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DEL.ICIO.USJoe Lowery set to endorse in U.S. Senate race, and he’s not backing Vernon Jones
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Democrat Jim Martin is on the verge of receiving the biggest endorsement of his U.S. Senate race — a primary contest that has seen many African-American leaders shy away from standing against DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones.
The Rev. Joseph Lowery, the grand old man of the Civil Rights movement, has scheduled an 11 a.m. Wednesday press conference to make an endorsement in Tuesday’s Democratic run-off.
Now, when the Insider caught him at home, Lowery, 86, wouldn’t say who he’s going to endorse. But he dropped two big hints.
First, as John Lewis knows, Lowery is a big supporter of Barack Obama in the presidential contest. And he said the Obama campaign should be about inclusion. It should be multi-racial.
Then there was the other hint. “I’m not supporting Vernon Jones,” Lowery said.
All this week, word has been going out through the back channels of the state Democratic party — that Obama would rather not appear on the same platform with Jones. Lowery’s endorsement of Martin would be a major piece of evidence of this talk.
Ellery Gould of the Martin campaign would only say this:
“I can only confirm on the record that we are planning a press conference tomorrow and that Jim believes Rev. Lowery to be a leader of tremendous vision and accomplishment, and one of the great American voices for equality and justice.”
Jones was also busy Tuesday, displaying the support he’s pinned down in the state’s African-American community. He, too, produced a Civil Rights veteran to endorse his candidacy.
The DeKalb County CEO appeared on the steps of the old DeKalb County courthouse with about a dozen elected officials.
But my AJC colleague Jim Tharpe, who was there, said it was the Rev. Willie M. Bolden, a Cedartown Baptist minister who participated in the historic Selma-to-Montgomery march in the mid-1960s, who gave Jones his most ringing endorsement.
Bolden said he never dreamed in the ’60s that Georgia might one day have a black U.S. senator. “But we’re going to have one,” he said.
Jones thanked Bolden for his efforts to pass the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which Jones said has made his run for office possible.
Among the elected officials named by Jones as supporters:
— State Reps. Roger Bruce of Atlanta; Michele Henson of Stone Mountain; Keith Heard of Athens; Carolyn Hugley of Columbus; Lester Jackson of Savannah; Lynmore James of Montezuma; David Lucas of Macon; Randal Mangham of Decatur; Billy Mitchell of Stone Mountain; Howard Mosby of Atlanta; Quincy Murphy of Augusta; Robbin Shipp of Atlanta; Pam Stephenson of Atlanta; Able Mable Thomas of Atlanta; Al Williams of Midway; and Earnest “Coach” Williams of Avondale Estates.
— State Sens. Steve Henson of Tucker; Gail Davenport, who represents Clayton County; and Ed Harbison of Columbus.
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Comments
By michelle44
July 29, 2008 6:04 PM | Link to this
I know that Rev. Martin Luther King is turning over in his grade. Joseph Lowery is a disgrace!! Just like John Lewis he should be ashamed of himself. He is a sell out!! How much or what did Jim Martin pay him?????
By Eager for Election Day
July 29, 2008 6:05 PM | Link to this
I eagerly await the day I can see the severe blow to Vernon Jones ego as he loses the election to Martin. This man squandered tax dollars so he could have a security detail of five men follow him around 24 hours because he was the CEO of Dekalb County. Um, outside of Dekalb County no one would know him frim Joe Blow on the street. I mean, let’s be real here. Did he think he was a celebrity?
By Eager for Election Day
July 29, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
I am sitting back in eager anticipation for election day when Vernon Jones is dealt the huge blow of defeat in the election to his super enormous ego. This man thinks he is so big and powerful that he needed five security guards during any public appearance. I mean, let’s be real here. He’s no celebrity.
By southside girl
July 29, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this
Sell out? I think not! I am African-American and I in all good conscious can NOT support Vernon Jones! I agree with Dr. Lowery and I will also be voting for Jim Martin. You can bank that!
By Mickey
July 29, 2008 6:16 PM | Link to this
Anyone who supports Vernon Jones is uneducated, unenlightened, uninformed and just plain un.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=20435195786&ref=nf
By Mickey
July 29, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this
Anyone who supports Vernon Jones is uneducated, unenlightened, uninformed and just plain un.
