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DEL.ICIO.USCardwell leaves WSB-TV one day, announces for U.S. Senate the next
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On Friday, Dale Cardwell ended an 11-year stint as an investigative reporter at WSB-TV.
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On Saturday, he became a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate, looking to knock off Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss.
Surprise.
“It’s been so doggone hard to keep this under wraps,” the 44-year-old former journalist said. But he’s done it.
Cardwell, a six-time Emmy winner, will formally announce his candidacy on Monday at his campaign headquarters in College Park. He joins DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones as the only Democrats yet to express public interest in the ’08 race.
Cardwell said he will run against what he calls the daily, debilitating corruption of Washington, and promises to eschew money from special interest groups and political action committees.
Anyone who has seen Cardwell on TV knows there is a mild-mannered look about him.
But it turns out there’s a bit of mad-as-hell Howard Beale in him, too. “I have a passion as a believer and an observer, and I just can’t stand it any more,” Cardwell said.
The first issue he mentioned to us was the immigration reform bill now before the U.S. Senate, and hammered out with the assistance of both Chambliss and Johnny Isakson.
Cardwell called it an “amnesty” bill that’s aimed at satisfying corporate interests. “Georgia has to be freed from this illegal invasion that’s holding down salaries,” he said.
No, Cardwell hasn’t ever run for public office before. But he’s got a background that lends weight to his rookie attempt. And it was pointed out to us that WSB-TV’s footprint covers 60 percent of the state.
“I don’t have any baggage. I have 5 million people — they may not know my name, but they know what I stand for,” Cardwell said. “They know I’m an equal opportunity investigative reporter. I’ve investigated as many Democrats as I have Republicans.”
But Cardwell’s family background is hardcore Democrat. He was born in Kentucky and raised in Alabama, the son of a union man, a coal miner.
His wife Angie, of 21 years, is a hospice nurse. He has two children, 19-year-old Adam and 16-year-old Jessica.
Here’s a tidbit from his official bio: His mother “recalls Dale was born during a particularly brutal winter, and [that she] went as far as wrapping her newborn in blankets and placing him on the opened door of the kitchen oven, in order to ward off the single digit temperatures and biting wind that pounded the mobile home in which they lived.
Says the new candidate: “If you boil both parties down to the salt, the Republican motto is survival of the fittest. The Democratic motto is do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
Cardwell says his Southern Baptist upbringing would never let him embrace social Darwinism.
It doesn’t sound like Cardwell will be one of those white Democrats who cringe at any mention of religion. He’s a deacon and substitute Sunday school teacher at Dunwoody Baptist.
His bio also lists his hobbies: restoring classic cars, sports, and singing with his brother in their long-time gospel group. So music at fund-raisers will be no problem.
Tell us the truth. You thought Clark Howard had a lock on local politics, didn’t you?
Go to the jump to read the official bio that Cardwell’s new campaign organization has put out, and a summary of his journalistic accomplishments.
Dale Cardwell Bio
Dale Cardwell is one of the premier and most consistently honored investigative journalists in Georgia. His six “Emmy” awards, presented by the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, as well as numerous other honors such as 2005’s “Journalist of the Year,” from the Atlanta Press Club, bear testament to the positive change he has brought to the people of the “Peach” state.
Dale’s investigations have saved taxpayers millions of dollars, and resulted in the prosecution and or resignation of numerous corrupt politicians and their appointees.
William “Dale” Cardwell was born in Greenville, Kentucky, December 31st 1962. His Father, Bill Cardwell is a retired coal miner and his mother Carolyn Cardwell is a homemaker. Dale is the second of three children. His older brother Bruce is the married father of two, and a graphic artist in Nashville, Tennessee. His sister Rebekah is a nurse, wife and mother of three in St. Augustine, Florida.
Carolyn recalls Dale was born during a particularly brutal winter, and went as far as wrapping her newborn in blankets and placing him on the opened door of the kitchen oven, in order to ward off the single digit temperatures and biting wind that pounded the mobile home in which they lived.
Bill and Carolyn are natives of Northeast Alabama, and soon after Dale’s birth, moved the family back to the Deep South when a coal mining job opened up south of Birmingham.
Dale’s early life revolved around church, family and sports. He became a born-again Christian at age nine when he gave his heart to Christ in a pew of Faith Baptist Church in Hueytown, Alabama. He attended grammar and middle school in Jefferson County Alabama, was president of his 4-H chapter, and won the club’s district-wide public speaking award in the state’s most populated county.
Dale learned first hand about harsh economic reality while watching his Dad go on strike and fight for better health care and wages as a member of the United Mine Workers of America, and later when his Dad’s mine closed down in 1976. Pending unemployment sent the family once again to the coal fields of Western Kentucky. Dale attended Ohio County High School in Hartford Kentucky, earned co-captain honors on his football team, and graduated with the distinction of student council class president in 1981.
Dale worked his way through college, spinning records and giving the news by way of several local radio stations throughout the Western Kentucky region.
He graduated cum laude from Western Kentucky University with a double major in journalism and political science in 1981, landed his first television reporting job at WKAG in Hopkinsville, and married his high school sweetheart, Angie Saint, in Beaver Dam, Kentucky on January 18, 1986.
Dale quickly demonstrated his “nose for news” when he obtained an audio tape sent from a serviceman who later died in the crash of an army-chartered jet in route to the US from Gander, Newfoundland in December of 1986, which killed all 248 aboard. The tape, mailed to the serviceman’s fiancé’ days before the flight, told her of the service men and women’s fear of flying on what he referred to as the “rickety-old” army-chartered transportation. Dale’s story was aired on every national network and led to hearings in Washington and a thorough vetting of the military’s aviation transport policy.
