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DEL.ICIO.USMore fallout from Georgians for Truth
Peace among Democrats could all depend on what the meaning of 'fired' is
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The back-and-forth over Georgians for Truth continues among Democratic ranks. It’s poor entertainment. We shall let each side have its say, then drop it like a hot rock.
To recap: The Georgia Democratic Party says it sacked fund-raiser Kristin Oblander, a party contract employee, for her association with Georgians for Truth, which launched an independent attack on Gov. Sonny Perdue for his past failure to pay his taxes on time.
We obtained the following fax on Wednesday from House Minority Leader DuBose Porter (D-Dublin), via Oblander:
“There appears to be a misunderstanding on the relationship between Kristin Oblander and the House Democratic Caucus. She is still being retained to do fund-raising activities for the caucus.
“Apparently Bobby Kahn and the Democratic Party of Georgia believe there is a conflict between her work for the caucus and the independent committee, Georgians for Truth. If this turns out to be true, details relating to the working relationship will have to be worked out.
“To say that she was fired is a misstatement.”
And so we presented the above to Kahn, who sent us this reply:
“The Democratic Party of Georgia operates a non-federal account called the Georgia Leaders Campaign that supports the campaigns of state House candidates. House members raise and spend the funds in this account to support House campaigns, subject to the limitations of state law.
“Effective [Tuesday], as a result of her management role with Georgians for Truth, Inc., Kristin Oblander’s contractual relationship with the Democratic Party of Georgia to raise funds for this account was terminated.
“The two roles present a potential conflict under state law. Individual members of the state House Caucus may choose to retain Ms. Oblander through a means other than a contract with the [Democratic Party of Georgia].”
For the curious, Georgians for Truth is a “527” group, according to its treasurer, Jeff Bramlett. It’s subject to know contribution caps. The group received most of its seed money five months ago, from Atlanta attorneys Ralph and Marjorie Knowles, who gave $25,000 each.
Ralph Knowles is listed as chairman of Georgians for Truth.
The info on the money is according to disclosure forms filed in early January. Hardly any cash was raised in the next three months. Bramlett says much money has been donated since March 31, but those sources won’t be disclosed until this summer.
Comments
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By R.B.
April 20, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this
You know, I admire Taylor and Cox for taking such a stance on this issue—against an attack ad on the Governor. We all talk about the politicans who want to smear each other—but here we have others (non-politicans) that want to start such nastiness. I don’t care for Perdue either, but come on, don’t ya’ll have better things to do. Why don’t ya’ll hold your money and help the primary candidate with their campaign in a positive light. That would be much more productive.
By jbv
April 20, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
I loved the comments over at www.voic.us/ blog where they picked it apart.