Speaker Newt Gingrich Endorses John Colbert for Congress

/PRNewswire/ -- Congressional candidate John Colbert (R-29) today received the endorsement of House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

"I am pleased to enthusiastically endorse John Colbert to represent Californians in Congress. John is a free-market champion who understands and supports small business and the jobs they create," said Gingrich. "John Colbert's entrepreneurial experience is exactly what is needed on Capitol Hill right now," added Gingrich.

"John's presence in Congress will provide the common sense, innovative leadership and guidance needed to create jobs, reduce spending and cut taxes in order to promote the level of economic growth Americans are seeking," Gingrich concluded.

"Taking a business from a handful of employees to a multi-national, public company takes ingenuity, commitment and sound fiscal discipline," said Colbert. "I look forward to working equally hard in Congress putting forward real solutions for getting Americans back to work; incentivizing success and achievement, and cutting the red tape that is strangling small businesses and the entrepreneurs of tomorrow."

Colbert served in the United States Army where he received a meritorious service award. As a hard-charging LA County Sheriff Department Investigator, he worked complex white-collar crimes and established one of the world's first computer forensic crime labs. His Pasadena-based Guidance Software, Inc. specialized in putting the world's worst criminals behind bars, including well-known terrorists, child sexual criminals, corporate espionage and hacking attacks.

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WNEG-TV to originate, televise GOP gubernatorial debate in Athens

Athens-based WNEG-TV will originate and televise the Republican debate of candidates for governor on Tuesday, Jan. 19, from the University of Georgia campus. The one-hour debate will begin at 7 p.m. with WNEG-TV news anchor Ray Metoyer moderating.
The Athens-Clarke County Republican Party and the University of Georgia College Republicans are sponsoring the campus event in the South Auditorium, Psychology-Journalism Plaza.

While the event is not open to the general public, it will be broadcast live on Athens’ WNEG, WALB of Albany, WGCL of Atlanta, and WMAZ of Macon. The Georgia News Network also will carry audio of the debate live over its coverage area.

Because incumbent RepublicanGovernorSonny Perdue is term-limited and unable to seek re-election, Georgians will elect a new governor on Nov. 2.

All seven gubernatorial candidates were invited to participate in the Athens debate. Confirmed candidates attending are U.S. Representative Nathan Deal, ex-Secretary of State Karen Handel, president pro tempore of the state Senate Eric Johnson, state representative Austin Scott, state Senator Jeff Chapman, and businessman Ray McBerry. State insurance commissioner and candidate John Oxendine reported that a scheduling conflict will prevent him from participating.

For more information on the debate, contact Bill Griffin, chairman of the Athens-Clarke County GOP at athensgopchairman@yahoo.com or 706/540-4377.

A similar offer has been extended to the Democratic gubernatorial candidates and WNEG-TV is awaiting their response.

WNEG-TV broadcasts from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication on the UGA campus in Athens. The station is owned by UGARF Media Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of the University of Georgia Research Foundation. Visit the station online at www.wnegtv.com

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A Health Care bill without verification is "a toothless tiger," Deal says

As the U.S. Senate takes up the debate on Health Care, Congressman Nathan Deal is urging the U.S. Senate to include verification of citizenship in their version of the bill.

"We have seen indications that the Senate wants to include language requiring U.S. citizenship," said Deal. "But without a requirement of verification, this is a toothless tiger."

A Republican candidate for governor, Deal was the author of a 2005 law which required verification of citizenship to receive Medicaid benefits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that requiring enrollees to document their U.S. citizenship would reduce Medicaid spending by $220 million over five years and by $735 million over ten years.

Deal's action in 2005 has allowed millions of deserving U.S. citizens to keep their Medicaid benefits at a time when states are facing budget shortfalls because states have been given the tools to prevent millions of illegal aliens from using up limited public assistance resources.

"This is an important anti-fraud provision that has effectively and efficiently prevented millions of illegal aliens from fraudulently accessing taxpayer-funded benefits," Deal said

He proposed a verification amendment in the first House health care bill this year and it was voted down on a party line vote. A second attempt was not allowed by House leaders, including liberal Democrat Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

"If we fail to include verification in the final legislation, we can thank Speaker Pelosi for giving illegal aliens taxpayer-funded health care," Deal said. "This is taking place at a time when Georgia and other states across the nation are forced to make dramatic cuts to their budgets. It is more important than ever to make sure that our limited public assistance dollars are focused exclusively on those who legally qualified to receive them."

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Doug MacGinnitie Launches Effort to Increase Voting Opportunities for Military Personnel

Republican candidate for Georgia Secretary of State Doug MacGinnitie today launched an effort to increase opportunities for active duty service members and Reservists serving on active duty to participate in Georgia elections.

Research done by the Heritage Foundation in 2008 shows that 75-80% of military voters from across the United States were disenfranchised by their inability to request and return an absentee ballot within time limits as required by law. To make matters worse, for those who did cast an absentee ballot; local officials often reject military absentee ballots at far higher rates than other absentee ballots.

"Our men and women in uniform are putting their lives on the line to defend our freedoms," said MacGinnitie. "We should do everything possible to ensure they have the opportunity to participate in the most basic of American rights, the right to vote."

In Georgia all absentee ballots must be returned by 7pm on election day. In runoffs, it is virtually impossible for active duty personnel forward deployed in hazardous duty environments; serving on ships or aboard submarines to request and return a ballot in four weeks.

To address this problem, MacGinnitie has created his Military Voting Advisory Committee, composed of veterans and reservists from across the state. Experts from the legal and technology communities will also serve on the committee to assist in their respective fields. The mission is to develop policy ideas to solve this critical flaw in our voting laws.

"Our current Secretary of State has done an outstanding job focusing on stopping voter fraud, and has implemented reforms to help military voters. As Secretary of State, I will ensure Georgia leads the nation in giving active military voters the opportunity to cast a ballot," said MacGinnitie.

The members of MacGinnitie's Military Voting Advisory Committee include:

Brad Carver, Esq., Hall Booth Smith & Slover, P.C.
Brigadier General Walter C. Corish, Jr., GAANG, Ret.
Major General (Ret.) Bruce W. MacLane, USAF
Lieutenant Colonel Oz Hill, USA, Ret.
Jim Lester III, retired CIO AFLAC, former chairman Georgia Technology Authority
Brigadier General Denis Shortal, USMC, (RET)
Craig Thornton, President, Cnetics Technologies

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McDonnell Expands Lead in Virginia Governor's Race

/PRNewswire/ -- Two weeks before Virginia's voters cast their ballots, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell has an 8-point lead over Democratic opponent Creigh Deeds, according to a statewide poll conducted October 18-19 by Clarus Research Group.

In the latest poll, McDonnell leads Democrat Creigh Deeds 49 to 41 percent with 10 percent undecided.

An earlier Clarus Poll, taken September 10-14, showed McDonnell leading Deeds by 5 points, posting a 42-37 percent margin with 20 percent undecided.

"So far in the general election, Deeds has failed to gain sustained momentum," said Ron Faucheux, president of Clarus. "Over the past five weeks, McDonnell has expanded his lead as he's weathered attacks on his record as a social conservative."

"Since our last poll in mid-September, McDonnell has gained 7 points and Deeds has gained 4 points," said Faucheux. "While anything can happen between now and Election Day, the fundamentals favor McDonnell."

"Compared to five weeks ago, Deeds has increased his support in Northern Virginia and in the Southeast/Central part of the state. But larger gains by McDonnell more than offset those by Deeds. McDonnell's major gains came from independents statewide and voters in the Southwest/Western region," added Faucheux.

