Political Insider

By Brett

April 26, 2006 10:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t know about the state races, but the article about Mayor Shirley is a joke. She has about as much chance of surviving the ticket for president in ‘08 as a no-refill buffet lineup at the Golden Corral on Sunday in Kennesaw.

By BO

April 27, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

Just because they are Veterans don’t mean they will make good politicians . Just look at Former Sen. Max Cleland, What a Joke!Mayor Shirley must have been talking to that WMD McKinney.

By Brett

April 27, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

Bo, just because you can barely write and put together a thought doesn’t mean that you are a good blogger either. Have you ever put yourself on the line? Didn’t think so.

By gregory

April 27, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

I agree to a degree…I’m proud of our servicemen and them protecting our freedom but that doesn’t make them a great candidate to serve in office. In all honesty, I have heard scott speak and he is not the best candidate in that race. I expect Reddy and Stephens to be the party nominees.

By leslie

April 27, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

Tibbetts was a soldier fighting and commanding everyday. While Holcomb was a lawyer sitting in a comfortable office.

By Reddytowin

April 27, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

Who really cares about veterans? I’m tired of hearing about people who served. We need candidates who are socially responsible and fiscally conservative - a new breed of Southern Democrat. We need someone who will keep our jobs from going to Indai. We need Shyam Reddy.

By Handel's IT

April 27, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

We need someone who will keep our jobs from going to India? And Shyam Reddy is that guy? Isn’t he Indian…

Regardless, the only person with the skill set to be effective at SecState is Karen Handel. She’s got the experience, she’s got the connections, and she’s got the plan.

All Bill Stephens can do is conduct whisper campaigns to smear her, obviously, since he can’t seem to raise enough money (or quit spending so much) to conduct normal campaign operations. At the rate they’re spending, he won’t have enough money come July to print up two push cards, much less actually win the nomination.

By Brian

April 27, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

Greg, I’ve heard Holcomb speak too and was really impressed. He’s done some great service to his country - 3 deployments - that counts for something in my book. Plus, I really like the fact that he worked on elections in Bosnia. How many other candidates have that kind of experience? I know this is a crowded field, but Holcomb has a pretty extensive record of accomplishments.

I have read, and listened to, every word on every page of every statewide candidate’s web-page (I love this stuff) and I’d suggest you really check this guy out. I think he can be one of the few vets to successfully make the transition to politics.

By jeff

April 27, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

Saying “just because he’s a vet doesn’t make him a good politician” isn’t the point. The point is Scott “knows service” to his country, while these others only talk of it. It doesn’t mean that Scott’s a great politician, it only means we have an objective way to understand his perspective. I served in war with him, and I know first hand he’s a tough, smart, and dedicated American. I’m not only a “vet for Holcomb”, I’m a republican for Holcomb.

By Dave

April 27, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

This new political blog is like the cat’s PJs. I’m enjoying all these biased postings. For someone outside of any political loop, it’s made this upcoming election more interesting.

For SOS, I like Stephens, but I’m also a moderate so this race to the right with Handel is bothering me.

By Sam

April 27, 2006 02:42 PM | Link to this

Handel is the only person in the SoS race that has the combination of business and political experience to run the SOS office.

The challenge for Holcomb or any one of the other 6 -7 democrats in the race will be the ability to stand out in a crowded field. That takes $$$.

By Ronald

April 27, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this

If anyone bothered to look Mr. Reddy has by far raised more $$$$$…then any other candidate that includes Mrs. Handel.

Regarding his background the last time I looked anyone born,raised (Dublin, GA) and educated (UGA) in Georgia is an GEORGIAN and foremost an AMERICAN.

Please let’s leave those tactics for Ralph Reed and his cronies.

By Loran

April 27, 2006 06:05 PM | Link to this

At the end of the day we should nominate a candidate(s) who not only has the experience and knowledge to hold the office for which he or she is running, but who stands the best chance of defeating Republicans. With that being said, Scott Holcomb is my choice for the Democratic nomination for Secretary of State. I was torn between Holcomb & Reddy; Holcomb has the edge because he demonstrates a much broader understanding of the functions of the office and he is the most electable among the field of Democratic candidates.