By geejai54
July 29, 2008 6:18 PM | Link to this
Why should Rev. MLK be turning over in his grave. He believed in being judged by the content of your character not by the color of your skin. I am not supporting Jones because I don’t see that he has been an effective CEO for DeKalb County and therefore can not represent me in Congress. And I have not forgotten the incident with the young lady who filed rape charges. Although they were dropped he was far from innocent. Go back and research the AJC archives and then talk about MLK turning over in his grave. One thing I taught my sons growing up was that every white person was not your enemy and every black person was not your friend. In other words judge people on what was on the inside not what was on the outside
By Surprised
July 29, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this
Oh, gosh, where is my surpise face? Joseph Lowery is being criticized for not blindly supporting a candidate because of his skin color. What ever happened to judging the person based on the content of their character? Michelle44, I think Dr. King would be turning over his grave for your remark and not Lowery’s choice. Perhaps Jones just isn’t the best candidate.
By Beth
July 29, 2008 6:30 PM | Link to this
I am a black female in south Dekalb that is embarassed and sick of Jones’ poor behaivor and lack of statesmanship. His escapades with women was deplorable but using Obama on his campaign literature and proudly declaring he voted for Bush twice shows he is no leader, Democratic or otherwise. I could give him the benefit of the doubt for crossing party lines the first time he voted for Bush but the second shows he is void of any intelligence, just like Bush.
By Preston
July 29, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this
Way to go Joseph Lowery!! I as a proud black man support you 110%. I will not support Jones as he is not a man of his word. To sit there and pretend that Barack supports his candidancy is an example of the lies and treachory that he will rain down on the “Great State of Georgia”. Just because a person is black and running for office does not mean that you have to support it. Learn to make your own decisions based on the best evidence that you can obtain. Just do not vote for a person just because they are black. All black people are not good and all white people are not bad.
By michelle44
July 29, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
What has Jim Martin ever done for black people. He has never before been seen in our neighborhoods but you give him a free ride. Vernon Jones has been here for us and we have seen him make improvements that no one before him had made but all we want to do is criticize him. What has Jim Martin done for you? I saw him at South Dekalb Mall this past weekend he had never been there before. He had never sat at their food court and had a meal amongst us. He probably could not tell you how to get there but that does not matter let’s condemn the one that has been there trying to make our lives better. All I can say is WOW
By MariofromStnMtn
July 29, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
Who actually pays attention to Joseph Lowery and the other racist pimps that are out there? I certainly don’t.
By Shanaynay Jenkins
July 29, 2008 6:40 PM | Link to this
Have can any brother or sister vote for Martin(Whitey) when there is a true brother in the race. We must stick together and support Mr. CEO Jones. Ya Feels ME?
By Preston
July 29, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
The question is what has Jones done for me? I do not leave in Dekalb County so his treachory has not reached me….yet. I do not want to be embarrased by the shenanigans of Jones in DC…Martin’s positions are more closely aligned to my positions than Jones. I will take my chance…
By mc
July 29, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this
michelle44 you are about is bright as bill clinton helping hillary, way to bring in the race card. give it up…
By Stan
July 29, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this
I am confused Michelle44, why are they sell outs? He just endorsed who he thinks is the best candidate. Why should it be about anything else?
By Preston
July 29, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
I see that Jones asked his girlfriend Shanaynay to respond to this post…
By DaninMacon
July 29, 2008 6:51 PM | Link to this
Democrat voters and candidates alway bring up the race card. It is the bread of butter of the Democrat party. M44’s mistake was not posing as a conservative. It works better that way.
By Chief Nocka-Nocka, Who is It?
July 29, 2008 6:54 PM | Link to this
Yall’s the ones whose backed the fool Your boy GW. Funny I don’y see any of u yellow bellie frat-boys around town with your W hats -whatever happened to your W hat- doin’ s** about nothing, so shut up and put on your pledge pin, whoops, I of course mean the little American flag you demand others where, isn’t enough to just ruin your own ‘hood
By Susan
July 29, 2008 6:56 PM | Link to this
Michelle44 —
Are you really suggesting that Jones is a better candidate because he’s eaten a meal in the food court at South Dekalb Mall? Do you really think that a George Bush lapdog is the way to improve our country?
If Jones cares about Black people, why did he vote for Bush twice?
Also, assuming you are a woman, why would you choose a candidate who allegedly raped a woman? Surely you recognize that this is one of the ways that our society legitimizes violence against women?
By NICK
July 29, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this
Please do not embarass the state of Georgia by voting Vernon Jones to represent the Democratic Party….There is no way he could beat Chambliss, but just the fact that this criminal THUG has made it this far in the race is SCARY!
By Copyleft
July 29, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this
Hey Chief, what does Bush have to do with Jones, Martin, Lowery or democratic race card playing?
