MacGinnitie Wins Reagan Day Dinner Straw Poll

Doug MacGinnitie, Republican candidate for Secretary of State, won the Union County Republican Party straw poll on Saturday at the Reagan Day Dinner held in Blairsville, Georgia. MacGinnitie defeated Brian Kemp, the appointed Secretary of State, receiving 62% of the 265 votes cast.

"I am honored and excited to have won the straw poll in Union County," stated MacGinnitie. "It is affirmation that our campaign is continuing to build momentum and strong grassroots support across the state."

The Reagan Day Dinner straw poll marked the first straw poll of 2010, and the first to label Kemp as an incumbent on the ballot. The significant win for MacGinnitie further illustrates that the grassroots party activists have made their decision and want MacGinnitie in the office of the Secretary of State.

"This win reaffirms the belief that Georgians are not looking for another career politician, but rather a successful businessman with private sector experience," stated MacGinnitie. "Our straw poll victories are a testament to our campaign's ability to organize a network of dedicated citizens who believe in our vision for fair and honest elections and job growth."

The effort that MacGinnitie's campaign has put into traveling the state has paid off. MacGinnitie has won eight of the last nine major straw polls conducted by local GOP organizations. Doug won the straw polls held in Cobb, DeKalb, Glynn, Henry, Muscogee, Union and Walker County sometimes by a 2-to-1 margin. The one poll where Doug fell short was in his opponent's old senate district where he still managed to earn 40% of the vote.

"At this point, grassroots party activists who go to these events have already met both candidates on several occasions and are familiar with each," said campaign manager Brandon Phillips. "Even with our opponent now having the advantage of incumbency, the grassroots of our party still continue to stand with Doug. If we learned anything from this win, it's that when voters are educated about the candidates they choose Doug hands down. Our advantage is that we'll have the resources necessary to make that happen come July."

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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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Wood Campaign Gains Momentum in Georgia

/PRNewswire/ -- Max Wood, candidate for Attorney General, has been pleased with the amount of support he and his campaign have generated so far.

"I am not an established politician, unlike my opponent. Many people are meeting me for the first time on the campaign trail. They seem to appreciate the strong qualifications I would bring to the office of Attorney General. The people of Georgia are hungry for real leadership and I believe I am the candidate best suited for the office of Attorney General," Wood said.

Wood announced his candidacy in August of 2009 prior to going on a six week tour of duty in Washington D.C. at the National Guard Bureau. "I am extremely proud of my military background. I am the only military veteran running for Attorney General," he added. Wood still serves as a Colonel in the Air National Guard.

His fundraising efforts began in mid October. The campaign has raised over $65,000 so far.

His current contributors include former United States Attorneys, Sheriffs and other law enforcement officials, four retired two star Generals and a former major league baseball player. He has also been able to gather support from numerous Democrats as well, even though he is a conservative Republican.

Wood plans to conduct himself as GA Attorney General much like he did as United States Attorney, adhering to the strict rule of representing all people, and not just one party.

"I am a Republican through and through, but if I am elected Attorney General, I also have a responsibility to be non-political when dealing with matters of the state," he said. He points to his stint as United States Attorney as an example of how he will conduct himself in office.

"I prosecuted Democrats and Republicans while United States Attorney. It was never a consideration to go easy on someone because they were a political insider or connected to one particular political party," he stated.

Wood served as United States Attorney in the Middle District of Georgia from 2001 to 2009. He was the longest serving United States Attorney in the area since the L.B.J. Administration.

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Surprise Candidate Rising Like a Meteor in the Governor's Race

Having won several polls in the Governor's race across the state in the past month, Ray McBerry's campaign continues to pick up steam across the state.

In the past month, McBerry won first place in the governor's race straw poll conducted in Tifton the week following two candidate forums in south Georgia, one in Tifton and another in Valdosta. Even Austin Scott, a native of Tifton, came in second to McBerry among the seven Republicans.

