Political Insider

By BahamaBoy

July 16, 2006 5:52 PM | Link to this

I’ll bet both men prayed for this campaign to be over — Cagle and Perdue, that is.

By BahamaBoy

July 16, 2006 8:17 PM | Link to this

During Sunday evening’s televised debate between Cagle and Reed, Reed told yet another bald-faced lie.

Asked why the millions of dollars he received from Indian tribes lobbying to protect their gambling interests was funneled through third-party nonprofits, Reed said “I would have been happy if they paid me directly. They were the ones who made the decision that I would be paid through nonprofits.�

But in the Senate report concerning the investigation into Reed’s use of conduits to conceal the source of his campaign funding, here is what Nell Rogers, who worked for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, said: “I always assumed it’s because Ralph was more comfortable with that.�

“Ralph Reed did not want to be paid directly by a tribe with gaming interests. It was our understanding that the structure was recommended by Jack Abramoff to accommodate Mr. Reed’s political concerns.�

Political concerns indeed, Mr. Reed. Always looking out to cover your tracks!

By Debbie

July 16, 2006 8:30 PM | Link to this

CAGLE FLIP-FLOPS ON MINIMUM WAGE: ATTACKS REED FOR OPPOSING MINIMUM WAGE HIKE IN CAMPAIGN ADS AND MAIL; SUPPORTS REED POSTION IN TELEVISED DEBATE

Cagle Attacks Reed for Opposing Bill Clinton and Union Bosses On Wage and Amnesty Bill; Then Flip-Flops on Statewide Television

Casey Cagle has attacked Ralph Reed and Congressional Republicans for opposing a bill backed by Bill Clinton and Big Labor that raised the minimum wage. The 1999 bill backed by Bill Clinton and the most liberal members of Congress imposed a higher minimum wage on a U.S. territory. The bill included a provision granting amnesty to foreign workers. Today, when asked in a debate televised on WSB-TV, “Mr. Cagle would you support raising the minimum wage in Georgia – yes or no and why? Casey Cagle flip-flopped, saying, “Well, no I would not.�

The bill Cagle promotes was backed by Bill Clinton and union bosses, and opposed by the Republican Congress. Bill Clinton first proposed imposing federal wage and immigration law on the Northern Marianas islands 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 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%).

Clinton bill was sponsored by the most liberal members of Congress. Among the co-sponsors of H.R. 730 were Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Patrick Kennedy (D-RI, Barney Frank (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), the only Socialist member of Congress. Not a single Republican in the House of Representatives co-sponsored the liberal, Big Labor-backed bill. (H.R. 730, http://Thomas.loc.gov/)

The Clinton bill that Cagle promotes in TV ads 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)

Cagle Flip-Flops, Opposes Minimum Wage Hike. When asked during a Lt. Governor candidate debate televised today on WSB-TV, Cagle flip-flopped. He said he opposed raising the minimum wage. “No, I would not.� (Lt. Governor Candidates Debate, WSB-TV, July 16, 2006)

Clinton Bill Had Nothing to Do With Human Rights, Simply Increased Minimum Wage. 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 Negative Campaign Backfiring, Now Discredited by Cagle Flip-Flop. The Cagle attacks on Reed for opposing a Clinton wage bill backed by union bosses is backfiring. To suggest as Cagle does that Reed, the former head of the Christian Coalition, defended forcing women to have abortions and the sexual exploitation of children simply because he opposed a Clinton wage bill is over the line, and Republican voters are recoiling at these distasteful personal attacks. (Cagle campaign mailer, July 2006) Now Cagle discredits his own attack by flip-flopping and supporting the Reed position.

By BahamaBoy

July 16, 2006 9:45 PM | Link to this

Nice press release, Debbie. Did you write it? Or is it simply another posting from Reed HQ.

Is there one original thinker it that organization? One?

Not a single Georgia newspaper endorsement for the man would wants to be the state’s lieutenant governor. Not one!

Has it occurred to anyone over there that maybe this campaign just wasn’t meant to be?

By BahamaBoy

July 16, 2006 9:56 PM | Link to this

I’m not even going to dignify that piece of crap press release with a reasoned response. To say that the “Bill Had Nothing to Do With Human Rights, Simply Increased Minimum Wage” over and over is pathetic and an insult to people who can read and think for themselves.

The Senate Bill in question, S.1275 had THREE parts, Debbie: dealing with immigration, wages, and trade. Cagle’s camp put out a 32-page document on the issue and obviously you haven’t even bothered to read it. Otherwise you would know just how pathetic your latest press release is.

In this business you have to be able to think for yourself and not merely take the word or Ralph and Jared.

Debbie, download the 32-page document, read it, and come back here for a real debate.

www.dontgambleonralph.com/TheTruth.pdf

By Tony

July 16, 2006 10:20 PM | Link to this

Debbie,

Ralph is again caught in his own lie. Have you even read the bill in question? If you AND GReed had, you’d CLEARLY note it calls for investigations into human rights and civil rights abuses alleged on the islands. It is as clear as can be.

