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DEL.ICIO.USThe problem with backing an independent reformer
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
All parties involved today confirmed that U.S. Senate candidate Dale Cardwell and his two Democratic advisors have split.
The parting appears to be amicable. “We continue to think that an independent outsider with a reform message has the best chance of beating [Republican incumbent] Saxby Chambliss in November,” said Emil Runge, who had been acting as Cardwell’s spokesman. “We definitely wish him well.”
Runge and Jeff DiSantis, the former executive director of the state Democratic party, helped Cardwell launch his campaign in June.
Cardwell said the primary issue was money. “Jeff and Emil are very good at what they do. If I could afford them week to week, month to month, I’d do it in a heart-beat,” he said.
But there’s a deeper issue here. Once side would call it principle, the other would more likely label it naivete.
From the start, the former TV journalist has refused to take money from political action committees of any stripe. He’ll take donations from members of teachers unions, but not the union PAC. Cardwell will take money from electricians, but not the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.
The decision has left many union leaders, who provide much of the seed money for statewide campaigns, shaking their heads. We’ve seen them do it.
Cardwell’s refusal to take their money condemns his campaign to a future as a footnote in the ’08 campaign, they argue. Cardwell retorts that one can’t call oneself a reform candidate without actually walking away from the current system.
Cardwell has attacked Chambliss specifically as a servant of Big Tobacco and Big Farming. Cardwell launched a low-cost Internet campaign last week, attacking Chambliss on those points.
Special interests are special interests, the former WSB reporter said. “Until I take their PAC money, we’re at a stalemate,” Cardwell said.
The Democratic and Republican parties are like two country clubs who — with their cash — decide who will be on their slates in July, Cardwell said.
And right now the Democratic club “doesn’t like Dale Cardwell,” he admitted.
Comments
By VJ for President
November 20, 2007 5:07 PM | Link to this
Vernon Jones is our next U.S. Senator from Georgia!
Cardwell has run a purely negative campaign, and is clearly running it into the ground.
By this rocks
November 20, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Georgia is ready to vote for a man that has been accused of RAPE twice, has pulled a gun on his girlfriend, made tons of money buying land in a green space project, got out of his rape charge because of his criminal and racist Chief of Police and is so dirty you have to take a shower after being in the same room with him. I am no political genus, but Vernon Jones will never win anything beside prisoner of the month. Maybe he can keep Bill Campbell Company. VJ is scum.
By Mr. Fo'sheezy
November 20, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this
VERNON, NO MEANS NO
By ga_factchecker
November 21, 2007 12:42 AM | Link to this
Since when is backing an indpendent reformer a problem?
Where would that have left Jefferson and Franklin talking to Washington?
When are people going to get it?
This is more than going to work and reporting the news. It’s our children’s lives, their futures!
By ga_factchecker
November 21, 2007 12:49 AM | Link to this
This really has nothing to do with veron jones. He is a non issue. The people are tired of him being mentioned. Bye Vernon. Those who are being bullied into donating to veron, you can stop now.
By RJ
November 21, 2007 4:45 AM | Link to this
Recent revelations from Scott Mc Clellan, President Bush’s former Press Secretary, about the President’s involvement in outing a former Secret Service Agent and subsequent Pardon of Scooty Libby for same, is a boost for any candidate against Chambliss. The issue of possible criminal conduct on the part of the President will unfold in the days to come.
In the meantime, notwithstanding the kind of campaign he ran against Cleland, Chambliss has been a Bush puppet who has brought home very little bacon for Georgia. He simply will not be able to BUY another term. Smart money will be shifting as the Bush matter unfolds.
By Craig
November 21, 2007 8:05 AM | Link to this
I hope you’re right, RJ. But for some reason the good folk of Georgia refuse to listen to any criticism of their Dear Leader. In this case, people likely died because of his traitorous conduct. But that’s not nearly as important as Bill’s affair.
By Mr. Fo'sheezy
November 21, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this
I wish everyone would send 10 dollars to their fav. person. People better stand up against Saxby. I support DaleTheTruth.com
By John D
November 21, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
Dale should have stuck with his day job, or at least run as an independent. Is there not one single brand-name Democrat with the cajones to challenge Saxby?
By M. Marietta
November 21, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this
I am proud of Dale Cardwell for sticking to his principles. Finally, someone who says what they mean and mean what they say. It is refreshing. He has my vote.
By d.a. king
November 22, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Most of the GOP voters understand that Chambliss is merely an extenstion of the corporate boardrooms that put him in office and that he is for amnesty for illegal aliens and illegal employers…they will vote for him anyway because he has an “R” by his name.
Maybe thery should listen to Cardwell and maybe the media should cover him more.
Chambliss does not do a Q&A after his remarks at meet and greets and does not even mention border security or illegal immigration in a war on terror. He hopes voters will continue to allow that…Cardwell should use that fact.
By Michael H. Smith
November 22, 2007 4:47 PM | Link to this
All the maybes’ end with Mr. Cardwell’s real convictions on: “Those who are already here.” I’ve read his other comments and they are tentatively acceptable.
However, we have seen the betrayal of “our core values” D.A. and if for no other reason, no matter the out-come in our cause that we have committed ourselves to serve, our votes should send a very clear, a very LOUD message - one that cannot be refused - that to, not only the Republicans but to the Democrats as well, they shall hear and fear at the polls. Our loyalties are owed only to this country and our follow citizens that we so often have sworn in oath, an allegiance to them and to this Republic, solely. So far, the “R” has shown us repugnance and the “D” has shown us total disrespect: No amnesty, no way, no how, in any form or guest worker schemes. Only the creation of the pathway to re-patronization for all illegal aliens is admirable or desirable.
The ball remains in your court Mr. Cardwell and I’m still watching and listening for the bark of a true “Blue-dog”.
PS. D.A., I would like to get in personal contact with you. I’m on the Dustin Inman mailing list. Thank you, in advance for any reply and have a wonderful thanksgiving day.
By Churchill
November 23, 2007 1:15 PM | Link to this
Most Democrat voters know that Vernon Jones has no chance of being elected. His history of sexual abuse and rape will not sit well with the people of the state of Georgia. See, D.A. King, both side can play this “most people think card”. How ‘bout some polling data to back -up your claims?
By d.a. king
November 23, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this
da@thedustininmansociety.org and contact form on Website
Like a lot of people,Cardwell is learning about the gradual attrition of criminals through enforcement of existing laws …and secure borders.
Ask him if he will allow the illegals to remain or the criminal employers to write the next set of rules…amnesty.
I have. ( And kindly let me know what he says?)
By Jane
November 24, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this
Cardwell is a breath of fresh air, a hard right Democrat in the mold of Larry McDonald and Lester Maddox. After going after Illegals, I expect him to go after the corruption in Grady and call for its closing down. We need more people to fight corruption and missmanagement in government and bog bussiness.
By Michael H. Smith
November 24, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this
I do suppose anything mildly conservative in the Democrat’s Party would appear hard right - considering how hard left of left that Party is from the true political center.
Well…. anyhow, I’ve e-mailed you D.A. and Mr. Cardwell. We shall see what becomes of things going forward.