Meanwhile, Ray McBerry scored overwhelming victories in the online polls for the Governor's race that were conducted by both the Augusta area Young Republicans in east Georgia and the Paulding County GOP in west Georgia.

In north Georgia's Walker County, the McBerry Campaign came in second place in the Republican party's straw poll, being bested only by Nathan Deal, in whose "back yard" the straw poll was conducted.

For several months now, there have been record turnouts each time that Ray McBerry has spoken at different county GOP meetings across the state, leading to an increase in the number of speaking invitations from other county chairmen.

Additionally, Ray has been invited to be the "kickoff" speaker for nearly a dozen " tea party patriot" groups springing up around the state -- groups who are looking for candidates who are not part of the current Democrat and Republican establishment. The most recent of these events was this past Thursday evening in Dalton in which approximately 200 people turned out to hear Ray speak on the subject of "States' Rights."

The record turnout at both Republican-sponsored events and these "town hall" type meetings every time that Ray McBerry is invited to speak have certainly gotten the attention of many within the Republican Party. Being called "the best public speaker in Georgia today" by a number of statewide candidates, Ray's message of "States' Rights" is resounding incredibly well in all areas of the state and among all groups, including "blue dog" Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents, as well as traditional conservative Republicans.

The McBerry Campaign team continues to grow with each new week and is the largest volunteer organization in the governor's race among both Republican and Democrat contenders. With the rapid growth of the campaign, the success in numerous recent polls, and the increasing demand for his speaking across the state, Ray McBerry appears to be rising like a meteor in the Republican race for Governor.

For more information or to contact Ray McBerry's campaign about interviews and speaking engagements, please visit the campaign website at www.GeorgiaFirst.org
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Handel "All In" For Governor's Race

The following statement from Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel was released today, December 22nd, 2009:

I have spoken to Governor Perdue and informed him that I will resign as Secretary of State by the end of the year.

This was an extraordinarily difficult decision - professionally and personally. However, I know that it is the right one - for the Office of the Secretary of State, the team there, and the citizens of Georgia who have entrusted me with this important position, as well as for my campaign for Governor.

Over the past month, Georgia's economic climate has continued to deteriorate, and we've all experienced disbelief and anger over the actions of some in the State Legislature. As I've considered this new landscape, it became clear to me that, while certainly manageable, serving as Secretary of State while also running for Governor was no longer the best approach for the office or my campaign.

I also took into consideration that I did not want any perceived conflicts of interest concerning my overseeing the primary or general elections, investigating complaints that arise, and certifying the results of the elections while a candidate for Governor and serving as Secretary of State.

Georgia's next Governor must be a real leader with solid, conservative principles, a vision for our state, and the executive/business management experience needed to actually run our state and achieve meaningful progress on the issues we face.

Our next Governor must also have a commitment to ethics reform that is beyond question and a track record of ethical leadership. These are the reasons I decided to run for Governor, and they are the reasons that I am going to win.

So, as we enter the new year, the people of Georgia need to know that I am all in for the Governor's race. This decision allows me to focus 100% on becoming the Republican nominee and winning the election in November.

This decision allows the Governor to appoint an interim Secretary of State to focus completely on the important issues in the agency, including the ongoing situation with the US Department of Justice involving Georgia's voter verification process and overseeing the 2010 elections.

The next Secretary of State will have the benefit of a team of very talented individuals who will continue to serve the office - and the State - with the same level of commitment and dedication that I have appreciated for three years. I am confident that the transition will be smooth, and the people of Georgia will be well served by this team and whomever the Governor appointments to lead them.

Finally, I want to thank the people of Georgia for their trust and confidence in me to serve as their Secretary of State. My thanks, as well, to the tremendous team within the Secretary of State's office for their commitment and hard work.

