Political Insider

By Toad

July 18, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

I crossed over once. In 2000 I was certain Al Gore would win the primary so I voted for John McCain because I hated the W so much.

For this election I can’t decide who to vote for in the democratic side of the governor’s race, but I don’t think it is a good idea to cross over because my state representative race is important to me and I want to be able to vote Dem in any run-off. Dems should be aware they will give up any chance to vote in run-off elections if they vote Republican this time.

By DFranklin

July 18, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

As a Democrat I just crossed over to the Republican Primary for the second time in my life to vote for the bigger sleeze— Ralph Reed—even sleezier than Casey Cagle—who Democrat Jim Martin will assuredly knock over in November. Cagle would be more problematic for Martin. I unexpectedley also had the pleasure of voting against that “creationist” Secretary of Education Cox and for whoever it is that is running against such an idiot! And what a pleasure to vote for a Republican (truly) Sonny Perdue especially after that fiasco Democrat Barnes—former governor of the state.

By BahamaBoy

July 18, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

I’m an anti-Reed crossdresser.

Oh. Sorry. You were looking for anti-Reed “crossovers!”

Really. Very sorry.

By Jim

July 18, 2006 12:53 PM | Link to this

I had to do it today, I live in the 4th District,I had to vote against Cynthia McKinney. Under normal circumstances I would have voted Republican. I wanted very much to do so, not so much to vote for Cagle as I wanted to vote against Ralph Reed but my conviction to vote against Cynthia McKinney was too overwhelming on a personal level, so indeed I crossed over to vote against McKinney. Do I like having to do this? Heck no, I hate to, but not as bad as I hate the thought of McKinney representing me in the 4th district, she belongs in jail, not in Congress.

By Brian Curtis

July 18, 2006 1:01 PM | Link to this

Voting against Ralph Reed is something any Georgia citizen should be proud to do, regardless of party affiliation.

By Billy

July 18, 2006 1:14 PM | Link to this

Agreed, BC.

By BahamaBoy

July 18, 2006 1:25 PM | Link to this

Jim, we’ll give you a pass this time because we know you will be voting for Cagle in November.

By DFranklin

July 18, 2006 1:26 PM | Link to this

DFranklin

I am firmly convinced knocking over Cagle now is in the best interest of Democrat Jim Martin—as Ralph Reed will be so damaged in November he won’t even be able to see straight.

By Former Cagle Guy

July 18, 2006 1:43 PM | Link to this

Who could be surprised by this last minute sleaze from the Cagle campaign. Cagle has run the dirtiest campaign I can every remember in Georgia politics.

I was proud to cast my vote this morning for Ralph Reed, a true conservative leader.

Cagle deserved to go back to his home and to have this dirty campaign forgotten as soon as possible.

By Tony

July 18, 2006 1:51 PM | Link to this

FCG thinks that lying press releases constantly coming out of the GReed camp are ethical. FCG thinks that claiming someone is breaking the law and misusing his elected position but not backing up a single claim is ethical. FCG thinks that making millions off of a cause and not doing something for free just because the cause is worth it is ethical. Calling someone a repeat law breaker and then not having anything to back it up is as sleazy as it comes. How can GReed sleep at night knowing he’s damaging the reputation of a fellow Republican by lies? And what of the promise to run a clean campaign? I guess turning the other cheek and bearing false witness is not in GReed’s Bible…..and where are all of those Bibles the poor exploited women and children from China were supposed to take back with them? I guess once GReed got paid, it never mattered they were forced to continue working in conditions illegal under US law. Nevermind them being subjected to prostitution and forced abortions.

And we cannot forget the “blame everyone else” Clinton strategy GReed used. Oh he’s the victim and martyr of some vast left wing conspiracy. Funny how he created shell non-profits and did nothing but aid the Chinese Commuist government in two HUGE deals….

Ralph Reed helping the Chinese Communists while pretending to help Christians….all in the name of the Benjamins….