Dale continued his investigative journalism at WBMG in Birmingham, Alabama, WRAL in Raleigh, North Carolina, WSMV in Nashville, Tennessee and an eleven year stint as a consumer reporter and investigative journalist with WSB in Atlanta, the nation’s ninth largest television market.
Dale’s first three years at WSB gave him the opportunity to work closely with and produce stories for the premier radio and television consumer expert in the nation, Clark Howard. Clark and Dale’s investigations earned numerous awards, but more importantly, saved Georgians millions of dollars, and empowered them to “save more, spend less, become their own consumer advocate.”
Dale’s more recent investigations have led to the exposure of corruption on the part of former Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell, the conviction of former DeKalb County Sheriff Sidney Dorsey, the resignation of Fulton County Sheriff Jackie Barrett, the return of public funds by Senator Zell Miller, and the termination of Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue’s abuse of government airplanes and helicopters for private benefit.
Dale lives in DeKalb County Georgia, with his wife Angie, their son Adam and daughter Jessica. Dale serves as a Deacon and substitute Sunday School teacher at Dunwoody Baptist Church. Dale’s hobbies include sports, singing with his brother Bruce in their long time gospel group, and restoring classic cars.
Memorable Dale Cardwell Investigations
July 2000 DeKalb Sheriff Sid Dorsey’s illegal misuse of County deputies.
Investigative journalist Dale Cardwell catches Sheriff Dorsey using on-duty County deputies staffing bank security jobs on behalf of the sheriff’s private security company. The investigation leads to the exposure of multiple illegal acts by the sheriff, and the exposures are key to Dorsey’s conviction on corruption charges.
March 2001 Derwin Brown Murder Investigation:
Dale Cardwell lands key interview with figure in the Derwin Brown murder investigation. The woman, who has refused to cooperate with authorities, tells Dale Cardwell that the shoot-out at Derwin Brown murder suspect Patrick Cuffy’s home, was actually the result of a drug deal gone bad. Cardwell’s exposure of Cuffy’s drug dealing provides authorities the necessary leverage to jail Cuffy and create the pressure that eventually leads to Cuffy’s cooperation with authorities. Cuffy admits that he carried out the murder of Derwin Brown on orders from his boss, Sheriff Sid Dorsey.
September 2000: Bill Campbell Investigation: Dale Cardwell, in partnership with Channel Two investigative colleague Mark Winne, exposes the Federal investigation into the gambling activities of Atlanta Mayor Bill Campbell. Cardwell and Winne’s stories keep the public informed as the investigation widens and eventually leads to the prosecution of more than a dozen top city officials and culminates in the former mayor’s prosecution in 2006.
April 2003: Oxendine Car Investigation:
Dale Cardwell exposes the fact that during a severe state budget crisis, Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine has used state funds to purchase and luxuriously appoint a Crown Victoria automobile, after the state’s Department of Administrative Services has specifically instructed him not to do so. The story is just one of an unending line of such exposures which show waste in Government and hold elected and appointed leaders accountable.
January 2004: Governor Aircraft Investigation:
Dale Cardwell exposes the unauthorized personal use of state aircraft by Governor Sonny Perdue. Cardwell’s investigation documents Perdue’s decision to bypass Atlanta in the state helicopter because his son is running late to a high school football game. Dale’s story, and subsequent exposures of misuse lead Georgia’s Attorney General to issue an order prohibiting the Governor and future Governors from using state vehicles for non-state business.
March 2004: Sheriff’s Illegal Investments Investigation:
Dale Cardwell exposes Fulton County Sheriff Jackie Barrett’s illegal investment of seven million public dollars. The investigation exposes Barrett’s receipt of tens of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign contributions from the private investors who received portions of the seven million dollars. In May, Barrett’s Chief Deputy Caudell Jones pled guilty to his hand in the illegal scheme. Jones is cooperating with the U.S. Attorney and the investigation is continuing.
February 2005: Politicians’ Flood Buyout Investigation:
Dale Cardwell exposes how dozens of DeKalb County homeowners who qualified for Federal flood plane buyouts were “leapfrogged” by the buyout of a local politician’s home. The public paid more than 300-hundred thousand dollars for the politician’s home, though his “buyout” score was substantially lower than dozens of deserving families who’s homes are in a perpetual flood plane. The County administration never explains its reasons.
March 2005: Fulton County Courthouse Shooting Investigation:
Dale Cardwell exposes the inexcusable security lapse that led to Fulton County courthouse shooting suspect Brian Nichols’ escape. Cardwell obtains copies notes found in Nichols’ cell, which show Nichols had been planning an escape for some time. Additionally, Cardwell, with the help of Fulton County Deputies, expose the fact Nichols had been caught with “shanks” in his shoes two days before his escape, and e-mails sent from Nichols’ mother, warning Fulton Sheriff’s officials of the likelihood of her son’s violent reaction to a guilty verdict. Even so, security measures weren’t followed that would have most likely averted the greatest tragedy in Fulton County courthouse history.