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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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Op-Ed: Dems ooze hate‏

"I guess the Georgia Democratic Party has changed their name to the DemoHate party of Georgia," said Tim Echols, campaign manager for John Oxendine. "Having failed miserably at winning elections based upon policy and ideas, Roy Barnes and party chair Jane Kidd and the liberals at the Georgia Democrat Party have launched their third hit piece on John Oxendine.

Echols said that last week, using the time honored Clinton tactic of politics of personal destruction, the Democrats have asked on their website whose the most corrupt politician in Georgia.

"Our first observation is they made a glaring oversight by failing to include Roy Barnes," said Echols. "Secondly, this valuephobic Democratic party has clearly telegraphed that they intend to ooze only hate, maybe because they know they can’t win the election in 2010 if the election policy and issues."

Echols said being called corrupt by the Democrats of Georgia is a little like being called ugly by a frog.

Source: Oxendine Governor 2010

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Judson Hill: Remembering Veterans Day‏

Please remember our heroes and their families today. It is through their courage and sacrifices that our security and our freedoms are guaranteed. There is a poem I am sure you have likely seen before, but I want to share it with you again, because it summarizes well what we owe our veterans. May God continue to bless our Veterans!

* It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given you freedom of religion.
* It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given you freedom of the press.
* It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given you freedom of speech.
* It is the veteran, not the protester, who has given you freedom to assemble.
* It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given you the right to a fair trial.
* It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given you the right to vote.
* It is the veteran, who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag, whose coffin is draped by the Flag.

Please thank our soldiers and their families for their service. Whether they serve in the Persian Gulf, elsewhere around the world or here at home we applaud you and pray for you. We also pause today to remember those troops stationed at Ft. Hood who were killed or injured. If you wish to do more, for $25 you can sponsor a United States Organization care package for one of our soldiers serving overseas. To learn more, please visit: www.usocares.com.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve!

Best regards,

Sen. Judson Hill

www.judsonhill.com
Paid for by Friends of Judson Hill

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Georgia GOP Needs Volunteers November 2

The Georgia GOP is asking for volunteers Monday night November 2 from 5:00-8:00
p.m. to make calls for two Georgia state legislative races.

While they are not in Cobb County, we have the chance to help make a difference
in districts where low turnout could make a GOP win possible. The calls will be
to solid Republican households to help increase turnout.

For more info or to confirm you can help e-mail Toby Carr at tcarr@gagop.org [mailto:tcarr@gagop.org].

Phone Bank Office:
Fulton County Republican Party Headquarters
ParkSide Shopping Center
5920 Roswell Road
Suite B-115
Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Source: Cobb County Republican Party

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Rep. Scott Breaks National Walking Record

Georgia gubernatorial candidate Rep. Austin Scott announced that he now holds the record for the longest walk by an American politician, taking the record previously held by former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Lawton Chiles since 1970.

"I'm surprised that the 'Walkin’ Lawton' record stood as long as it did," said Scott. "I guess there just aren't that many politicians who want to walk throughout their states the way I did."

The Chiles walk was recorded as 1,003 miles and Scott's walk is officially recorded as 1,068. To put a walk of this length into perspective, it can be measured in several ways:
From Atlanta:

· More than 250 miles West of Dallas, Texas
· More than 100 miles North of Toronto, Canada
· 90 miles past Omaha, Nebraska
· To Grenada, Mississippi, and back, twice.
From New York City:
· Within 10 miles of Little Rock, Arkansas
· More than 70 miles West of Iowa City, Iowa
· Within 40 miles of Orlando, Florida

"The quest to understand people doesn't come from inside the Capitol or from a room full of lobbyists,” said Scott. “It comes from continuous dialogue with the people to be served. It comes from interacting with and knowing the people and places that comprise a place, a state and a nation. It is difficult to get where you are going without knowing where you are from, and I pledge that as Governor, I will never forget the people I met or the places I saw on my walk."