And to say the bill ONLY supported minimum wage is incorrect. The bill in question also called for MANDATORY INSPECTIONS of all containers that came into the ports on the islands. Up to that point, inspections WAS AN OPTION NOT EVEN REQUIRED BY LAW.

So let’s flip this around. GReed opposed investigations of human rights abuses such as abortion, prostitution, and sweat shops. GReed also opposed inspections of shipping containers. That means he opposes 99% of the current Congress in inspections of containers. After 9/11 that is a pathetic line to support.

So how is it now Debbie? Ralphie still lying in his press releases.

Still waiting for your answers. It’s quite sad when Ralph’s supporters cannot even come up with a SINGLE thing Ralph has done for his causes unpaid and a SINGLE reason to vote for Ralph….that DOES NOT mention Cagle. As you voters can see, even the most ‘qualified’ GReed supporter in Debbie Ellis cannot answer….

By GodHatesTrash

July 17, 2006 3:51 AM | Link to this

God hates this filth that has tried to commandeer His religion. Reed, Cagle, Fields, et. al. are all trash, and will slow-roast in H-ell.

By BahamaBoy

July 17, 2006 6:54 AM | Link to this

GodHatesTrash, you need to take a deep breath and lay off the caffeine.

By BahamaBoy

July 17, 2006 7:08 AM | Link to this

Fortunately, we don’t have to wait much longer for the much anticipated “most effective, grass-roots, get-out-the-vote effort that this state has ever seen in a down-ballot campaign� Reed has promised us. Frankly, I don’t see it unfolding that way. Judging from the response of his minions here and elsewhere to straighforward questions about Reed’s character and positions he has supported in past campaigns while engaged as a lobbyist for various questionable clients, the smoke and mirrors world he lives in will be revealed once and for all.

Tomorrow is Judgment Day!

By Hunter

July 17, 2006 7:17 AM | Link to this

dont get me wrong, I like Sonny the Gov. but it puzzles me how ‘his’ church is Woodstock Baptist. He is from S. Ga, right? Did he pick the Woodstock church since living in ATL?..hmmm…ok there are some wonderful churches right there in Sonny’s NW ATL neighborhood..puzzling…

By Hunter

July 17, 2006 7:19 AM | Link to this

wow…did NOT realize that no newspaper in Ga has endorsed Reed…Id be embarrassed if I were he…

By BahamaBoy

July 17, 2006 7:44 AM | Link to this

Nothing embarrasses Ralph Reed.

By BahamaBoy

July 17, 2006 7:48 AM | Link to this

Reed can con all of the people some of the time; and some of the people all the time. But he can’t con all of the people all of the time.

Tomorrow is his first first step towards a run for the White House. Everyone knows that he doesn’t give a damn about being lieutenant governor; it’s just the initial step to being governor and then a run for the presidency. This guy’s ego is enormous!

Will he move forward Tuesday, or will Georgians stop the con here and now and say “Enough!”

By Debbie

July 17, 2006 8:08 AM | Link to this

Bahama Boy, Reed supported the Reagan, GOP position on that bill. If Cagle blasts Reed then he also blasts Reagan and other GOP officials. Reagan held the same position as Reed did.

I guess what you are saying is because the bill had some good provisions in it Cagle would have voted for the bill and just ignored the bad provisions in the bill. Cagle would have fallen prey to Democrat trickery. IE:If you have a bad bill you want passed then put in some good provisions so you can get the conservative vote. It doesn’t matter if the overall objective will be detrimental to conservative values.

It is despicable that Cagle campaign manager Brad Alexander basically threatened GOP House Candidate Cindye Coates because she wrote that letter in support of Reed. Cindye is trying to unseat Roy Barnes cousin in November. The Cagle campaign apparently had advised Cindye not to get involved or it would hurt her campaign. She chose to get involved.

And yes, Tony and Bahama Boy I have proof…

By Debbie

July 17, 2006 8:11 AM | Link to this

The only endorsement that matters is of the voters on July 18th.

Newpapers endorsed Cagle because he is a go along to get along candidate and doesn’t like to make waves. Reed is just the opposite and takes strong unwavering stands.

By Former Cagle Guy

July 17, 2006 8:12 AM | Link to this

The fact that the liberal AJC and Macon Telegraph have endorsed Cagle tells me all I need to know.

I’m with Reed. They are afraid of him because they know he will work to enact our Republican agenda.

By Darrell

July 17, 2006 8:15 AM | Link to this

Why is someone looking to run for highter office in the future a problem? Read this article by Bill Shipp, no Republican friend, and see why he say’s Ralph is the best one for the job. http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/040906/opinion_20060409006.shtml

By Tony

July 17, 2006 8:20 AM | Link to this

Debbie,

If you have proof, present it. Because until you provide proof, all you do is slander people. Why is it ok for you to throw cheap shots? You get onto Cagle supporters for telling the truth about Ralph but yet you come on here all the time saying crap without providing proof. Again, put up or shut up. Debbie, you’re proving my point that GReed and his people cannot even live by their own standards. Arrogance.

Again, Debbie also prove to me where Reagan and GReed agreed on this bill. You’ve yet to prove that as well.