February 2006: Illegal Investment of Public Money:
Dale Cardwell exposes the 600-thousand dollar breach of public trust by the man who would become the Fulton County Sheriff’s Chief of Staff. Cardwell learns from sources that in 1999, John Crosland and his company had been awarded a 600-thousand dollar grant from Georgia’s Department of Human Services, to move mothers from welfare to work. The State’s Attorney General determines the money had been squandered by Crosland and his company, and that almost none of the money had been spent on its intended purpose. Cardwell learns the Sheriff employs Crosland as his Chief of Staff, even though the Sheriff knew of this breach of public trust. After Cardwell’s exposure, Crosland is ordered by the state to repay the money.
July 2005: Zell Miller Mansion Funds Investigation:
Dale Cardwell exposes the misuse of state tax dollars by former Governor Zell Miller. The money had been provided by Georgia citizens for the purpose of operating the Governor’s mansion. Cardwell learns that Miller had been “bankrolling” the public’s money by having private companies and special interest groups pay for functions and entertainment at the mansion.
Miller left office without the public knowing he’d pocketed more than 112-thousand “mansion” dollars. He paid it back after Dale exposed it.
September 2006: Dentist Bart Corbin Murder Investigation:
Dale Cardwell travels to Alabama and confronts the best friend of Gwinnett County Dentist and murder suspect Bart Corbin. Cardwell travels to Troy Alabama and shines the light on the key witness who supplied the gun that killed Corbin’s wife Jennifer. According to Jennifer Corbin’s family, Dale’s confrontation with Richard Wilson in Wilson’s home town, along with a well timed visit from Gwinnett County D.A. investigators, prompts Wilson to “come clean” to investigators. The break in the case seals a guilty plea on two murders from Bart Corbin and saves Georgia taxpayers more than one million dollars in trial expenses.
May 2007: Georgia Administrators “Double-Dipping”
Dale Cardwell exposes the fact that Georgia taxpayers are shelling out nearly 400-million dollars annually to state retirees who are drawing substantial state pensions, and also returning to the state tax-payer funded work force. Specifically, Dale’s investigation shows nearly one-fourth of that money is being used to pay retired school administrators to return to administration jobs, with no competition, and preventing that money from going to the places it was intended by the legislature; specifically, to bring veteran classroom teachers back to the classroom where they are needed. Dale’s exposure of the abuse prompts action from the Governor, a state audit, and planned legislative action to correct the abuse.
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Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Awesome
June 2, 2007 2:49 PM | Link to this
This is the greatest thing ever! Mr. CEO Vernie hates Dale with an unending passion. There just might bw a throw down at the debate.
By Get Up Kid
June 2, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
Get rid of illegal immigrants, raise the minimum wage. Yep…he is the labor union candidate.
Gag me with all the populist crap.
We need a candidate that supports the markets and liberty. Cardwell doesn’t do that. Jones doesn’t do that. And Chambliss doesn’t do that.
By paco
June 2, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this
I seriously hope they don’t elect this doofus. Saxby/Chambliss have shown real courage in standing up against their “know nothings”, and we the democrats don’t need that drama anyway.
By Todd
June 2, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Give ‘em hell Dale!
By Nick
June 2, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this
Message to Cardwell: being a democrat does not mean you automatically take the opposite position of the Republican candidate. See: the “amnesty” bill.
Says the new candidate: “If you boil both parties down to the salt, the Republican motto is survival of the fittest. The Democratic motto is do unto others as you would have others do unto you.”
Deporting hard-working people out of a country that most have called “home” now for many years doesn’t exactly follow the golden rule.
By Bert
June 2, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this
Five million people???
Does anyone really still watch the local news anymore?? I’ve lived in this city for eighteen years and I keep up with all of the news, but I’ve never heard of this guy.
This is just another example of “newspeople” who arrogantly think the audience is interested in THEM, rather than the news. He’ll fade into oblivion just like Bill Nigent (or whatever his name was).
By Jane
June 2, 2007 4:05 PM | Link to this
Good for him, but I am sure he must know that in order to be a good Democrat you must support amnesty if not 100% open borders. Ted Kennedy, Hillary Clinton, Harry Reid are not going to tolerate a right wing Democrat who opposes open borders regardless of their possition on other issues.
He would be better off running as a Republican. At least a few Republicans are publicly against the Amnesty bill.
By About Time
June 2, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this
What does it say about the GA Democratic Party that they had to “get lucky” to finally get a US Senate candidate with name recognition to run? Vernon Jones would have been the weakest candidate ever if Denise Majette didn’t beat him to it. GA Dem’s deserve to lose statewide elections if they can’t get the best & brightest to run (Charles Brewer, Michelle Nunn, David Adelman, Mike Thurmond, who had his chance to run against Johnny I., but he cowardly chickened out).
By HS Teacher
June 2, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
I’ve live in GA for almost 30 years. I don’t have TV. Read AJC—never heard of this man.
SAXBY Amnesty is not what I want. Our schools are full of illegals and children of illegals.
Press 1 for English——UGGGG
By Mark
June 2, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
To add to Jane’s comment: Unfortunatly, if you are a Demorcrat, you can’t be a ” free thinker” any more than you can be if you are a Repbublican. You “have to” go with what your particular party tells you go with. Dale is just like every other person who enters politics. They go in with good intentions but get to Washington and bow out to special interest. Never the less, I am a republican and will vote for whoever runs against Chambliss after the way he ran his campain against Max Cleland.
By Are you the same?
June 2, 2007 4:39 PM | Link to this
Are you the same HS teacher who left Ware County High claiming you’d be a U.S. Senator from Georgia in six years? What was your name again?
By Bobby
June 2, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
So, a newscaster from Atlanta is going to run statewide. Oh yeah, I’m sure all the people outside of Atlanta will be clambering to vote for him, just as they did Denise.