By Susan
July 29, 2008 7:20 PM | Link to this
Copyleft —
Here’s what Bush has to do with it. I’ll spell it out, in case you haven’t been paying attention to the world the past few years:
1) Bush is widely considered to be the worst president in U.S. history. His approval scores (based on surveys of Americans) are lower than post-impeachment Nixon, or any other president at any time since 1937. We can debate whether Georgians continue to support Bush because they don’t read, or are generally dim-witted. But that doesn’t change the fact of the colossal failure of this administration.
2) Vernon Jones voted for him twice, and says as much during interviews.
Conclusion: Vernon Jones has incredibly poor judgment concerning matters of state. As a bonus, Vernon Jones’ platform is essentially “I’m Black, like Obama,” even though Obama does not support him. So in addition to being a bad decision-maker, he’s also a race-baiter. A real two-fer.
By Tony
July 29, 2008 7:29 PM | Link to this
I will be voting against Vernon for the 2nd time. I am a black man who wants to see the best go up against the republicans and start to make better decisions for GA. Jones has been arrogant and showed a lack of character since the day I moved to Dekalb and gotten to know him. Since, I have rented my house out and moved to Rockdale.
He does not know how to act in the backwoods of GA. How do you think he will act in D.C.? I think the job is too big for him and I would hate to help “promote someone to a level of incompetence”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Tony
July 29, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
I will be voting against Vernon for the 2nd time. I am a black man who wants to see the best go up against the republicans and start to make better decisions for GA. Jones has been arrogant and showed a lack of character since the day I moved to Dekalb and gotten to know him. Since, I have rented my house out and moved to Rockdale.
He does not know how to act in the backwoods of GA. How do you think he will act in D.C.? I think the job is too big for him and I would hate to help “promote someone to a level of incompetence”!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Charles
July 29, 2008 7:44 PM | Link to this
All this back and forth is meaningless among all you idiots. Chambliss will win big in November. Jones or Martin are toast. Count on it.
By sojournertruth
July 29, 2008 7:54 PM | Link to this
Will you South Dekalb people stop moving to Rockdale County. Don’t bring the crime to Rockdale County!
By Jack
July 29, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this
Good move Rev. Lowery, I agree with your decision to support Mr. Martin. I have been a resident of Cobb county since I moved to Georgia in 1987. I have never had the opportunity to vote for Mr. Jones until the recent primary election. I chose not to vote for him, because his views, value and integrity differ greatly from mine. I would assume that Mr. Jones will be casting his presidential vote for John McCain, they both will say and do whatever they need to do to win an election, regardless of how negative and dishonest it may be. Call me an Uncle Tom, or say that I sold out, it really doen’t matter to me. I have to look at myself in the mirror, and explain to my son that all things being equal or a fraction less you vote for the black candidate. But when the black candidate is a man of Mr. Jones’ less the honorable character to vote for him… then that vote would be a sell out. In 1962 and 63 as a 14 year old kid I marched with John Lewis in Nashville, so I know the value of the vote. I will never as long as I am Black give my vote to an undeserving Black candidate, especially one who has no respect for our heaven sent Black women. I am positive that if (BIG IF) Mr. Jones were elected he would not be a asset to Barack Obama, he would be the black Joe Lieberman.
OBAMA ‘08
Obama
By Churchill
July 29, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
You going to set Tom GA Hunter off Charles, be careful. The guy is obsessed with Saxby. It is like Pavlov’s dogs. You say Saxby and he is trained to go nuts. You are spot on with your prediction, though. Cheers.
By lea
July 29, 2008 8:04 PM | Link to this
MICHELLE44, your attitude is not good. I applaud Rev Lowery. I believe he makes decisions based on his convictions— he always has. And I, too, voted against Vernon Jones based on his reprehensible public and private behavior and the fact that he PROUDLY supported George Bush. Let the Bushies put him in the Senate—not me. I’m voting for Martin. You people who are just preaching race need to check yourselves. If someone white said what you said about McCain, you would scream foul. We all would. BTW, I’m an INTELLIGENT, thinking black woman. MR CEO does not get my vote!!
By Nikole
July 29, 2008 8:07 PM | Link to this
I am black female that works and lives in Dekalb County and I am sad that Vernon Jones got so many votes in the primary. This man voted for George Bush twice! I can excuse the first time, but not the second. I don’t blame Barack Obama not wanting to be associated with him.
WAKE UP PEOPLE!
By Susan
July 29, 2008 8:08 PM | Link to this
Charles —
You’re probably right. After all, Georgia has the one of the lowest (or lowest, depending on the year) high school graduation rates in the nation. Chambliss, like Bush, will have no problem getting the uneducated masses to vote for him.