You’ve yet to answer a few simple questions.

Ralph’s spokesperson says Ralph doesn’t answer out of state media.

What does it take to get an honest answer out of Ralph and his campaign? Are any of Ralph and his supporters capable of a truthful and honest answer to anything? Can they answer a question WITHOUT insulting Cagle? All I see are crappy and sloppy press releases doing nothing but accusing the other side of lies. I’ve yet to see anything to convince me Ralph’s done anything out of the kindness of his heart OR he has issues substantive enough to deserve a vote.

I am waiting for answers…honest answers with fact and logic….and NOT mentioning Cagle. Can you do it? I’ve been asking for a week and have yet to get Philly, Debbie, Howard, FormerCagleguy, etc. to heed the call.

By debbie

July 17, 2006 8:25 AM | Link to this

“Cindye Coates” cindyecoates@juno.com View Contact Details Add Mobile Alert

Debbie,

I was just forwarded this http://www.peachpundit.com/2006/07/16/too-funny/#comment-21988 .

“GOPMarine” is Brad Alexander!!!!

Why don’t you expose him.

Thanks,

Cindye brad@paresources.com> To: Cindye Coates cindyecoates@juno.com, Russel Carlson rcarlson@caseycagle.com Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:14:16 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: true to your word … Message-ID: 20060717001416.57686.qmail@web31501.mail.mud.yahoo.com

No one’s “bullying” you, Cindye. I’m just disgusted that you said one thing in terms of your involvement in our race and then proceeded to do exactly the opposite, and wanted to let you know. If you want to shill for Ralph, fine, it’s a free country.

I’m not going to waste my time re-reading the letter you sent, but I have taken the liberty of forwarding it to everyone else you attacked so they can reach their own conclusions as to whether you’re worthy of their trust.

Best of luck with your race.

Brad

Cindye Coates cindyecoates@juno.com wrote: Brad,

The letter addressed to “”Fellow Christian Conservatives” reminding them of Ralph Reed’s accomplishments, did not “attack” anyone but the liberal media!

You may want to read the letter again very carefully.

I am not in the Lt. Gov’s race. Sen. Cagle and Ralph Reed are in the Lt. Gov.’s race. I have never spoken ill of Sen. Cagle.

I would be grateful if you would not bully me as I have been quite kind to Sen. Cagle as you know. I did not go public with the offense on July 4th like I could have.

Thank you,

Dr. Cindye Coates

On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 14:01:35 -0700 (PDT) Brad Alexander brad@paresources.com writes: Cindye,

Just got a forward of the email you sent out attacking Casey and the state Senators supporting him. Are you the same person who specifically told me that you were staying out of the LG race?

Noted.

Brad Alexander

By Tony

July 17, 2006 8:41 AM | Link to this

I don’t see any bullying here. I still haven’t seen the pictures either. I also note she’s being a little dishonest about her own attitude….”why don’t you expose him?”

Why is she coming to you Debbie? Sounds like your the hatchet woman for the GReed camp. Again Debbie, simple questions calling for simple answers. I’ve sent emails and phone calls out saying Ralph’s campaign has been asked repeatedly about why to vote for him and what unpaid act has he done for Christians, conservatives, and Georgians and they cannot give a response. I am telling people across the state that they cannot even answer the simplest of questions….even one that this whole campaign is about…why to vote for Ralph. I’m letting people know that Ralph’s people cannot say anything about Ralph without dragging Cagle’s name into this. If Ralph was truly so happy with his record, why is he resorting to cheap shots, lying press releases and a constant attack on Cagle? When he told the state he was going to stay positive, he lied and attacked Cagle every chance he got. Ralph has repeatedly claimed Cagle broke Federal and state laws and state ethics code. But yet there is not a single instance of a law or code being broken. No charges have been proven but yet we’re to NOT say anything about Ralph and his good friend Abramoff? Ralph says he’s done nothing wrong and no charges have been made against him but yet he does the same thing to Cagle. Judge not lest you be judged Ralph. You cannot apply standards to others you yourself cannot even abide by.

No matter who wins on Tuesday, your days are for a season only. People are seeing you for who you really are.

By Tony

July 17, 2006 8:52 AM | Link to this

Do good Christian leaders like Ralph reward good employees with tickets to Madonna concerts?

By Saved

July 17, 2006 9:01 AM | Link to this

I am a Christian and I have no intention of voting for either Ralph or Casey. If either of these candidates win, the other candidate will be served by him who trashed him in the campain. Who is to say the winner won’t treat me the same way he treats his opponent.

I will vote for an unknown who states only his/her platform before I will vote for a person who slanders his/her brother/sister.

By Howard

July 17, 2006 9:02 AM | Link to this

Tony, people see you for who you are. Hate filled, anti christian, anti conservative. If someone supports Reed, you immediately go on the attack and there is no doubt in my mind that you are Bill Simon of the political vine. Bill Simon has not posted on here contrary to what you said.

I did see implied threats in that email from Alexander. I can not answere why Cindye went to Debbie but I would assume they are friends.