By Bitter EX democrackkk
June 2, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
As always, make sure you
‘STRIVE to be SMARTER than a democrackkk!’…
Why would anyone want to be a democrackkk these days? or a republican either for that matter?
By andy
June 2, 2007 5:24 PM | Link to this
We should be happy that we are getting some better candidates than the last go-round for US Senate. Vernon Jones cannot win state-wide. Making comments such as desiring a “darker administration” in DeKalb will not endear himself to Georgia Democrats. As for Saxby, he’s more vulnerable than one might think. He won on a platform claiming that a triple-amputee Vietnam war veteran wasn’t patriot. He’s been a tax and spend rubber stamp for the Bush administration and has not represented the best interest of ordinary Georgians. He’s an easy target if only the right Democratic candidate can muster the backbone to take him on. Dale, are you up that?
By Bud
June 2, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
Dale is wasting his time. Saxby beat ‘ol stumpy fair and square. Saxby Chambliss won’t lose the election in 2009 unless he gets caught in bed with a dead woman or a live boy.
“Survival of the fittest” describes how the world actually works. “Do unto others” describes how liberals wish the world would work. Life is tough. Get a helmet.
By Craig
June 2, 2007 5:33 PM | Link to this
let’s hope Andy that he is up to it - Democrats need to run on their principles, and not worry about what the right wing noise machine - represented so ably here by Jane - screams at them.
By Vincent
June 2, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this
Another Democrat, Another Crook
By TiftDawg
June 2, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this
Bud is right; Saxby will beat either of these clowns in a run-a-way. I don’t like this immigration bill either, but I’m not for throwing the baby out with the bathwater. And Saxby is surely not someone who will be beaten by running against “Washington corruption”.
And for you kool aid drinkers out there, Saxby just exposed Cleland’s voting record- if that record made him look bad, it had nothing to do with his handicaps or his military record.
The national democrats are not for democracy, but for socialism. The only real shame is the ineptness of the GOP that prevents them from taking advantage of their warped ideology.
By TiftDawg
June 2, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this
Bud is right; Saxby will beat either of these clowns in a run-a-way. I don’t like this immigration bill either, but I’m not for throwing the baby out with the bathwater. And Saxby is surely not someone who will be beaten by running against “Washington corruption”.
And for you kool aid drinkers out there, Saxby just exposed Cleland’s voting record- if that record made him look bad, it had nothing to do with his handicaps or his military record.
The national democrats are not for democracy, but for socialism. The only real shame is the ineptness of the GOP that prevents them from taking advantage of their warped ideology.
By Angy Constituent
June 2, 2007 5:53 PM | Link to this
I will have to see his entire platform but he is DEAD ON about the immigration bill supported by Saxby and Johnny. I will NOT vote for them again if it passes. That bill has amnesty written all over it and both of them have now flip-flopped on the issue. Now they think the regular joe is stupid enough to be conned into thinking something different because they are on press junkets to support the bill.
Uggh. Disgusting corporate interests want as many illegals as possible so that the bottom line gets fatter and fatter. I would be willing to pay more if the average AMERICAN was paid fairer wages at Wal-Mart, etc.
Saxby and Johnny are sell-outs.
By Ed
June 2, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this
I totally am stunned by the announcement. Dale is a good man. He is thoughtful,ethical and sooooooooooooo sharp.
And he is right about the Immigration Amnesty Bill. The cost to implement this mammoth new program and provide social security and other social services to 12-20 millions aliens “will break the backs of middle income Americans”.
Where do I sign up to be a campaign volunteer?!!!!
By Zaxby
June 2, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this
Bud, the election is in 2008, just say no to drugs.
By Charlene
June 2, 2007 6:04 PM | Link to this
This is the best news I have heard since I don’t remember when. A candidate we can truly be excited about.
By Great News
June 2, 2007 6:28 PM | Link to this
Just the man we need! A man that can bridge racial divides and comes with no agenda. Vernon Jones is a joke and as a fellow African American I am ashame that this is what we have to offer for public office. Dale can bring back traditional southern dems, who had to lay in bed with the greedy conservatives because they pretended to support there issues. This is indeed exciting news!
By Matthew
June 2, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this
So the premier ‘yellow journalist’ and libelous hack is going to run for office? Great, just what this state needs, another morally impaired candidate for Senator. Dale Cardwell set a very low standard for ethics whilst he was a talking head, I have no doubt that his utter stupidity, laziness and cupidity will not help him in his bid for power.
The Democratic Party in Georgia needs help. This lying hack is not the help we need.
By Arpell Pearson
June 2, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this
I am a 37 year old well-educated black male that typically vote for Republican Presidents, US Senators, and Governors-but Democrat in local contests. If Dale runs, I will switch my Senate voting strategy if he upholds in the debate process!! Republicans have disappointed me. They ignored the November ‘06 voter message.
Dale is reliable, trustworthy, and an equal opportunity reporter. I will wait and see his platform, but remain optimistic.
By Changing
June 2, 2007 8:03 PM | Link to this
This is great news!
After voting republican all my life, the republicans have finally made a democrat out of me!
The war, the spending, the amnesty, the environment, etc!
Anyone but who we have now!
