Political Insider

By Savannah Thinker

July 11, 2006 3:39 PM | Link to this

More Lies out of Ralph Reed…

He wouldn’t know the truth if it slapped him in the face. Ralph Reed is one of the dirtiest people in politics.

I just went around my real estate office and made sure everyone is going to go vote for Casey.

We’re going to win and kick Ralph Reed’s butt across the GA line…

By housecreek

July 11, 2006 3:41 PM | Link to this

Casey Cagle had Reed in his crosshairs and hit center mass with his ad. I notice Reed did not respond in the ad to Cagle’s claim. The more I have watched Reed, the more I think he is a man hiding behind Christians to get elected.

Ralph Reed is done… well done.

By Clay

July 11, 2006 3:53 PM | Link to this

I don’t like the way Cagle attacks Reed instead of saying why he should be elected. I have a hard time getting past Cagle’s support of Mark Taylor. I’m not saying I’m voting for Reed—I am truly undecided. But, Cagle is giving me no reason to vote for him—only reasons to not vote for Reed.

By grassrootsguy

July 11, 2006 4:04 PM | Link to this

Give me a break. I think Cagle has now taken the award as the filthiest campaigner in the history of Georgia politics.

It is simply too much! It has to backfire on him at some point.

I could never vote for Cagle after the dirty campaign he has waged.

He could teach Cox and Taylor a thing or too about mud slinging, but then he gave Taylor a $1,000 campaign contribution so maybe he is just an example of a student exceeding his teacher when it comes to negative campaigns.

Reed’s response as is great.

By Nick

July 11, 2006 4:12 PM | Link to this

I see Mr. Reed forgot a couple of “f” letter words to add to his “faith, family, and freedom” list of ideals.

How about fraud and fake?

By Joe

July 11, 2006 4:13 PM | Link to this

I noticed a foul ordor in my house last night and for a moment I thought Ralph Reed was in my house, then I noticed someone forgot to flush the toilet.

By I think with a silky, southern drawl

July 11, 2006 4:20 PM | Link to this

Good one JOE.

It’s is absolutely sickening to watch these two guys try to “out-right” each other. Has this what American politics devolved too. Who are the people that would vote for either of these clowns? As an aspiring national politician, I am utterly discouraged.

By Apalled voter

July 11, 2006 4:22 PM | Link to this

Both Mr. Reed and Mr. Cagle claim to be “Christians”. How on earth does the way each has conducted himself in this mud slinging contest promote Christian, conservative or any values. both of you should be ashamed. Neither of you will get my vote.

By MELO

July 11, 2006 4:26 PM | Link to this

And Ralp Reed has this smirk on his face each time he speaks. The man is fake, a fraud and plain f***’ garbage.Anybody who uses Christianity or Christians like that is out. Anybody but Reed!!

By kevin

July 11, 2006 4:36 PM | Link to this

Political “Insider” blogfor Atlanta???? How ‘bout you guys find out why Cynthia McKinney doesn’t want to show up to 2 public debates. Guess she has better things to do in DC…

By Eric

July 11, 2006 5:02 PM | Link to this

I don’t care what Cagle has done. He’s a better choice than that little, evil, shrimp, Ralph Reed. This Democrat will be voting for Cagle in the republican primary.

By Norm

July 11, 2006 5:29 PM | Link to this

Electing a seperate Lt. Gov. doesn’t make any sense. I would either abolish the job completely or let the governor pick the Lt.Gov. When everyone was a democrat it didn’t matter because an orderly transition was insured.

By Debbie

July 11, 2006 5:41 PM | Link to this

Kevin, That is an easy answer. Cynthia is not used to having to answer hard quesitons. Cynthia’s hard core supporters don’t care what Cynthia does. They just do as hey are told and don’t try to think for themselves.

By Prootwadl

July 11, 2006 5:58 PM | Link to this

Wow… After spending most of my life up in the relatively tame world of Minnesota politics, I’m finding Atlanta political ads to be quite interesting. Painfully childish at times, to be sure, but at least there’s some energy behind them! :-)

Of course, finding someone entertaining isn’t quite the same as wanting to vote for them…

By Tony

July 11, 2006 6:08 PM | Link to this

And Cagle’s ads are lies??? Payroll taxes….I guess Ralph forgot he did the same thing. I guess it’s OK to hold others to higher standards than you hold yourself.

And how many times will we hear this lie about using his position to make millions? I guess using Christians to make millions sounds more ethical?

By Debbie

July 11, 2006 6:18 PM | Link to this

Cagle did not pay his payroll taxes. Reed did. Another out right lie by the Cagle people. Can you read Tony? I suggest you check out both disclosure forms for Cagle and Reed. I have and on Reed’s forms is h as Georgia Dept. Of Revenue - PAYROLL TAXES. It is there clear as day. See if you see that on Cagle’s forms.

By Anne

July 11, 2006 6:33 PM | Link to this

It is a sad day for Georgia when Casey Cagel actually thinks that anyone will believe that Ralph Reed, the former leader of the Christian Coalition and well known as a champion for the pro-life movement would condone such things as forced abortions or child prostitution. This just shows how desperate the Cagel campaign really is. I am proudly voting for Ralph Reed and encourage others to do so as well!!!

By CDog

July 11, 2006 6:35 PM | Link to this

Cagle and Reed are very close ideologically, so the race will come down to the wire. The Lt. Governor doesn’t really do a lot (preside over the Senate, introduce legislation) especially since Eric Johnson took most of what little power away there was from Mark Taylor. It is mainly a stepping stone to the Governor’s mansion. Cagle is more electable as governor in 2010 even though he is just as conservative as Ralph Reed. He is just lesser known.

By Nick

July 11, 2006 6:36 PM | Link to this

Not quite that simple, Debbie.