Cagle started the negative campaign from the beginning not Reed. Did you really think Reed would not respond back in like fashion? I can tell you that I would never vote for Casey Cagle for anything.

After his campaign is over, he can go back to the private sector and see how long it takes him to accumulate wealth when he no longer has influence to peddle.

Reed has helped elect Republicans including George W. Bush, Saxby Chambliss, Sonny Perdue and many State Senators and House members.

Reed helped awaken Christian Conservatives to political activism.

Reed kept casinos from being built.

Reed is a strong leader unlike Cagle that goes along to get along.

There is a reason left wing groups hate Reed so much. It is because he is a strong leader.

By MPW

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

The best advice I could give those posting here is to ignore Debbie and some of the other like-minded people that post here. As pointed out by others, they (specifically Debbie) can never back up her position and comments with proof or anything substantive. I’ve tried several times on other issues and she just never responds so that that consistency tells me something. I’m all for healthy debate and discussion but unfortuantely that’s impossible when dealing with the likes of Debbie, FormerCagleGuy, etc. I don’t know if it’s that herd mentality or if they lack the intelligience or means to substantively back their position. Personally, I back neither Cagle nor Reed so I don’t have a dog in this race but if someone is going to make accusations I would hope they can effectively support and argue those points without slanderous hearsay as their platform. Lastly as an outsider looking in, I cannot see how anyone could support Reed given his lack of ethics. It’s people like Reed that give politics a bad name.

By Rod

July 17, 2006 9:31 AM | Link to this

Again, this blog shows why both Republican candidates - and their supporters - are not to be trusted. They both flat out lie and don’t care about anything other than being elected.

Whoever the Democratic candidate is, will obviously be a more ethical and trustworthy candidate than these two slimes.

By Tony

July 17, 2006 9:32 AM | Link to this

And “Howard” you show me just how clueless you are. I am not Bill Simon. I know Bill Simon and he HAS posted on here. If you had a clue you’d know this. Keep on spreading your lies, deceptions, and false accusations. People like you do more to shine the light on Ralph and his treachery than any ad Cagle can air.

Just HOW did Ralph get those people elected? If you believe him, you’d think if it weren’t for him, none of those candidates would have won. In 2004 Ralph was involved in the SE Bush campaign. It was Ohio that gave Bush the election. Somehow my geography shows me Ralph was disconnected from being the kingmaker there. And I just don’t see Ralph being the kingmaker he claims to be. Ralph was just as instrumental as anyone else who worked hard across the state. The candidates themselves and their campaigns did more than Ralph to win their own causes. I can give you a list of people who helped elect these candidates. That doesn’t set Ralph above the bar as being a leader and someone who deserves this seat. If helping elect candidates is his only qualification I guess I can name a few thousand candidates that could easily be on the same level of Ralph. As for helping elect state senators and reps, that must be why they’re loyal to the one who got them elected and are helping Cagle. Funny the ones I’ve talked to that Ralph supposedly got elected all tell me that Ralph did nothing for them. Many say they couldn’t even get help from the state party while Ralph was chair.

Ralph kept casinos from being built? He was paid by one group owning a casino to keep another one from opening. If he was all about ending casinos, he wouldn’t have worked for a tribe who owned one and shut them down as well. He’d also not dodge why gambling in GA is legal and settled but gambling as a whole is wrong. So Ralph told me yesterday that as long as the people overwhelmingly vote on an issue, it’s settled. So Ralph is pledging NOT to fight any more casinos and gambling if the people support gambling?

By Reagan Conservative

July 17, 2006 9:39 AM | Link to this

MPW, I will ignore you. Deb backs up her statements pretty well and that is something that bothers you immensely.

Let me see if I have this correct. You expect us to believe everything you Cagle people write as truth and everything Reed people write as lies. Sure.

The fact that Cagle’s Campaign Manager would stoop so low as to threaten Dr.Coates lets me know that I made the correct choice to support Mr. Reed.

By Tony

July 17, 2006 9:39 AM | Link to this

And Howard, thank you for reaffirming my point that GReed people cannot say anything about Ralph without insulting Cagle. Sounds like Ralph’s people can’t say a single thing about their guy without insulting people. And Cagle is the negative one? I even gave a challenge to Ralph’s people to try saying something good about their guy and NOT saying something about Cagle. Even with a ‘heads up’ “Howard” couldn’t even follow instructions. Too much hate I guess. Is hate a Christian value?

And “Howard” you keep calling me anti-Christian. How do you figure? Is it for the same reason you insult other people? Is it for the same reason you constantly question people’s beliefs, intelligence, income, etc? Because I’m finding a problem with your logic when you yourself have not really been very polite to say the least.

Am I to guess that your own tone and words are representative to the way a Christian should act?h

By MPW

July 17, 2006 9:41 AM | Link to this

You know Rod, I think you just might be right. Given the state of things in Georgia and the nation, I think I’m voting Democratic across the board for the first time in my life. I’m tired of the double standards and lack of ethical standards. Not that I think the Democrats are perfect by any stretch of the imagination but after what I’ve been seeing and hearing over the last several years, I’m willing to give them a shot. Based on all the recent polls being published, I guess I’m not the only one either.