By JACK
June 2, 2007 8:13 PM | Link to this
I JUST HOPE MR. CARDWELL LIVE’S UP TO THE PROMICES HE MAKES, AND STAYS TRUE TO HIS BELIVES,THAT HE HAS SHOWN OVER THE YEARS AT WSB. I LIVE IN A SMALL NORTH WEST GA. TOWN THAT HAS SEEN MOST OF ITS ECONOMY,GO DOWN THE TUBES WITH ALL OF THE ILLEGAL WORKERS BEING HIRED, AND ABUSING ALL OF THE SOCIAL PROGRAMS AND SCHOOL SYSTEMS BEING DRAINED DRY, BY ALL OF THE ILLEGAL’S, WHO HAVE NOT PAID ONE SINGLE PENNY INTO ANYTHING, AND NOW THROUGH SPECIAL INTREST GROUPS (GOP)AND LOBBIEST FOR ILLEGAL WORKERS INTREST,OUR GOVERNER HIS MAJESTY,AND MR. CHAMBLISS AND MR. ISAKSON, CAVING INTO JUST WANTING TO BE RE ELECTED, NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES, OR WHAT EVER SPECIAL INTREST GROUP’S MONEY,IT TAKES TO BE RE ELECTED, HAS BETRAYED EVERY GEORGIAN, THEY WERE ELECTED TO REPSENT MR. CARDWELL YOU SIR JUST BY RUNNING FOR OFFICE AGANST MR. CHAMBLISS YOU HAVE MY VOTE! PLEASE DON’T LET GEORGIA DOWN, LIKE MR. CHAMBLISS, AND HIS PARTNER IN CRIME MR.ISAKSON,HAS DONE ANDREALLY THE WHOLE REPUBLICAN PARTY HAS DONE TO OUR ONCE PROUD AND LOYAL STATE OF GEORGIA. THANK YOU SIR.
By Maria
June 2, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
I think it’s great that he’s runnning for office. Up until now, there really weren’t any serious Democratic contenders, and considering the media attention on Vernon Jones it would have been a hard sell from me to vote for him. We need leaders that come from various backgrounds, veteran politicians rank the lowest in my view.
By Robert F.
June 2, 2007 8:41 PM | Link to this
It is quite refreshing to have someone offer themselves for service in an effort to serve the people. I truly believe that Americans are tired of being lied to by our leaders, both Democrat and Republicans.
Democrats are clueless on how to address mainstream social issues, and Republicans and their corporate friends are robbing the taxpayers blind. All of them are just thieves!
Mr. Cardwell, your candidacy may very well inspire every Georgian to stand up and take back the Government. This is OUR government, but politicians are more interested in personal gain than they are in lowering taxes, fighting illegal immigration, ending the fiasco in Iraq, and controlling Big Oil. We have become Fascist society.
I hope that you stay true to your word and go to Washington and represent us, teh people, and do not succumb to corrupt environment that has become a manace to American and the world.
By Robert F.
June 2, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
It is quite refreshing to have someone offer themselves for public service in an effort to serve the people. I truly believe that Americans are tired of being lied to by our leaders, both Democrat and Republican.
Democrats are clueless on how to address mainstream social issues, and Republicans and their corporate friends are robbing the taxpayers blind. All of them are just thieves!
Mr. Cardwell, your candidacy may very well inspire every Georgian to stand up and take back the Government. This is OUR government, but politicians are more interested in personal gain than they are in lowering taxes, fighting illegal immigration, ending the fiasco in Iraq, and controlling Big Oil. We have become Fascist society.
I hope that you stay true to your word and go to Washington and represent us, the people, and do not succumb to the corrupt environment that has become a manace to American and the world.
By David D
June 2, 2007 9:35 PM | Link to this
Cardwell sounds like a fairly conservative candidate and the fact that he is comfortable talking about religion and is opposed to the immigration bill he would seem to be an unlikely Democrat. If he hadn’t avoided military service (Vietnam was over but that whole Cold War thing was pretty important too) he may actually be a formidable candidate. Unfortunately he’s never been a doer, he’s a journalist, a watcher who has spent his life watching and reporting what the doers do. If you want to get in the game, you have to first actually do something (not watch others) and the first thing you do should be a little less ambitious than running for the U.S. Senate.
By Katman
June 2, 2007 10:04 PM | Link to this
THIS MAN HAS COURAGE AND CONVICTION AND HE HAS MY VOTE. THIS IS GEORGIA NOT MEXICO. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND SEND THE ILLEGALS HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By The Alpha Male
June 2, 2007 10:34 PM | Link to this
Like a few others, I’ve lived in the Atlanta area for many years, but have never heard enough of this guy to even know he existed… so much for your 5 million supporters.
I also find it amusing that as a Democrat he flaunts himself as a born-again Christian and a conservative….are you that politically naive or just thirsty for a sound thrashing?
Maybe before slapping ol’ Zell around, you should have asked him for some politcal advice…. namely, how Democrats tend to treat members of their own party who dare to find themselves to the right of Ted Kennedy on the political spectrum. Not good for you, pal.
By G.C.yates
June 2, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this
I have seen you on TV and reading your background proud to know I have someone now to vote for.
By Robert Allen
June 2, 2007 10:46 PM | Link to this
So I don’t know who you are but I should know what you stand for? Sorry. I’m not about to vote for anybody to go to Washington that’s never even held public office. That’s like sending a newborn into Thunderdome… and like Tina Turner sang “we don’t need another hero.”
By Can't Hardly Wait
June 2, 2007 10:49 PM | Link to this
Vernon and Cardwell HATE each other. This is goin to be great…
By Jodi
June 2, 2007 10:52 PM | Link to this
I do watch WSB-tv and the first time I remember seeing Dale C was when the Brian Nichols investigative reports kept coming out on the Myron Freeman & the Fulton County admin. I don’t remember anything else about him….except his annoying voice. I doubt I vote for him!