Here’s an excerpt from an article:

Specifically, “Ralph Reed for Chairman” paid Reed’s campaign manager Clint Austin $10,000 and Reed’s company, Century Strategies LLC, paid Austin another $2,500. Reed failed to withhold a single penny in payroll taxes on either of those payments, and instead treated Austin as an independent contractor. This is EXACTLY the same payroll practice that Cagle has used and that Reed’s campaign manager characterized as illegal.

http://www.theweekly.com/news/2006/July/05/Ralph_Reed.html

Please clear this one up for me.

By CDog

July 11, 2006 6:40 PM | Link to this

Regardless of who wins, Reed or Cagle, their Dem opponent does not have a chance. The Republicans are going to control the Gov., Lt. Gov., Sec. of State, and have an even larger lead in the House and Senate. The bottom line is that once Cox and Taylor are gone. The Republican takeover will be complete. The Dems have NO ONE coming down the pipeline whose values and beliefs are even close to mainstream Georgia. Just like the Dems controlled GA for 130 years, the Repubs look like they will last for at least as long with the utter lack of ideas the current Dems have.

By Philly

July 11, 2006 7:10 PM | Link to this

I am a Republican but if Cagle wins I will vote Democrat. I would never vote fo Cagle after his lies and distortions. There are a lot just like me out there.

By Debbie

July 11, 2006 7:14 PM | Link to this

Nick, not quite the same. All you or anyone has to do is to check out Reed’s and Cagle’s disclosure forms. Reed has employees listed and he paidpayroll taxes on them. You can see contract /consultants as well.

Cagle’s disclosure form makes a clear distinction between contractor/consultants and staff/employees. Cagle’s disclosure form does not list payroll taxes.

Don’t take my word. Look for yourselves..

By Tony

July 11, 2006 7:16 PM | Link to this

Debbie,

Can YOU read? Or is your intelligence level limited to what Ralph tells you? Can you honestly think for yourself instead of repeating Reed campaign responses? I mean copy and paste is a basic process. I’d expect someone in the Cobb GOP leadership to have more independent deductive reasoning skills than you.

And Philly, you despise all of those liberals and gays with their ‘evil’ ideology but you’d vote for them? Again, Reed’s people are showing their true colors. They lie, they cannot think for themselves, they cannot abide by their own standards, etc.

By BahamaBoy

July 11, 2006 7:22 PM | Link to this

Apparently, Reed’s ground battle in these final days will be waged on phones. First, the Zell Miller calls. Now, an even more interesting tactic.

Anyone hear about Reed now using push polling phone calls suggesting Cagle is an atheist? I’ve had it confirmed to me that such calls are, indeed, going on and the Cagle camp is hot on the trail.

Reed will probably claim he didn’t know what was in the script; that he deplores such negative campaigning; and that he needs to get back to the phones.

By Tony

July 11, 2006 7:24 PM | Link to this

So Debbie are you saying that it is illegal to 1099 an employee? I mean that is more or less what Ralph is saying. Perhaps Ralph needs a little lesson in tax law….among other things such as honesty and ethics.

Accusing Cagle of not paying payroll taxes is about as cheap as they come. Fortunately many Georgians do this same thing. Georgians who own small businesses and family owned businesses as well as those in payroll departments and CPA’s will be able to see right through Reed’s lies. How can he honestly think such a stupid ploy would hold water?

By BahamaBoy

July 11, 2006 7:33 PM | Link to this

Desperate times call for desperate measures, Tony, so Reed is resorting to the ol payroll tax withholding scheme. Yuck yuck!

If you think Cagle improperly accounted for withholding taxes, file the complaint with the proper authorities Ralph, and post a copy on your website.

I’ve read all about Reed’s business dealings. Show us some proof, if you have any, that Cagle has done anything improper. Real evidence Debbie, not “900 percent! 900 percent! 900 percent!”

By Carlton Wyatt

July 11, 2006 7:43 PM | Link to this

This “battle” goes beyond the “pot” and “kettle”… this is more like “big pile of feces” calling the “bigger pile of feces” stinky.

By Debbie

July 11, 2006 7:48 PM | Link to this

Tony, Cagle is the one that made the distinction between contract/consultant and employee/staff. Now if they were all considered Consultants/ contractors why were they not listed as such?

By Debbie

July 11, 2006 7:51 PM | Link to this

Bahama boy, as far as the 900% increase in income while serving on the state banking committee, to quote you Cagle supporters, “Just because it is not illegal does not mean it is right.”

By Tony

July 11, 2006 8:07 PM | Link to this

What does distinction have to do with 1099’ing someone? Last I checked it didn’t. So Debbie, try again. Your pathetic attempts along with Reed and his lying ads are despicable. Like I said, those who deal with business, payroll, tax law, accounting, etc. will see right through this. It’s a shame that someone who operates a business and works in consulting doesn’t even know this. I guess he’s too busy playing the shell game and ‘launder my money’ that he doesn’t even know what the laws are.

And again Debbie, Ralph did the same thing. So if it ain’t right, go tell your boss he has some ‘splaining to do. Again, Reed and his people cannot abide by their own standards they heap on everyone else. If Reed was in office you can only guess he’d force average Georgians to abide by laws but somehow find loopholes to excuse himself from them.

And brace yourselves. This is only the beginning. This race will make Skandalakis look like child’s play. Casey will have dead bodies of gay, black, Christian illegal immigrants in his back yard while allowing Osama to use his banks for funding the 9/11 hijackers. Just you wait. Debbie’s already set us up for Reed’s ‘carte blanche’ tactics still to come….and she CONDONES it!

By BahamaBoy

July 11, 2006 8:10 PM | Link to this

“dead bodies of gay, black, Christian illegal immigrants in his back yard while allowing Osama to use his banks for funding the 9/11 hijackers?” Did Cagle really do this? My, oh my!

By Debbie

July 11, 2006 8:16 PM | Link to this

Distinction has to do with the fact Cagle obviously considered then employees/staff and admitted on his form they were employees/staff not contractors.

By Midtown Man

July 11, 2006 8:24 PM | Link to this

Ralph Reed will be the worst thing since George Bush. Tearing down equality and putting up wegde issue after wegde issue. instead of putting up school after school or rural clinic after rural clinic.