Austin Scott is a Republican from Tifton who has served House District 153 for 14 years. He is Chairman of the House Governmental Affairs Committee. To learn more about Austin Scott for Georgia visit www.ScottForGA.com or follow him on his Facebook and Twitter web pages.
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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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The Ox vs. King Roy the Rat

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Marriage—under attack again‏

The family is under attack, and in Washington DC this weekend, so is the President. The GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender) community is hosting an Equality March on Washington to let the President know that between solving the healthcare crisis in America, writing his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, and taking over car companies, he needs to come through on some of the promises he made to the gay lobby during the election.

In last year’s election, California, Florida and Arizona flexed their bi-partisan muscles and said “no thank you” to radically altering the oldest institution in human history—marriage. These states join Georgia and 25 other states whose constitutions ban gay marriage. The stunning electoral defeat last year looks to me like a mandate for traditional marriage to anyone with eyes—but the media and gay rights activists are not spinning it that way. The gay marriage issue has lost in every single state, and in a year of record Democratic turnout, it lost again—even in California.

Why is that? Because one of the most important issues to conservative voters is the institution of marriage. But not just white voters. Many minority voters are very traditional in this area and they tell me they resent the gay lobby “hijacking” the civil rights movement for something
besides skin color or gender. Those on the other side of this argument, made up of mostly Democrats, the gay community and special interests, have utilized any and every thing to secure civil marriage for themselves—including municipal governments, state legislatures,
executive orders, courts, and did I mention, courts. The GLBT lobby and activist groups have employed every tactic to distort ballot initiatives and spin the issue as something other than what it is. Now, they want to apply pressure to President Obama and have him deliver for them.

How will they do that? The gay rights movement that defines itself mostly on private behaviors will be marching in the streets in Washington, DC this weekend and making demands on public policy. They want to redefine marriage. They insist on teaching children in the public schools that same-sex marriage is morally equivalent to traditional marriage. I am asking Georgians of all races to come together on the issue of traditional marriage and do all we can to protect this sacred institution.

The bottom line of all of this is that the devaluing of marriage has enormous consequences. One only needs to look at the research and statistics from the Netherlands to see how the devaluation of marriage has caused more and more people not to marry. The institution of marriage, one of the oldest on the planet, is the bedrock of civilization. And for that reason, all of us need to come together to protect marriage.

All that said, those who are engaged in homosexual behavior are people—who need love and forgiveness, and who need to understand the love of God. It is hard to engage in cultural battle and still have people feel that you love and accept them. Ugly rhetoric, inappropriate jokes, and ridicule should be off limits. And most importantly, we need to do a better job in our own marriages so we don’t lose the moral authority to talk about this issue. We obviously have a lot of work to do.

By John Oxendine

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Oxendine Statement on Disclosure of State Pensions

Insider Advantage writer Dick Pettys reports that according to ERS, it no longer is possible for the taxpayers of Georgia to find out a full disclosure on state pensions. This means that taxpayers cannot discover which pensioner is getting what from state government.



Mr. Pettys reminds us that state employees, while on active duty, have their salaries easily accessible for all to see. But when a taxpayer-funded employee retires, their pension information is protected from their bosses, the taxpayers of Georgia.

Mr. Pettys reports state law was changed during the 1997 session of the Legislature, when Democrats still were in control of both chambers.



O.C.G.A. 47-1-14(b) “…the following records maintained by a retirement system are exempted from being open to inspection by the general public:…(4) any business, financial, or personal information in the possession of such retirement system concerning a party other than such retirement system."



I want to congratulate WGCL (TV 46) reporter Wendy Saltzman and the station’s owner, Meredith Corp, for their initial work on this matter. I also congratulate Dick Pettys for his work on this issue too.



Let me be perfectly clear on this issue. If it is in fact true that ERS is refusing to release this information based on any interpretation of any state law, that will change in January, 2011. Should I become Governor, I will direct my legal counsel in the first days of an Oxendine Administration to meet with the heads of every Georgia retirement system and the Attorney General.



