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Thursday, August 3, 2006
The newest, old front in the Arab-Israeli war
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hank Johnson is making a bid for Jewish money and support in his run-off contest against Democratic incumbent Cynthia McKinney in the 4th District race.
Here’s the text of a letter that’s circulating via e-mail, aimed at local supporters of Israel. Very reminiscent of the fight between McKinney and Denise Majette in 2002. But note that Johnson promises to stay put.
To wit:
“Friends and neighbors:
“I’m Hank Johnson, and I’m running for Congress against Cynthia McKinney in Georgia’s 4th Congressional District.
“I forced Cynthia into the August 8th runoff, and now I need your help to finish the job.
“It’s time for Cynthia to go.
“We will no longer tolerate those who apologize for doctrines of hateful violence and refuse to accept Israel’s right to exist, nor will we tolerate those who solicit the support of corrupt Arab regimes.
“Cynthia McKinney’s irrational understanding of international affairs and the Middle East is not just wrong, it’s dangerous. Her shrill, conspiracy-theorist politics alienate colleagues, misrepresent voters, and make us and our allies less secure.
“Your financial contributions in these final hours are essential to our success. If you are able to contribute, please do so using my online contribution form. Donations of any size — $50, $250, $500, $2,100 — can make the difference.
“I am interested in progress, not headlines. I will serve with humility, integrity, and conviction. I pledge to uphold and defend Israel’s right to exist, and I pledge that, if elected, I will not abandon you to seek higher office.
“Help me defeat Cynthia.
“We have the momentum, and I can win.
I need your votes and your help. Please tell your friends, family, neighbors and associates about this opportunity on Tuesday, Aug. 8, to return respect to the 4th and remove a menace from office.
“Please forward this e-mail to just five friends.
“I will be a leader you can be proud of.
“On Tuesday, August 8, elect a leader who is interested in solutions, not headlines.
“Elect a leader who will serve with integrity and conviction — leader who will stay true to his principles while never abandoning common sense. |
“On Tuesday, August 8, vote for a new direction and boot Cynthia once and for all.
“On Tuesday, August 8, vote for Hank Johnson.”
You can’t vote for Diana DeGarmo
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
U.S. Rep. John Barrow and U.S. Rep. Jim Marshall are on the same team, running as targeted incumbent Democrats in the 12th and 8th Districts. But they’re rivals for the attention of former Sen. John Edwards.
On his One America Votes website, Edwards is holding a competition to determine which two of 48 Democratic congressional candidates he will headline fundraisers for this fall. In a year when their hopes are rising, most of the Democrats are challengers, but the list of 48 includes the incumbents, like Barrow and Marshall, who are on the top of the GOP’s hit list.
The deadline for voting is Friday.
Campaigning for your party’s candidates has always been something presidential aspirants do, by the way, but with the ’08 race shaping up so early, and with so much on the line for both parties this fall, we predict you’ll see more of this year than ever before.
Whither Big Chicken?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Back before the primary we noted the energy building in the Republican agriculture commissioner’s race, and the heavy response to yesterday’s item about a Brian Kemp flyer indicates how hot the runoff has become.
Here’s a cityslicker question. Chicken farmers comprise a huge portion of the state’s agriculture overall, but if there’s been an indication where they’re leaning in this race, we haven’t heard it. Anybody want to peck at that one?