I look forward to a day when Reed and Sadie Fields talk more about PeachCare than they do gay marriage or religious ethics. I have one thing to say to Reed and Feilds, Taliban!! we kicked thier butt, and we might one day have to kick yours!

By George C. Fremont

July 11, 2006 8:34 PM | Link to this

Ralph Reed needs to MUZZLE BIG TIME this writer named “DEBBIE”. Wow what a liability she is!

By CDog

July 11, 2006 8:34 PM | Link to this

Everyone needs to get this in their heads. Casey Cagle or Ralph Reed, regardless of their differences now and whoever might win, will support and oppose the exact same legislation. Their political ideologies are almost identical. That is why this campaign has been over character and ethics, not issues. They cannot debate issues because they agree on almost every issue.

By Howard

July 11, 2006 8:39 PM | Link to this

George C Fremont, Debbie rocks and kicks a** People like you need to be muzzled. You just can not handle someone that tells it like it is or fights back.

Go Deb Go

George you sound just like a Cagle staffer. Getting tired of getting your butt kicked?

By Philly

July 11, 2006 8:45 PM | Link to this

George, can’t stand the heat then get out of the kitchen, wussie.

Keep on truckin, Debbie, you do great!!

Midtown man, Reed stands up to libs like you and won’t give in like Cagle does. That is why you hate Reed so much. Another reason of course, he has led the charge against gay marriage. Gays are even going to cross over and vote for Cagle to stop Reed. If people like you hate Reed so much there must be a reason … You are frightened of him and not frightened of Cagle.

By CDog

July 11, 2006 8:48 PM | Link to this

Cagle and Reed

Taxes: Both will support elimination of ad valorem taxes on vehicles.

Both will support TABOR (Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights).

Both will support eliminating property taxes for schools and replace with a sales tax.

Both will support a reduction in the 6% state income tax.

Both of them will oppose increases in any existing taxes or creation of any new taxes.

Education: Both will support tying the HOPE scholarship to SAT scores.

Both will support school choice, vouchers or tax credits, homeschooling, privatization, and charter schools.

Both will support the scientific evidence against darwinian evolution being presented in in science classrooms.

Social issues: Both will support every restriction on abortion that comes along and will support the illegalization of abortion (except to save life of mother) when Roe v. Wade is overturned.

Both will oppose benefits for homosexual couples including adoption.

Both will support every NRA-backed gun freedom that comes along and will oppose any form of gun control.

Both will back religious freedom of individuals in the public sphere and the public acknowledgement of God (Ten Commandments displays, prayers in Jesus name, etc.)

Both will support every crackdown on illegal immigration that comes along including making English the state language.

I have already voted for Cagle, but I will not be upset if Reed wins. But if Reed does win, he will be a weaker candidate for Governor in 2010 because of all the ethical issues.

Think about it.

By Zathras

July 11, 2006 9:16 PM | Link to this

Interesting that one of the candidates in this race is attempting to make an issue of payroll taxes on campaign workers’ pay. This is happening in other states besides Georgia — it is likely to come up in the race for Wisconsin governor, for example — though in Georgia it has a higher profile because a July primary requires major ad buys now instead of in October.

The prevalence of contractors in campaigns means that payroll taxes can be made an issue against most candidates for any office. Whether voters think it’s an important issue is another matter. In the Reed-Cagle race, it’s unlikely payroll taxes for campaign workers would have come up had Reed not had such a spectacular list of ethics-related charges made against him, most of them before the campaign started.

In the next week it will probably get worse. For one thing, the fact that Reed has made a half-million dollar loan to his own campaign means that Cagle could plausibly say that Reed’s race for Lieutenant Governor of Georgia is being paid for by the money he got from Jack Abramoff and the Mississippi Indian casinos.

By Tony

July 11, 2006 9:21 PM | Link to this

Philly, Howard, and Debbie are out in full force. I guess Ralphie finally stopped crying over all of the truth coming out in the past few days about him. I guess Reed HQ spin machine was in full gear and that is why the Three Stooges here have been so quiet. I guess recycled lies are the only thing Ralphie has left? Or is Ralphie going to get even nastier? Surely in the spirit of Skandalakis Reed has more sleaze up his sleeves.

Debbie, you just don’t get it do you. Again, contracting and staff terminology means nothing. but of course facts and Reed & Co. just don’t seem to get along.

Now the Reed apologists are saying when Cagle wins they won’t vote for him in the general. So all that talk about the evil gays, liberals, etc. is down the tubes and just like their master, they will all sell out. Typical. It’s all just an added bonus. If it means Cagle’s winning purges the likes of Debbie, Philly, Howard, and Sadie Fields, then I’m going out to get EVERY Dem to cross over. I figured if Reed’s people are promising to cross over, why not get Dems to cross over as well? Fair and balanced huh?

By Tony

July 11, 2006 9:26 PM | Link to this

I guess I’ll mention how the new Strategic Vision poll just released says that Cagle is up by two points…..someone correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t the last few mentions of this company’s poll show Ralph up a good bit? What happened? I guess telling lies hurts?

By BahamaBoy

July 11, 2006 9:38 PM | Link to this

From Strategic Vision’s newest poll:

If the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor were held today, whom would you vote for Ralph Reed or Casey Cagle? (Republicans only) Casey Cagle 42% Ralph Reed 41% Undecided 17%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Ralph Reed? (Republicans only) Favorable 36% Unfavorable 49% Undecided 15%

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Casey Cagle? (Republicans only) Favorable 43% Unfavorable 36% Undecided 21%

By BahamaBoy

July 11, 2006 9:38 PM | Link to this

There’s little doubt that the negative ads from Cagle have increased his unfavorables. That’s the price he had to pay to get the message out to the voters. But on Reed’s side, nearly half of the Republicans questioned had an unfavorable rating of him (49 percent), up from 47 percent two weeks ago. Cagle, on the other hand, went up to 36 percent from a low 20 percent unfavorable. That’s nearly double, and getting dangerously close to Reed’s 49 percent.

