Home > Political Insider > Archives > 2008 > June > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKnight brings the pun
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s still a few weeks until the Democratic primary to determine which Democrat will win the right to run against incumbent Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss in November.
No one is making predictions in the five-man field that includes former TV reporter Dale Cardwell, DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, former state legislator Jim Martin, Atlanta businessman Rand Knight and retired businessman and former U.S. Senate staffer Josh Lanier. If one of the five does not win outright in the July 15 contest, there will be a runoff three weeks later.
However, a clear crowd favorite for the best political slogan has emerged at two U.S. Senate forums in recent weeks. At an Atlanta forum two weeks back and one last week in Athens, candidate Knight was given an enthusiastic round of applause — despite moderator warnings — when he vowed: “The sun is setting on Saxby Chambliss. It’s Knight time.”
Before Knight can deliver on the slogan, however, he must first get past candidates who are much better known than himself. Cardwell was a frequent face on WSB-TV for years. CEO Jones is in the news weekly. And Martin has been a fixture in the Democratic party for years.
None of that mattered much to organized labor, a key group underpinning most successful Democrat campaigns. The state chapter of the AFL-CIO took at pass on the better-known Martin and threw its support behind the newcomer Knight.
— Jim Tharpe
Comments
By Georgia Blue
June 23, 2008 3:36 PM | Link to this
It’s the right time for Knight time! Applause, applause! I’ve met the enthusiastic Mr. Knight. Listen to his ideas, and you’ll be a believer too — not just in his green-job ideas, but in his ability to put aside politics as usual, get down to business, and get something done for a change. The successful economies of the future will be built on green jobs and new processes and technologies that recycle, reuse, and innovate instead of those that continue to bow and scrape in dependence to the same ol status quo. Haven’t we polluted our state enough making the Saudis rich? The Saudis aren’t paying for PeachCare. Exxon doesn’t care if Georgians have to work one job or three to support their families. BP isn’t concerned with our graduation rates and whether Georgia’s youth have viable career paths, or if the economic engines in our small rural towns have sputtered and died.
Rand Knight cares! Listen to him for ten minutes, or go to his site, and you’ll see why people are getting excited about this newcomer who wants to take care of business here at home. How refreshing!
By Clarke County Young Dem
June 23, 2008 4:12 PM | Link to this
As a former Martin, now Knight supporter, I was thrilled to see the endorsement of the AFL CIO here in Georgia!
While Martin has touted his insider ties, Knight has out hussled the seemingly lazy and disinterested “front runner”.
Jim Martin should have stayed out of this race and let those who really want to win this race take their best shot at it.
By Mableton Mom
June 23, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
Rand Knight has been fun to watch. The guy has no money, no experience, no insider PAC friends, has been continually snubbed by the media and yet has won our hearts.
I am a life long Democrat and am proud to be supporting Rand Knight in the 7/15th Primary!
For the good of the party, Jim Mello-Martin should drop out.
By MT
June 23, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
I was initially excited to see Jim Martin’s entrance into the race, but as I have watched a shell of a campaign take place, I have lost all interest in him.
Where can I learn more about the other candidates in the race?
By Rand, your Beemer's ready
June 23, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this
Common Rand, don’t you have any more family members who can write the AJC for you?
By Union man for Rand
June 23, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this
Rand doesn’t need family members to post for him.He has what none of the other candidates seem to be able to get, a motivated and energized group of supporters willing to do battle for him.MT, check out www.knightforsenate.com
By union man for Rand
June 23, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Rand doesn’t need family members to post for him.He has what none of the other candidates seem to be able to get, a motivated and energized group of supporters willing to do battle for him.MT, check out www.knightforsenate.com
By Rand
June 23, 2008 5:55 PM | Link to this
Thanks Dad!
By Union Man for Rand
June 23, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Seems like someone is worried enough about Rand to begin the whisper campaign against him.
By atlanta architect
June 23, 2008 7:21 PM | Link to this
Knight, you have my vote, and several of my friends~!
By betty boop
June 24, 2008 12:36 AM | Link to this
Rand Knight’s energy, personalty, and intelligence are great assets and he is learning very fast how to capitalize on them.
Betty Boop
By bkfab
June 24, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this
“And Martin has been a fixture in the Democratic party for years.” Sadly the 2006 campaign indicated what kind of fixture Martin’s been. Rand Knight’s one bright guy that really stands out in this race. He could bring rural Georgia out against Saxby, given the green jobs challenge to the last 5 1/2 years of downhill slide.