The poll found that the major motivation for Deeds' voters is their support for the Democratic Party while the primary motivation for McDonnell's supporters is because they like him personally.

Clarus Research Group is nonpartisan polling and research firm based in Washington, D.C. The poll was taken by Clarus for its own use and was not paid for or sponsored, by any client, candidate or political party committee.

The survey, which was conducted by live telephone interviewers October 18-19, 2009, had a sample of 605 Virginia voters and a margin or error of +/- 4 percent. Trial heat results were based on likely voters who said they were definitely or possibly going to vote in the November 3, 2009 elections. Voters who said they were definitely not going to vote were excluded from the sample for the trial heats.

The Clarus Poll found:

-- Despite heavy Democratic attacks on McDonnell's views on the role of
women in society, McDonnell now edges Deeds among women by one point,
45-44 percent. McDonnell posts a sizable 14-point lead among men
-- Since the mid-September poll, Deeds has gained 4 points among women
while McDonnell has gone up 5 points. Among men, Deeds gained 3 points
over the past five weeks while McDonnell jumped 8 percent.
-- McDonnell now has a strong 14-point advantage among Independent
voters, topping Deeds 50-36 percent. In the mid-September Clarus
Poll, McDonnell led Deeds among this critical swing vote group by half
his current margin, 7 points.
-- McDonnell leads Deeds in every major demographic group in the
Commonwealth except Northern Virginians, voters under 30 and African
Americans.
-- Deeds holds a massive 72-point lead among African Americans, winning
this vote 79-7 percent. He beats McDonnell 50-43 percent in Northern
Virginia and 48-41 percent among voters 18-29.
-- McDonnell leads white voters by a solid 26 points, 58-32 percent. He
also carries the Southeastern/Central part of the state 45-42 percent
and the Southwest/Western region by a thumping 28 points, 57-29
percent.
-- Among voters 65 and older, McDonnell beats Deeds by a wide 54-37
percent margin.
-- McDonnell's expanded statewide lead is largely attributable to his
increased support in the Southwest/Western part of the state, where he
nearly doubled his mid-September 15-point lead to a 28-point advantage
now.
-- Regionally, Deeds has improved his position in Northern Virginia since
the mid-September poll, going from 45 percent to 50 percent while
McDonnell has moved from 40 percent to 43 percent in the region. Deeds
has improved his support in the Southeastern/Central part of the
state, going from 36 percent to 42 percent while McDonnell has
increased his strength from 41 percent to 46 percent.
-- McDonnell leads Republicans 89-4 percent. Deeds wins Democrats 86-6
percent.
-- Thirty-seven percent of McDonnell's voters said the major reason
they're supporting him is because they like him. That was followed by
26 percent saying they're for McDonnell because they want to support
the Republicans, 10 percent who want to oppose the Democrats and 10
percent who dislike Deeds.
-- Thirty-eight percent of Deeds' voters said the major reason they're
for him is to support the Democrats. That was followed by those who
like Deeds (25 percent), those who don't like McDonnell (18 percent),
and those who want to oppose the Republicans (5 percent).
-- Fifty-one percent of voters who remain undecided in the gubernatorial
race said they don't know enough about the candidates to make a
decision and 24 percent said they have doubts about both candidates.
-- The poll also found that Republicans have the edge in the other two
statewide races. Republican Bill Bolling leads Democrat Jody Wagner
for lieutenant governor, 42-35 percent with 23 percent undecided.
Republican Ken Cuccinelli leads Democrat Steve Shannon 41-33 percent
for Attorney General with 26 percent undecided.

The Ox vs. King Roy the Rat

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Handel for Governor E-Update

Our Thoughts With Flood Victims

Karen, Steve and the entire campaign team want to extend their thoughts and prayers to the victims of this weeks terrible flooding. The loss of life – especially of children – is painful beyond words. Our hearts also go out to all of those who suffered property damage and financial loss. Tragedies like this put into perspective how vulnerable we all are and how precious life is.

Please take a moment and make a donation to The Red Cross. This great organization is working across Georgia today to assist those in need. To make a donation, follow this link.

Karen Pulls Away From the Pack in Recent Poll

A poll released today by Strategic Vision shows that Karen has pulled away from the pack and has made it essentially a two-person race for Governor.

According to pollster David Johnson who conducted the survey:

“Secretary Handel increased her support to move into a solid second place... In making her gains she continues to solidify her support among female voters. In many ways, she has demonstrated a strong comeback from several months ago when Congressman Deal first entered the race. Her current numbers are the highest we have registered for her in any of our polls. Her challenge is to expand her base support of support from beyond Fulton County and female voters.”

“Congressman Deal remains in the top tier but has taken a beating over the past month falling into third place,” said Johnson. “Part of this decline of support can be attributed to the negative news stories and also concerns about his age. However this decline can be overcome and is happening early enough in the campaign that he can regain his footing, barring other negative attacks.”

Karen continues to dominate straw polls

Insider Advantage reported this week on Karen’s strong showing in straw polls across the state. Karen won in DeKalb County which is where John Oxendine is from. She won in Oglethorpe and Muscogee Counties. She also did very well in Union County, finishing second, which is in Congressman Deal’s district.

These results show that Karen has a broad base of support all across the state. Her campaign organization and grassroots support is growing as more and more Republicans join he “Bring it On” campaign.

Here are the results:
Oglethorpe Co. Straw Poll Last Weekend
Karen Handel: 80
Nathan Deal: 60
John Oxendine: 44
Eric Johnson: 27
Austin Scott: 9
Jeff Chapman: 6
Ray McBerry: 5

Union Co. straw poll, Sept. 12

Nathan Deal: 24
Karen Handel: 13
John Oxendine: 13
Eric Johnson: 4
Ray McBerry: 3
Austin Scott: 3

Muscogee County Straw Poll September 8
Karen Handel: 57
Nathan Deal: 42
Eric Johnson: 41
John Oxendine: 37
Austin Scott: 25
Ray McBerry: 1
Jeff Chapman: 0C
hose not to vote: 6

DeKalb GOP Straw Poll August 29
Karen Handel: 101
John Oxendine: 63
Eric Johnson: 38
Nathan Deal: 27
Ray McBerry: 20
Austin Scott: 7

Show Your Support for Karen at Upcoming Events

Over the next 90 days Karen's campaign has dozens of events scheduled all across the state. We need your help and if you're interested in showing your support for Karen the next time she's in your community -- or if you would like to host an event of your own -- please let us know.
Contact Ally (ally@karenhandel.com) or Amanda (amanda@karenhandel.com) for more information.

Young Professional Kick-Off Event a Huge Success

Last week we kicked-off the Young Professionals for Karen with an event in Atlanta. It was a huge success with almost 200 young professionals attending and showing their support for Karen.

We want to send a special thanks to the host committee for putting together such a strong event, and to all those who attended and joined Karen’s “Bring it On” campaign.

The hosts for the event were: Charlene Marino, Sarah Hawkins, Brian Stimson, Andrew Allman, Daniel Allman, Charlie Ozburn, Hunter Hill, Vincent Russo, Bo Keatley, Clay Cheshire, David Gordon, Andre Egros, Ginger DuBose, Rob Fortson, Steve Rickman, Danielle Simms, Jennifer Tommasello, Amy Salloum, Steve Butler, Jason Lunsford, Tray Guepet, Mike Kerfeld, Chris Wagner, Baoky Vu, Emily Culbertson, Craig Cancienne, Glenn Harvin, Amy Shultz, Lesley Newell and Chad Wingate.
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Handel for Governor E-Update

Congress Out of Control, Spending on Luxury Jets an Outrage

Is it just me or has Congress lost its collective mind? While the rest of the country is suffering through the worst economy in a generation, they are buying themselves a fleet of new luxury private jets to fly themselves around in.