Clearly, this slugfest has damaged both candidates in the eyes of Republican voters who go to the polls in one week to vote for real. At the rate its going, both Reed and Cagle may be so battered and bruised that Georgia voters elect a Democrat — any Democrat — to fill the Lieutenant Governor’s position in November. Wouldn’t that be ironic?

By Better Choices

July 11, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Reed and Cagle may be so battered and bruised that Georgia voters elect a Democrat — any Democrat

Excuse me. Are you a transplant? The people of Georgia DID elect a Democrat to the Lt. Governor’s position four years ago: Mark Taylor. And another Democrat as Secretary of State: Cathy Cox. And many others throughout the years.

Are people so blinded by cable network propaganda that the idea of a two-party America, or Georgia, is now completely foreign? (Check with Saudi Arabia; I think they only have one party there.)

Why not let go of your label dependency and look at the CANDIDATES this year? There are people running for office in Georgia who want to hold the title and position, and then there are people who want to do the JOB. Both Cagle and Reed have demonstrated that they’re more concerned with their public images and their wallets than with performing the duties of a public servant for the people of this state. Really.

Can we please exercise some common sense now?

By For you Debbie

July 11, 2006 11:48 PM | Link to this

Debbie, was ralph reed acting as a Christian or alternatively, a responsible person, when:

1) He lobbied for groups without doing due diligence (per his own response) to see where the money came from. This is a standard practice.

2) He approved phone calls that attacked Senator McCain for having adopted a child of a different race (“did you know that McCain has a baby of “color”?”)

There are numerous other incidents; to be fair I think that Casey Cagle is a less intelligent but equally unethical individual. I’m just curious to see what you think[sic], b/c after following this blog for a while, I’m convinced you do not think.

By Anthony M. Alba

July 12, 2006 12:37 AM | Link to this

I am a democrat but this time I am voting repubblican for Cagle all the way.

By Debbie

July 12, 2006 6:12 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is I trust Ralph to stand strong even with storms raging all around him. I never had dealings with Reed before I decided to support him.

I investigated both camps before I made my choice. I have been involved in politics for thirty years and knew if there was anything to the Abramoff thing, Reed was not still have the blessing of the top GOP leaders anbd Zell Miller. They would be running from him like rats leaving a sinking ship as they did with DeLay. I have been betrayed by someone I thought was a friend so I know it is easy to trust what a friend tells you.

I knew that Cagle was weak and would cave in under pressure as he did with the Barnes Administration. I did not like the fact he used his office and became a millionaire. I am tired of electing Republicans to office and once elected they lose their backbone and began to cave in. They don’t want to make anyone angry. That is John McCain’s leadership style and also Casey Cagles’s.

I want someone like Reagan that the liberals hate and that stands his ground no matter what. That is Reed.

Anthony, I am not suprised that you are. Liberals hate Reed because they are afraid of him. They are not afraid of Cagle.

Once GOP voters realize all these left wingers are crossing over , they will not be happy….

By Eric

July 12, 2006 8:24 AM | Link to this

If Jesus came back and decided to visit Georgia, I imagine first on his list of things to do would be kicking the crap out of Ralph Reed.

By Carlton Wyatt

July 12, 2006 8:25 AM | Link to this

This “battle” goes far beyond the old “pot” and “kettle”. This is more akin to “big pile of feces” and “bigger pile of feces” accusing each other of being more stinky.

But then, this is Georgia politics where most of our “choices” fit that description.

By Eric

July 12, 2006 8:27 AM | Link to this

By Prootwadl

July 11, 2006 05:58 PM | Link to this

Wow… After spending most of my life up in the relatively tame world of Minnesota politics, I’m finding Atlanta political ads to be quite interesting. Painfully childish at times, to be sure, but at least there’s some energy behind them! :-)

Two words for you

Jesse Ventura

LOL!

By Tony

July 12, 2006 8:33 AM | Link to this

So Ralph makes million dollar business decisions by only talking to one person? I’ve never known any business person that made such major decisions without consulting more than one person and even investigating the matter him or herself. You can defend him by saying he just didn’t know. All that proves is that he was either too stupid or he was all about the money and could care less about the cause.

You see he could easily claim stupidity for one thing. but when he’s making decisions based on millions of dollars and offering Christians up as collateral, he’s not doing his Biblical duty of being a good steward. Once can be fine. But a repeated pattern of ‘I just didn’t know’ just doesn’t cut it. I for one would not think he was just that stupid. I think he’s smart. So I’m more inclined to go with him just being all about the money.

Comparing Reed to Reagan is a joke. Reagan stood on principle. he fought the fight and knew what the fight was about. Reed on the other hand fights only when it puts a chunk of money in his pocket. Then his ‘cause’ turns out to be bogus and he pleads ignorance and blames others. Taking the cowardly way out.

You see you say you’re behind him because of the GOP leaders and Zell? All of these people have more ties to Reed through consulting and money. How many are average Georgians? Take those outside GA out and there is Zell? Look at Cagle. He has his peers, Ralph’s former employees, politicians and activists from all over the state supporting him. Look at the financial report. Compare the two. Take Reed’s moeny from outside the state and he has very little coming from the people of Georgia.

Debbie, the ship is sinking. The truth is before your eyes. It’s not too late to see the light and admit Ralph is a phony. Do you really want to support someone who makes stupid decisions on millions of dollars and then blames everyone else for his mistakes? Do you want someone who makes decisions on millions of dollars without fully investigating the cause? And someone who REPEATEDLY makes that mistake?

By William P Golson

July 12, 2006 8:37 AM | Link to this

I think they are both full of crap. Everyone in politics does what ever benefits them. I just hope Sonny loses the governor race. He is the most overrated governor in the history of GA.

By mike

July 12, 2006 8:44 AM | Link to this

I am definitely voting for Casey. I know him and his family personally. What worries me is that now Reed has the backing of Zell Miller. I recently got a recording from Zell to vote for his “friend” Ralph Reed. Why would anyone listen to Zell right now though. We all know that he bounces back and forth from party to party. I wonder how much Reed had to pay Zell to call him his “friend”? If the election was a month ago, it would be Casey’s. Now, it is a toss-up.