By John Vayda
June 2, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Go Dale Go!!!!!!!!!! I might even become a Democrat!!!!!!!
By John Vayda
June 2, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this
Go Dale Go!!!!!!!!!! I might even become a Democrat!!!!!!!
By Neither Did Saxby
June 2, 2007 11:28 PM | Link to this
Robert, you said, Sorry. I’m not about to vote for anybody to go to Washington that’s never even held public office. Just remember, when Saxby was first elected to Congress (8th District), he had never held public office either.
By Patty Payne
June 3, 2007 12:34 AM | Link to this
Mr. Cardwell, I hope you will speak at the “For the People” Rally at the GA Mtn. Center in Gainesville, on June 10th, from 2 pm - 5 pm. Some of the 9th and 10th Congressional Candidates along with a few of Georgia’s Constitutional Officials will be addressing approximately a 1,000 people. Just contact Patty@forthepeoplerally.com She will put you on the agenda so the people can come and here you speak!
By atlantavoice
June 3, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
I’ll bet every candidate wishes they could get such glowing press. I hope you guys got top dollar for this job cause you laid it on thick. You would think this guy was the next Bobby Kennedy. WSB TV gave him 8 minutes tonight. Now you write this review..OK..he may be a great guy but lets just state the obvious……He works for the company that signs your paycheck.
By jbvick
June 3, 2007 1:19 AM | Link to this
Truest comment of the thread. Right on point.
By Tom Jones
June 3, 2007 1:30 AM | Link to this
“I will NOT vote for them again if it passes.”
So, if it passes, and they vote against it, you’re going to hold that against them?
“Now they think the regular joe is stupid enough to be conned into thinking something different because they are on press junkets to support the bill.”
They are? Which “press junkets” are they on in support of the bill? Every comment I have seen from both of them says that they are wiaitng to see what the final version of the bill looks like before they make a decision on how to vote. Also, I know Johnny specifically has said he doesn’t suppor the bill and is not a cosponsor of the bill. Sounds like you’re just making stuff up.
“Uggh. Disgusting corporate interests want as many illegals as possible so that the bottom line gets fatter and fatter. I would be willing to pay more if the average AMERICAN was paid fairer wages at Wal-Mart, etc.”
Hmm…so a bill that legalizes immigrant labor, mandates they be paid prevailing wage or minimum wage, and increases labor costs is good for corporate America how? You’re saying Johnny and Saxby support the bill, butt hen are saying they are bought off by corporate America which opposes the bill.
“Saxby and Johnny are sell-outs.”
And you’re confused and don’t know what you are talking about.
By Mongoose in a den of snakes..
June 3, 2007 1:53 AM | Link to this
Dale Cardwell is a man of integrity and views an elected office as it should be viewed ; An office to SERVE the citizens of our State not one for some charlatan to personally and finacially benefit. Dale was the driving force that exposed and brought down the corrupt murderer Sheriff Dorsey and has also exposed many other members of the “Dekalb County Mafia” i.e., Vernon Jones, Sheriff Aba daba Tommy Brown, and Mr. (un) ethical Bob Wilson… I have personally known Dale for 8 years and can attest to the fact that he will fairly, honestly, and lawfully represent everyone in his State and always listen to his voters and their views and vote his conscience regardless of the issue!!
By Clay
June 3, 2007 5:25 AM | Link to this
A member of the media quits and runs for office as a DEMOCRAT? What a shocker!
By Heather T
June 3, 2007 6:20 AM | Link to this
Best of luck, Dale! You deserve it!
By Heather T
June 3, 2007 6:20 AM | Link to this
Best of luck, Dale! You deserve it!
By Bobby
June 3, 2007 6:37 AM | Link to this
My concern would be what he means by his “social Darwinism” comment. If he simply means he will continue the bigotry of Saxby Chambliss and the Republicans toward Georgia gay residents he is nothing more than a George Wallace standing in the door at the University of Alabama. His message sounds nice but I suspect more of the same old racial and religious politics when it comes down to brass tacks.
By Vernon
June 3, 2007 6:47 AM | Link to this
“Another so-called Christian Democrat. They are Christian, yet stand side by side with the abortion crowd. Not buying it.”
By Rick in Lawrenceville
June 3, 2007 7:09 AM | Link to this
Vernon Jones is a joke and Senator Chambliss can not be trusted after he sold us out to Agri-business interests.
Dale or anyone with half a brain would be a better Senator!
I will work with every fiber of my being to see that Senator Chambliss does not get re-elected. This man can not even be honest with us about he back room meetings with advocates of illegal immigrants. He has been on immigration commitees since his days in the house and has not attempted to enforce our immigration laws for over 15 years! He is a disgrace!
By Michael
June 3, 2007 7:52 AM | Link to this
As a registered republican I will be looking to join Dale’s forces to remove both senators from Georgia my motto. ” does not matter who just vote for someone new”
By deegee
June 3, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
This kook will be as successful in his run for Senator as Tom Tancredo is in his run for President. Next…
By Charles
June 3, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this
How refreshing, a common man who seeks public office and to serve his Country. Very admirable. Dale has guts and smarts and is so deddicated to the truth always coming out. Moreover, is therefore particularily well suited for the job based upon his vast arraay of exposure as a reporter to so many issues of public concern. Vernon will be first and Saxby will be next. It will be Sen. Cardwell in 2009. (Remember how Reagan, Schwarzneger, and former Illinois Sen. Simon did it - they were all on T.V. or in the newspaper!!!) Dale is the man !!!!