If I receive confirmation that these reports are true, I will direct my Administration Floor Leaders to immediately introduce legislation to reverse this outrageous policy and practice.



Every state employee needs to understand that all of us, including me, are employees of the taxpayers of Georgia. They are our bosses and they have every right to know about our compensation. Period.



I call on Governor Perdue, Lt. Governor Cagle, and Speaker Richardson to act prior to 2011 and move legislation early in the 2010 Session to address these allegations and provide facts to the taxpayers that they remain in charge of their state employees.

John Oxendine
Governor 2010

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Opinion: No More Tax Benefits for Illegals!‏

Every day, in cities throughout the United States, illegal immigrants take advantage of expensive health care services paid for with taxpayer dollars. What have Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Obama done to prohibit this massive abuse of our financial resources?

Not a single thing. In fact, Pelosi and Obama are threatening to open up the entire health care system to every Illegal Immigrant.

It's time we fight back and make our voices heard. Nathan Deal has been leading the fight in Congress to stop illegal immigrants from getting taxpayer-funded health care benefits. In fact, he wrote the law requiring every state to verify identity and citizenship prior to enrolling anyone in Medicaid. No one has been more aggressive about ensuring precious health care funds go only to those here legally.

Just last month, Nathan offered an amendment to the Democrat government-run health care scheme that would prevent illegal immigrants from getting taxpayer-funded Medicaid benefits by simply requiring verification that an individual is a U.S. Citizen, or in this country legally. But the Democrats defeated Nathan's amendment on a mostly party-line vote.

It's time to demand citizenship verification for taxpayer-funded services. We can't wait any longer. With your help, and with one, loud voice, we can force Nancy Pelosi and liberal Democrats to close this loophole once and for all.

Deal for Governor

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Opinion: Mary Norwood's Plan to Pave Over Positive Solutions for Transportation‏

Most people have probably heard that Mary Norwood has taken issue with John Oxendine and his effort to start a discussion on solutions to Georgia's transportation crisis. After John Oxendine offered via video a series of positive transportation proposals and ideas, Mary Norwood went ballistic. She could not resist attacking John Oxendine with a series of negative "robo" calls - all in an effort to get her elected as Mayor of Atlanta apparently.

Norwood has a problem being positive and being honest though. After Norwood’s public criticism, John Oxendine reached out and invited Mary Norwood to discuss in a respectful and positive manner the important issue of transportation. This was not a debate or some “trick” in order to embarrass Norwood, but a genuine effort to jumpstart a conversation between two public officials. But instead of sitting down for a constructive conversation, Mary Norwood would rather use John Oxendine to prop up her campaign in an effort to score political points. This is unfortunate.

The real truth is John Oxendine wants to save Atlanta neighborhoods. It is John Oxendine who understands that traffic and congestion impacts the quality of life in Atlanta's in-town communities. The truth is that John Oxendine wants to involve all stakeholders to find 21st century solutions for this crisis.

Mary Norwood could actually do great harm to Atlanta’s intown neighborhoods by refusing to address the crisis. This transportation crisis begs for solutions—not cheap political tricks or slogans. And if Mary Norwood somehow gets elected Mayor and decides she still wants to pit Atlanta against the rest of the metro area, we'll fight her, and then we'll beat her. Atlanta and its traffic problems can't be allowed to choke the very life of our state.

Until she is elected, she should quit trying to use the Governor's race to get some cheap publicity.

Sincerely,

Tim Echols
Campaign Manager
John Oxendine 2010

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Oxendine Remarks on GA Supreme Voting Machine‏

With all due respect and appreciation for the Supreme Court of Georgia, I am deeply disappointed in the decision today to reject the challenge to touch-screen electronic voting machines.

Like many Georgians, I am concerned about the integrity of the voting process. Outside of one's faith, an argument can be made that the right to vote is the most sacred secular right a free person enjoys.