By kreedham

July 18, 2006 1:51 PM | Link to this

I’m a lifelong Democrat but I’ll be voting in the Republican primary later today. Not to vote against Ralph Reed (though I will) but to have a say in some local races. One of which has no opposition in November. My vote in our county commision races is more important than the statewide races. Don’t worry I’ll be back in the Democratic column in November.

By J.Carville

July 18, 2006 1:56 PM | Link to this

By Former Cagle Guy

July 18, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

Who could be surprised by this last minute sleaze from the Cagle campaign. Cagle has run the dirtiest campaign I can every remember in Georgia politics.

I was proud to cast my vote this morning for Ralph Reed, a true conservative leader.

You nailed it. There is no better example than Ralph Reed to illustrate what sleaze the term conservative has come to represent in the Bush/Cheney era.

By TommyBoy

July 18, 2006 1:56 PM | Link to this

Explain this paradox: if the Reed is such an albatross around the neck of the entire Republican ticket, why are Democrats encouraging cross-over voting against him? Could it be that they know he is a much better candidate than Casey?

Nah…couldn’t be that.

By Bobby Long

July 18, 2006 1:57 PM | Link to this

I remember Ralph Reed’s opportunistic boyish face when he assumed control of the national Christian Coalition and espoused his vitriolic views. Then he used his “Christian” cloout to become the consumate Washington lobbyist and insider. Now he wants to be the Republican nominee for GA Lt. Governor as a stepping stone for his political aspirations. I am a proud Democrat who proudly voted for Democrats this morning. The best thing that can happen for my party (and not Zell Miller’s party) is for Reed to win the nomination so the progressive GA voters (and I am optimistic there are enough of us) can mobilize the electorate to turn out against Reed and, as a result, elect Cathy Cox (or Mark Taylor).

By kreedham

July 18, 2006 2:02 PM | Link to this

TommyBoy-Ralph Reed “a much better candidate.” Look at what you have…I would say that neither look too good. Now I say that from a Democrats view. Probably the same thing you might say about Taylor-Cox. As it stands now we might be better off with Sonny as Gov and the Democrats nominee for Lt. Gov

By Tony

July 18, 2006 2:04 PM | Link to this

For the same reason Republicans crossed over and voted for Denise Majette against Cynthia McKinney…..

Ralph Reed is our Cynthia McKinney….

By J.Carville

July 18, 2006 2:04 PM | Link to this

Tommy boy, anybody crossing over to vote against Ralph Reed is only doing their civic duty in not allowing the religous right to impose the sleaziest, scummiest, most crooked slimeball in Georgia on the rest of us.

By Dr. R

July 18, 2006 2:15 PM | Link to this

This shows why the open primary system is a sham. Party members should be able to choose their nominees to run against the other side in November. When you let anybody vote for either side, you get crossover voters cherry-picking who they want to run against. It’s a flawed system for both sides.

By Cochise

July 18, 2006 2:24 PM | Link to this

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

By W

July 18, 2006 2:27 PM | Link to this

Anyone who thinks that Reed will be too damaged to win in November needs to venture OTP. I live in Atlanta but work in a surrounding county. Reed and the people who support him are (sadly) representative of the majority of citizens in Georgia. ITP is a small bubble in terms of the whole state. If Reed is not defeated in the primary, he will one day be Gov. God help us all.

By jeff

July 18, 2006 2:29 PM | Link to this

I hope the above poster was kidding about “party members” setting the general election ballot.

I voted Democrat today for the 2nd time ever. Was it just me or was there not much media reportage about anti-Cynthia crossovers this year? After 2002, I’d have thought this would be the huge Sunday AJC Issue feature. Please dont tell me the paper wants to cozy up to her!

