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DEL.ICIO.USMore on Vernon Jones and Dale Cardwell
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In the blink of a qualifying fee, the Democratic race for Senate has begun throwing sparks, with two candidates in particular providing most of the flint-and-steel confrontations.
Dale Cardwell, the former TV journalist, in particular has come out in aggressive fashion.
He’s attacked Atlanta attorney Jim Martin as the choice of backroom strategists. But Cardwell has truly blistered DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones in a fashion that already has editors fidgety — and should have Jones thinking about how to respond.
On Wednesday, after signing up for the race, Cardwell referred to Jones as a “crook” and a “Republican.” The latter charge was based on Jones’ admission that he cast two votes for George W. Bush.
This morning, Cardwell was on WGAU (1340AM) in Athens. He called Jones an “unindicted criminal.” Cardwell recounted the circumstances of a 2005 rape accusation against Jones — which was withdrawn, though the woman never recanted.
Politics has always been rough, but this kind of language is exceedingly rare in a campaign — even on the eve of voting, let alone the outset of a race.
Listen here to the sound clip provided by WGAU host Tim Bryant.
Jones has responded to Cardwell, but in a limited fashion and only on the issue of Republican voting.
The Associated Press had this:
Jones fired back by providing a copy of Cardwell’s voting record from the Secretary of State’s office, which shows the ex-reporter cast a Republican ballot in the 2006 primary as well as the ensuing runoff.
Cardwell explained that he took a GOP ballot in the primary to vote against former Christian Coalition leader Ralph Reed, who was then running for lieutenant governor. Reed lost. Cardwell said he could not recall why he voted in the runoff.
But Cardwell told The Associated Press that although he voted for Ronald Reagan in his first White House bid in 1980, he’s supported Democratic presidential candidates ever since.
When asked about how he would deal with questions about his controversial tenure as the top dog in DeKalb County government, Jones has said it remains the media’s job to keep political discussion on a higher plane.
Questions, Jones told reporters on Tuesday, “will come up by you all. It’s not going to come up by my opponents, because they don’t have a TV station or a newspaper. (Or a radio station.)
“You all are going to be picking up their baseless allegations because they don’t have a record to run on,” Jones said.
But this is a prediction more than a strategy. And right now, it may be coming true.
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Comments
By Big Tuna
May 1, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this
To quote Obmabi’s now not-so-favorite preacher, Vernon’s chickens…comin’ home to roost. This is going to start to get fun. The rape charges, misuse of county property and funds, the parties at the “W”, anger management problems and that pesky business about VJ being a “switch hitter”. For the actual documents, go to http://vernonjonesfacts.com/
By Rarl Kove
May 1, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this
Jones is a major perv. I think he is the best candidate for the GA Democrat party to put up against Saxby.
By dawggone
May 1, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this
I’m a Democrat living in Dekalb and if Jones is the Democratic Senate nominee, I’m voting Republican.
By dawggone
May 1, 2008 5:04 PM | Link to this
I’m a Dekalb Democrat and if Vernon is the Dem Senate nominee, I’m voting GOP.
By RJ
May 1, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this
Dale, you should know the Biblical saying, “He who without sin let him cast the first stone.” Although you are correct for calling Vernon to task, the revelation about you voting Republican undermines your credibility on this issue. Although its worthy of pursuit, Vernon Jones voting history should be confronted by the other candidates. He is weak/ contaminated on a lot of other fronts.
By Will Jones
May 1, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this
Voting for Cagle to break pervert criminal Ralph Reed was a valid and effective tactic for all Georgians.
Rand Knight’s pursuit of Sadie Fields speaks volumes.
Vernon J.’s vote for George Bush may have more to do with Jeff Gannon/James Guckert, than anything else…fellow traveler? Vernon is in his late forties and has yet to take the leap most men feel urged to by nature and convention.
Cardwell backs Obama and Obama is still the hope. May Georgia back Obama and Cardwell and turn back the Anti-Christ tide. DV
By Matthew Combest
May 5, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this
Vernon Jones has publicly denounced the Democratic Party in 2005. Infact, has contributed on at least 2 occasions large sums of money to the Georgia Republican Party (with FEC Filings to prove it). Vernon Jones must think GA Democrats are clueless. We cannot afford to elect an extension of Saxby Chambliss this year.
Guess what Vernon: YOUR FOUND OUT!
We need Rand Knight
By vernontheman
May 7, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this
Vernon needs to come out firing—-he can dig up some dirt on Cardwell to offset all the trash that is being thrown at him. Cardwell’s a racist, and Vernon needs to get the African-american brothers and sisters to support his campaign!