By BlingBling

April 27, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this

For all of the “sham”, “Holcomb occupation: Veteran”,
plants blogging, a James Brown song is apt: Talking loud, saying nothing.

Merger and Acquisition lawyers destroy jobs. Name one merger that created jobs. ATT/MCI merger: 10,000 jobs lost. Verizon/SBC merger: 7,500 lost jobs. BellSouth/ATT 7,000 jobs lost. I rest.

Walter Ray has a clear plan to streamline paperwork between government and business. That translates into more jobs for Georgians. Get details from the lawyers about what their innovations are, then go to www.rayforgeorgia.org and see what Mr. Ray has online today.

Election Day, Vote Walter Ray

By NutsnBolts

April 27, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

I was at Manuel’s on Tuesday night. Walter Ray had large group of folks, some well-known, talking about real issues.

I overheard, Walter Ray can’t do anything about high gas prices, but one solution is to take the SoS’s office to the people. That’s a plan many voters will understand. Real innovation.

He’s personable, speaks-well, proactive and has the most experience. I like Walter Ray for SoS.

By ChowDown

April 27, 2006 08:08 PM | Link to this

Money. Money. Money.

“shyman’s” going to win because he’s raised the most $$$$. (Should we question: From whom and why?)

If money won elections John Kerry would have been President instead of “wiretap” and his $400 million retirement package” oil buddies.

I choose experience, experience, experience. Let other states experiment with rookies. Walter Ray gets my vote, too.

By Franey

April 27, 2006 08:57 PM | Link to this

Why don’t we taxpayers dole each SOS Candidate $300,000.

$2,000,000 to win an election that pays $112,000 just invites trouble.

Ga’s next SOS should be the person who most effectively and efficiently uses the money.

Walter Ray does have a clear plan to streamline paperwork. Thanks BB for the advice.

By GAVoter

April 27, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Wow! I asked Walter Ray for financial information including how much money he put into his campaign. I got it. (FYI: he followed up by email. Sent the full disclosure.) Why put in so much money? Walter said, “I wouldn’t ask you to contribute if I didn’t put my money in the pot, too. That’s just not me.”
I asked Walter for commentary that I would wish to receive if our positions were reversed. Again, I got it. Here’s my read: Walter Ray has common sense plans for Georgia: election administration, history preservation, regulating licenses, and consumer protection from scoundrels.

My clients in Douglas, Walter’s hometown say, “Walter Ray is able, a straight shooter and will listen to you.” (One elderly lady said with a smile, if it wasn’t for Carol, his wife, Walter couldn’t stay in the choir, but in other respects, I like him.”)

Walter worked hard while serving as Senate Speaker Pro Tempore. That’s Georgia’s third highest job sports fans.

His colleagues respect Walter’s ability to get stuff done.

Just some of the reasons, I’m voting for Walter Ray.

By Ethics

April 27, 2006 11:08 PM | Link to this

Doesn’t Walter, um, have a bit of a, to be kind, colorful past??

I appreciate him posting lots of comments under different names about himself, but let’s get real. His “ethics” are about as reliable as the Braves in the post-season.

Here’s a sampling: Friday’s resignations came eight days after parole board member Bobby Whitworth and chairman Walter Ray stepped down amid a criminal investigation into allegations of corruption. (6/23/02)

And more: Whitworth and Ray admit they accepted tens of thousands of dollars from Lanson Newsome, a former Corrections deputy commissioner and friend of Whitworth’s who made millions in the sale of his private probation business.

The best part of all this is that Walter Ray is using “Access to Walter Ray” as a campaign slogan!! Aboslutely - for the RIGHT PRICE.

By leslie

April 27, 2006 11:19 PM | Link to this

Reddy has lived all his life in Georgia. Scott has only lived here for 4 years and that was by accident. Only because the military transferred his job. He’s from Connecticut. Are we going to allow every Yankee to move here and tell us how to run our state? I’m voting for someone that knows about the people of Georgia and not a transplant political opportunist like Holcomb.