By John
June 3, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this
Caldwell is an egotistical jerk who is not afraid to throw around his influence to get things that he wants. If elected, he will use the power of his office in that manner. A common man? BS! He is a grade-A, 24K SOB. I’d rather vote for Vernon Jordon (shudder).
By T
June 3, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Dale could get my vote.. I know that Saxby wont.. I voted for him in 2002 and have watched his sleaze.. vote the bums out of Washington
By WBJ
June 3, 2007 9:11 AM | Link to this
To those individuals who have lived in the area for years and have never heard of Dale Cardwell does not makes his run for public office irrelevant. It just means you have never heard of him. He has every right to run for office as those you have heard of. Give the man a chance to present his views of various issues, see him debate these same issues and then make your decision. There are some that are very quick to start name calling….e.g. “kook”, etc. But what do they have to offer the State of Georgia. If you agree with Dale Cardwell’s position on issues and would like to see him in office, then by all means vote for him. If you don’t, then vote for whomever you do think will do better. Then there is the option of running for office yourself……I’m sure when your name is mentioned, a great many people will probably say…..”Who is this kook”….I’ve never heard of him!” Best wishes and good luck Dale!!
By Peter
June 3, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
Maybe this electronic media-type can get his buddy Jimmy Carter to help is campaign!
By Chuck
June 3, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this
This may come as a shock to Dale, but I’ve lived in the Atlanta area for 15 years and never heard of him. I follow politics closely through numerous media outlets. But local TV news is highly irrelevant. He’s got some work to do.
By Amy
June 3, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
It’s a plot I tell you. Cardwell for Senate. Dianna Davis for Governor. Joyce Oscar for Mayor. Just the beginning folks.
By South GA Dem
June 3, 2007 10:09 AM | Link to this
I am not a huge fan of Chambliss, but do think that he has done very well for my area of the state.
That being said, I am not thrilled with how this immigration stuff is playing out. However, what I really don’t like about these “blogs” is that someone like “Rick in Lawrenceville” can write something as absurd as the fact there are “immigration committees.” Even worse, somone might actually believe there is an immigration committee in the US House or Senate!
Get the facts right, or risk marginalizing yourself.
Good luck, Mr. Cardwell. One quick piece of advice, this is a BIG, diverse state and you need to become an expert in a hurry on agriculture issues. While not very important to Atlantas, our state would be crippled if we didn’t have our Agriculture community.
By Redneck
June 3, 2007 11:13 AM | Link to this
It is obvious that Dale is qualified to run for office on the Socialist/Democrat ticket. All he has going for him is a good voice and a pretty face, much like the “Breck Girl” John Edwards. Before I would even think about voting for him I want him to tell us his solution for the illegal alien problem. While I don’t agree with Saxby and Johnny, and the 2 dozens emails over the last month proves it, there are some good things in the proposed bill. What I want is a bill that calls for closing the border, and then when that has happened to find out how many are here and who they are. I am not against giving those who are already here a path to citizenship but the flood across the border must be stopped first.
By Jim
June 3, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
I’m glad to see a good conservative Democrat running against Chambliss. Don’t know much about Dale, but I do know the Chambliss is simply a lap dog for Bush and his corporate interests. Georgian’s don’t need someone like that representing them in the senate. Chambliss is beatable and Dale’s more conservative philosophy makes him electable in GA. I’m now getting excited about this one.
By No more Lobbyists
June 3, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this
Saxby was big shot agri-business lobbyist. He will always schill for big business first & foremost. He’s an establishment guy, and always will be.
By South GA Dem
June 3, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
“No more lobbyists”—- another example of just a flat out lie. Again, I am certainly not an apologist for Saxby, but if we beat him we’ll have to beat him on his voting record, not by lying. The Ag lobbyist was Gary Black, while Saxby was a lawyer in Moultrie.
Get your facts straight since it makes all of us look like idiots.
By Michael H. Smith
June 3, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
Cardwell called it an “amnesty” bill that’s aimed at satisfying corporate interests. “Georgia has to be freed from this illegal invasion that’s holding down salaries,” he said.
Okay young Mr. Cardwell, you’ve got my attention. At least so far you are standing on the right side of the border. Now have you the guts to withstand your Democratic Party’s line, in other words whose water buck will you tote? Georgia knows whose water Saxby has toted from day one… he’s nothing but a Bush water boy!
Have you the guts to put principle over and above the Democrat Party politics when you know that the vast constituency of Georgia you’ll represent opposes the Democrat Party agenda?
I’ll be watching you Mr. Dale Cardwell to see just where you really do stand on the issues. I’m looking to import some replacement labor, to do the job some Senators’ just won’t do!
By MC
June 3, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this
I can tell some people are just searching for a reason to hate Mr. Cardwell. Because he’s an anchor? Running Democratic? The comment from the woman who wouldn’t vote for him because of “his annoying voice” is pretty rich, especially considering how many elected officials have even more annoying ones. The President, for example.
I say give him a chance, at the very least. It’s good to see people jumping at the chance to replace Johnny or Saxby (Saxby? what a decision, Mr. and Mrs. Chambliss).
By Lee
June 3, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
I think this is great. As a democratic voter from Southwest Georgia I truly think this is what we need. The Republicans has sat up in Washington on our trust and has just ran this country in the ground. The cost of living, the war, and immigration has all p** me off in the past seven (7) years. We need a change here in Georgia and in this country.