By jt

July 18, 2006 2:33 PM | Link to this

You got it. Vote for Hank Johnson - if he is, indeed, a real person. I saw his people really trying to get out the vote in North Dekalb. I couldnt tell you the first thing about him. Doesnt matter, though, she’ll win. And ironically, the Repubs want to keep Cynthia there. Now that’s cynical politics!

By BahamaBoy

July 18, 2006 2:39 PM | Link to this

A Perdue-Cagle ticket this November will provide Republican voters something to get behind and support enthusiastically.

A Perdue-Reed ticket, on the other hand, will find many Republicans splitting their vote or sitting out the Lieutenant Governor race. There is simply no way some of us can pull the lever for someone as dishonest and unworthy as Ralph Reed.

Does anybody honestly believe that Ralph Reed is in this to help Sonny Perdue? Or is this merely his first stepping stone to the Governor’s Mansion and then the White House?

By Curious Observer

July 18, 2006 2:55 PM | Link to this

Although my parents were no doubt spinning in their graves, I crossed over to vote Republican and against Ralph Reed this morning, in part because I’m hopeful of not having to answer questions from out-of-state relatives I’ll be visiting this fall—e.g., “Man, you people are really weird down there. How could you vote for a sleazebag like Ralph Reed?”

By griftdrift

July 18, 2006 3:03 PM | Link to this

Had one show up at my blog.

Link:Drifting Through The Grift

By J.Carville

July 18, 2006 3:05 PM | Link to this

It is only a matter of time till Ralph will be indicted anyway, so I have decided not to break a sweat over the potential embarassment that Ralph Reed will bring to this state should pigs finally fly and that sleazeball wins.

By Randy

July 18, 2006 3:27 PM | Link to this

I’m a Republican and I really didn’t know who Ralph Reed was until he was so unfairly attacked by the AJC. Really when I saw how the AJC didn’t like him, I knew he must be GREAT. He got my vote today.

By pmc

July 18, 2006 3:27 PM | Link to this

I voted republican this morning to keep Reed from winning the primary…and I am appalled that he has the nerve to keep using religion to try to get in office. My prayer is that he will not succeed…so I am putting my trust in the real Christians to help keep him out of office. Lord please continue to protect Georgia. Thnak you.

By Tony

July 18, 2006 3:34 PM | Link to this

Randy,

So you never bothered to see what issues the man stood for and let some comments by a newspaper determine who you think should lead the state senate? So forget the man himself, his record, and things he stands for….craziness.

I guess since the AJC is not a McKinney fan, you’d vote for her if you lived in DeKalb.

By Steph

July 18, 2006 3:45 PM | Link to this

I’ve been encouraging friends for months to vote in today’s primary for Casey Cagle. Cagle’s environmental record is deplorable, and I’m certain he’ll be easily defeated by a dem in November. If Reed wins, he’s on his way to the GA governership & eventually, running for US President. If you remember, the Reps. did the crossover move in the McKinney/Majette election and it worked. I cross over—often! The way Cox & Taylor have wasted their money and everyone else’s time, Perdue seems like a shoo-in. Can the state of Georgia be saddled with the dual shame of Perdue AND Reed?

By TONTO

July 18, 2006 3:50 PM | Link to this

**VOTE FOR RALPH REED. HE HAD ME AT ‘KENO’.

By BahamaBoy

July 18, 2006 3:53 PM | Link to this

Another educated voter, you are Randy.

Let’s break this down: you claim you are a Republican and yet you didn’t know who Ralph Reed is? What rock have you been living under, Randy. Reed has been a prominent fixture in Republican politics for more than two decades. Even among newbie Republicans, his books on campaigning are required reading. So let’s just say you are a clueless Republican, and leave it at that.

Next you claim Reed was “unfairly attacked by the AJC” and that “when I saw how the AJC didn’t like him, I knew he must be GREAT. He got my vote today.” Randy, with logic like that you likely will go far in politics.

As Tony points out, your logic extends to voting for someone like Cynthia McKinney simply because the AJC doesn’t like her. Wow! I’m impressed.