By Minuteman

July 17, 2006 9:47 AM | Link to this

Vote for Ralph Reed. He had me at “Halo”.

By Second hand

July 17, 2006 9:50 AM | Link to this

Vote for Ralph Reed. He had me at ‘Keno’.

By Hour long

July 17, 2006 9:52 AM | Link to this

Vote for Ralph Reed. He had me at ‘Pueblo’.

By Hour long

July 17, 2006 9:54 AM | Link to this

You cannot trust Taylor. You can trust Cox. Vote for Cox. Taylor is the poster child for corruption in government. You just can see the strings attached to his arms and legs and mouth. He has no business in government and should sell used cars.

Mark Taylor is the perfect used car salesman.

Vote for Cox. She deserves to guide Georgia’s future and bring us all into the 21st century.

By Tony

July 17, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

Reagan Conservative,

Either I’m missing something or you’re delusional. Where is the proof Cindye Coats was threatened? I don’t see a threat there. I still haven’t seen those pictures she claims she has as well. And don’t give me that she handled this privately. If she was so noble she wouldn’t have used the phone and email tree to spread this so publicly. Funny for something so private, GReed people sure have no problem publicizing it. But I forgot…GReed’s people preach one thing and practice another. Funny how they point out the speck in others’ eyes but cannot remove the telephone pole out of their own….sounds like some people need to spend more time reading the Good Book rather than lipservice.

By Philly

July 17, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Tony, I will be glad to enlighten you.

Brad Alexander wrote: On Sun, 16 Jul 2006 14:01:35 -0700 (PDT) Brad Alexander brad@paresources.com writes: Cindye,

Just got a forward of the email you sent out attacking Casey and the state Senators supporting him. Are you the same person who specifically told me that you were staying out of the LG race?

Noted.

Brad Alexander

To: Cindye Coates cindyecoates@juno.com, Russel Carlson rcarlson@caseycagle.com Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 17:14:16 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: true to your word … Message-ID: 20060717001416.57686.qmail@web31501.mail.mud.yahoo.com

No one’s “bullying� you, Cindye. I’m just disgusted that you said one thing in terms of your involvement in our race and then proceeded to do exactly the opposite, and wanted to let you know. If you want to shill for Ralph, fine, it’s a free country.

I’m not going to waste my time re-reading the letter you sent, but I have taken the liberty of forwarding it to everyone else you attacked so they can reach their own conclusions as to whether you’re worthy of their trust.

Best of luck with your race.

Brad

Debbie,

I was just forwarded this http://www.peachpundit.com/2006/07/16/too-funny/#comment-21988 .

“GOPMarine� is Brad Alexander!!!!

Why don’t you expose him.

GOPMarine said, July 16, 2006 @ 8:43 pm

Debbie- aka. Whaffle House Waitress Cagle wins by a land slid. Honer and integrity will win the day!!!

GOPMarine said, July 16, 2006 @ 8:46 pm

So Cindye - aka. lying Phd. Where is this picture of the Cagle camp taking your sign. Nasty little whisper campaigns will not win this one for you. I used to be a supporter of yours in Cobb. Not any more unless I see the proof. Also I spoke with the big GOP money guys and they said you had better watch out getting involved in a race when you have yet to win one yourself.

By iACT2006

July 17, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

Reed also attended at First Baptist Woodstock on Sunday. Reed was at the 6:00 PM evening service. He got quite a nice introduction from guest speaker Jerry Vines, former pastor at FBC Jacksonville (Florida).

Cagle was in attendance at the 9:30 AM service, as a guest of Senator Chip Rogers, an active member at Woodstock and arguably the most popular politician in the area right now.

Also in attendance were Dr. Tom Price (U.S. Conrgress), Mary Wilhite (Candidate State House 22), David Farrow (Candidate for State House 22), and Mike Byrd (Cherokee Co. Commission Chairman). Chairman Byrd and his wife, Rep. Charlice Byrd are very active as well.

Perdue chose FBC Woodstock after visiting numerous different churches in the metro area. He and his wife taught Sunday School for over a year at Woodstock, and are active in the church to this day.

By Tony

July 17, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

Again “Philly” where is the threat? I’m not seeing the words that threaten life or liberty here. If there was a threat, are charges for the threat being filed? Or will these go in the “false claim” folder at GReed HQ? I’ve seen more garbage claims come out of GReed HQ but nothing to back it up. According to GReed, Cagle’s violated laws that would send him to at least 20 years in prison. But yet I see neither the state or Federal government backing GReed up on his claims. Where is the justice? Cagle’s bribed and bought them off! Cagle’s breaking the law and is getting away with it!

By Philly

July 17, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Alexander more or less threatened her political campaign not her life.

The bottom line is Tony you are so full of hate for Reed that you will always defend someone as sleazy as Cagle.

