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DEL.ICIO.USWSB, InsiderAdvantage: Martin takes lead in Democratic race for U.S. Senate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
WSB-TV is touting an InsiderAdvantage poll that says Jim Martin’s TV campaign has given the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate a late and significant lead only days before Tuesday’s primary.
Martin, the only candidate who’s been able to afford a consistent TV campaign, is now preferred by 31 percent of those surveyed. DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones — rebuffed by Barack Obama over that flyer — drops to second place with 20 percent.
Margin of error is 5 percent.
The poll puts former WSB reporter Dale Cardwell at 11 percent; union-endorsed Rand Knight at 4 percent, and Statesboro businessman Josh Lanier at 1 percent.
A whopping 33 percent are undecided. At this point, you have to wonder whether they’ll even show up.
Meanwhile, new campaign reports show that Martin — despite those TV ads — remains the most financially liquid Democrat in the final days.
As of June 30, the former state lawmaker reported $329,954 in cash on hand — but he’s also got debts of $144,663, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Jones reported $150,366 in cash on hand, and no debt.
Rand Knight had $54,034 in the bank, but a debt of 66,828. Of the $227,893 that Knight has raised, $78,128 has come from personal loans.
Cardwell had $20,223 left — and no debt.
Lanier hasn’t raised more than $5,000, so he didn’t have to file a report, according to the Associated Press.
Oh, and that Chambliss fellow — Saxby, the Republican incumbent. He reported only $4,055,173 available for the general election race. No debt, no loans.
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Comments
By Blogfather
July 11, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this
Guns in our homes? Yes! (Protection from.) Concealed weapons in our airports? Please. (Protect me from.)
I used to worry that airport lounges held cultish Hari Krishnas and the mettlesome drum-drum racket of their chants.
Now, I’m afraid of the brutish, hairy kitsch of dumb dumbs and the full mettle jackets in their pants.
Bingo!
By ATL
July 11, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
This race is a waste of everyone’s time. None of these guys will defeat Chambliss.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
July 11, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
Jim Martin doesn’t seem to have it. Agreed.
Lanier doesn’t even show up on the radar. Agreed.
Rand Knight seems to have natural charisma and the ability to draw impressive endorsements in no time flat. But he hasn’t got $$$$. He would stand a chance if Obama hadn’t turned into a spineless coward. Now? I doubt it…
Cardwell….seems like someone who is a great and marvelous fellow…but the man has been running for a solid year, has no major endorsements and only $20,000 to show for it. I may vote for him in the primary, but that’s because I like him…not because I expect him to win.
Vernon Jones…AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAAA!
Basically…sadly…agreed.
Which is a shame because I am quite sure Chambliss could be beaten.
By New South Lady
July 11, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this
While I like Jim Martin on a personal level and believe him to be intelligent as well as honest, let’s just admit openly that he is not Mr. Charisma! He did not strike sparks when he ran against (heaven help us) Casey Cagle (sometimes called chicken lips in this blog) and I don’t think he will do it in this race. It seems that anyone who walks, talks and chews gum should be able to beat Saxby Chambless; but, for all our sakes, we need to pick the best man we have to make the race.Therefore, I submit that Rand Knight should be our candidate. Quit slobbering over the polls and go to the polls. The WSB poll is not to be trustedl. Let’s look at where they are coming from. WSB is a part of the same corporate enclave that owns the AJC. Their editorial policies have pretty much tracked one another to the extent that we can assume that there is one hand pulling the strings. I think the string-puller is the corporate owner, don’t you?Now, take a look at Rand. He’s young, passionate, energetic, charismatic and intelligent. I also believe he is sincere in his quest to do the right things for Georgia and the Nation. Rand is a well-educated environmentalist and businessman who would take the lead in creating green jobs for Georgians and for the country, he would move us on a viable course for energy independence (admittedly a goal that cannot be quicly achieved) which we must begin to do immediately. Rand has the support of labor, teachers and seniors. He should have the support of every Georgian who thinks that it is time to do something about the economy, the cost of gas, the safety and security of seniors’ Medicare and Soc. Security benefits.Come on folks — It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that Saxby’s record will sink him. He is W’s little sock puppet. He voted against veterans, the elderly, your children’s education, and your children’s healthcare. He has greased himself up at the pork barrell and has never met a lobbyist he wouldn’t take money from. Aren’t you tired of voting for a shameless jerk who puts Washington’s greedy lobbyists ahead of your needs.Forget the Polls, go to the Polls, vote for RAND KNIGHT.New South Lady
By amosley
July 11, 2008 1:39 PM | Link to this
I am a vernon jones supporter along with the other supposed “20%” voters. I am insulted that the ajc and wsb would dare place anyone infront of my CEO and future senator… I have spent a little time at his campaign headquarteres and seen his grassroots team in action and on tuesday when he takes the election with no run off I want these media outlets to apologize to the democtatic nominee.
By New South Lady
July 11, 2008 5:21 PM | Link to this
Amosley, how on earth can you continue to support VJ after his blatant and dishonest attempt to join his campaign to Obama, offering the false impression that he was endorsed by Obama? Jones is dishonest and this is not the first time he has been caught read handed. Come on, grow up and find a real candidate, one who can stand alone without grabbing on to the coattails of another candidate without consulting him. New South Lady
By Mongoose in a den of snakes
July 12, 2008 2:19 AM | Link to this
Cardwell is about being right and doing the right thing!! Not about telling people what they want to hear to be popular. If you want HONESTY and CHANGE, VOTE CARDWELL…
By Mr. Matthew Hall
July 12, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
New south lady, first off let me tell you you have been found out. We know your Rand Knight’s wife. How dare you have the gall to say V.J. for Ga. is trying join the Obamama campaign; never thats just a political figure supporting another. However, lets talk about Mr.Knight with the Max Clevland mailer when Mr.Clevland was like he wouldnt even vote for your hubby so how does that make Mr.Knight look Mrs.Knight. Who’s riding who’s coat tail. THINK ABOUT IT!!!
By Mr. Matthew Hall
July 12, 2008 11:59 PM | Link to this
New south lady, first off let me tell you you have been found out. We know your Rand Knight’s wife. How dare you have the gall to say V.J. for Ga.. is trying join the Obamama campaign; never thats just a political figure supporting another. However, lets talk about Mr.Knight with the Max Clevland mailer when Mr.Clevland was like he wouldnt even vote for your hubby so how does that make Mr.Knight look Mrs.Knight. Who’s riding who’s coat tail. THINK ABOUT IT!!!