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DEL.ICIO.USBush in Macon: Hunkering down
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The first thing that struck us about President Bush’s fundraising appearance for Mac Collins in Macon this week was the size of the room.
Presidents multi-task, we know. But it still is the case that Bush flew to Georgia Tuesday – the day after the North Koreans announced their nuclear test and four weeks before the Congressional elections – to make one appearance in a space that was, as these things go, fairly intimate.
By the time the big-check contributors filtered in from the smaller event where they got their picture taken with the President, there may have been 500 people in the room. They gave Bush a warm welcome, but this was a far cry from the crowds he spoke to campaigning in Georgia during the 2002 congressional elections – or for that matter, when he was here last month in Atlanta and Savannah.
Bush’s campaign speech was substantially different as well. Last month, the War on Terrorism was the keynote. On Tuesday, the first part of Bush’s speech was about taxes, and it was clearly hunker-down talk: an appeal to the Republican base to remember a bedrock issue that predates 9/11.
According to today’s Macon Telegraph, the event raised between $400,000 and $450,000, depending on who’s estimating. The Marshall campaign has released estimates of comparable trips by the General Accounting Office and the Washington Post, which would put the costs the Collins campaign would have to pick up at between $297,000 and $448,000.
Even throwing out the larger estimate, that’s a big bite.
Bush’s visit probably says something about the importance Republican strategists place on this race, one of the few where they see any chance of a GOP pickup to offset their losses elsewhere.
But what may have seemed like insurance a few months ago today looks like part of the Republicans’ increasing dilemma. Taking this district away from incumbent Rep. Jim Marshall is no easy proposition, with or without a presidential visit, and the party’s prospects in other key districts are even tougher.
Comments
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By BE INFORMED
October 12, 2006 3:45 PM | Link to this
Is any seat a “safe seat?” Some seem to think so. Even in a district like the 6th, where there has been NO challenger to the incumbent party for years, the sudden appearance of a challenger is met with apathy. “Oh, a debate? How about the 25th? I’ll be there!” Then the Congressman simply fails to show, and barely musters a shrug, let alone an apology. A three-minute speech at a generic forum? Sure, he’s got three minutes. An actual debate on the issues? “Uh…. let me check my schedule and get back to you.”
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 4:11 PM | Link to this
Mac Collins must really be desperate to have somebody like George W. Bush help him campaign. Wow!
By Jack Abney
October 12, 2006 4:29 PM | Link to this
Mac Collins has not said one thing that he would do differently from Jim Marshall. Mac is getting his help from the oil barons in Texas and Kooks out of California. That is to avoid any conflict with raising money, soft money I think it is called. Jim Marshall has been very helpfull to the Veterans , and Senior Citizens, as well as the Children of this state and should be re-elected.
By Assclowniis Maximus
October 12, 2006 4:35 PM | Link to this
Does the president hurt or help a candidate. I saw him standing by Hastert today and I wondered, does it help that a politican who has made severeal egregious policy mistakes is siding with you. Then I thought, maybe Bastert was trying to help Bush!
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 4:55 PM | Link to this
Is it not “creepy” how George W. Bush gets a smile on his face when he talks to the press about deaths and casualties in Iraq? Seriously—watch him. When some people hear or say bad news they inadvertently smile—is that telling us something about their psyche?
By debbie
October 12, 2006 5:09 PM | Link to this
Go back on your meds, Franklin. I have never seen Bush smile when talking about deaths in Iraq. Another left winger talking point. How many hours a day do you listen to Air America?
The fact is the Democrats should, by all logic, take over the House and Senate in November. They won’t because their policies are out of touch with the mainstream electorate.
The GOP House and Senate members finally developed balls and starting fighting back. It is about time they took off the gloves. Harry Reid, of all people criticizing someone’s ethics.
Look for more facts to come out that exposes the hypocrisy of the Dems.
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 5:18 PM | Link to this
Can you believe that this Republican led Homeland Security would even allow small planes like the one yesterday to take off within a few miles of Manhattan? No wonder voters would feel safer under a Democrat led War on Terror. I understand Bill Bennet —the great paragon of Republican virtue and gambling addiction is about to address FOX on morals in the Bush administration!