Randy, I can’t stand the AJC, or as I like to call it “The Atlanta Urinal & Constipation.” But the fact that Reed was not endorsed by one single newspaper across the entire state of Georgia suggests that he is not considered qualified for the job he is seeking. Those newspaper editors and reports have had to look at the evidence mounting against Reed and his cronies Abramoff and Scanlon, and there is no way they could fairly cast a vote for him in an editorial meeting. (someone has posted somewhere that a Waycross paper endorsed Reed, but I have not yet seen it.)

So you are in great company. Keep reading the church bulletins and let them educate you Randy. Cynthia appreciates voters like you.

By BahamaBoy

July 18, 2006 3:55 PM | Link to this

Steph asks “Can the state of Georgia be saddled with the dual shame of Perdue AND Reed?”

Well, not the Reed part. Sonny I’ll keep, thank you.

By DFranklin

July 18, 2006 3:58 PM | Link to this

Carville is of course correct. The Republican nominee from Georgia for Lt. Governor running under indictment! That is a tremendous plus for us Democrats—even those of us who like Sonny becuase of how terrible Barnes was will be pleased as maybe even Sonny will distance himself from this professed Christian Reed. Reed says he is for traditional family values—then what does he say about divorce as taught by his Savior?

By Jay

July 18, 2006 4:00 PM | Link to this

I did the “anti-Cynthia” thing four years ago. I had hoped that this time the voters in S. DeKalb would be smart enough to handle her eviction by themselves. Getting rid of Stan Wise and blocking Reed’s access to higher office was just too much for me to go “anti-Cynthia” again.

By Bobby Long

July 18, 2006 4:14 PM | Link to this

I don’t think a living breathing Georgian, much less one registered to vote and aware of the candidates on today’s ballot, could possibly NOT be aware of what Ralph Reed stands for (or of his illegal and certainly unethical dealings alongside his partner in crime Jack Abrahmoff).

How absolutely hilarious it is to me that Reed spoke from both sides of his mouth while, as a conservative, family values “Christian” (and in my mind he is a “Christian” and is certainly not a Christian - one can label themselves whatever they wish I suppose - in the same vein of Zell Miller)(and all those other labels he wears so proudly). How can all the home-schooled, Conservative, evangelical, “Christians” support a candidate who was so happy to prostitute himself in an attempt to keep casinos rolling in the dough in Alabama by making sure the lottery didn’t come into existence hence syphoning away casino revenue? I’m sure they can point out someplace in the Bible (probably near the section that condones stoning) where gambling is forbidden or at the very least a sin.

So how did the mouthpiece for casino interests become the head honcho for the right wing social conservative religious zealots?

Does anyone else not see the irony there?

So, Ralph, you oppose the lottery but approve of casinos? Or is your “Christian” conservatism for sale to the highest bidder?

I hope the Ralph and Jack show continues its Laurel and Hardy knock-off, but behind bars. That’s where the two of them should be, sharing a cell.

And, to suggest that the AJC shouldn’t report on Reed’s activities or that the AJC gives him a bad rap is absurd. The AJC has a journalistic duty to report news governing those seeking political office or thos in political office. Along with reporting on Ralph Reed’s sins it has reported on, for example, Representative Cynthia McKinney’s ludicrous and unexplainable behavior and her refusal to speak of it, Lt. Governor Mark Taylor’s son’s drunk driving and the horrible consequences thereof, Sheriff Victor Hill’s absurdities, District Attorney Paul Howard’s run-in with a State Court Judge, Sheriff Myron Freeman’s problems at the Detention Center and at the sheriff’s office, Former Mayor Bill Campbell’s corruption… ALL OF WHOM ARE DEMOCRATS Should I go on?