By Oldie but Goodie
June 3, 2007 7:23 PM | Link to this
http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A14893
By Anti Status Quo seeking same
June 3, 2007 8:40 PM | Link to this
Running for office take guts to say the least and most people with half a brain would shy away from it….guess that’s why most of our current elected officials clearly only have half a brain…..interested to see what you can do for your country….may the force be with you.
By Cecil Nix
June 3, 2007 9:10 PM | Link to this
Its about time someone who has exposed corruption has enough gumption to do something about it. Dale has the integrity, and the grit to make the voice of decent people heard. No one can question his integrity. Unfortunately very few career politicians like Vernon Jones, ever had any integrity.
By Bubba
June 3, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this
Good luck Dale. I have been in Georgia all my sixty years and I have become resigned to living amongst the racist rednecks and the suburban upper middle class that are afraid they are going to have to pay for some services for someone else. Even though you are on their same wavelength about immigration (which I do not agree with you about) - they will never vote for a Democrat again. I hate to say it but you are wasting your time. But good luck, I will vote for you anyway.
By EW
June 3, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
I truly hope Dale Cardwell means what he says that the “amnesty” bill in legislation now is aimed at satisfying corporate interests. I hope he takes it even further by including English should be our official language in the United States.
By Nesia Brock
June 4, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Way to Go DALE. I have always appreciated your honesty and non-bias as a reporter…I have faith that you can continue that same integrity in the US SENATE. What a refreshing breath of air……
By Joshdondich
June 4, 2007 12:39 AM | Link to this
About time a JFK- style conservative Democrat running for US Senate and finally a US senate candidate that stands with majority of Americans and me in opposing the guest worker amnesty bill and putting border security first
“GO Dale”
By Tired of the anger
June 4, 2007 7:57 AM | Link to this
Why do so many people insist that Democrats advocate open borders and weep with joy at the prospect of paying for all the problems created by illegal immigration? For goodness sakes, people, quit regurgitating the spiteful and fact-challenged bile you hear on talk radio! You’re being brainwashed! I am socially liberal, as are most of my friends and coworkers, yet we all recognize there’s a problem that needs immediate attention. What does the solution entail? I honestly don’t know…probably a combination of several different measures, including tighter border control, more stringent employment background checks, a less convoluted guest worker program, selective deportation, and selective amnesty and a path to citizenship for those who have built stable lives for themselves and are contributing positively to our country. What I do know, however, is that there will NEVER be a solution as long as self-righteous hotheads and closeted bigots refuse to engage in a meaningful and thoughtful conversation on the issue. If you don’t have anything more to add to the conversation than “ship ‘em all back home”, please do the rest of us a favor and disengage from the issue. If you can sum up your entire position on such an important issue on a bumper sticker, you’re part of the problem, not part of the solution. Calm down, take a deep breath, and let the rest of us know when you’re ready to have a rational discussion.
By Hal
June 4, 2007 8:16 AM | Link to this
Another famous face taking advantage of his popularity to un-seat an incumbent. Who does he think he is, DAWSON MATHIS.
By Middle Ga. Republican
June 4, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this
Being from South Ga I don’t know anything about Vernon Jones & Dale Cardwell, But I’ll give them a chance. But I would like to see Michael Thurmond or State Senator Robert Brown (D) Macon run against Chambliss. Saxby Chambliss has a horrible voting record & hasn’t done anything for Georgia that he can stand on in 2008. It’s time to get rid of this Quack.
By Mike
June 4, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this
Doesn’t it seem to be a contradiction to say, “Do unto others…” and then stand for kicking people out of this country that come here to find a better life. “Do unto others…” works great in our personal lives; it does not make good public policy.
By excuse me?
June 4, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this
Hey TiftDog are you drunk or just stupid? “Saxby just exposed Cleland’s voting record” - what did his voting record have to do with Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein? Why did Chambliss run an ad with a picture of Cleland and those two villians? As for Cleland’s “handicap,” the man lost three limbs in the war. It’s called a war injury. A ‘football injury’ on the other hand is what Chambliss used to escape the draft.
By Billy
June 4, 2007 11:53 PM | Link to this
Thanks Dale you rally have folks EXCITED + SCRATCHING THEIR HEADS , Keep it stirred up an maybe something good will come out of it
By Bobbi F.
June 5, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
**Don’t listen to the nay-sayers, you don’t need millions of dollars to win, you simply need to tell the truth and millions of people will walk beside you. I have been praying for someone like you to tell this state that money is only good for doing good. If we are charging high prices for gas, allowing low wages by way of illegal immagration but cutting funding for education and senior care, where will we all end up. The system we once call democracy is gone or going. We need you to put fairness back into state government. We need it in our judicial and federal systems as well but I understand that you can only do one thing at a time. Smile - by the way, please keep Vernon out of anymore government offices. He claims he knows how to run a government office but he has ruined Dekalb county.
By Bobbi F.
June 5, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this
**Don’t listen to the nay-sayers, you don’t need millions of dollars to win, you simply need to tell the truth and millions of people will walk beside you. I have been praying for someone like you to tell this state that money is only good for doing good. If we are charging high prices for gas, allowing low wages by way of illegal immagration but cutting funding for education and senior care, where will we all end up. The system we once call democracy is gone or going. We need you to put fairness back into state government. We need it in our judicial and federal systems as well but I understand that you can only do one thing at a time. Smile - by the way, please keep Vernon out of anymore government offices. He claims he knows how to run a government office but he has ruined Dekalb county.