Karen Handel: 2/26/10 Update

Yesterday, I announced my plan reduce the size of Georgia's government, solve our budget problems and save $404 million in taxpayer money. I hope I can count on you to stand with me in this pledge by following this link.

The fact is, our state government is in crisis and we have a fundamental choice to make. We can either cut government or raise taxes, and for me, the only option is to reduce spending and scale back Georgia's non-essential government programs, not raise taxes on its citizens.

To be blunt, my plan is to reduce the size of Georgia's government. Permanently. Will you stand with me on this pledge, and help me spread the word by forwarding this email to 5 neighbors, friends or family members?

I've called for several budget reforms and spending drawbacks that will save our state hundreds of millions of dollars. No more budget gimmicks like furloughs of our state employees and no more waste on programs we just don't need or want.

Janet, we're going to fundamentally change the way your government spends your money.
I've called for a 10% reduction in the size of state government. This will permanently eliminate 7,800 unneeded jobs, save the state more than $400 million and go a long way toward filling what could be a $1 billion budget hole.

If you support this plan, I hope you'll pledge your support by following this link and forward this email to help spread the word that change is coming to our state Government.

The Handel Administration will also employ 'zero-based budgeting,' which means every state agency will start at zero each budget year. We will no longer begin the process with last year's funding level.

We're going re-prioritize everything our government does and focus on the mission critical services of government.

I also called for reforming the pay and benefit plans for state employees. We are going to replace the outdated way state employees accumulate unlimited vacation and sick leave with "paid time off," which will save Georgia millions and bring government more in line with how the private sector works.

For years, Republican candidates have talked about making government smaller, but I'm the only one with a record of doing so.

As Secretary of State, I permanently cut my budget by more than 20% by cutting the workforce, consolidating services and reforming the agency. And that's what I'll do as Governor.
When Fulton County faced a deficit of $100 million and a possible $3 million property tax increase, I worked across party lines to reduce spending and balance the budget, without a tax increase.

I believe state government is fat and there is plenty of room to cut. I've proven that I can do it. But, I can't do it without your help.

If you want a Governor who has the courage to take on the status quo and make the tough decisions that will shrink the size of government, I'd really appreciate your help as I push forward in this race.

Please stand with me in this pledge, help me spread the message by forwarding this email to your friends and family, and if you can, make an online contribution to my campaign today.
As always - thanks for your support! Together, we'll get the job done.

Your friend,
Karen Handel
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Karen Handel: 2/26/10 Update

Yesterday, I announced my plan reduce the size of Georgia's government, solve our budget problems and save $404 million in taxpayer money. I hope I can count on you to stand with me in this pledge by following this link.

The fact is, our state government is in crisis and we have a fundamental choice to make. We can either cut government or raise taxes, and for me, the only option is to reduce spending and scale back Georgia's non-essential government programs, not raise taxes on its citizens.

To be blunt, my plan is to reduce the size of Georgia's government. Permanently. Will you stand with me on this pledge, and help me spread the word by forwarding this email to 5 neighbors, friends or family members?

I've called for several budget reforms and spending drawbacks that will save our state hundreds of millions of dollars. No more budget gimmicks like furloughs of our state employees and no more waste on programs we just don't need or want.

Janet, we're going to fundamentally change the way your government spends your money.
I've called for a 10% reduction in the size of state government. This will permanently eliminate 7,800 unneeded jobs, save the state more than $400 million and go a long way toward filling what could be a $1 billion budget hole.

If you support this plan, I hope you'll pledge your support by following this link and forward this email to help spread the word that change is coming to our state Government.

The Handel Administration will also employ 'zero-based budgeting,' which means every state agency will start at zero each budget year. We will no longer begin the process with last year's funding level.

We're going re-prioritize everything our government does and focus on the mission critical services of government.

I also called for reforming the pay and benefit plans for state employees. We are going to replace the outdated way state employees accumulate unlimited vacation and sick leave with "paid time off," which will save Georgia millions and bring government more in line with how the private sector works.