And these are the guys who chastised auto industry executives for flying to Washington on private jets? I think today's article in the Wall Street Journal summed it up nicely:

WASHINGTON -- Congress plans to spend $550 million to buy eight jets, a substantial upgrade to the fleet used by federal officials at a time when lawmakers have criticized the use of corporate jets by companies receiving taxpayer funds.The purchases will help accommodate growing travel demand by congressional officials. The planes augment a fleet of about two dozen passenger jets maintained by the Air Force for lawmakers, administration officials and military chiefs to fly on government trips in the U.S. and abroad.The congressional shopping list goes beyond what the Air Force had initially requested as part of its annual appropriations. The Pentagon sought to buy one Gulfstream V and one business-class equivalent of a Boeing 737 to replace aging planes. The Defense Department also asked to buy two additional 737s that were being leased.- The Wall Street Journal, August 7th, 2009

Obama, Healthcare, and the Real Issue

In Georgia, 95% of our companies have fewer than 50 employees. If our federal government lays a new and crushing burden of taxes and regulations on these business owners, our state's - and the nation's - economy could be ruined for many years to come.

This week, I traveled to Dublin, Statesboro, Savannah, Springfield and Atlanta. The people I met are truly concerned about the direction our country is going in. And, yes, they are mad. They are mad that Washington politicians aren't listening to their concerns.

This is a national issue but a state issue as well. States like Georgia are going to be left footing huge parts of the bill for any changes in Medicaid and we will bear the brunt of the economic damage and job losses that would sweep our state if any of the current health care plans become the law of the land.

I will be blogging on this very important issue in the near future, so stay tuned!

Congress Should Pass the FairTax Now

If Congress and the Obama Administration were serious about creating jobs, stimulus and helping the economy they would pass the Fair Tax which would help GA businesses and families immediately.

Read about my position on the FairTax in the issues section of my website.

Effingham County is Handel Territory

Effingham County Commissioner Reggie Loper and his wife Sheryl hosted a meet and greet in Springfield this week. With over 40 people in attendance, and many community leaders there, I am really encouraged about our support in the county.

I told the crowd in Effingham County on Wednesday that we need to overhaul the whole tax code. The local paper picked up on that:

"We have to look at economic development incentives and investments as investments in our future, not as a cost on our bottom line," she said. Handel also called for an overhaul of the state's tax system. Three of Georgia's competitors for growth - Florida, Texas and Tennessee - have no state income tax."We're losing out on the tax side," she said. "We have an antiquated tax system in the state. We need to revamp it completely and comprehensively in partnership with the counties, the cities and the school boards."- Effingham Herald, August 6th, 2009

For the rest of the original article, please follow this link
Thanks for your support!
Karen C. Handel
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Scott Reaches 500 Miles on His Walk of Georgia

State Representative Austin Scott, a 2010 gubernatorial candidate, announced today that he reached the end of the first half of his Walk of Georgia. Reaching the halfway point of his 1,000 mile walk, he stopped at Brantley County High School in Nahunta and spoke to a group of local business owners. Coincidentally, this was the same high school where Scott gave his very first speech after announcing his candidacy for Governor.

The Walk of Georgia began on June 27th in Chickamauga. To show that he is willing to go the extra mile as Georgia's Governor, Scott is walking 1,000 miles across the state, often through communities that no other statewide candidate has visited before. The walking and listening tour will take Scott through a total of 48 Georgia counties. "Candidates talk about listening to the voters of Georgia but never really give them a chance to be heard. I'm changing that with my Walk of Georgia," he explained.

Rep. Scott is enthusiastic about the input he has received on what the largest issues concerning Georgians are. "I've had the opportunity to meet many of Georgia's citizens and talk to them about their concerns," he went on to say. "The number one concern among most Georgians is the current state of the economy. People are worried about money, higher costs of living, food and other basic necessities. The steady increase in these things is eroding disposable income for the families who still have a job. Georgia's future depends on these families being able to create jobs and stability."

Their second greatest concern is funding for public education. "I believe that it is better to spend money in education at the beginning rather than before it's too late. I know from my time in the House that Georgia's largest budget item is education, and for good reason: it's clear that good schools lead to stronger communities. Georgia needs jobs and well educated workers to help our workforce continue to grow in the 21st century, to remain competitive and to help our state's economy," Scott said. "We must be competitive in the methods we use to educate our children."

Scott walks an average of 15 miles each morning and will continue to do so until his walk ends at the steps of the State Capitol in Atlanta. When he has completed this Walk, he will have a perspective and knowledge that no other candidate in this race will have: "This campaign is about Georgians, and that's why it's important for me to take my campaign on the road. I am bringing my campaign's message of servant leadership and conservative reform to every corner of this state. I want to listen to the people's ideas on how they think the problems we all face can be solved. Everyone wants to see a Governor who is a statesman that represents the people's interests, someone who understands their needs firsthand and is willing to listen. Over the next 500 miles I hope to continue to separate myself as the candidate best suited to meet these needs."

Georgians are invited to participate by walking alongside Scott, or by following his progress online at www.WalkingWithAustin.com, where visitors can read his daily blog and view videos from his walk. Utilizing the web to get the word out about his Walk as well as social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr, Scott has been able to reach Georgians all throughout the state.

Austin Scott is a Republican from Tifton serving House District 153 and is Chairman of the House Governmental Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Rules, Ways and Means, and Appropriations Committees. He is married to Vivien Scott and has one son, Wells. For more information about Austin Scott, visit us online at www.ScottForGA.com
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Austin Scott: 7/25/09 Campaign Update

As I approach the 500 mile mark on the Walk of Georgia, I’ve noticed the number one concern among Georgians is with the current state of our economy; their second greatest concern is funding for public education. These two issues are closely related, as it’s clear that good schools lead to strong communities.

I recommend we revisit SPLOST expenditures and grant more flexibility with local sales tax funds. It’s more important to focus on people instead of buildings. This flexibility would give local systems the ability to do that. Personally, I don’t agree with the Governor’s decision or the timing of the notification to the local systems, but I prefer that we look forward and find long term solutions to public school funding rather than simply criticize the Governor for the decision that he made.

-Austin
SCOTT FOR GEORGIA
PO Box 988
Tifton GA 31793
www.scottforga.com
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Handel Announces More Endorsements

Senator John Douglas, PSC Commissioner Chuck Eaton, Four More County Commissioners Join Karen's Team

Karen Handel announced today that Senator John Douglas and Public Service Commission member Chuck Eaton joined four additional county commissioners from across Georgia in endorsing Handel's campaign.

"I am honored to have the support of these fine public servants and community leaders," Handel said. "Our momentum continues to grow as we expand our grassroots network across the state. These endorsements are humbling as well as exciting."

"Karen is the candidate who is best prepared to lead our state," Douglas said. "With her combination of business, executive and political experience, she will take on the tough issues and get them resolved."

"Karen is just the kind of leader we need as Governor," said Eaton. "Her 'Bring it on' attitude is just what we need to solve the tough issues of jobs, water and transportation."

The addition of four new county commissioner endorsements makes a total of 28 county commissioners who have joined Karen's campaign. The four commissioners who endorsed today are:

Tom Worthan, Douglas County Commission Chairman
Dan Reyen, Hart County Commissioner
Bill Scott, Lumpkin County Commissioner
Ashley Hendrix, Carroll County Commissioner

"Karen is the only candidate for Governor in either party that has served in office at the local level," Worthan said. "She has walked in our shoes and understands the issues we face on a daily basis. She will make a great Governor."