By Just a grassroot

April 27, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this

Concerning the SOS race and candidate Walter Ray: it is easy to pull out a newspaper article from early in the Pardons & Paroles debaucle. But follow it to the very end. I believe you will find that Mr. Ray was investigated and exonerated of any wrong doing. You know that many times in the political arena a good person must take a fall for the party, a candidate, etc., etc. Were he the kind of person who could be bought, he would and been bought and sold many times over before the Parole Board job. If WE Democrats are to win this state back, we must not stoop to the mud slinging and vindictive nature of the republicans. It is not said that they “eat their young” without cause. We true Dems are better than that.Let us not go down that road. Find issues or qualifications on which to decide your votes. The victory in November is ours for the taking IF we run clean races in July and stand together as a party to work and win in November.

By consent

April 28, 2006 07:23 AM | Link to this

reddy may be popular with urban atlanta metrosexuals, but out in the real world, he’s a walking joke. I’ve seen him ridiculed by union members, laughed at by african americans, and conservative white democrats.

his smartest move would have been to focus on a smaller, more winnable race. State house would have been good for him; now he’s just exhausting the dem donor pool for his own foolish ambitions; shame on the dem party for not stepping in monthss agoi and giving him a good talking to; they’re going to waste the talent of one of their rising stars on a race he’ll never win…

let’s face it— if the rest of georgia isn’t ready to accept blacks & women in positions of power, why do you think they will accept a south-asian? i know sham has a better georgia pedigree than many candidates running, but, as sun tzu says, his greatest percieved strength (money, and TV) will indeed be his greatest weakness.

By OneRepublican

April 28, 2006 08:07 AM | Link to this

Ethics above is why Democrats are outside looking into the gold dome. That will not change in November.

From a Republican, the follow-up on Walter Ray.
Fiction posing as fact. No Republican mileage here.

Dems reply: Came to Atlanta to do good. Did. Asked to take on a thankless parole board job. Did. Excelled. Numerous national awards to credit. Politics. Reputation smeared. Lost good name, insurance benefits, etc. Fourteen years later Repubicans still cherry picking chapters in the story.

We prefer you send Carter’s grandson to the fight, but a first generation Asian-American stud or Conn national guard veteran or any one of two/three/five unknowns will do.

November losers.

By Arnie

April 28, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

…allegations of…

Allegation: A statement asserting something without proof: In Law: An assertion made by a party that must be proved or supported with evidence.

Anybody that can fog a mirror can make an allegation.

Where’s my nine-iron?

By ColorfulPast

April 28, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

Ted Turner has “um, a bit of a, to be kind, colorful past”

In that department Walter Ray is the rookie, like ethics buds’ Reedy and Holcomb.

Move on to what can you do for me.

By Bulldog

April 28, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

By Consent, you’re a racist, and a sexist to boot. I feel sorry for you. Walking joke?? You’re becoming the running joke on this blog. Let’s judge the candidates on their merit, not the color of their skin. You’re what’s wrong with politics today and Georgia is better than you. You’re the minority in this state, not Reddy.

Let’s hope the best candidate wins, regardless of their skin color.

By Chief

April 28, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Walter Ray calls on all SoS candidates to follow his lead in supporting a National Model for Archivists.

Katrina clearly demonstrates the need for Georgia to be better Prepared.

By GTech

April 28, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Bulldog, you’re one of the loudmouth, socially challenged, bone heads who couldn’t find Athens if someone gave you a ticket to see JAWGA.

The joke jimbo is you.

consent, you’re “Our type”.

By Ross

April 28, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Consent; in case you forgot, Thurbert Baker and Michael Thurmond won state-wide elections. Secondly, your ignorant comments were maybe true 15 years ago but not anymore. US politics have proven dumb people can’t run political offices efficiently across both parties. The time has come to elect smart people instead of what you think society is going to do. For instance, Walter has no business in this race. He entered late and has not attended any events outside of south georgia. No commitment to win in my opinion. I’m white and a conservative democrat. Guess what-Reddy will get my vote b/c of people like you. Grow up b/c you are in the minority now.

