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Saturday, June 7, 2008
Pledged or not, Smyre says he’ll vote for Obama in Denver
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
State Rep. Calvin Smyre of Columbus, the most stalwart African-American supporter of the Clintons in Georgia and a pledged delegate to Hillary Clinton, announced Saturday evening that he would vote for Barack Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
I haven’t talked to Smyre, but this sounds like a reaction to Senator Clinton’s decision — despite her concession today — not to release her delegates to vote for Obama in the first round of convention voting. This could be his way of advising her otherwise.
Smyre is one of the best-connected politicians in Georgia, and is a former chairman of the Democratic party.
Read his entire statement on the jump, but here’s the gist of it:
“In August, I will cast my delegate vote for the next president of the United States, Barack Obama, at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.
“We live now, more than ever, in a time that requires firm resolve, clear vision on issues affecting our country, and a deep faith in the values that make us a great nation.
“Senator Obama stands firm in his ability to make a shift in the way we, as Americans, think as leaders of the world. He is the best qualified to change the dynamics of the American dialogue, both socially and politically.”
GA State Representative Calvin Smyre Endorses Barack Obama for President of the United States of America
(Friday, June 6, 2008) Georgia State Representative Calvin Smyre (D) releases the following statement endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States of America:
“I would like to congratulate and applaud Senator Barack Obama on winning the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. His nomination to head a major party ticket is a defining moment for America. Senator Obama has shown that America is changing and, through his campaign, he has proven that he and his family are some of the many faces of this change.
Senator Obama’s success has connected the work, hopes and dreams of the civil rights generation with the efforts, ideas and plans of the African-American leaders who are emerging in this generation. His success, however, is not just the success of African-Americans, Senator Obama’s nomination as the Democratic party’s presidential candidate represents unity, respect, family, and hope for all Americans.
I have always held, and continue to hold, Hillary Clinton in the highest regard. She is a woman whose character is rooted in public service. Her record achievement is not to be minimized. In fact, she should receive great accolades from our party and our country for the role she has played in reigniting the interest and passion of the American electorate during this spirited campaign.
In August, I will cast my delegate vote for the next president of the United States, Barack Obama, at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. We live now, more than ever, in a time that requires firm resolve, clear vision on issues affecting our country, and a deep faith in the values that make us a great nation. Senator Obama stands firm in his ability to make a shift in the way we, as Americans, think as leaders of the world. He is the best qualified to change the dynamics of the American dialogue, both socially and politically.
As we turn our attention to the general election and Senator John McCain. I fully support the Democratic National Party and Senator Obama’s run for the White House.”
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Ehrhart leaves Facilities Group
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Marietta Daily Journal reports this morning that House Rules Chairman Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) has left the Facilities Group.
The Smyrna company and its top executives have been indicted on federal charges of illegally steering campaign donations to a Mississippi official in order to win a contract.
According to the MDJ:
Ehrhart said Facilities Group founder Robert Moultrie[, one of three indicted company officials,] approached him and offered an amicable departure from The Facility Group, both to avoid the appearance of impropriety and because the allegations against the company could be used by Ehrhart’s political opponents against him.
Ehrhart was a senior vice president with the company. He was not among those charged.
One huge motive for severing political ties with Ehrhart, one of the state Capitol’s most powerful figures: Cobb County is scheduled to vote Sept. 16 to extend a one-cent sales tax for schools.
The Facilities Group has been working with the county school board on the package that will be put in front of voters for their approval.
Photo credit: Ben Gray/AJC