Casey Cagle SHOULD be the next Lt. Governor.

By E. Lewis

July 12, 2006 8:51 AM | Link to this

As soon as I see a political ad, ANY political ad, I change the channel. They are designed to grab your vote by any method possible and are unfortunately the way too many people get their info. Heaven forbid that the voters do their own research.

By Debbie

July 12, 2006 8:56 AM | Link to this

Tony, typical Cagle supporter. Tell me did you flunk reading in school? Your quote:”You see you say you’re behind him because of the GOP leaders and Zell?”

Another outright lie from Cagle supporters. Here is what I said of my support for Ralph.”The bottom line is I trust Ralph to stand strong even with storms raging all around him. I never had dealings with Reed before I decided to support him.

I investigated both camps before I made my choice. I have been involved in politics for thirty years and knew if there was anything to the Abramoff thing, Reed was not still have the blessing of the top GOP leaders anbd Zell Miller. They would be running from him like rats leaving a sinking ship as they did with DeLay. I have been betrayed by someone I thought was a friend so I know it is easy to trust what a friend tells you.

I knew that Cagle was weak and would cave in under pressure as he did with the Barnes Administration. I did not like the fact he used his office and became a millionaire. I am tired of electing Republicans to office and once elected they lose their backbone and began to cave in. They don’t want to make anyone angry. That is John McCain’s leadership style and also Casey Cagles’s.

I want someone like Reagan that the liberals hate and that stands his ground no matter what. That is Reed.”

By E. Lewis

July 12, 2006 8:57 AM | Link to this

Personally, I can’t see voting for either of these guys. What ever happened to moderate, reasonable people running for political office?

By Nancy

July 12, 2006 8:57 AM | Link to this

As a true Republican Actvist I have work long and hard to may sure Republican get elected. Leading the way all the way to Georgia having a Republican majority was Ralph Reed. Who is Casey Gagle and what has he ever done ? If Cagle wins I will do something I have never done before. I will vote for a democrat.I can’t vote for someone who lies as much as he has done in this primary.

By Debbie

July 12, 2006 8:58 AM | Link to this

Mike, Where on earth have you been? Reed doesn’t just now have the support of Zell. He has had that support for a long time. Reed used to work for Zell. I went to a rally in June of 2005 and Zell Miller, along with Sean Hannity, stated his VERY strong support for Reed.

By William P Golson

July 12, 2006 9:00 AM | Link to this

Politics are so overrated. We should just have the fair tax, kick out all illegal aliens and blow up North Korea and Iraq and call it a day.

By Debbie

July 12, 2006 9:03 AM | Link to this

Reed and Perdue both have the support of Zell Miller. Both campaigns have had automated phone calls go out from Zell Miller. Reed also has the support of Rudy Giuliani, Newt Gingrich, Sean Hannity and many others.

Voters need to ask the question, “If there was anything to what Cagle alleged in his vicious campaigns ads, why would these well respected people still be supporting Reed ?” The answere quite simply is that Cagle has lied and distorted facts in his ads.

By William P Golson

July 12, 2006 9:11 AM | Link to this

Politics are so overrated. We should just have the fair tax, kick out all illegal aliens and blow up North Korea and Iraq and call it a day.

By BahamaBoy

July 12, 2006 9:15 AM | Link to this

Nancy, what lies have come from Cagle? Please be specific.

By Rob

July 12, 2006 9:17 AM | Link to this

I have a policy about voting. If anyone uses one of these attack advertisements, I will not vote for them. Needless to say, I won’t be voting for either of these slimeballs. Spend your 30 second ad telling me what YOU can do, not what the other guy HASN’T done. That just makes you come of as a jerk.

Obviously, Ralph Reed pretty much missed everything Jesus ever said about turning the other cheek, etc. It’s sad to see a professed Christian involved in dirty politics. If this guy was the HEAD of Christian Coalition, or whatever it was, I’d hate to see the other people in that organization. Sad.

By BahamaBoy

July 12, 2006 9:20 AM | Link to this

What lies, Debbie? All I hear from you is “900 percent! 900 percent! 900 percent!”

As for Reed’s supporters, let’s see if he can get on Hannity’s radio or television programs now! Will Newt come in and stand by his man in front of Georgia’s voters now! (He won’t if he expects to run for president in 2008) And while you’re at it, get Giuliani back here. Ralph needs some cash in his coffers!

By grassrootsguy

July 12, 2006 9:22 AM | Link to this

What has Cagle lied about? Has anything come from his campaign that is not a lie. He has lied about Reed’s connection to Abramoff. He has lied about Reed’s work for other clients. He has sent out mailers suggesting that Reed supports abortion and child prostitution. How crazy. Has politics become say anything and see if it will stick.

Cagle has brought political campaigns to a new low. I can’t support him under any circumstances. I said earlier I would support him if he won, but I cannot do so now. His campaign has cost him the election in November, even if he wins the primary.

I will be doing everything I can to elect Reed between now and Tuesday. We know Reed, we know his values, we know what he has done for Republicans. We know he would never have given Mark Taylor a $1,000 campaign contribution. We know he would not have walked off the floor on a property rights/eminent domain vote.

Cagle represents the worst of politics.

By Shar

July 12, 2006 9:25 AM | Link to this

E. Lewis, I’m with you. While I am afraid that all of the good points that CDog brought up are true, and I disagree with just about every social position he anticipates both candidates will espouse, the mean-spirited vitriol and hypocrisy trotted out by the supporters of both camps would have sent me looking elsewhere depite the issues. Debbie, how can you blithely dismiss a despicable action like Reed’s in using the adoption of a child to incite the lowest and vilest emotional responses for personal selfish political advantage? A trilling little cliche and an utterly extraneous accusation do not explain a repugnant action to a person, such as myself, who is trying to learn in hopes of making good use of my vote. And promoting a candidate, particularly one whose primary appeal seems to be his Christian demeanor, on the basis of how many of my fellow citizens “hate” him? To most voters, the Abramoff scandal and Reed’s involvement are a paramount consideration in deciding whether he will be trustworthy once elected. Dismissing, or refusing to credit, the clearly self-centered actions of Reed and wallowing in the “hate” he arouses are red flags to us regular voters to beware. And Tony, your posts hammer away at Debbie personally and at details of supporting evidence for what are mainly side issues. This does not give me any reason to vote for your guy over hers. At least Debbie put forward her reasons for supporting Reed, sobering and rather sad as they are. What direction, issue, or platform does Cagle espouse that you find so appealing? I’m definitely heading for the polls next week - don’t try to tell me why the other guy is bad. Tell me why your chosen candidate deserves my vote!