For years, Republican candidates have talked about making government smaller, but I'm the only one with a record of doing so.

As Secretary of State, I permanently cut my budget by more than 20% by cutting the workforce, consolidating services and reforming the agency. And that's what I'll do as Governor.
When Fulton County faced a deficit of $100 million and a possible $3 million property tax increase, I worked across party lines to reduce spending and balance the budget, without a tax increase.

I believe state government is fat and there is plenty of room to cut. I've proven that I can do it. But, I can't do it without your help.

If you want a Governor who has the courage to take on the status quo and make the tough decisions that will shrink the size of government, I'd really appreciate your help as I push forward in this race.

Please stand with me in this pledge, help me spread the message by forwarding this email to your friends and family, and if you can, make an online contribution to my campaign today.
As always - thanks for your support! Together, we'll get the job done.

Your friend,
Karen Handel
---
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Insurance Commissioner Candidate to Speak to Clayton County GOP

GERRY PURCELL TO VISIT MORROW ON THURSDAY

Gerry Purcell, candidate for Georgia Insurance Commissioner, will be in Morrow on Thursday evening.

He will be speaking to the Clayton County GOP at their meeting beginning at 6:30PM at Piccadilly Cafeteria at 1265 Mt. Zion Road, Morrow, GA.

Gerry stands out from among the pack in the Insurance Commissioner's race in representing a new, fresh direction for Georgia, trustworthy leadership, and conservative, free-market solutions to Georgia's most pressing issues.

Thus far, Gerry has built up a wealth of support from the grassroots, everyday-Georgian crowd, having won virtually all of the last 10 straw polls, including 6 of them with at least 50% of the vote or more (against 6-7 opponents!).

He is an engaging and dynamic speaker, and he's offering a plan to solve many of Georgia's challenges utilizing free-market solutions to make Georgia a model state where our insurance markets are concerned.

We look forward to seeing you tomorrow night to hear about Gerry's vision for Georgia.
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Ray McBerry: 40 Seats Remaining for 10th Amendment Summit with Napolitano!

Friends, There are now only 40 seats remaining for the Tenth Amendment Summit this Friday 26 February 2010 at the Atlanta Airport Hilton. If you want to attend, you MUST register online ASAP

www.georgiafirst.org/governor/summit.html

Speakers include Judge Andrew Napolitano, Chief Justice Roy Moore, myself, Franklin Sanders, and Jack McManus!

I look forward to seeing you all there!
Ray
(Candidate for Georgia Governor)

More on the Summit:

The historic occasion of the first-ever national Tenth Amendment Summit is scheduled to take place at the Atlanta Airport Hilton on February 25th and 26th. Dozens of candidates from across the country who are running on a Tenth Amendment platform will be meeting to discuss strategies to promote a return to state sovereignty across America. These candidates include Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents and represent races for governor, Congress, and state offices in their respective states.

The Summit is hosted by Ray McBerry, Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia in 2010 and a recognized leader of the State Sovereignty Movement in America. The other two keynote speakers for the Summit are Judge Andrew Napolitano of Fox News and former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. The Tenth Amendment Center based in California is also sponsoring the event.

The candidates will meet in a closed-door strategy session Thursday evening; and Friday's event is open to the public and media.

As Americans are growing more concerned than ever about the unconstitutional actions of the federal government, there is a renewed interest sweeping the country in having the several States stand up for the liberties of the people against federal encroachments. This Summit promises to be merely the beginning of a much larger effort.

Karen Handel: 2/19/10 Update

Last week, I was attacked by some career politicians for making serious, long-term budget cuts in the Secretary of State's office - rather than relying on short-term ploys like furloughs.

When I took over as Secretary of State, the office was bloated, outdated, inefficient, and poorly managed. So, I changed it. Bringing in a results-oriented leadership team, we went to work to modernize the Agency.

And, to the dismay of some, I did the unthinkable. I actually reduced the number of employees in my office.

This is what differentiates me from most career politicians in our government today.

