I'm running for governor of New Jersey not just to defeat Jon Corzine. I'm running to defeat the destructive agenda of ultra-liberals like Corzine and Obama, and begin to take our country back.

You and I must take back America - the real America. Not an America that looks at the so-called "rich" with socialist envy or an America that looks at individual liberty and free markets as the causes of our problems.

The battle lines are clearly drawn. And that is why I believe it is the best of times to be an American. You and I have been chosen to live in the present generation that must fight to defend the principles that make us Americans. This is a great challenge - but a great honor.

I believe we're up to it. That's why I want you to join my campaign and send a message to Barack Obama and Jon Corzine that real Americans reject the march towards socialism and support the principles of individual liberty and free markets, which made our country a "shining city on a hill."

CLICK HERE TO JOIN STEVE'S TEAM TODAY.

Will you join me today in this important fight? My campaign is growing by leaps and bounds. At first, I was ignored by major press outlets. But in a few short months, the Republican nomination is now seen as a referendum of my campaign platform.

Thanks to New Jersey's matching funds program, every dollar you contribute is matched 2-1. That means every dollar you send my campaign is TRIPLED. A $100 contribution turns into $300. A $3,000 contribution turns into $9,000!

I have over 7,000 individual contributors and have raised well over $1 MILLION. The unique fact about this growth of support is that a lot of it is from outside New Jersey! I recently spoke at the annual CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) conference in Washington, D.C. Here is a link to my speech so you can hear for yourself why so many people from around the country see the importance of my campaign.

INVEST IN LONEGAN FOR GOVERNOR NOW. CLICK HERE

People know that defeating Jon Corzine is defeating the failed policies of Barack Obama. America lost a lot in the election of Barack Obama last fall. It is our job to recover our lost freedoms and preserve them for future generations of Americans. And this "road to recovery" begins in 2009 with the defeat of Jon Corzine.

Please join my campaign today, by sending the best donation you can. Remember, all funds will be matched 2-1, TRIPLING your gift and providing a great return on your investment in the future of our state and nation.

I am sorry that you and I have lived to see our beloved country brought to its present crisis. But this crisis has created in me a resolve greater than I've ever had to fight back and to recruit others to join me in this fight.Can I count on you? Can America count on you?

Sincerely,
Mayor Steve Lonegan

P.S. You and I have an opportunity to hand President Obama his first major loss this fall by defeating ultra-liberal Governor Jon Corzine in New Jersey. Please join this important effort with your donation today to Lonegan for Governor. All contributions are matched 2-1! A $100 donation becomes $300. A $3,000 donation becomes $9,000. Please do what you can today. Our nation's future depends on you. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and considering my candidacy.

Paid for by Lonegan for Governor, Inc.
PO Box 461, Bogota, NJ 07603