By Don Thieme

July 18, 2006 4:23 PM | Link to this

I also crossed over for the first time:

McBerry (gov) Cagle (lt gov) Handel (sec state) Black (Ag) Labor (Brown) Schools (Carter) Public Service (Eaton, Nickell)

I was very proud to abstain on Norwood (congress) and Oxendine (Insurance)

By Jim

July 18, 2006 4:29 PM | Link to this

I can see it now, young boys and girls huddled around the campfire at night, telling scary stories….but not the old urban legends we grew up with such as the hook used as a hand on the car door as the car sped off into the night. No, this is much scarier kids, ” If Ralph Reed wins the Lt.Govenors race, then maybe the Govenors race in four years, what about Ralph Reed in the White House kids…” This is where they all run to the tent screaming !!!

By SW

July 18, 2006 4:31 PM | Link to this

A better headline: Hunting for Ralph Reed in the Crosshair. Now, thats a paper I will buy.

By BahamaBoy

July 18, 2006 4:46 PM | Link to this

Why do all the pundits agree that low turnout helps Reed?

If his army of devoted Christians is as large and powerful as he, and they, claim, wouldn’t it stand to reason that they would sweep over the polling booths and consume Georgia in one fell swoop?

Truth is Reed is afraid the voters of Georgia will actually show up at the polls today and vote for the best candidate to lead the state senate — and that candidate is NOT Ralph Reed!

Summer primaries are notoriously low turnout events — probably because it suits the party bosses. But I suspect today’s turnout will surprise many, especially Reed.

Of course, I could be wrong. Debbie and Peach often tell me I am.

By UGA

July 18, 2006 4:51 PM | Link to this

We all know Reed’s Christian attitude toward gambling in this state is settled—ie a lottery that is a tax on the poor and ignorant and a welfare ride to College for those who could pay their way. Anyone noticed the proliferation of new Hummers, BMWs, Rams, etc on public university student parking lots? The Real Ralph Reed has indeed seen the Christian light of Georgia as he tirelessly —you sell-out.

By allen

July 18, 2006 6:25 PM | Link to this

For the record, the Waycross Journal-Herald did endorse Reed. Their editor said he was in good company because John Smoltz also endorsed Reed. I’m serious - he said that on a community Internet message board. That illustrates what type of intellect we’re dealing with there.

By MB

July 18, 2006 6:41 PM | Link to this

I’m a Libetarian who voted the Republican ballot today for the sole purpose of voting against Ralph Reed.

By Overt

July 18, 2006 7:00 PM | Link to this

Glad for this conversation. Was going to vote against Ralph, but decided that was not the best effort. I hate not having Instant Runoff Voting, but I really hate one party rule. Democrats, Republicans, give me a break… Every party gets corrupt given half a minutes chance. Checks and Balances are the only government powers I have any trust in.

By Know_Ralph

July 18, 2006 8:34 PM | Link to this

Ralph has always sold himself to the highest bidder even when he wrote for the UGA Red and Black… he crowed when he irritated folks with his columns. He also liked to get rip roaring drunk and slide down the hall…ask anyone who lived in Kell hall in 1982….

By I also Know Ralph

July 18, 2006 8:56 PM | Link to this

I also knew Ralph in College and have known him for 26 years closely and I don’t see what a guy having fun in college has to do with anything? I also knew him in DC and when he converted through Church here in Atlanta. Win or lose, I think he is a great guy and not some caricature people create to hate and feel better about themselves. He is a good American.

By James

July 18, 2006 9:14 PM | Link to this

Sorry, brother, but you drank the “Kool Aid.”

By UGA

July 18, 2006 10:53 PM | Link to this

Notice the pro-lottery wealthy sleezebag Reed had his defeat announced at the Hotel Inter-Continental—Buckhead!

How’s that for the Christian Work Ethic and thousands of Georgia poor wasting money trying to win the lottery?

By Nick

July 18, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Will the poster known as Debbie please post just once more for old times sake?

Phrases I would like for Debbie to include in her post are …

“900%!”

“Put up or shut up.”

