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DEL.ICIO.USNever mind the numbers, polls spell base problems for Taylor
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It would be one thing if bewildered Georgia Democrats, looking at Mark Taylor’s bleak standing in more than one poll, were challenging the statistical tone of this race for governor.
But they’re not. Not all of them, and not the ones that matter. There’s growing concern that — while nationally the party is surging — a lackluster performance by Taylor’s campaign has exposed Democrats in Georgia down the length of the ballot.
That women haven’t been energized has been documented. But African-American strategists are telling us that their networks — the strength behind Taylor’s primary victory — have become disengaged as well. A TV ad campaign by Taylor in September, emphasizing crime and punishment, didn’t go down well with black voters, they said.
Uniformly, they criticized Taylor’s ground game and the lack of African-Americans at the highest levels of the Democrat’s gubernatorial campaign.
We called Michael Thurmond, the state labor commissioner, who faces a Republican opponent in November, to see if he had heard the same things. He didn’t lie.
“I’m confused, slightly dismayed and concerned, but I’m still hopeful,� said Thurmond, who is African-American and who played the role of motivational speaker at last month’s state Democratic convention.
Friday’s launch of Taylor ads, detailing a Florida land purchase by Gov. Sonny Perdue, should tighten the race.
And the labor commissioner did say he picked up a spark of energy from his downstate contacts when the topic shifted to Attorney General Thurbert Baker, a black Democrat who’s enduring a harsh attack from Republican Perry McGuire.
It’s that race, Thurmond said, that might provide the fire lacking among black voters.
Comments
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By Barbara Androver
October 8, 2006 8:36 PM | Link to this
As a two time voter in federal elections and the mother of two young boys and one young girl I will NEVER EVER vote for another REPUBLICAN on the level of state, local or national as I was goaded into by a “preacher from the pulpit” in white Cobb County who has since left the Church because of adultery himself. And my former hypocrite Congressman Newt Gingrich has THREE LIVING WIVES
By GLC
October 8, 2006 10:00 PM | Link to this
My information from contacts in the African American community throughout the State don’t jibe with Thurmond’s. As a matter of fact, most do not even know who Thurbert Baker is and those who do, tell me they have no emotional investment in whether he win or loses. They are more concerned about the Governor’s race.
By Jaymes Payne
October 9, 2006 1:55 AM | Link to this
It is no mystery why Blacks are not excited about the Democratic nominee for Governor. Democratic insiders insist on turning out Black Voters by touring Black Churches and hiring Black spokespersons to offer rally cries. How insulting! He’s a thought: propose legislation that appeals to diverse demographics. Or visit communities with the intent to bridge gaps and not the usual condescending approach that is often given. I wish the Democratic team the best as they search for the solutions to their current woes.
By Rawena
October 9, 2006 4:04 AM | Link to this
Mark Taylor will be lucky to come away from election day with 35% of the vote. Sonny Perdue is just as bad or worse than Mark, and unfortunately we’re stuck with four more years of chicken feces.
Think 3rd party —- don’t settle! Libertarian, Socialist, Independent. There are other options rather than a democan republicrat.
By LB
October 9, 2006 6:10 AM | Link to this
How would somebody get rid of a person in office who betrayed American workers? This Saturday, Pedro Marin marched with illegals who protested a new law. Finally, a law that fines companies for hiring illegals and makes them do a background check to validate their right to work in the USA. What is unfair about this? Obviously Marin thinks so.
I know many Americans who are without work and I know many illegals who are working. Why would a state representative betray American workers? I say, impeach him. I will never again vote for a hispanic.
By Poster 5
October 9, 2006 6:44 AM | Link to this
You know many illegals? Das Dubya wants to question you and your motives for not reporting this to the authorities.
By Ed
October 9, 2006 8:00 AM | Link to this
Hey Barbara Androver it wasn’t that long ago that Bill Clinton was pulling up interns skirts in the Oval Office. If you are going to throw stones be prepared to take some hits. The more Mark Taylor concentrates on the land deal the more he will go down in the polls. Smart people know that he is deflecting the fact he has no good ideas to bring to the table.
By MBW
October 9, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this
Mark Taylor has yet to give any of us (democrats included) a reason to vote out Sonny Perdue. Sonny Perdue is NOT that strong of a governor, so there is no reason that Taylor should not be able to make a case.
He just has no vision…that’s the problem. If he’s 20 pts behind at a time when Democrats are ahead everywhere else in the country, then I’d hate to see what the polls would look like if the climate was favorable for Republicans. Yikes.
Again, despite her flaws, Cathy Cox would NOT be this far behind. Taylor is proof that Democrats really got duped this time around.
By GodHatesTrash
October 9, 2006 3:14 PM | Link to this
Taylor should change his name to Lester Maddox Taylor or Bubba Taylor or J.B. Stoner Taylor, and outredneck that b******* trash Sonny.
Trash elects trash.
By Uncle Jessie
October 9, 2006 3:59 PM | Link to this
Just my opinion, but if Mark showed up at the debate at the fairground in Perry riding in the Gen. Lee driven by the Duke boys and Daisy it sure would send a message to Boss Hawg Perdue. The folks outside of Atlanta might like it too.