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DEL.ICIO.USDemocrats send out robo-calls, hunting for candidates
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Despite the prospect of a Barack Obama surge, Republicans in Georgia say they’ve got evidence that Democrats are scrambling for candidates to put on the November ballot.
On the weekend before qualifying begins, Republicans say they’ve discovered that Democrats are sending out robo-calls hunting for candidates.
And — surprise! — Democrats said late Sunday they indeed initiated a weekend hunt for candidates, in three specific House districts in rural Georgia. The Republican seats are occupied by Richard Royal of Camilla, Bill Hembree of Winston, and Jay Roberts of Ocilla.
Asked if such last-minute pleas are effective, Georgia Democratic Party spokesman Martin Matheny frankly said he didn’t know. They’ve never done it before. Matheny said Democrats are simply mimicking a Republican tactic.
“We figure if the GOP does it, we should do it, too,” he said.
Republicans didn’t provide my colleague Aaron Sheinin with the sound, but they gave him the script, which Matheny confirmed as authentic.
Here ‘tis:
“Good evening. I’m calling from the Democratic party of Georgia. With Georgia’s Legislature now adjourned, you should know that your Republican State Representative, XXXX, voted to cut death benefits for police officers in your county.
“He also supported creating over 175 new taxes, even the tax on the food you buy your family. XXXX and the Republicans in Atlanta have failed to fully fund our schools, save emergency rooms from bankruptcy, even provide tax relief to Georgia families.
“If you are tired of politics as usual or think you or someone you know can do a better job at representing your values, give us a call. You can reach us at 1-866-507-2008.
Said Sue Everhart, chairman of the Georgia Republican party:
“They’re claiming there is enthusiasm on the Democratic side in legislative races. The truth is they are forced to resort to paid robo-calls to recruit candidates in a frantic, last ditch effort just hours before qualifying. Shameful attacks delivered through paid robocalls isn’t hope or change; it’s the discredited style of politics that has caused Georgia voters to reject the Democratic Party.
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Comments
By Jane
April 27, 2008 11:42 PM | Link to this
Yah, they may recruite a few extra candidates, but will they support them or will they be forced to fund themselves with little or no help from the party.
By Jane
April 27, 2008 11:44 PM | Link to this
Yah, they may recruite a few extra candidates, but will they support them or will they be forced to fund themselves with little or no help from the party.
By What a Joke!
April 28, 2008 12:03 AM | Link to this
You have got to be kidding me! The Georgia Democrat Party has turned into a total joke in the last few years. A robo-call to find candidates?!? What a bunch of clowns!
By Kevin
April 28, 2008 12:08 AM | Link to this
Let me guess; this was Bobby Kahn’s idea. Then, he used his company for all the calls and made a penny off each one! Bottom Feeders!
By Bitter EX democrackkk
April 28, 2008 6:34 AM | Link to this
Thankfully Georgia democrackkks are becoming obsolete! Hopefully we can have this kind of change in NC soon, where the NC democrackkks have ravaged and ruined NC for the past 100+ years! CORRUPT democrackkks are the NORM in NC!
STRIVE to be SMARTER than a democrackkk*
*spelled with 3 Ks to HONOR the democrat heritage as the ORIGINAL ‘party’ of SLAVERY, as they continue to ENSLAVE us ALL!
By TK
April 29, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
“By What a Joke! You have got to be kidding me! The Georgia Democrat Party has turned into a total joke in the last few years. A robo-call to find candidates?!? What a bunch of clowns!”
The republicans made 2 robo calls in to a NW GA. district about a month ago looking for someone to run against a Democratic incumbent. I guess that makes them a “bunch of clowns first”, correct???
By Churchill
April 29, 2008 11:31 AM | Link to this
Maybe the GA Democrat party can get Rev. Wright to come down here and recruit some democrat candidates.
By Shaun Dakin
April 29, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this
Are these calls legal?
Politicians are exempt from do not call regulations, but are these considered political calls?
Shaun Dakin CEO and Founder The National Political Do Not Contact Registry http://www.stoppoliticalcalls.org
By Churchill
April 29, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this
Better yet, Rev. Wright could get all fired up and record his screed for a robo call. I think that Rev. Wright can bring some quality folks for us to run against.