By G354ME

July 12, 2006 9:31 AM | Link to this

One thing that concerns me about any politican/business/etc. throwing around that they represent “Christian values” then they go on attack of their opposition. I’m sorry but I feel one: If you have Christian Values you do not need to tell everyone, they will know from your actions and two: It is very un-Christian like to aways attack and ridicule your neighbors or opposition. I don’t care what your opposition is doing, your suppose to demonstrate your above that. Defend yourself fine, but let’s hear what you have planned for the next 4 years and how you plan to fulfill your promises. Don’t run your campaign on how much worse the other person is than you. The same holds true for Cathy and Mark.

By Debbie

July 12, 2006 9:33 AM | Link to this

Bahama Boy, Sean Hannity was here in Georgia when they had the Fair Tax Rally at Wild Bill’s. Hannity attended a fundraiser for Reed and spoke there. He compared Reed to Reagan. He said Reagan was constantly attacked by the liberal media. I would expect that Hannity will play some role in the Reed campaign .

By BahamaBoy

July 12, 2006 9:35 AM | Link to this

Grassrootsguy, you have nothing new to say.

You claim Cagle lied about Reed’s connection to Abramoff. That connection is well documented and goes back more than 20 years. Reed got his first job in Washington working under Abroamoff.

You claim Cagle lied about Reed’s work for other clients. Where’s the proof? I’ve looked every ad and mail piece over carefully to make sure I’m not supporting a liar, and it all checks out.

You claim Cagle sent out mailers suggesting that Reed supports abortion and child prostitution. The fact is Reed’s efforts to kill legislation in 1996 did exactly that. Ralph said he was putting Bibles in their hands. But ABC News and an Interior Department report concluded otherwise.

Got anymore claims I can knock down?

By Jack

July 12, 2006 9:43 AM | Link to this

No, Ralph, the “liberal” media attack you because you say one thing and do another. You say you stand against gambling, but you take money from casino interests. I notice you don’t deny this — you just attack on something else. Seems like you’re grasping at something, anything, that you can make stick like this gambling issue has stuck to you, Ralph. Remember, folks, Ralph Reed has admitted publicly that he wants to establish a Christian Theocracy form of government in the United States. Ralph Reed we don’t need.

By Tony

July 12, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Here’s a good test. Debbie and the rest of the Ralphites keep saying Cagle lied….what specifically and prove exactly how he lied. All I see is a line of “liar, liar” but nothing to prove this to the contrary.

Debbie, answer me this. Is it responsible business practice to make multi-million dollar decisions based on what ONE person says? Or is it responsible business practice to research the cause yourself and get SEVERAL opinions on the cause? Do you stake your reputation on just the view of one person? Is it smart for Ralph to stake the reputation of the Christian Coalition and thousands of evangelicals over the word of one person? Answer that….is that responsible? Millions in money and the reputation of Christians?

By E. Lewis

July 12, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

By G354ME

I couldn’t agree with you more. I would like to add that actions speak louder than words. Remember the days of “WWJD”? Somehow I don’t see Jesus taking money from one Indian casino to close down another or lying to get elected.

It’s just too bad that we the voters are encouraging these politicians to use our religion to get elected.

By Debbie

July 12, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Cagle lie- Reed betrayed Christians. Reed did no such thing. Reed kept casinos from being built. The ALABAMA CHRISTIAN COALITION praises Reed’s work. Check out the letter they sent on Reed’s behalf.

www.reedfacts.com

Cagle lie-Reed supports sweat shops and forced labor. Casey Cagle’s latest negative ad attacking Ralph Reed actually promotes a 1999 bill backed by Bill Clinton and union bosses that would have imposed federal wage and immigration laws on a U.S. territory. The bill included a provision granting amnesty to foreign workers. Cagle is so desperate to distract attention from his own ethical problems—-like voting to benefit banks while running a bank and failing to pay his taxes—-that he sides with Clinton and union bosses against Ralph Reed and Republicans who opposed the Clinton plan, including Congressman Bob Riley of Alabama and House Majority Leader Dick Armey.

Fact: As a U.S. Commonwealth, the Northern Marianas Islands (CNMI) were covered by existing federal health and safety laws.

Federal labor, health and safety laws, including the Occupational Safety and Hazard Act of 1970, apply to all U.S. territories, including the Northern Marianas Islands. Cagle’s claim that sweat shops, forced abortion or child prostitution are legal on a U.S. territory is absurd. (OSHA applicability: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, “OSH Act of 1970 as amended, Jurisdictional Note,” www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show

If OSHA and other labor laws were not adequately enforced, the blame lay with the Clinton administration. Labor law violations in the CNMI “are violations of federal laws, which the U.S. government has sole or concurrent jurisdiction.� Bill Clinton’s Attorney General, Janet Reno, refused to appoint an assistant Attorney General in the CNMI to enforce the law. (Congressional Record, October 2, 1997, p. E1897)

Fact: The bill Cagle promotes was backed by Bill Clinton and Big Labor, and opposed by the Republican Congress.

Bill Clinton first proposed imposing federal wage and immigration law on the CNMI in a letter to the Governor of the Commonwealth on May 30, 1997.