By Tony

July 17, 2006 11:01 AM | Link to this

“more or less threatened” is quite a stretch there. Expected coming from GReed and his people. It’s obvious YOU have no qualms about defending someone as sleazy as GReed. Where were those Bibles GReed said the child prostitutes and sweatshop slaves were supposed to get? Did that check get lost in the 23 non-profits based in a desk drawer? GReed delivers the goods for millions but does nothing actually to help Christianity. Did GReed do anything to improve the quality of life for those people? Did he preach the Gospel to them? Nope. Cashed his chips in and bolted. Left nothing but ruin in his wake. A pattern for GReed. Takes credit for the good and blames everyone else for the bad. And the best name dropper in the book. “Oh I’m like Cheney…woe is me…the vast leftwing conspiracy and my former best friend is out to get me!” If he and Cheney were in so well, where is Cheney? Where is Bush? Loyalty and devotion rewarded?

By JK

July 17, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

Reed or Cagle, heads or tails? SAME COIN. You know, you don’t have to vote for either one of them in November. Why not look at the candidates who care about doing a good job for the state of Georgia, whose aspirations include a building a record of solid service and improvement, not shining the spotlight on themselves for personal profit, ego, and a life-long membership to the good ol’ boy club in which no deed is too unseemly if there’s a profit in it?

Just a thought.

By Rome, GA

July 17, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

While Ms. Cox is smart and strong, her lack of depth on political issues and the uncertainty surrounding her ability to deal with health care, education, and economic growth leads me to believe that she may not have the same skills as Taylor. Mark Taylor’s record and plans for education and health care speaks volumes about what kind of governor he’ll be. The AJC got it right by saying that his experience at the capitol and direct dealings with the Republicans for the last four years negate Ms. Cox’s argument that only she can work with the GOP and these skills will make Mark best candidate to take on Perdue and the best governor.

As for Lt. Gov, Jim Martin’s wealth of experience in the legislature and as DHR Commissioner make him the perfect candidate to take on either Reed or Cagle. His character is superior, his ideas are down to earth and would work well with either Taylor or Cox and his reputation as a bridge-builder will help him greatly in dealing with the same GOP-controlled Senate that Lt. Gov. Taylor has for the last four years. Greg Hecht is ambitious, mean-spirited, and seems to be grasping at straws in trying to get a seat at the grown-ups table. Martin is seasoned, mature, and has strong credentials and the politics and demeanor of a great Democratic Lt. Governor.

By Tony

July 17, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

GReed’s strategy has always been for him to play victim while his minions go out and do the mudslinging. His people all say Cagle is the negative one but yet all of them insult Casey’s upbringing and the fact he’s lived the American dream. Meanwhile GReed’s campaign has released numerous press releases so sleazy and negative anything that Casey’s done all added together would not equal the press releases. Every single GReed press release released about Cagle has all been disproven. All of the ones claiming laws or ethics code broken have yet to stick. They’ve all collected dust. GReed has accused Cagle of being a crinimal and he gets a free pass but yet Cagle says something about GReed and CAGLE is negative? GReed’s sneaky sleazy tactics show their head again. GReed cannot win on issues or his record. This is evidenced by the repeated calls for them from me personally to list what Ralph has done unpaid and why he wants this office. Instead GReed can only attack Cagle. All the self-righteous Reed can do is attack, attack, attack. His people are out in the blogosphere lying about Cagle with no substance to back it up. Reed’s press releases repeatedly lie. For a man professing to be honest and a Christian these are poor representations of Christian values. In a thought that you should turn the other cheek, Ralph does nothing but attack. If it’s not from his ads, it’s his mailers, phone calls, emails and posts from supporters, and press releases to the media.

So if you intend on voting AGAINST Cagle because of him allegedly being negative, keep in mind Ralph has done nothing but gone on a negative constant attack about Cagle’s service in the legislature, his upbringing, and his success in the business world. Also keep in mind every single one of Reed’s allegations of ethics violations and breaking state and federal law have yet to be proven. Reed says Cagle broke federal and state law. Is there proof? Or is this a negative attack at the lowest level?

By Eric

July 17, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

It is this simple people:

A real Christian CANNOT go into politics. If a politician claims to be a real Christian he or she is lying through their Bible gnawing teeth.

If you don’t believe this is true… ask yourself this question… Would Jesus have been a politician?

If your answer is no, then my statement is correct. If your answer is yes, then you don’t know a damn thing about Jesus or the Bible.

By BW InCoffeecounty

July 17, 2006 2:52 PM | Link to this

Mr. Cagle Please stop calling my house with your dirty campaign message against RR to vote for you.This is no lie,I have had 4 calls today(Monday)from 9:30 till 2:30 Please Stop! For no other reason I will vote for RR. Hell,Cagle just called again 2:49 He must be getting worried?

By BW COFFEE CO>

July 17, 2006 3:04 PM | Link to this

Mr Gagle please stop calling my house with your dirty campaign messages against Mr Reed. Between 9;30 and 2;30 I have received 4 calls today (monday). This no lie. Hell! I just got another one from Cagle at 2;49.If for no other reason I’ll vote for RR. Mr. Reed has not called and Mr. Cagle must be getting worried.