I believe our government is bloated and should be smaller… and smarter! This is the time to make the difficult decisions.

We cannot furlough our way out of this budget crisis. They just don't make sense in the face of ongoing deficits. And, it's not leadership.

Those who say that furloughs are the only way have either been in office so long that they've become part of the status quo or they're afraid to make the hard decisions Georgia needs.

If Georgia businesses ran their companies this way, they would be out of business. As your next Governor, I will do things differently.

I'll lead a top-to-bottom review of state government. We will reprioritize our spending to those mission-critical services that government should focus on - like education, health, public safety, and infrastructure. And then, we'll cut the rest. We'll realign the top-heavy management structure and look for the opportunities to consolidate and privatize.

My message to Georgia's taxpayers is a simple one: You deserve better, and we will do better.
Under my leadership, budgets aren't going to be balanced on the back of employees being forced to take unpaid furlough days. You won't hear talk of "sharing the pain."

Some jobs in state government are more important than others. Teachers and state patrol officers should not - and will not - be treated the same as the bureaucrats.

If you feel the same as I do, I could use your help. I have upset some of the career politicians by speaking out on ethics and now for refusing to take the "easy way out" on budget cuts.

Political insiders have a pretty big megaphone, but I have a stronger grassroots team. Will you hep me show them what they're up against with a contribution to my campaign?

Help me get my message out. If you can, make a contribution of $25, $50 or $100 to my campaign right now. Volunteer to help. Put a bumper sticker on your car. Identify five or ten friends, family members or neighbors and forward this email to them so they can sign up today.

With your help, I'll be Georgia's next Governor, and together, we'll do the UNUSUAL... put an end to business-as-usual in state government!

Thanks for your support,
Karen Handel

McBerry: National Tenth Amendment Summit in Atlanta

The historic occasion of the first-ever national Tenth Amendment Summit is scheduled to take place at the Atlanta Airport Hilton on February 25th and 26th. Dozens of candidates from across the country who are running on a Tenth Amendment platform will be meeting to discuss strategies to promote a return to state sovereignty across America. These candidates include Republicans, Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents and represent races for governor, Congress, and state offices in their respective states.

The Summit is hosted by Ray McBerry, Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia in 2010 and a recognized leader of the State Sovereignty Movement in America. The other two keynote speakers for the Summit are Judge Andrew Napolitano of Fox News and former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore. The Tenth Amendment Center based in California is also sponsoring the event.

The candidates will meet in a closed-door strategy session Thursday evening; and Friday's event is open to the public and media.

As Americans are growing more concerned than ever about the unconstitutional actions of the federal government, there is a renewed interest sweeping the country in having the several States stand up for the liberties of the people against federal encroachments. This Summit promises to be merely the beginning of a much larger effort.
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Gerry Purcell Gives An Update From The Campaign Trail

FULL STEAM AHEAD TO VICTORY 2010

For almost a year, my campaign has traveled around Georgia, listening to voters speak about their frustrations with "business as usual" in politics. Whether it is local, state, or national government, the people of Georgia want new leadership. For too long, the citizens of Georgia have been left out of having a voice in their government. We must remember that the government works for the people, not the other way around.

When I speak to crowds around Georgia, I stress several ideas about making your Insurance Department better, and more accountable to the people. Ideas such as:

Exposing the HIDDEN 4.75% Premium Tax that every Georgian pays on every health care insurance policy

Establishing a framework to allow health insurance to be sold across state lines

Enforcing an audit of the Georgia Insurance Code to eliminate wastefulness, duplication and discrimination of our small businesses and individuals

Many of my opponents, who claim to be "Reagan Republicans", are against you having the right to buy your health insurance across state lines -- even though President Reagan's top economic advisors are big proponents. Some of my opponents think we should merely "look into it."
I am 100% in favor of buying insurance across state lines, and frankly, I am surprised that so many of my opponents are against it.