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 5:36 PM | Link to this
Republicans are now saying “by all logic” or reasoning “Democrats should win both the U.S. House and Senate this year”. I should say so—thanks little Miss Debbie for your astute mind in admitting that— as Republicans continue to silence you as an embarassment! But the Republicans cannot muzzle you as you epitomize their electorate!
By debbie
October 12, 2006 6:19 PM | Link to this
The GOP will retain control of both houses because of Democratic activists like you David Franklin. The Dems are out of touch with the mainstream.
The Democratc Party is controlled by peace Wussies, gays, labor unions and left wingers like Ted Kennedy, John Kerry, Nancy Pelosi, Barney Frank, Al Franken, Air America, George Soros, Barbra Streisand, Michale Moore and others , etc.
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 7:33 PM | Link to this
Oh intellectual elite—you “sinners”—forgive me for responding to THIS little Miss DEBBIE— who is so pathetic both to Republicans and Democrats! Debbie, you are so caught idiocy it is pitiful—you honestly remind me of the Alabama “high school” graduate from a “Christian” Academy FOUNDED TO AVOID INTEGRATION IN ALABAMA—that you were taught that Adolf Hitler was a COMMUNIST as I was teaching ignorant Alabama freshmen while I was working on a PhD in History in liberal Tuscaloosa, Alabama—bastion of socialism in “Sweet Home Alabama”!! Yeah hear me from the grave George Wallace. I forgive you and hope GOD DOES TOO!
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 7:49 PM | Link to this
Forget Debbie—who in the ** is this Terry Jeffrey with such an annoying voice addressing his Republican viewers on CNN? As fair play, Democrats should demand Mark Foley as their lispish defender. Hell yeah! Go Max Cleland—although I am a CHRISTIAN SOCIALIST—not a Democrat! In 2003 Bush stood behind “Mission Accomplished”—now our/his army says at least four more years until 2010! Oh, what a “Christian” in the White House using “spitballs”! Again , no, there is nothing in the water to my knowledge in Young Harris, Georgia!
By toggle
October 12, 2006 8:19 PM | Link to this
Y’all seem to be missing an interesting part of this story. After expenses, Mac Collins will rake in at best $153,000 and at worst $2000.
Wow! That’s not a lot of money for the effort …
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 8:40 PM | Link to this
toggle—-NO NO it is all across this nation including Macon, Georgia—George W. Bush is defending this nation with spitballs—what he earned for Mac Collins is peanuts, ha!
By Jason
October 12, 2006 8:41 PM | Link to this
I’m a resident of Macon and a registered Democrat. I’m very unhappy with Jim Marshal’s voting record because he’s in line with the fringe right on most votes. I was going to vote third party or leave the ballot for House rep blank, but Mac Collins is such a disgusting man that I’ll send my “Blue Dog” back. Mac Collins is the type of guy who probably supported George Wallace back in the day. He comes across and mean, bigoted and hateful in his ads, but at the same time he seeks to potray himself as “Good Christian” man. He’s lucky that President Bush is still quite popular here. Bush’s visit will definately shore up Republican support for Collins. Jim Marshal has gotten quite a bit of registered republicans to vote for him the last couple elections, but with redisticting and the GOP national commitees focus on this race he won’t get so much conservative support this time. My advice to Jim is to actually represent “Democrats” next time if you get re-elected. Jim you suck up to the fringe right in middle Georgia the whole time your in office and you hope that Democrats will vote for you just for having a D beside your name. If Mac Collins wasn’t the apitamy of ignorance and self righteousness I wouldn’t vote for you. Your lucky Jim that you have an out right scum bag running against you. Jim if your going to be labeled a “liberal” you might as vote like a moderate if re-elected.
By leigh
October 12, 2006 9:00 PM | Link to this
I use to consider myself an Independent. I’m sorry to say now I even voted for Bush.
I didn’t use to dislike Repubs. Now I do because of people like Debbie. They are self-righteous, condescending, and name-calling. If you dare to disagree with them on a subject all of a sudden you have no moral values and are not a patriot.
Well Debbie you don’t have a corner on the market on values. You list a bunch of names like these are bad people. They aren’t bad. They just believe differently than you.
I’m gonna do my own list Debbie…just for you.
HUGE BUDGET DEFICITS RECORD TRADE DEFICITS TERRY SCHIAVO NO TO STEM CELL RESEARCH HUGE TAX BREAKS FOR OIL COMPANIES NO ENERGY POLICY NO GLOBAL WARMING POLICY NO IMMIGRATION POLICY
I got news for you Debbie. No way, No how Repubs gonna when the House and probably not the Senate.