By Kelly

April 28, 2006 11:03 AM | Link to this

g-tech I just read through all these comments and realized one thing. You are the same person who wrote the other comment. I never read these dang comments because its like 5 people writing everything. Well, i’m new to this but thought I would let you know how stupid you are. Why do you talk of Athens like you went to UGA when you probably went some community college there. I don’t know any of these candidates yet but will follow more closely to who you support and support anyone else because you obviously share the same views with that holcomb guy.

By PassionateDem

April 28, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

ross the boss.

Walter Ray put up $50,000 of his own money. That’s not commitment?

Vote for whom you choose, but put your opinion where your head is buried.

Significant political events come when voters are paying attention. 2006 races are not decided in 2005.

Of course, Walter Ray is not a rookie and knows as much.

I like consent.

By Lianne

April 28, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

Gtech and By Consent: y’all need to tone it down a bit. there’s no need to engage in that type of dirty politics. I’m from Athens, lived here all my life, and you don’t speak for me. I won’t have any problem voting for Reddy on July 18.

By GTech

April 28, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

kelly are you, rosie o’donald sized, bleached-blond, drive a red-truck with a tattoo? Favorite song: Let’s get drunk and be somebody? Rattle, Rattle, here come the cattle.
I’m a senior BME major at the North Avenue Trade School. I already have a job next year. kelly, dunderhead.

By GTech

April 28, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

Dirty politics Lianne? Oops forgot, you’re from Athens. I’ll bet: cheerleader….duhhh!

By BO

April 28, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Brett, Sorry I got under your sick. I didn’t claim to be a good writer or a good blogger. Just a American ,8 year Vet.Drafted in 1966 Army. My opinion is my right,I’m a Zell Miller Southern Demcratic. Brett next time I go to the Golden Corral in Kennesaw I will introduce myself to you. “God Bless America”

By BO

April 28, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

Sorry about that DEMOCRAT Not Demcratic

By JOE

April 28, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

$50,000 0f DAC money????????

By Erin

April 28, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

Joe what is DAC?

By Karl

April 28, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

“let’s face it— if the rest of georgia isn’t ready to accept blacks & women in positions of power, why do you think they will accept a south-asian?”

Perhaps you should’ve done some research before spouting off. If you had, you would have noticed that there are 13 Georgia officials who are elected statewide, and 6 are either black or a woman.

Here’s the breakdown: Cathy Cox (Secretary of State), Kathy Cox (Superintendant of Schools), Michael Thurmond (Labor Commissioner), Thurbert Baker (Attorney General), Angela Speir (Public Service Commissioner), and David Burgess (Public Service Commissioner).

By wandaring

April 28, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

karlee, you’re so cute when you’re mad.

Mama said, NO to our date tonight.

By SoGAVet

April 28, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

BO - a Zell Miller Southern Democrat that makes you a REPUBLICAN

By consent

April 28, 2006 05:55 PM | Link to this

YOU PEOPLE DON’T GET IT.

I’ll gladly support Reddy if he wins the primary; i think him eminently qualified for the job, and a rising star for the Dems…I just don’t think Non-Atlanta portions of Georgia are racially mature enough to deal with him yet, especially when it’s clear that this state is still dominated by white males (like 75% of the country)…I would consider it a mark of honor for the State of GA if they elected Reddy statewide in November; i’m not a racist, hell, i’m rootin for the poor ba$tard…i’m just making a prediction: the guy can’t win statewide.

buy you a beer if im wrong. all of you.

By Karl

April 29, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

“I just don’t think Non-Atlanta portions of Georgia are racially mature enough to deal with him yet. …”

And you would attribute Thurmond’s and Baker’s wins to … what?

Consent, don’t take such a dim view of your fellow citizens. Believe it or not, when they support candidates or issues you don’t agree with it’s not because they are rascists, bigots, homophobes, or just “mean spirited.”

There are rational reasons for rejecting “progressivism.” If you and your fellow travellers weren’t so quick to assume bad faith to your opponents’ arguments, y’all might understand that.