Liberal Congressman George Miller (D-CA) introduced the Clinton plan as H.R. 730 in 1999. It had nothing to do with human rights. It was a federal wage and immigration bill backed by far-left labor unions and liberal members of Congress. It has been reintroduced in the 109th Congress as H.R. 5550, again by Miller (career AFL-CIO rating, 93%; career ACU rating, 4%).

The Clinton-backed plan did nothing to protect workers. GOP Senator Frank Murkowski declared that Democrats “respond to concerns over workers?by suggesting the answer is to raise the minimum wage. The response to allegations of abuse of workers, especially women, is not to propose raising the minimum wage. Paying a person more does not justify abuse.� (Congressional Record, Oct. 8, 1997. Page S10649)

Cagle repeats allegations against garment manufacturers in the CNMI made by a liberal coalition that included the AFL-CIO, the United Mine Workers, the United Food Workers, UNITE (the garment workers’ union), and the Sheet Metal Workers. (“Northern Mariana Island Covenant Implementation Act,” Senate Hearing No. 106-326, 106th Congress, 1st Session, p. 92 [1999])

Fact: The Clinton bill that Cagle promotes granted amnesty to foreign workers and would have wreaked havoc on the economy.

The Clinton administration bill Cagle promotes granted amnesty to foreign workers. It stated that after three years, foreign workers could obtain permanent U.S. resident status, after which “the permanent resident alien may engage in any lawful activity, including employment, anywhere in the United States.” (H.R. 730, Section 10) Miller’s legislation would give “foreign workers in the CNMI a shot at U.S. residency, and ultimately citizenship.â€? (Pacific Daily News, June 12, 2006; USCIS, “Guide to Naturalization,â€? pp. 22-24, www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/natz/English.pdf)

The bill overturned the local wage for foreign workers enacted by the duly elected government of the Commonwealth. It would have devastated the local economy, unemployed thousands of workers and caused significant economic dislocation. A GAO report found phasing out guest workers would decimate the CNMI economy. (GAO Report, May 12, 2000, Report GGD-00-97/B283950) An Interior Department report concluded “the economy of the Marianas would be severely damagedâ€? and that the “economy would be sent into a catastrophic contraction.” (Washington Times, March 21, 2001)

Fact: The mailing by the Traditional Values Coalition praised Congressman (now Alabama Governor) Bob Riley for opposing Bill Clinton and Big Labor.

Cagle’s ad criticizes a mailing by the Traditional Values Coalition printed by Millennium Marketing that praised conservative Republican Congressman Bob Riley as “one of the strongest advocates in Washington for religious freedom and liberty.� It thanked him for opposing H.R. 730 and for standing up “for the Ten Commandments?and the right of Christian ministries and organizations to spread the message of the gospel around the world.� (Traditional Values Coalition, Alabama mailer, August, 1999)

The Traditional Values Coalition is a pro-family organization that works with 50,000 churches nationwide, as well as missionary groups in the Northern Marianas. Cagle is so desperate that he is maligning a pro-family organization promoting Christian missions. Cagle is so intent on misrepresenting the TVC mailer that the version placed on his campaign website is in low resolution so it cannot be read by voters. Cagle knows that if voters can read the mailing themselves they will see that it praised Riley for opposing a liberal Clinton administration measure.

Nor was Riley alone. House Majority Leader Dick Armey wrote that the Clinton administration’s proposed changes “are counter to the principles of the Republican Party, and this Congress has no intention of voting on such legislation.� (House Majority Leader Dick Armey to Governor Frolian Tenorio, February 19, 1998) Congressman Dana Rohrabacher called the Clinton proposals “politically driven attacks� by liberal Democrats and labor unions. (Congressional Record, October 2, 1997, p. E1897)

To argue that a mailing by a pro-life organization that praised a 100% pro-life Congressman for opposing a Clinton bill backed by union bosses that promoted amnesty constitutes a defense of forced abortion is absurd and despicable.

Fact: Republicans have always supported allowing the Northern Marianas to set local wages to support their economy.

The 1976 Marianas Commonwealth Covenant allowed the Islands to set local wages to support their economy, and was signed by President Gerald Ford. (Public Law 94-241, 1976). President Ronald Reagan ratified this policy by executive order in 1986. (Presidential Proclamation 5564, Federal Register, 51, No. 216, November 7, 1986, p. 40399). By siding with Bill Clinton and the labor unions, Cagle is criticizing a policy that was ratified by Ronald Reagan and supported by a Republican Congress.

Fact: Ralph Reed strongly favors human rights, and has always opposed human rights abuses like forced abortion and human sex trafficking.

Ralph Reed has always opposed forced abortion. He is 100% pro-life and has been endorsed by the Georgia Right to Life Committee. Cagle’s ad suggesting otherwise is utterly false and will be rejected by the voters of Georgia.

Reed supported the Freedom from Religious Persecution Act of 1997, which created a special White House office to monitor religious persecution around the world and authorized sanctions against nations that violated human rights. (Knoxville News-Sentinel, May 24, 1997)

By Debbie

July 12, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Another Cagle lie-Mark Taylor made threats so I gave him a $ 1,000 contribution. Cagle has since back tracked on this statement.

Another Cagle lie-Reed broke the law and should be jailed. Another lie disputed by mainstream media and the Wall Street Journal.

Another Cagle lie-Reed laundered money. The Senate report disputes that. It is clear that Abramoff laundered the money not Reed.

Another Cagle lie-Reed bilked the Indian Tribes out of millions of dollars. See page 31 of the Senate report. The tribes were happy with Reed’s work.

By kreedham

July 12, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

After everyone has made a decision on the Cagle-Reed race and they have a nominee then start thinking about the general election. The democrats Lt. Gov candidates aren’t slinging the mud like Cox and Taylor or Cagle and Reed. Consider the winner of the Democratic Primary (probably Greg Hecht). An all Republican state (or democratic for that matter) is a dangerous thing. The Republicans will probably win Governor, Secretary of State and Education. So how about the Democrats for Lt. Gov, Ag Commish and Labor Commish. A little balance seems to make sense.