By Hour long

July 17, 2006 3:23 PM | Link to this

Tony, then how do you explain the jerrymandering the apostles did to get the gentiles (uncirmcumsized) into the church? Talk about recarving a district, eh? And all they had in the old days were bolo knives. You should be thankful, sir, that you live in a civilized society.

By Hour long

July 17, 2006 3:24 PM | Link to this

Eric, then how do you explain the jerrymandering the apostles did to get the gentiles (uncirmcumsized) into the church? Talk about recarving a district, eh? And all they had in the old days were bolo knives. You should be thankful, sir, that you live in a civilized society.

By Debbie

July 17, 2006 3:31 PM | Link to this

Georgia Right to life PAC Disavows Cagle’s Radio Spot

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — (MARKET WIRE) — July 17, 2006 — Georgia Right to Life PAC disavows the claim made in the recent Casey Cagle for Lt. Governor campaign radio ad. The ad states that, ” Georgia Right to Life endorsed Casey Cagle because they know he won’t sell out Georgia’s values.”

“Unfortunately this statement goes beyond the criteria that we have established for our endorsement and implies that we agree. This is not the case,” says Daniel Becker, PAC Director for GRTL. “We endorsed both Casey Cagle and Ralph Reed because of their strong and proven commitment to the sanctity of life and feel that either candidate would be an effective voice for our issue.”

By Mary

July 17, 2006 3:43 PM | Link to this

With all of the mud-slinging going on, a little religion might be nice. How about “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you?” What is really bugging me is all of the political phone calls that the candidates are using to get their message out. I bet I’ve had 10 in the past two days. Almost makes me want to note who the calls are from (vs. hanging up on them which is what I’m doing), and then make sure that I DON’T vote for anyone who is using this campaign technique.

By Tony2

July 17, 2006 3:44 PM | Link to this

1) Speeding through Ralph’s neighborhood in trucks shouting at people. 2) Having Georgia Right to Life say you mischaracterized their endorsement.

Good job Team Cagle.

By Tony2

July 17, 2006 3:45 PM | Link to this

1) Driving around Ralph’s neighborhood shouting at people. 2) Having Georgia Right to Life say you mischaracterized their endorsement.

Good work Team Cagle.

By liar's worst enemy

July 17, 2006 3:58 PM | Link to this

The Current Georgia State Rag has stars that represent the 13 Colonies, you know Confederate States like New York, Mass. Rhode Island, New Jersey. What those aren’t Confederate States?

I guess Michael C is dead wrong!

By Gary

July 17, 2006 4:04 PM | Link to this

Wow all this hate being spilled by both sides. The fact is that i have stood behind Reed since he started this campaign mainly because the AJC, the NYTs of the south,is slandering him so bad. I think he has good ideas and unfortuantely i once lived in Cagles district and he has done pretty much nothing for us unless you own a bank which he does. Reed or greed as some of you like to call him has my vote and i pretty much think he will sqeak out a win. Dont pay attention to polls. Look Roy Barnes was supposedly up quite big in the polls just before election day in 02 and we all know what he is doing right now.

By bill

July 17, 2006 4:13 PM | Link to this

test

By debbie

July 17, 2006 4:28 PM | Link to this

Georgia Right to life PAC Disavows Cagle’s Radio Spot

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — (MARKET WIRE) — July 17, 2006 — Georgia Right to Life PAC disavows the claim made in the recent Casey Cagle for Lt. Governor campaign radio ad. The ad states that, ” Georgia Right to Life endorsed Casey Cagle because they know he won’t sell out Georgia’s values.”

“Unfortunately this statement goes beyond the criteria that we have established for our endorsement and implies that we agree. This is not the case,” says Daniel Becker, PAC Director for GRTL. “We endorsed both Casey Cagle and Ralph Reed because of their strong and proven commitment to the sanctity of life and feel that either candidate would be an effective voice for our issue.”

By Tony

July 17, 2006 4:39 PM | Link to this

The whole speeding through Ralph’s neighborhood deal smells of Ralph. His “neighbor” took some unbelievably clear pictures for a camera phone. I didn’t see ANY attempts at faces or tag numbers and that is quite convenient as well. And quite peculiar how a gated private country club community would let two good ol’ boy pick ups roll right into their quaint European luxury sedan neighborhood. Sounds like some lax security in a neighborhood that prides itself in tight security. I’d love to see the gate report as to some names and tag numbers of these young men. I guarantee you those disappearing signs wound up on a staged Cagle attack. Too many little coincidences and lack of identification here. You know if this was truly a Cagle camp attempt, you’d see these guys’ faces and license plate numbers. You’d have GReed campaign faxing over police reports or security company reports on the ID’s of these four. But for some peculiar reason, we know nothing….shots from afar…no faces…no way to ID these guys. Hmmmm.

By Tony

July 17, 2006 4:46 PM | Link to this

Post on PP by Clint Austin (GOP activist, consultant, and former Reed employ)…

In recent days, some of my political friends and acquaintances have asked me why I feel so strongly about electing Casey Cagle Lt. Governor. Much of it is Casey’s record on conservative issues, from taxes to social issues. Casey is as solid as they get.