GOP Frontrunner John Oxendine Unveils His Reform Agenda

Ga. Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine is currently the frontrunner for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.
By John Fredericks / Staff

Several recent polls show Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John Oxendine as the current frontrunner for the GOP gubernatorial nomination next July.

Q: You have been elected to the office of Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner four times since 1994. Prior to running for governor, you had earned a reputation as a staunch consumer advocate. Do you think anyone believes your acceptance of insurance company PAC campaign donations is based on a quid pro quo for favorable treatment from you?

OXENDINE: The only people in Georgia who believe that sit on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's editorial board.

Q: As governor, what would you do differently that is not being done now?

OXENDINE: We have an obligation to show the voters of Georgia what a real Republican governor is capable of accomplishing with a majority in the house and senate. There needs to be more of a focus on the big picture. We have many of the same problems today that we had decades ago. sat down for a candid interview with the commissioner to gain insight into his specific positions on various issues facing the state. The following are key excerpts from that interview.

I believe the governor should be the leader and drive the agenda, then allow the legislature to represent their local constituents accordingly and make their own decisions. But the governor needs to sit down with the leadership of both parties within the House and the Senate and say, this is where I think we need to go. Let's get away from: it's the house's agenda, it's the senate's agenda, or it's the governor's agenda. Instead, make it nobody's agenda. If the house and senate want to take credit for thinking up the idea, let them do it, I could care less. But let's sit down and work out the approach of how to get there, which is not happening. It's the results that count.

Q: You were a small businessman. Will that experience influence the tone of an Oxendine administration?

OXENDINE: People always come in and say, I'm going to run government like a business. Fine, dandy, it sounds good, it's a nice quote for the newspaper but it doesn't work. What you have to do is take private sector ideas and use a business approach in applying them to government, which is what I have done. I used to be a small business owner. I understand how business works. But you have to understand how government works if you want to fix it. One thing I really want to do as Georgia governor is change the culture of the executive branch to be more pro-active in tackling our major problems.

Q: What are your top priorities?

OXENDINE: Job creation, transportation, education and water. Businesses do not want to come to a state where they may face problems with poor transportation, a sub-par education system, and have to deal with water shortages. They are all tied together.

Transportation is a bigger problem today than it ever was, but it's not new. Education: every governor in the last 30 years has promised to fix education. We still lag near the bottom of the nation. Our water shortage is getting worse. The governor said he was going to build reservoirs [and hasn't]. The drought is going to come back again and it's going to be worse and worse each time. These are all directly related to job creation.

Q: Why do you think these problems remain unsolved?

OXENDINE: The real problem may very well be the politicians themselves. Often they take office and immediately it's all about them, it's about them getting credit, about their self-edification, about promoting their own political career. The big problems can't be fixed in a couple of years. Our problems in this state may take 10, 12, 15 year solutions. So the politician says why should I focus on fixing a problem when it won't bear fruit until after I am out of office and some other governor gets to take credit for it? So they put a band-aid on it, they put window dressing on it. It looks good in a press release and they say, hey, vote for me because I have done this thing, trust me I'll really fix it. But by the time people figure out the problem didn't get fixed, they are already re-elected to their second term and it doesn't matter and it ultimately never gets effectively addressed.

Q: So how would you be different?

OXENDINE: I realize I won't be governor when the problems actually are solved. The new governor gets to come in and take credit for my work. I want to put the things in motion to permanently solve the problems plaguing this state and I realize that the governor after me will probably receive all the credit for my work. I am okay with that. That is the way a statesman should act. It doesn't matter who takes credit as long as the job gets done. The politician wants to take credit; the statesman does not care who takes credit. The statesman wants the result.

Q: Can you draw distinctions between yourself and Gov. Perdue?

OXENDINE: If I had been governor I would have already been building freeways, I would not have waited until seven years into my administration to start saying transportation is an issue. We are seven years into a Perdue administration and roads are not getting built. The GDOT board can be governed better, [but] I am not sure the new transportation governance bill that was passed is the panacea. We need to focus on getting roads built; on securing the money and funding we need and then worry about how the GDOT board works. To me, all this insistence on changing the governance of GDOT before we can come up with a funding mechanism to start actually building roads is like cub scouts at a camp site arguing over the best way to stack the wood in the corner before they build a fire. They argue and argue and then realize that everybody forgot to bring matches. We have been arguing over how to govern GDOT, yet we don't have the matches. We need to focus on building roads and paying for the roads. Instead, everybody is [obsessed] with the inner workings of the government bureaucracy.

ECONOMY, TAX POLICY AND JOBS

Q: The state is mired in a historic recession, with unemployment now topping nine percent. What is your plan for economic growth in Georgia?

OXENDINE: Our tax code doesn't need to be changed, tweaked or modified. It needs to be completely torn up by its roots and rewritten in a way that will be fair to both businesses and taxpayers. We need a modern tax code that will promote and provide incentives for people and companies to come to the state. All of those things will bring jobs. You create jobs by making the state attractive to outside firms and by inspiring and [incubating] new local entrepreneurs. That's something I have done. When I became insurance commissioner, the biggest insurer was the state. Worker's compensation is now readily available, it is cheaper and the benefits are better than when I took office. Homeowner's insurance is now cheaper and more available then when I took office and automobile insurance is now cheaper and more available then when I took office. We focused on creating an environment where we could get more insurance companies to come to Georgia, and more small companies to launch their new business here. We made it more competitive and we made it cheaper for the consumer. It's the same thing with jobs, if you want to increase jobs, you have to make businesses want to come to your state to provide those jobs and develop an economic climate that encourages new companies to [emerge] and create those jobs.

Q: When Governor Purdue vetoed the jobs bill, you called it a travesty. Of all the candidates, you had the strongest comments on his veto. What are some of the other specific tax changes that as governor you would pursue?

OXENDINE: I would abolish the state income tax. Florida doesn't have one, Texas doesn't have one, and liberal Washington State doesn't have one. If we got rid of the state income tax, think of how many senior citizens that want warm land that is hot and humid and flat, would come to South Georgia instead of Florida? If we get rid of the income tax, we get lower taxes, cheaper insurance, cheaper land; we can start developing South Georgia and make it a great place for retirees. I am also an advocate of the fair tax. If you want to promote the fair tax nationally then the states should set an example. How do we tell the federal government to get rid of their income tax, when our state is not leading by example?

Q: Georgia is facing a mammoth budget crisis due to falling revenues. How do you balance the budget without a state income tax?

OXENDINE: I don't want to just abolish the income tax; I want to completely rewrite the tax code. Yes, the state has to have revenue to operate; I am saying we rewrite a new, modern 21st century tax code from scratch. That new tax code should not include an income tax.

TRANSPORTATION

Q: What is your specific transportation plan?

OXENDINE: First of all, everything intersects in Atlanta, not a good idea; Atlanta is not ancient Rome where all roads have to come through Rome. We have got to figure out how to move both people and goods and services around Atlanta- north to south, east to west-without going through Atlanta.

Atlanta's transportation problem is not just a regional problem, its not just metro Atlanta problem. It's a state problem.

We need two new highways. The first runs north south from Chattanooga through Dalton, bypassing Atlanta to the west and intersecting with I-16 in Macon to Savannah. The second runs east west from Augusta to Columbus, again bypassing Atlanta and intersecting with I-16 in Macon.