By leigh
October 12, 2006 9:17 PM | Link to this
PS People like Debbie and most Repubs these days are what’s wrong with our country. They try to win at any cost through vitrolic rhetoric and intimidation.
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 9:40 PM | Link to this
MORE THAN SPITBALLS ARE BEING THROWN AGAINST MAC COLLINS IN TOWNS COUNTY, GEORGIA ie Young Harris Long live ROMAN CATHOLIC JIM MARSHALL!
By crash
October 12, 2006 9:44 PM | Link to this
Debbie——you are my charge for Saturday Nght Live——you sweet jokester you! Pathetic is what somebody said earlier—or ignoramus attacking your own party as SHOULD LOSE I luv ya
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this
Again—give me a break— all this Mark Foley crap is—is this—human interest in human folly and sin. A man 52 should be above being a predator to 15 year olds or “any year olds” as long as they are under his guidance—my daughter as a Republican page in 1998—not that he wanted HER—and not my 14 year old son as well! Lay off him as gay and attack him for the predator he is! Go get ‘em Debbie—seems just like your kind!
By Tony
October 12, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this
Debbie,
In case you forgot, the GOP has Kolbe, Packwood, Ney, DeLay, Abramoff, Reed, Foley, Gingrich, Cunningham, David Duke, etc. Make sure your backyard is clean before screaming about your neighbor’s.
By Debie
October 12, 2006 10:46 PM | Link to this
I am so crossed eyed and jaundiced I can’t see straight from all the Clinton “cigar hidings” and “balls” I talk about on this blog. All I know is that I do want em even tho I claim to be a Rblican. Oh Bill—oh so Slick Willie, i do want you so—PS don’t tell Ralphie and Newt!
By Debie
October 12, 2006 10:49 PM | Link to this
OHHHHH TONY—-all those Republican men —oh me, oh my! Debie
By David Franklin
October 12, 2006 10:54 PM | Link to this
Debbie—are you a “preacher woman”—this is great—poor thing! I’m beginning to feel sorry for you as others up here in Towns County are too—there you have it for whoever Debbie is!
By evangelist
October 12, 2006 11:11 PM | Link to this
After listening to the two tipical politikal hores— Taylor-a Dem and Perdue a Rep-I will go with Libeterian whoever you are as you quoted my hero-RRegan—“there you go again.”Politiks is sick and all are hores who play it with there name listed on ballots. I just found out Jimmy carter first ran for guvner as a segregationist—why did you not stay there as prezident? Cry it out Brother carter who i listened to in Church down there in the c** called macedonia!
By Dvaid Franklin
October 12, 2006 11:16 PM | Link to this
Sorry —- “there you have it Your Majesty in response to Towns County and Debbie
By evangelist
October 12, 2006 11:20 PM | Link to this
how dare you “**” c** or county you Carter lovers???
By evangelist
October 12, 2006 11:31 PM | Link to this
okay i spell badly country COUNTRY, I know what C** is but I said C** . You pointed head pseudo intellectuals as Wallace called you becaus I was raised in SE ALABama near Carter COUNTRY—there you go. WE gonna elect Lucy Baxley down here in Bama cuz “we love Lucy”
By Eibbed
October 13, 2006 6:33 AM | Link to this
Debbie!!!! Your back. I missed you. I thought that snake that bite you at church last week did you in.
See you Sunday. (I am gonna out holy you this week Sister)
By Jarrod
October 13, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this
**Debbie, Debbie, Debbie, the blog hog - Calm down, quiet down and we would like to see other people’s opinions not just yours. Try being silent, it says a lot.
By Mary
October 13, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
What I dislike most about the Bush administration is not its incompetency but the polarizing of the country. Newt started that destructive trend. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that NO ONE SIDE HAS ALL THE GOOD IDEAS. I guess it’s too much to ask for the government to worry about the entire country and not just the PACs which pay for the ads.
By BE INFORMED
October 13, 2006 4:50 PM | Link to this
Speaking of big-check contributors, will TOM PRICE (R-6th) debate his challenger Steve Sinton? Or is he satisfied that his big-money friends will carry him through without him having to address those pesky little issues with those pesky little voters?