This campaign has taken "status quo" politicians by storm, and it is all because of your support!
Many of you have already given generously, and we are grateful and humbled by your donations of time and money. Every donation is appreciated, and goes a long way to helping spread YOUR message of empowering the individual.

Please consider making a contribution to our campaign to help us share our vision throughout the state. Every dollar will be used wisely.

A contribution of $75, $100, $250, or $500 will help us bring this very important message to every Georgian in all 159 counties of our state.

Your servant,
Gerry Purcell

Maria Sheffield: Candidate GA Insurance Commissioner Update

Maria is Georgia's choice to be our next Insurance Commissioner and with your help, friendship, support, prayers, and vote, Maria will win this important election.

Maria is Ready to Lead

• She has the experience to hit the ground running on day one and will not
require on-the-job training.
• She is an attorney with Burr & Forman, a major southeastern law firm, and
has 15 years of insurance industry experience.
• She worked for the GA Department of Insurance for 6 years as an attorney
and legislative liaison.
• She is the only candidate with the right experience and qualifications for the
job.
• She will have a fair and balanced approach to regulation.
• In addition to her undergraduate degree, she earned her M.B.A., M.P.A. and
J.D. all by the age of 25.
• She has worked with every insurance department in the country and is ready
to fight for Georgia.
• She is the winner of – Atlanta Women’s Magazine “Women on the Way,”
Business Insurance Magazine “Women to Watch,” NALS Atlanta’s Boss of the
Year, and Rising Star by Georgia Super Lawyer Magazine.
• She is a conservative manager ready to lead on day one.

Maria is Prepared for the Challenges

Consumer Protection

As Insurance Commissioner, Maria will:

• Work to preserve a competitive free market insurance environment.
• Expand consumer choice.
• Drive down premiums.
• Fully fund your consumer services division.
• Help you resolve disputes with your insurance company.
• Work with Georgia’s insurance agents and brokers.

Affordable Coverage

As Insurance Commissioner, Maria will:

• Work for affordable property, health and life coverage.
• Strengthen worker’s compensation coverage and availability.
• Oppose any regulatory action that would limit your insurance options and
choice.
• Actively encourage insurance companies to license and do business in
Georgia.

Rural Georgia Healthcare Initiative

As Insurance Commissioner, Maria will:

• Support and grow this important program.
• Fight for funding so rural areas have local access to advanced medical care.

Strong Defender of State Regulation

As Insurance Commissioner, Maria will:

• Oppose any effort to dismantle the state insurance regulatory system.
• Protect the state system, which has kept the industry stable and solvent for
over 200 years.
• Advocate against any Washington, D.C. bureaucrat making decisions about
your health care and insurance.

Insurance Fraud

As Insurance Commissioner, Maria will:

• Aggressively investigate and prosecute insurance fraud in Georgia.
• Stop the cycle of Georgia families paying nearly $1,000 out of their own
pocket because of insurance fraud.
• Fight for Georgia families and small businesses so that you save money.

Portability of Health Insurance Policies

As Insurance Commissioner, Maria will:

• Fight to make sure a Georgia taxpayer never loses healthcare coverage
because of a job change.
• Maintain portability for Georgia policy holders.

Listening to Georgia

Maria is listening to Georgia. E-mail Maria your ideas and let her know what you think she needs to be aware of as Georgia’s next Insurance Commissioner. Maria will personally read your e-mail and respond. E-mail Maria at: maria@mariasheffield.com

In Your Community

Maria looks forward to visiting with your group, association, and friends – in your local community. If you would like to invite Maria to speak with your group, association, or friends, e-mail Maria at: maria@mariasheffield.com

Reagan Movement Conservative

Maria:

• Will reduce the size of state government.
• Supports the Fair Tax.
• Supports tort reform.
• Supports the Tenth Amendment.
• Supports the Second Amendment.
• Is pro-life.
• Opposes new taxes at any level of government.
• Opposes Obamacare.