Q: How would you pay for these highways?

OXENDINE: I would put tollbooths on both roads, and I am not going to make a stupid promise like the one that was made with Ga. 400, to take the tollbooth down when the road was paid for. With 400, we need to take the tollbooth down, because that was promised and I believe in keeping your word. However, that was a stupid promise; I would never make such a promise. I will put tollbooths up on the new thoroughfares and I will leave them there permanently and keep collecting the money even after they are paid off. Then I would use the surplus money to build more roads. There is always going to be a road that needs to be built somewhere in Georgia. Let the free market decide who wants to pay a toll and who doesn't. Some do not mind a toll to save time in traffic. For those who don't they can use the current highway system in place. So it's freedom of choice and market-based. That is an example of using business principles to solve government challenges.

Q: Would you use P3's (public-private-partnerships)?

OXENDINE: I believe in tolls, I think these new freeways need to be toll roads. Whether or not it's a P3, which is where a private company builds it and charges a toll and after a period of time either all the money reverts to the state or a portion reverts to the state. The other alternative is for the state to float bonds and pay for the roads and then keep all of the toll money. You have to look at it case by case.

EDUCATION

Q: What is your plan to improve education?

OXENDINE: Teachers currently are forced to spend too much time on bureaucracy filling out forms and reports -and less time on teaching. I want to further empower local school districts. The state tends to micromanage school boards. We need to go to a school board superintendent and say, this is what we want you to accomplish and this is the time period, and we are going to hold you accountable. We are going to let you figure out how to do it because the way to do it in Fulton County may not be the way to do it in Chatham County. You can't just turn them loose Clayton County is proof of that, so you have to hold them responsible. Let them succeed or fail on their own.

WATER

Q: What about water?

OXENDINE: First we need to preserve the resources we have and be more [judicious] with our usage. But we need to build reservoirs. The bottom line is the state of Georgia is growing and we have failed the people of this state by not preparing for the growth. Perdue has stood on the shores of Lake Lanier and said our water crisis has nothing to do with the huge growth in Atlanta and north Georgia. That is false, anybody can see the reason we have the problems is due to growth and development. God has given us rain, he has given us the ability to dig a hole and capture the water and we just have to do it. We have to do something for ourselves [and end the blame game].

Q: How would you define your gubernatorial candidacy?

OXENDINE: I am the true conservative in this race. Most of the other candidates are much more status quo. You can look at where they are getting their support either the state capital establishment or the Washington establishment is supporting most of my opponents. My support comes from grassroots Republicans. I want change. I want things done differently. I want results.

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US Rep Nathan Deal (R GA-9th) Addresses GOP Convention

Congressman Nathan Deal (R-9th District) speaks to Georgia Republicans at the 2009 Convention held in Savannah at the International Trade and Convention Center 5/16/09. Deal spoke on Friday, May 15th as a candidate for Governor to attendees, unfortunately we missed that talk. We have talks by other candidates and convention speakers coming soon. Herman Cain's talk was posted on our Republican News Sweep blog: Herman Cain Speaks at GA GOP Convention

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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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"Another View: McCain The Stronger Candidate"

"No one is better prepared than John McCain to serve as commander in chief and lead the country as it seeks successful outcomes in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and to work with Pakistan to help kill or capture the perpetrators of 9/11. McCain's actions as a POW in Vietnam were heroic. In Congress, he has become intimately familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the Pentagon. The Arizona senator has stood up to generals and presidents from Reagan to Bush on defense issues. He often offers sound alternatives, such as the counterinsurgency strategy that has brought greater security and stability to Iraq." -- The Philadelphia Inquirer

"Another View: McCain The Stronger Candidate"
Editorial
The Philadelphia Inquirer
October 18, 2008

The Editorial Board's endorsement of Barack Obama was not unanimous. Dissenters said:
No one is better prepared than John McCain to serve as commander in chief and lead the country as it seeks successful outcomes in both Iraq and Afghanistan, and to work with Pakistan to help kill or capture the perpetrators of 9/11. McCain's actions as a POW in Vietnam were heroic. In Congress, he has become intimately familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of the Pentagon.

The Arizona senator has stood up to generals and presidents from Reagan to Bush on defense issues. He often offers sound alternatives, such as the counterinsurgency strategy that has brought greater security and stability to Iraq.

Just the possibility of McCain in the White House chills the spines of pork-barrel spenders in both parties. And McCain understands that raising taxes to "spread the wealth" is not a form of patriotism, but a burden - to Joe the plumber and other Americans trying to make ends meet.
A President McCain would work across the political aisle. He's done it before, often angering fellow Republicans. And his character is unassailable. The selfless and courageous way he conducted himself during 51/2 years as a POW says much about the man.

He's made mistakes, such as the Keating scandal during the savings and loan crisis, but he's more than atoned for that error with his work on campaign-finance reform. That issue alone shows two other things about McCain: He'll go against his party if he thinks it's in the best interests of the country. And his word is good. He promised to stick with public financing of this year's campaign and did so.

Ask people to describe McCain and the first response often is, "He's honest." What you see is what you get. There are no mysterious associations to dance around. No 20-year attendance of a church whose pastor preached anti-American sermons. No serving on an education reform panel with a domestic terrorist. No financial support from a convicted felon. No ties to a group currently under investigation for possible voter-registration fraud.

And McCain didn't hire as a strategist David Axelrod, who helped lead Mayor John Street's race-baiting reelection campaign.

America needs an honest president with experience, common sense, sound temperament and good judgment in the Oval Office. Those qualities will make it easy for many to vote for McCain.

Read The Editorial

Chambliss Statement on Announcement of New Efforts to Stabilize the Economy

“This morning the President’s Working Group on Financial Markets announced new efforts to stabilize our economy authorized under the recently passed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act. I commend the members of this group for acting swiftly to quell the extreme volatility that has dominated our capital markets during the past weeks.

“Make no mistake about it; these efforts are measures of last resort. No one is pleased to be in this situation. I am, and always have been, a person who believes in free markets. However, these recent drastic steps are necessary to protect the framework which allows those markets to remain open and free. The current financial crisis was years in the making fueled by Wall Street greed and dishonesty, and today’s actions are another step on the long road to recovery.

“The current state of affairs in our financial markets runs deep, touching the lives of all Georgians. This crisis is crushing Main Street. Small businesses and local community banks are feeling the brunt of this economic instability. Our pensions and retirement security have been placed in jeopardy and must be made secure.

“Despite this period of economic volatility, I am confident in the long-term prosperity of our economy. The resilience of our financial system remains strong and will prevail through these troubling times. And those executives who forced us into this economic meltdown and stole from the American people will be investigated, prosecuted and punished accordingly.”

McCain-Palin 2008 Launches New TV Ad: "Ayers"

Today, McCain-Palin 2008 released its latest web ad, entitled "Ayers." The ad highlights Barack Obama's long-standing relationship with unrepentant domestic terrorist Bill Ayers. From his political introduction at Bill Ayers' house in 1995 to their service together on two boards, Barack Obama has long known Bill Ayers but has not been straightforward with the American people. This is an issue of judgment and candor and Barack Obama has not told the American people the truth.