“Reed is like Reagan.”

“Deal with it.”

“Go to reedfacts.org”

Any other requests?

By Anne

July 18, 2006 11:23 PM | Link to this

Please answer Debbie if you are able—let us consummerate or is it cnsumate?

By edye

July 18, 2006 11:33 PM | Link to this

I voted for Ralph.. didn’t know that the radical dems were crossing over to vote.. oh well, I like Cagle as well.

I’d hate to belong to a party defined only by who they hate.

By Anne

July 18, 2006 11:35 PM | Link to this

Ifound it Debie-it is comisserate or whatever as my eyes are blurring..

By Tony

July 18, 2006 11:53 PM | Link to this

I could be mean or whatever about Debbie, FCG, Philly, Howard, etc. but this is now over. The voters had everything they needed to decide who was best to go up against the Dems in November. Casey won. Now it’s time to win this seat for the GOP. All differences aside, I do wish Ralph all the best and hope that everything works itself out for his betterment. We’re looking at a hard fight ahead and will need a unified party and grassroots. I hope that we can all work hard to deliver a GOP election in November…..I can’t help this….Debbie I like a nice strip steak medium well. Where are we going?

By Betinick

July 19, 2006 12:05 AM | Link to this

Debbie may now be down to size 3 rather than size 5 since her buddy lost so big!

By p-rex

July 19, 2006 12:12 AM | Link to this

“I’d hate to belong to a party defined only by who they hate.”

you must be referring to the radical wing of the republican party.

here’s a list of who they hate: liberals gays intellectuals latino immigrants socialists muslims (well, really all non-christians) “activist” judges (judges who don’t vote their ideology) any black that votes democratic (blacks that vote republican are merely tolerated) pro-choicers women who would rather not be groped like angela merkel was anyone else with a different opinion.

given that the radical wing pretty much calls the shots in the republican party, that’s some big tent you have there, republicans!

a big tent of hatred.

By Anne

July 19, 2006 12:17 AM | Link to this

Hey Big Dinosawer—I don’t hate and I’m a born agan Repblican. I love to love to love.

By p-rex

July 19, 2006 12:36 AM | Link to this

yea right, anne. let me refresh your memory of what you said on another thread today:

“i know where i’m ultamately headed and that is not with godlessDemicrats to hell. Don’t you TOUNGE me or Ralph either you probable gay.�

the love just oozes.

By Anne

July 19, 2006 12:47 AM | Link to this

p-rez—forgive me as I am a sinner but still saved and should have not ben so judegmental. This Reed RRace has led me back to bad habits i worked so hard to ovrcome.that colter woman ‘s book had a bad iinfluenc on me. i love everyone-I’m sooo sory.

By p-rex

July 19, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this

have you ever considered that reed himself had a bad influence on you? this is a person that has demonstrably contradicted and undermined his faith.

just saying, i tend to distrust those that divide our country with ideologies, like coulter — what she says is “hate your own countrymen”. that divides us and makes us weak.

By Anne

July 19, 2006 1:09 AM | Link to this

P-REX-yeah whatever you say as you are convicting me but I can’t go to sleep as all I want to do is drink more after years ofnot.Colter messed my mind up. I think I wa the write kindof Christian til iread her “GOdLSS”. I need AAA more thaN EVER.aNNE p—UNLISTED CALL FOR CELLAR

By Steve

July 19, 2006 6:50 AM | Link to this

Sounds like you are one who is afraid of being prayed for. “Prayaphobic”. CC coming to get you….

By Steph

July 19, 2006 4:15 PM | Link to this

Christian? Democrat? Republican? Native Georgian? Imported? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller? People, you CANNOT spell!!! I don’t care what political or religious stripe you are, nothing makes me bypass a comment quicker than an inarticulate, reckless speller. If you cannot form a sentence, can you form an idea? Georgians nationally perceived as idiots? I concur. (Look it up.)