Proven Conservative – Lifelong Republican

Maria has:

• Attended multiple GOP national conventions as an alternate or delegate.
• Served as an officer in the Wilkinson County GOP for 10 years, including
serving as chairman.
• Been a Delegate or alternate to district and state GOP conventions for over
14 years.
• Worked as a staff member for the Georgia Republican Party.
• Volunteered for numerous Republican campaigns.
• Led the College Republicans at Georgia College and State University.

Join Maria on

Follow Maria on
Visit Maria at www.mariasheffield.com
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Handel for Governor E-Update

This week, Karen spoke to members of the National Federation of Independent Businesses in Atlanta. She unveiled several initiatives for job creation in Georgia.

While other candidates are only providing lip service to the many issues facing our state, Karen is offering real solutions.

Among Karen's proposals are:

Lower taxes to ease burden on Small Business and increase state competitiveness

Access to capital, start up and expansion, economic development

Making Health Care more affordable

You can view the specifics of Karen's plan by following this link.

Karen is also the only candidate to offer a detailed plan for ethics reform in Georgia. You can see her proposals on ethics by following this link.

Join Karen at the Faith, Family and Freedom Kick-Off

Next Saturday, February 6, The Georgia Christian Alliance is sponsoring their Faith, Family and Freedom Kick-Off. It will be from 10 am - 4 pm at the Riverwood High School Auditorium located at 5900 Heards Drive NW, in Sandy Springs.

There will be a forum for candidates for Governor moderated by Dick Williams at 1:00 pm. Join us there and show your support for Karen.

Tickets are $25, which includes lunch, and can be purchased from the Georgia Christian Alliance by visiting www.gachristianalliance.org.
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Pennsylvania Senate: Toomey Leads Specter and Sestak

Election 2010: Pennsylvania Senate
Republican Pat Toomey now leads incumbent Senator Arlen Specter 49% to 40% in Pennsylvania’s race for the U.S. Senate. The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Pennsylvania voters also finds Toomey with a 43% to 35% lead over Democratic challenger Joe Sestak.
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/elections2/election_2010/
election_2010_senate_elections/pennsylvania/2010_senate_election/election_2010_
pennsylvania_senate

Click here if the link above doesn't work

Release: Only Oxendine defeats Barnes, says Rasmussen

Rasmussen, a popular national pollster often featured on Fox News and the Sean Hannity Show, released poll results Thursday showing that only John Oxendine defeats Roy Barnes in a match up that pits the popular State Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner against former Governor Roy Barnes.

According to the release, “John Oxendine, Georgia’s fire and insurance commissioner, picks up 44% of the vote while Barnes gets 42% in that match-up.”

Regarding the GOP Primary to be held on July 20, 2010, Rasmussen finds that “Oxendine holds a wide lead in the 2010 Republican Primary.”

“It is worth noting that this survey was conducted THIS week,” said Tim Echols, Campaign Manager.

See the full report at http://bit.ly/6af1l3

(GFP Note: If you're interested in the election, definitely read the article. There's a lot of good info about Georgian's views on other issues as well).

Election 2010: Georgia Governor
With Barnes As Democratic Nominee, Georgia Governor’s Race a Toss-Up
If former Governor Roy Barnes is the Democratic nominee, this year's gubernatorial race in Georgia is a toss-up for now.
The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of the state finds that Barnes attracts 42% or 43% of the vote when matched against any of the top Republican hopefuls.... See the full report at http://bit.ly/6af1l3

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Meyers joins The Club for Growth in pledging to repeal possible health care takeover

Valerie Meyers, a Republican Congressional candidate in Georgia’s 8th District, signed The Club for Growth’s “Repeal It!” pledge to sponsor and support legislation to rescind any federal health care takeover passed in 2010.

The Club for Growth is the nation’s foremost group of free-market, free-enterprise conservatives. Meyers is the first candidate in Georgia’s 8th District to sign the “Repeal It!” pledge and is one of only three candidates in the entire state to agree to the pledge.