VIEW THE WEB AD HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONfJ7YSXE5w

Script For "Ayers" (WEB :90)

ANNCR: Barack Obama and domestic terrorist Bill Ayers. Friends. They've worked together for years.
But Obama tries to hide it. Why?
Obama launched his political career in Ayers' living room.
Ayers and Obama ran a radical "education" foundation, together.
They wrote the foundation's by-laws, together.
Obama was the foundation's first chairman.
Reports say they, "distributed more than $100 million to ideological allies with no discernible improvement in education."
When their relationship became an issue, Obama just responded, "This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood."
That's it?
We know Bill Ayers ran the "violent left wing activist group" called Weather Underground.
We know Ayers' wife was on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list.
We know they bombed the Capitol. The Pentagon. A judge's home.
We know Ayers said, "I don't regret setting bombs. .... I feel we didn't do enough."
But Obama's friendship with terrorist Ayers isn't the issue.
The issue is Barack Obama's judgment and candor.
When Obama just says, "This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood."
Americans say, "Where's the truth, Barack?"
Barack Obama. Too risky for America.
JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

AD FACTS: Script For "Ayers" (WEB :90)

ANNCR: Barack Obama and domestic terrorist Bill Ayers. Friends. They've worked together for years. But Obama tries to hide it. Why? Obama launched his political career in Ayers' living room.

· Barack Obama's Relationship With Ayers "Went Much Deeper, Ran Much Longer And Was Much More Political Than Obama Said." CNN'S DREW GRIFFIN: "Barack Obama confirmed during a primary debate that he knew Ayers and when pressed, said they served on a charitable foundation board together. And Obama condemned Ayers support of violence. But the relationship between Obama and Ayers went much deeper, ran much longer, and was much more political than Obama said." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," 10/6/08)

· Barack Obama First Met William Ayers In 1995 During His First State Senate Campaign, When Obama Held Event At Home Of Ayers And Wife Bernardine Dohrn, Which One Attendee Said Was Aimed At "Launching Him" In First Campaign For State Senate. "In 1995, State Senator Alice Palmer introduced her chosen successor, Barack Obama, to a few of the district's influential liberals at the home of two well known figures on the local left: William Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn. While Ayers and Dohrn may be thought of in Hyde Park as local activists, they're better known nationally as two of the most notorious -- and unrepentant -- figures from the violent fringe of the 1960s anti-war movement. ... 'I can remember being one of a small group of people who came to Bill Ayers' house to learn that Alice Palmer was stepping down from the senate and running for Congress,' said Dr. Quentin Young, a prominent Chicago physician and advocate for single-payer health care, of the informal gathering at the home of Ayers and his wife, Dohrn. '[Palmer] identified [Obama] as her successor.' ... Dr. Young and another guest, Maria Warren, described it similarly: as an introduction to Hyde Park liberals of the handpicked successor to Palmer, a well-regarded figure on the left. 'When I first met Barack Obama, he was giving a standard, innocuous little talk in the living room of those two legends-in-their-own-minds, Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn,' Warren wrote on her blog in 2005. 'They were launching him -- introducing him to the Hyde Park community as the best thing since sliced bread.'" (Ben Smith, "Obama Once Visited '60s Radicals," The Politico, 1/22/08)

· CNN: The Meeting Was Widely Considered As "Barack Obama's Political Coming Out Party And It Was Hosted By Bill Ayers." CNN'S DREW GRIFFIN: "Anderson, this meeting at Bill Ayers home has been classified in many different ways. What I can tell you from the two people who were actually there, is number one, former Senator Alice Palmer says she, in no way organized this meeting and she was invited and attended it briefly. And Doctor Quentin Young, a retired doctor, told us this indeed was Barack Obama's political coming out party and it was hosted by Bill Ayers." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," 10/6/08)

ANNCR: Ayers and Obama ran a radical "education" foundation, together.

· Barack Obama Led Education Foundation That "Poured More Than $100 Million Into The Hands Of Community Organizers And Radical Education Activists" And "Translated Mr. Ayers's Radicalism Into Practice." "Despite having authored two autobiographies, Barack Obama has never written about his most important executive experience. From 1995 to 1999, he led an education foundation called the Chicago Annenberg Challenge (CAC), and remained on the board until 2001. The group poured more than $100 million into the hands of community organizers and radical education activists. ... The CAC's agenda flowed from Mr. Ayers's educational philosophy, which called for infusing students and their parents with a radical political commitment, and which downplayed achievement tests in favor of activism. In the mid-1960s, Mr. Ayers taught at a radical alternative school, and served as a community organizer in Cleveland's ghetto. ... CAC translated Mr . Ayers's radicalism into practice. Instead of funding schools directly, it required schools to affiliate with 'external partners,' which actually got the money. Proposals from groups focused on math/science achievement were turned down. Instead CAC disbursed money through various far-left community organizers, such as the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (or Acorn)." (Stanley Kurtz, Op-Ed, "Obama and Ayers Pushed Radicalism On Schools," The Wall Street Journal, 9/23/08)

· From March Of 1995 Until September Of 1997, Barack Obama And Ayers Attended At Least Seven Meetings Together Relating To The Chicago Annenberg Challenge. (Chicago Annenberg Challenge, Board Of Directors Meeting, Minutes Of The Board, 3/15/95, 3/31/95, 4/13/95, 6/5/95, 9/30/97; National Annenberg Challenge Evaluation Meeting, List Of Participants, 5/24/95; Chicago Annenberg Challenge, Chicago School Reform Collaborative Meeting, Minutes, 10/23/96)

· CNN: The Paths Of Barack Obama And Ayers "Repeatedly Crossed" At The Annenberg Challenge. CNN'S DREW GRIFFIN: "One place their paths repeatedly crossed, according to a CNN review of board minutes and other records, was Chicago's Annenberg Challenge project where a $50 million grant from the Annenberg Foundation matched locally raised funds to improve schools. According to participants and project records, Bill Ayers fought to bring the Annenberg grant to Chicago, Barack Obama was recruited as its chair. For seven years, Bill Ayers and Obama among many others, worked on funding for education projects, including some experiments supported by Ayers." (CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," 10/6/08)

ANNCR: They wrote the foundation's by-laws, together.

· Barack Obama "Served On The Board's Governance Committee With Mr. Obama, And Worked With Him To Craft CAC Bylaws." "The Daley documents show that Mr. Ayers sat as an ex-officio member of the board Mr. Obama chaired through CAC's first year. He also served on the board's governance committee with Mr. Obama, and worked with him to craft CAC bylaws. Mr. Ayers made presentations to board meetings chaired by Mr. Obama. Mr. Ayers spoke for the Collaborative before the board. Likewise, Mr. Obama periodically spoke for the board at meetings of the Collaborative." (Stanley Kurtz, Op-Ed, "Obama and Ayers Pushed Radicalism On Schools," The Wall Street Journal, 9/23/08)

· Bill Ayers Was Asked To Help Barack Obama Formulate The Chicago Annenberg Challenge By-Laws. (Chicago Annenberg Challenge Board Of Directors Minutes, 3/15/95)

ANNCR: Obama was the foundation's first chairman.

· Barack Obama "Was The First Chairman Of The Chicago Annenberg Challenge." "In the 1990s, Ayers was instrumental in starting the Chicago Annenberg Challenge, which was awarded nearly $50 million by a foundation to help reform Chicago schools. Obama was the first chairman of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge and Republicans have been highlighting his ties to Ayers through the group." (Pete Yost, "University Won't Open Obama-Related Records Now," The Associated Press, 8/19/08)

ANNCR: Reports say they, "distributed more than $100 million to ideological allies with no discernible improvement in education."

· Chicago Annenberg Challenge: "Distributed More Than $100 Million To Ideological Allies With No Discernible Improvement In Public Education." "With Ayers directing the project's operational arm and Obama overseeing its financial affairs until 1999, the Chicago Annenberg Challenge distributed more than $100 million to ideological allies with no discernible improvement in public education." (Editorial, "Obama's Friend, America's Enemy," National Review, 8/27/08)

ANNCR: When their relationship became an issue, Obama just responded, "This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood." That's it?