Certainly Justice George Carley is correct when he observes that no balloting system is perfect. No reasonable person would argue that premise. However, Justice Carley in citing the 2000 presidential election as an example validates the point that a verifiable backup system is needed.

With deep respect, many Georgians will suggest, and I agree, that the 2000 presidential election demonstrates the exact need for a backup paper system to establish the integrity of the voting process. Consider this: without a verifiable backup system for each individual vote, how can the American people have confidence in the electoral process?

I assure Georgia that if I have the honor to serve as Governor, our state will have a system for voting which provides a verifiable backup system to address any legitimate questions that might arise after an imperfect voting process.

I do not mean to suggest that our high court was wrong on a strictly legal basis. Rather, my point is that the state has an obligation to provide an absolute, verifiable, and trusted system for counting votes, especially when there is a problem or crisis. Many reasonable Georgians have appeared at countless meetings with state officials to express their concern. Instead of listening to the people, working with the people, and trying to find a verifiable paper-based backup system, certain state officials decided to go to court.

I promise Georgia that an Oxendine Administration will not go to court. Instead, we will work together as a state and find a common sense solution to this important issue.

-
John Oxendine

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Oxendine to Perdue - No Teacher Pay-cuts‏

“I want the 2,000 Georgia teachers who hold certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards to know that I am totally opposed to the proposed cuts from this Administration,” said John Oxendine, candidate for Governor. “I acknowledge and understand that in order to avoid raising taxes Georgia must address serious and substantial budget cuts, but teacher pay is off limits.”

Oxendine said he respects the work being done by Governor Perdue and like many Georgians he realizes there are no easy answers. “I do not wish to criticize the Governor and continue to offer my support in these trying times,” said Oxendine.

Oxendine said that while cuts are necessary, there are certain aspects of the budget, like teacher pay, that not only should be exempt from any cuts, but should receive annual cost of living increases.

“I call on Governor Perdue and the General Assembly to immediately reverse this policy and restore this vital funding to the very best of Georgia teachers,” said Oxendine. “The message this cut sends to those education students in our colleges and universities is demoralizing.”

Oxendine said that it is important that Georgians understand that in an Oxendine Administration there will be three areas off-limits from budget cuts: Teachers, Veterans and Law Enforcement/First responders. This last category includes the Georgia State Patrol and Georgia
National Guard.

“Georgia needs to reexamine our taxpayer funded financial commitment to social welfare programs in the budget and perhaps decide we can no longer sustain in these trying financial times,” said Oxendine.

John Oxendine

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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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Mike Huckabee Wins Values Voter Summit Straw Poll

Mike Huckabee has convincingly won Family Research Council's second-ever Values Voter Summit Straw Poll. Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty, Sarah Palin, and Mike Pence finished roughly tied for second place.

Only registered participants of the Summit who were present at the event were allowed to vote.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement in reaction to the second ever Values Voter Summit Straw Poll:

"We were surprised that the event's turnout was more than double our expectations, clearly showing intensity among social conservatives. This was the first time potential conservative candidates could present their vision for change. We have over 1,800 registrants and over 175,000 unique online viewers."
The following are the straw poll results:

Candidate Name Total Votes Percentage

1. Mike Huckabee170 28.48%
2. Mitt Romney 74 12.40%
3. Tim Pawlenty 73 12.23%
4. Sarah Palin 72 12.06%
5. Mike Pence 71 11.89%
6. Newt Gingrich 40 6.70%
7. Bobby Jindal 28 4.69%
8. Rick Santorum 15 2.51%
9. Ron Paul 13 2.18%
10. Undecided 31 5.19%
11. Other 10 1.68%

* The full results can be accessed at www.frcaction.org

Members of FRC Action are only allowed to vote once. For more information on The Values Voter Summit, log onto www.valuesvotersummit.org