“The government and the health care industry have become increasingly interdependent and intertwined,” Meyers said. “It’s to the point now that many of our tax dollars go toward government-sponsored healthcare programs and initiatives. This causes Georgians to receive back only a portion of tax dollars sent to Washington for healthcare with many strings attached. I will only support legislation that will put the people back in control of their own care and the care of their family.”

Meyers, an active member of the Georgia GOP and mother of two who recently completed coursework for her MBA from Mercer University announced in November that she would seek the 8th Congressional District seat now held by Democrat Jim Marshall. Meyers is the top-ranked Congressional candidate on LibertySlate.com’s ranking of non-incumbent Republican candidates seeking U.S. office.

For more information about Valerie Meyers, visit www.ValerieForCongress.com or read the endorsement of her at www.LibertySlate.com.
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Graves Appoints McCutchen Campaign Chair and Launches Team 180°

State Representative and Republican 9th District congressional candidate Tom Graves (R-Ranger) announced today that Joe McCutchen of Ellijay will serve as his campaign Chairman. In addition, the campaign announced the launch of Team 180°, a grassroots movement of committed GA-9 Freedom Fighters who are resolved to turn this country around.

“Joe is a tireless advocate for the free-market, less government, fewer taxes and more individual freedom,” said Graves. “His vocal support of our campaign throughout the 9th District is invaluable and he will keep us accountable, making sure our words are backed up with actions. I am glad he agreed to head up our campaign for Congress.”

“I am confident that Tom Graves, a super taxpayer champion, will be a great national leader for our conservative cause when we elect him to Congress,” said McCutchen. “I am absolutely thrilled to serve as his campaign chairman and will work very hard to get him elected as we need him in Washington. I am greatly impressed with this most dedicated small-government, Reagan-type conservative. Tom puts the taxpayer first in all his decisions and will put the brakes on Washington’s big spending.”

The Graves campaign also announced today the launch of Team 180°, a new grassroots movement in the 9th District.

Team 180° is an elite group of committed GA-9 Freedom Fighters who will mobilize as foot soldiers to help change America. The goal of Team 180° is to turn the direction our county 180° and back to the roots on which it was founded.

Team 180° was launched 180 days before the Republican Primary election, which is July 20th.

Team 180° members are committing to give their time in support of Graves’ campaign. Members will knock on doors, distribute literature, identify voters and put up yard signs in support of Graves’ candidacy.

“GA-9 Freedom Fighters are motivated and ready to change America for the better,” said Graves. “Team 180° serves to enhance our already well-organized, district-wide grassroots organization, and I am honored these individuals have committed their time and energy to my campaign. Because of their efforts and the other GA-9 Freedom Fighters in the 9th District, we will be successful.”

For more information about Team 180° or to join their ranks, please visit http://www.gravesforcongress.org/team180.

Graves announced earlier this year he would seek the 9th District Congressional seat, which is currently held by Congressman Deal who is running for Governor.

Graves is endorsed by the Club for Growth PAC, the nation’s premier free-market, free enterprise group of conservatives and was the first candidate to be certified 100 percent pro-life by the Georgia Right to Life PAC. He has earned the endorsement of Miss United States 2009 Erin Grizzle, Can-Do Conservatives and conservative author Jonathan Krohn. The Graves campaign is earning the support of conservatives throughout the 9th District, overwhelmingly won the only two straw polls and leads all candidates in fundraising for the election cycle from over 1,110 contributors. The campaign continues to have the largest online presence of any candidate in the congressional race, has over 400 grassroots volunteers and is organized in all 15 counties of the district.

***

Graves, who is in his fourth term representing House District 12, was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002. He has chaired numerous subcommittees, served in several leadership positions and been recognized statewide as a conservative leader. He received a 2009 “National Legislator of the Year” from the American Legislative Exchange Council, a 2009 “Guardian of Small Business” Award from the National Federation of Independent Business, the 2009 “Legislator of the Year” Award from the Georgia Retail Association, the 2009 “Legislator of the Year” from the 9th Congressional District of Georgia and was nationally recognized as the “Legislative Entrepreneur of the Year Award” by the Freedom Works Foundation for his tireless effort to stem the tide of expansive government and reduce the tax burden on Georgians. Georgia Trend named Graves to its 2009 “40 under 40, Georgia’s Best and the Brightest.”