· Barack Obama On Ayers At Democratic Debate: "This Is A Guy Who Lives In My Neighborhood." "This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who's a professor of English in Chicago, who I know and who I have not received some official endorsement from. He's not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis." (Sen. Barack Obama, ABC Democratic Presidential Debate, Philadelphia, PA, 4/16/08)

ANNCR: We know Bill Ayers ran the "violent left wing activist group" called Weather Underground.

· Bill Ayers Was A Leader Of "The Violent Left-Wing Activist Group The Weather Underground." "Senator Obama's ties to a former leader of the violent left-wing activist group the Weather Underground are drawing new scrutiny as he battles Senator Clinton for the Democratic presidential nomination." (Russell Berman, "Obama's Ties to Left Come Under Scrutiny," The New York Sun, 2/19/08)

ANNCR: We know Ayers' wife was on the FBI's 10 Most Wanted list.

· Bill Ayers' Wife, Weather Underground Leader Bernardine Dohrn, Appeared On FBI's "Most Wanted" List. "Bernardine Dohrn, the former leader of the militant Weather Underground who turned herself in after 11 years on the run, says she looks forward to spending time with family and friends and intends to continue a rebellion against 'the system.' ... 'I remain committed to the struggle ahead,' Ms. Dohrn told reporters Wednesday after a court appearance. 'Given the system which perpetuates ... harsh oppression and suffering, rebellion is inevitable and continuous.' Ms. Dohrn, 38, pleaded innocent to nine charges -- seven stemming from the 1969 'Days of Rage' anti-war demonstration in Chicago and two more for jumping bail. She was released on $25,000 bond and a hearing was set for Jan. 13. Ms. Dohrn, who once appeared on the FBI's most-wanted list, arrived in court with a lawyer and William Ayers, another ex-radical who said h e lived with Ms. Dohrn in New York and is the father of her two children." (James Litke, "Fugitive Leader Surrenders With No Regrets," The Associated Press, 12/4/80)

ANNCR: We know they bombed the Capitol. The Pentagon. A judge's home.

· In The 1970s, Weather Underground Bombed The Capitol And The Pentagon. "As an Illinois state senator in 2001, Mr. Obama accepted a $200 contribution from William Ayers, a founding member of the group that bombed the U.S. Capitol and the Pentagon during the 1970s." (Russell Berman, "Obama's Ties to Left Come Under Scrutiny," The New York Sun, 2/19/08)

· New York State Supreme Court Justice's House Was Bombed By Weather Underground. "In February 1970, my father, a New York State Supreme Court justice, was presiding over the trial of the so-called "Panther 21," members of the Black Panther Party indicted in a plot to bomb New York landmarks and department stores. Early on the morning of February 21, as my family slept, three gasoline-filled firebombs exploded at our home on the northern tip of Manhattan, two at the front door and the third tucked neatly under the gas tank of the family car. (Today, of course, we'd call that a car bomb.) A neighbor heard the first two blasts and, with the remains of a snowman I had built a few days earlier, managed to douse the flames beneath the car. That was an act whose courage I fully appreciated only as an adult, an act that doubtless saved multiple lives that night. ... Though no one was ever caught or tried for the attempt on my family's life , there was never any doubt who was behind it. Only a few weeks after the attack, the New York contingent of the Weathermen blew themselves up making more bombs in a Greenwich Village townhouse. The same cell had bombed my house, writes Ron Jacobs in The Way the Wind Blew: A History of the Weather Underground. And in late November that year, a letter to the Associated Press signed by Bernardine Dohrn, Ayers's wife, promised more bombings." (John M. Murtagh, "Fire In The Night," City Journal, 4/30/08)

· In His Book, Bill Ayers Writes About Participating In The Bombings Of The Capitol And Pentagon. "Now he has written a book, 'Fugitive Days' (Beacon Press, September). Mr. Ayers, who is 56, calls it a memoir, somewhat coyly perhaps, since he also says some of it is fiction. He writes that he participated in the bombings of New York City Police Headquarters in 1970, of the Capitol building in 1971, the Pentagon in 1972." (Dinitia Smith, "No Regrets For A Love Of Explosives," The New York Times, 9/11/01)

ANNCR: We know Ayers said, "I don't regret setting bombs. . I feel we didn't do enough."

· In The September 11, 2001 New York Times, Ayers Was Quoted Saying "I Don't Regret Setting Bombs ... I Feel We Didn't Do Enough." "'I don't regret setting bombs,' Bill Ayers said. 'I feel we didn't do enough.' Mr. Ayers, who spent the 1970's as a fugitive in the Weather Underground, was sitting in the kitchen of his big turn-of-the-19th-century stone house in the Hyde Park district of Chicago." (Dinitia Smith, "No Regrets For A Love Of Explosives," The New York Times, 9/11/01)

ANNCR: But Obama's friendship with terrorist Ayers isn't the issue. The issue is Barack Obama's judgment and candor. When Obama just says, "This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood." Americans say, "Where's the truth, Barack?" Barack Obama. Too risky for America. JOHN MCCAIN: I'm John McCain and I approve this message.

· Barack Obama On Ayers At Democratic Debate: "This Is A Guy Who Lives In My Neighborhood." "This is a guy who lives in my neighborhood, who's a professor of English in Chicago, who I know and who I have not received some official endorsement from. He's not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis." (Sen. Barack Obama, ABC Democratic Presidential Debate, Philadelphia, PA, 4/16/08)

Senator McCain's Speech at Ohio Rally Today

I'm happy to be introduced by Governor Sarah Palin from the Great State of Alaska. She is a bit of a maverick herself. She will be my partner in reforming everything that's broken in Washington, and she is a leader who knows what it means to put her country first.

Sarah has a debate this week against my friend and colleague Joe Biden. He is a good man. But his is not the heart of a reformer, and if there's one thing every voter I've met this year agrees on, it's the need for big, tough reforms. We need the kind of reforms that require us to ruffle feathers and take on the entrenched special interests. And that's Governor Palin's specialty! Whether it's taking on big oil, or members of her own party, Governor Palin knows who she works for. She works for you!

Sarah and I have news for the big-spending, smooth-talking, me-first, country-second crowd in Washington and on Wall Street:

Change is coming!

We need reform in Washington and on Wall Street. When the financial crisis threatened the economic security of all Americans, I laid out principles to protect hardworking Americans. I believed that inaction was not an option.

I put my campaign on hold for a couple days last week to fight for a rescue plan that put you and your economic security first. I fought for a plan that protected taxpayers, homeowners, consumers and small business owners.

I went to Washington last week to make sure that the taxpayers of Ohio and across this great country were not left footing the bill for mistakes made on Wall Street and in Washington.
Some people have criticized my decision, but I will never, ever be a president who sits on the sidelines when this country faces a crisis. Some of you may have noticed, but it's not my style to simply "phone it in."

I am a Teddy Roosevelt Republican. I believe our leaders belong "in the Arena" when our country faces a challenge. I've never been afraid of stepping in to solve problems for the American people, and I'm not going to stop now.

Senator Obama took a very different approach to the crisis our country faced. At first he didn't want to get involved. Then he was "monitoring the situation." That's not leadership, that's watching from the sidelines.

And watching from the sidelines is exactly what got us into this mess. It was the lack of accountability and oversight that put your tax dollars on the line. But it shouldn't be surprising that Senator Obama isn't interested in protecting your tax dollars.