However, as many have noted, I have been a steadfast supporter of Ralph until rather recently, beginning my consulting career at Century Strategies in 1997-98 when Ralph was a start-up in Georgia and going on to help Ralph with his campaign for State Party Chairman.

Like many who have departed Ralph now (and the roster of those known and unknown who have left Ralph in disappointment with what they found is nearly a dozen by my count), I came to his company because of his reputation for principled conservative leadership. My reason for abandoning my support of Ralph is simple: Ralph Reed’s words and actions do not match up.

There are many instances of this, but the clearest one is Ralph’s decision to campaign for Permanent Most Favored Nation (or MFN) Status for China as a paid operative for Boeing – something that profited companies and the Chinese government but which many Christian groups were opposing because of China’s record of abuses against Christians.

Part of Ralph’s “grasstops� effort was setting up a shell “Christian missions� group “based� in Gwinnett County. The “missions group� generated propaganda to Christian conservative Republican congressmen that made it look like Christian missionaries supported giving China permanent MFN. This incident is well-documented in media reports, and it led more than one Reed employee quietly departing his business in protest of what he was doing.

I take this personal. In the mid 1990’s, two of my closest friends left for 3-year undercover mission stints in inner China. One day things went wrong. One of the Chinese nationals working with one of my friends was ratted out for being a covert Christian. The national was whisked away without explanation, headed to a Chinese execution for all we knew (one of those “we kill you and send the bill for the bullet to your family� execution jobs). My friend was subjected to a week of intense interrogation by Chinese officials. We prayed greatly for the safety of my friend and his Chinese disciple.

Thankfully, my friend was cleared of suspicion, and his Chinese friend was not executed – but he was given a Chinese version of “R&R� courtesy of the atheist government.

My friends – one of whom married me and the other of whom stood by me during the ceremony – were real Christian missionaries. The parents of one of those friends still reside in China in the middle of an open-ended missionary commitment that has lasted 13 years so far.

When I consider the Lt. Governor’s race, it is inconceivable to me that Ralph Reed might end up governing over my friends whose faith he mocked for the payoff of a monthly retainer.

Ralph Reed remains one of the most magnificently talented men I have ever met. His grasp of history, his ability to message, and his sheer intellect are enormous and not overstated by anyone. Matched with the character his words espouse, he can be one of the truly great leaders of our generation – but his actions show his character is not yet matching his talent.

Luke 17:3 says “Take heed to yourselves: if your brother trespasses against you, rebuke him, and if he repent, forgive him.�

It is time for Christians to confront and rebuke Ralph Reed, not make apologies for him. If he truly repent (not just at election time), he can be a leader of unlimited potential.

There is always danger in making a statement like this of opening yourself up to “you’re a hypocrite because you did this wrong.� None of us have defense against our sins, except we change and be forgiven. I am no exception, and I am not Ralph Reed’s ultimate judge.

However, if we go on forever excusing the obvious failings in political leaders around us, we do ourselves – and the candidate in question – no service in political or personal life. I cannot judge Ralph’s soul, but I can withhold my own vote from a candidate who made my friends’ service in China a chit to be sold to a corporate master.

Judge your own voting decisions accordingly.

By Dr. Cindye Coates

July 18, 2006 9:08 AM | Link to this

Memo to AJC bloggers:

I was made aware last night by a volunteer with the Cagle campaign that GOPMarine is not Brad Alexander.

I was previously told by two sources that it was Brad and I now stand corrected.

Hopefully after today, we can all put this race behind us and move forward. I desire to build bridges and not walls.

Kind Regards,

Dr. Cindye Coates State House Dist. 37

By Chris

July 18, 2006 2:16 PM | Link to this

Eric,

I take exception to your argument. I know from firsthand experience that Christians can honorably serve their communities and do a lot of good on behalf of their constituents. I managed the state representative campaign in Florida for the vice-chairman of our deacon board and he has been re-elected twice with overwhelming support from Christians and non-Christians alike and has done much make Floridians better off now than they were before.

After much prayer and deliberation, my candidate felt that he was being called into his role as a ministry to give back to his community, and sacrificed his own time and resources to fulfill this calling. I have never been more proud of another public servant in my life. He is living proof that real Christians can in fact serve honorably and with integrity. By helping the least among his community, he was serving his God.

As far as what Jesus would have done, I can’t opine on what He would do, since 1) that’s a counterfactual argument; and 2) I don’t feel comfortable asserting that I can read His mind. Christians are called to live like Jesus, but they cannot BE Jesus, who had a specific purpose and ministry. By your logic, Jesus performed miracles like walking on water so people who claim to be Christians ought to do the same.

I don’t think you are concerned with ensuring that Christians serve in public office according to Biblical precepts. By your belligerent comments, I would surmise that you don’t want ANY Christians in public office simply because they profess to be Christians. If that’s true, then I recommend that you yourself adhere to the Biblical principles you say you want to see in others and remove the plank in your own eye before looking to remove the splinter in that of your brother’s.