By William P Golson

July 12, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Fact: Both these guys suck. We would be better of with Bill Clinton

By CDog

July 12, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

By William P Golson

July 12, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Fact: Both these guys suck. We would be better of with Bill Clinton

Umm … That statement speaks for itself. Georgia is a conservative Republican state. One of the “reddest.” The democrats maintained their control for a long time because they had conservatives in their midst. They are all gone now. Georgia has taken a solid turn to the Republican party. Other than is a few urban areas, the dems have nothing.

Who votes democratic in GA anymore? Old people who are still fighting the Civil War and showing their support to FDR for “getting them out of the depression”; black people who are kept in the party through the fearmongering of their church and civil rights leadership who are still combating the present day evils of lynching and Jim Crow; transplanted left coast and New England liberals who feel they are intellectually superior to us and that their poop doesn’t stink

Depsite all the battles going on now between Reed and Cagle, whoever wins will defeat the democratic candidate. Republicans as a whole will close ranks, mend fences, and move on to the general election.

By BahamaBoy

July 12, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Debbie says: “Another Cagle lie-Reed laundered money. The Senate report disputes that. It is clear that Abramoff laundered the money not Reed.”

Wrong Debbie. The Senate report in question contains numerous email references demonstrating that Reed was fully engaged in finding third-party nonprofits that could serve as conduits for the tribe money. As a subcontractor to Abramoff’s law firm, Reed could have been paid by the firm. But for some unexplained reason, Reed wanted it to go through nonprofits, and he suggested the names of three to Abramoff.

From Page 25 of the Senate report:

ABRAMOFF TO REED: Please page me with a page of no more than 90 words … informing me of your completion of the budget and giving me a total budget figure with category breakdowns. Once I get this, I will call Nell at Choctaw and get it approved.

Also from Page 25 of the Senate report:

On April 6, 1999, Abramoff informed Reed that he “spoke with our managing partner [at Preston Gates] and he has approved the subcontractor arrangement� and instructed Reed to “get me invoices as soon as possible so I can get Choctaw to get us checks asap.�

Choctaw? Now those emails should have alerted Reed to the possibility that he was getting into bed with some folks with gambling interests. But wait, it gets better.

Continuing, from page 25 of the Senate report:

When Abramoff believed he could not get money quickly enough to Reed, Abramoff suggested that the Choctaw pay Reed directly: “Ralph, I am not sure that I can get this wire moving fast enough today. Give me your wire info and I’ll do what I can.� Abramoff then asked, “Any chance that a wire from Choctaw directly would be OK?�

There it is again — Choctaw? So, tell me, Debbie dear. Where are Ralph’s emails to Abramoff seeking assurances that the Choctaw money wasn’t coming from their extensive gambling operations? Put up or shut up! But wait, it gets even better.

From page 26 of the Senate report:

In an e-mail entitled “Disbursement on behalf of Choctaw Indians,� Abramoff assured Reed that the money was on its way. Using the Choctaw’s money, Reed paid for grassroots activities including, telemarketing (patch-through, tape-recorded messages and call-to-action phone calls), targeted mail, legislative counsel and local management, rallies, petitions, “voter contact, television and radio production, the remainder of phones, the statewide fly-around, the pastor’s and activist rally, the church bulletin inserts, and other items.�

Wow! There it is again, Debbie. Abramoff titled his email to Reed “Disbursement on behalf of Choctaw Indians.” Surely Reed must have been concerned about exposing all those pastors and evagelicals to potential gambling money. Where are his emails to Abramoff clarifying such concerns?

From pages 26-27 of the Senate report:

On a similar project in early 2000, Reed and Abramoff discussed using four groups instead of one as conduits to pay Reed: NCPPR, ATR, Toward Tradition and one unidentified group. Abramoff later advised Reed that “Rabbi Lapin [head of Toward Tradition] does not have a c4” and asked Reed for “the name of the c4 you want to use (include address) and we’ll divide it among the three groups.â€? Within days, Abramoff advised Reed that Amy Ridenour, president of NCPPR, “does not have a c4, only a c3, so we are back to ATR only.â€? Abramoff asked Reed, “Let me know if it will work just to do this through ATR until we can find another group.â€?

There you go, Debbie. There’s my evidence that Reed knew full well where the money was coming from — Indian tribes with gambling interests — and that he participated in selection of third party conduits to disguise the source of funds paid to him. The dictionary definition of money laundering is “to channel through an intermediate party in order to conceal the source.” Reed now claims Abramoff did the channeling, and he was unaware of it. Bull*#@t! That dog don’t hunt!

Spin away, Little Debbie. I am always here to set the record straight. I consider it my public duty.

By Tony

July 12, 2006 11:57 AM | Link to this

Debbie,

That AL CC letter was a year old. Anything new on how they feel about Ralph since the Senate IA release? I’ve talked to several and that letter is outdated.

Check your info on the Northern Mariana Is. They are NOT covered by the same wage and labor laws as the US. That was the point of this whole legislation Debbie. Unions and other groups WANTED them to be the same. I can go to three different US Government websites now that all say the Islands are not held to the same legal standards. My guess is that there is a Cagle conspiracy on those websites? Or the warnings another government website stated regarding the child prostitution and forced abortions? Are all of these government websites along with several referenced with Google all lying Debbie? Funny how Reed says one thing and the rest of the world says another.

Debbie, you and Ralphie need to actually read what you’re referencing. All of what you try to prove is wrong.

And you still cannot answer my question I posed you. What is the matter? Why can’t you answer a simple question?

By BahamaBoy

July 12, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

I don’t even know Tony, but I think we think alike. Go Tony — You’re GrrrrrrrATE!!!

By Jack

July 12, 2006 4:42 PM | Link to this

Tony, BahamaBoy … I think I’ve got it. Debbie’s holding to the old mantra of, “Ralph said it … I believe it … that settles it.” That’s gotta be it.

By Tony

July 12, 2006 4:54 PM | Link to this

Anything I can do to shine some light on the hypocrites. It’s actually quite fun. I might show up to the Reed party next Tuesday. I’ll just make sure NOT to drink the punch.