Senator Obama has proposed more than 860 billion dollars in new spending. He was asked in our debate Friday to name a single program he would consider cutting to help our country through this crisis, and he struggled to name a single program!

Senator Obama is a fan of all that spending because he's always cheering for higher taxes or against tax relief. He's voted that way 94 different times.

Two times, on March 14, 2008 and June 4, 2008, in the Democratic budget resolution, he voted to raise taxes on people making just 42,000 dollars per year. He even said at the time that this vote for higher taxes on the middle class was "getting our nation's priorities back on track." Then something amazing happened: on Friday night, he looked the American people in the eye and said it never happened. My friends, we need a President who will always tell the American people the truth.

Senator Obama's record of higher taxes and more spending isn't going to help "95 percent" of Americans, as he likes to say: it's going to hurt 100 percent of us by growing government, slowing growth, and destroying jobs.

Times are tough for our economy, but I am confident America and Americans will emerge stronger than before. I will do my part. My commitment to the American people is this: I will clean up the Wall Street mess, reform Washington, and focus the entire federal government on a pro-growth agenda that creates jobs and gets this country back to work and back on track.

Now, let me give you some straight talk about this election:

In 36 days your vote will determine the next president of this great country we all love. I think the differences between Senator Obama and myself are pretty clear.

A vote for me will guarantee immediate pro growth action: tax cuts for America's hard working families, strong support for small businesses which are the back bone of our economy, and an end to pork barrel spending in Washington.

A vote for Barrack Obama will guarantee higher taxes, fewer jobs and an even bigger federal government. These policies will deepen our recession.

A vote for me will guarantee that the forces that have brought down our economy will be out of business. I will end the corrupt practices on Wall Street and the back room deals in Washington DC. I will hold accountable those responsible for the oversight and protection of consumers, taxpayers and homeowners.

A vote for Barack Obama will leave this country at risk during one of the most severe challenges to America's economy since the Great Depression.

You see, when it comes to growing the economy and protecting you from the corruption of Wall Street and Washington, Senator Obama just doesn't get it.

Americans have had enough of business as usual. Americans have had enough of the cozy relationships between politicians and power brokers. The status quo will end on November 4 with a vote for me and Sarah Palin.

You see, we've made the tough choices that make us unpopular in our own party. We have pushed for difficult reforms that leave special interests on the sidelines and give "the little guy" a seat at the table.

We will never forget who we work for -- we work for you.

So, that's how we see this election: Country First or Obama First, and I have a feeling I know which side you're all on.

When it came to cutting taxes for seniors, for working families, for small businesses -- my opponent did not put the hard working people of this country first.

When it came time to support our troops fighting to protect our freedoms and way of life, my opponent said he'd never deprive them of the funds they needed to fight -- and then he did just that. Barack Obama voted against funding the equipment our troops rely on as they fight to protect us. That is not putting the men and women of our military first.

When it comes time to reach across the aisle and work with members of both parties to get things done for the American people -- my opponent can't name a single occasion in which he fought against his party's leadership to get something done for the country. That is not putting the interests of the country first.

The country is looking for leadership. The country is hungry for change. They want a leader who will stand up to entrenched special interests -- in Washington, and on Wall Street. They deserve a president who knows when to put politics aside and act in the best interest of the nation. The choice is clear. You have my word. I will always put this country first.

Georgia's Perry McGuire, Court of Appeals Candidate

Dear Fellow Georgians –
Great news! Georgia Right to Life PAC has endorsed our campaign for Georgia Court of Appeals!

Georgia Right to Life PAC has more than 200,000 Georgia voters active in the defense of life issues. I am honored that they have chosen to endorse me in this 7-candidate race. We expect to share more important endorsements in the coming weeks. Thank you to Georgia Right to Life PAC and to the hundreds of Georgians who have stepped forward to endorse this campaign so far . . . take a look at the endorsement press release at www.perrymcguire.com/

Let me share with you a few thoughts about this endorsement. Georgia Right to Life PAC president, Dan Becker, said some very strong words on my behalf in his letter to me:
The GRTL PAC is honored to endorse [Perry McGuire] for the office of Georgia Court of Appeals in the November 4, 2008 General Election . . . our endorsements are based on responses to our candidate survey, voting history, and our evaluation of the candidates and their commitment to the cause of life . . . As a Georgia Senator, you showed leadership in the Georgia General Assembly on the life issues. Thank you for your dedication in protecting and preserving the rights for all life . . . the years ahead will bring us new opportunities to defend the civil rights of the unborn, those with disabilities and the elderly . . . the GRTL PAC is honored to support you in this election.
I NEED YOUR HELP !
With all this good news and widespread support, I need to raise the funds necessary to get the word out to the maximum number of Georgia voters. The Court of Appeals is critical for Georgia – both for the thousands of individuals and companies who come before this court as a “court of last resort,” and for the millions of Georgians directly affected by the decisions that come from the court.

Can I count on you to make a new contribution today? Please visit www.perrymcguire.com/Contribute to make an investment in this race. We are the front-runners in this race, and in order to ensure victory in November, I need to tell our story to Georgia voters. With high-profile Presidential and Senate races going on, it’s tough to break through the political discourse! We will win this race if you can help us get there – and I am committed to bringing my no-nonsense, proven judgment to the Court of Appeals for all Georgia!
Can You Help?
Please have your friends added to our e-mail list: www.perrymcguire.com/Email
Please add your name to our endorsements: www.perrymcguire.com/Endorsements
Can you volunteer? www.perrymcguire.com/Volunteer
Can you contribute? To get our message out, we need your financial support. Any amount great or small will be greatly appreciated and wisely used: www.perrymcguire.com/ContributeRemember that Perry McGuire will be fifth on ballot in the race for Court of Appeals – so, “plead the Fifth!”Thank you again for your time and support – we’ll keep you updated on campaign developments – and please visit regularly at www.perrymcguire.com/!Perry McGuire

New Hampshire Democrats and Independents Join "Citizens for McCain"

U.S. Senator John McCain's campaign today announced the New Hampshire leadership of "Citizens for McCain," a national, grassroots organization dedicated to rallying Americans of all political parties behind John McCain's candidacy. The Granite State group will continue the grassroots effort to recruit and energize Democrats and Independents in support of John McCain.

Democrats Jim McConaha and Valery Mitchell, of Concord, have joined the group and will serve as co-chairs of "New Hampshire Democrats for McCain." Independents Marcia Moran, of Concord, and David Lee, of Londonderry, will serve as co-chairs of "New Hampshire Independents for McCain."

An appointee under former President Bill Clinton and Governor Jeanne Shaheen, McConaha said, "This is the most important job in the world. We need a leader of proven competence, tested judgment and substantial experience in the modern world and, obviously, that is John McCain."

Mitchell, a lifelong Democrat, has worked with many presidential and state campaigns. She added, "It was not easy to step away from my party in the McCain-Obama race, but I want a president whose judgment we know and trust, and a leader who will do what is in the best interest of our country without regard to politics or ideology."

Lee added, "We need a president who has a proven record of bringing members of both parties together to affect real change. McCain has that record. I've been active in New Hampshire politics for many years, frequently on the side of the Democrats, but in this year's presidential race, there's no question that John McCain is the candidate with the experience and the knowledge to lead the nation."

"New Hampshire voters are famous for evaluating candidates based on their leadership credentials, not their party," said Marcia Moran. "I'm supporting John McCain because he has repeatedly stood up to the special interests in Washington to do what's right for America. Principled and courageous, John McCain will unite our country to confront difficult challenges."