Graves grew up in White, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelors of Business Administration in Finance. Graves is a small businessman, past member of the Gordon County Board of Elections and an active member of the Gordon County Chamber of Commerce. He is married to Julie, a native of Marietta, and the couple has three children, JoAnn, John and Janey. They attend the Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun where Graves is an ordained Deacon.
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Eric Johnson Rebukes Tax Cheats

Calls out Democrats for late arrival to the dance

Senator Eric Johnson, Republican candidate for Governor, today released the following statement regarding the new list of legislators that failed to file their state income taxes:

“Last year, I was proud to lead the fight to make sure that every member of the General Assembly paid their taxes. I believe that politicians that tell you to pay your taxes should pay theirs. After a year of campaigning across our state, I know that my top priority as Governor must be jobs. But I still get the most potent crowd response when I talk about holding tax cheating politicians accountable. It is just plain common sense that an elected official must live under the same rules as everyone else.”

“Like you, I was shocked by recent reports that even after our work last year, there is a new group of legislators who refuse to file or pay their income taxes. They are thumbing their nose at the process and working a system they know how to manipulate better than anyone. I believe, as others now do, we must build on the good first step we took last year. We can solve this problem immediately by making it against the rules of the House and Senate to sit in the legislature while refusing to pay or file taxes.”

“As a Republican leader, I do have to laugh to myself a bit when I see Democrats running to the TV cameras saying they want to resolve this issue. When I discovered this problem last session, I didn’t know who was on the list or if they were a Republican or Democrat. I didn’t try to make this a partisan issue because it was simply a matter of right and wrong. However, the Democrats came out firing at me in an effort to cover up for their own.”

“After their actions last year, I don’t know how a Democrat could look Georgians in the eye and say they are a leader on this issue. They either fought reform publicly, fought it behind the scenes, or were conspirators through their silence. In Georgia, the overwhelming majority of violators were Democrats and they were following the lead of their tax cheating role models in the federal government. For goodness sake, the Democratic Treasury Secretary who oversees the IRS failed to pay $35,000 in taxes despite repeated warnings. Based on their actions, we cannot allow Georgia Democrats to hide their failures by blaming Republicans or by shading the truth with tough sounding rhetoric.”
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Eric Johnson Comments on Unemployment

Pledges to make job creation top priority as “The Jobs Governor”

Senator Eric Johnson, Republican candidate for Governor, today commented on the Georgia Department of Labor report that the state's unemployment rate has risen to 10.3 percent.

“Today’s unemployment numbers reinforce my desire to make jobs my first priority, my second priority, and my third priority. I am absolutely committed to becoming The Jobs Governor,” said Johnson.

On Tuesday, Johnson attended the first debate of the 2010 primary and clearly dominated the subject matter by staying focused on the economy and job creation. In his first opportunity to share his priorities and challenge those of his opposition, Eric Johnson used the word “job” 18 times and mentioned jobs in all of his answers.

“Other campaigns will pay lip service to job creation because they have to in a bad economy. But when left to their own devices, they would rather distract, attack, or talk about things that simply don’t matter,” said Johnson.

Johnson believes that every issue he will face as Governor falls in one of three categories:

1. Issues that will help create new jobs (i.e. education reform)

2. Issues impeding the creation of new jobs (i.e. water and traffic)

3. Issues that must be resolved because they distract us from our priority of creating jobs (i.e. ethics)

“I have traveled this great state for over a year listening to the people. I know they want a governor who will focus on jobs and I am ready, willing and able to do just that,” said Johnson.

An architect and a respected conservative leader, Eric Johnson served as President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. There he led the charge to ensure that Georgia is a business-friendly state, to keep taxes low, and to protect our citizens. He and his wife Kathryn have two grown children and live in Savannah.
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