By Miguel
July 29, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
People, Rev. Lowery does not have to support Vernon Jones because he is black, with this type of logic whites will only vote for Jim Martin. Peopl, even civil right icons should vote for who they feel will represent Georgia the best, regardless of race.
By ObamaSupporter
July 29, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
Obama has an outside shot at winning Georgia but only if Vernon is OFF THE BALLOT!!! It’s time for George W Bush and his supporter (Vernon Jones) to go away. OBAMA ALL THE WAY!
By DeKalbVoter
July 29, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Too funny. Vern runs for the Senate after being accused of rape. He says he loves W. Go Figure. He’s endoresed by Pam Stephenson! That’s a riot in itself. Where is his old buddy Riley or Wiley Jackson? He used him to fire the police chief or sheriff because he was too afraid to do it. Vern needs to go. Now. He cannot win a state-wide election.
By Concerned for DKPD
July 29, 2008 8:24 PM | Link to this
Vernon Jones single handedly destroyed the DeKalb County Police Department. It will never be the same, ever. Now Burrell Ellis will pick up the torch and run with it. The FOP has endorsed Stan Watson for a reason and that is because the officers truly believe he will make improvements. It was a tragic day in DeKalb when Vernon was elected CEO, please vote for Martin.
By ron
July 29, 2008 8:39 PM | Link to this
vernon jones is a disgrace to represent the black community in a state wide race,he speaks of supporting bush in both elections in’00 and’04.he manufactures a photo showing he and senator obama on the platform together.as a black american living in georgia i had no problem in casting my vote with “RAND” who was a candidate on the ballot july 15th.i will cast my ballot against jones in the upcoming runoff without any hesistancy.
By KK-Decatur
July 29, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
Hey,
Michelle, I’m a black female voter of Dekalb and as far as Vernon, no, no not my vote. Cynthina McKinney’s gone from Dekalb County, let Vernon join her.
By Very Concerned About Georgia
July 29, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
I paid attention also when my parents told me that not all black people are your friends & not all white people are your enemies. A vote for Jones just because he’s black is totally idiotic. If you gonna support him, then offer something besides “he’s black like me.” That’s one of the reasons Clayton County school system is facing losing its accreditation. I’ll admit that I don’t know much about Jim Martin, but it beats what I do know about Vernon Jones. I’m not voting for Jones cause he’s black like me. I’ll vote for Jim Martin. I may not know much about him, but I’ll take my chances. Jones is not worth the risk.
By Shanaynay Jenkins
July 29, 2008 8:57 PM | Link to this
No true Black person would vote for Martin. What has that skinny white boy done to help us? Nothing. I am still poor. My kids are still failing school. And alI i’s see is a lot rich white folk. Vernon is the only way for true brothas and sistas to go. Would you tell some blacks to not vote for Obama? Whats the difference? Obama should pick Jones for his running mate if he want to win Georgia.
By jamienatlanta
July 29, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
It’s going to be a wasted runoff anyway.
Vernon is a crook and a loser. He convinces the poor blacks to be lazy and that whitey owes them.
Jim Martin is too wimpy.
VOTE SAXBY CHAMBLISS A REAL AMERICAN VOTE FOR MCCAIN AN AMERICAN HERO NOT A “0”BAMA
By Fulton
July 29, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
Thank God Joseph Lowery does not feel pressured to vote for Vernon Jones just because he’s black. Jones is a snake and a disgrace! He couldn’t even handle the responsibility of DeKalb County without drama & scandal, what makes him think we have any confidence in him to send him to Washington? He’s been an open Bush supporter & now, had the nerve to try the scam of showing him & Obama on the same ticket. Dr. Lowery may be old…but he sure as hell ain’t stupid!!
By ObamaSupporter
July 29, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Okay Shanaynay… you are not fooling anybody with your post. You are clearly a Republican plant!
By Kim
July 29, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Vernon Jones will not receive my vote. Any “intelligent” Black man who voted for George Bush TWICE and isn’t ashamed of it does not deserve my vote. As for “Rev. Martin Luther King”… “turning over in his grave”. He may be turning over in his grave, but it surely isn’t because Rev. Lowery supports Jim Martin. The state of this country would be enough to turn anyone over in their grave.
By Ray
July 29, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this
Dekalb county is not the desination it once was primarily because of increasing crime which Jones basically ignored. The best and the brightest are settling in Gwinnett, Fayette and Henry and are actively avoiding the murder-a-night Dekalb.
It is not a coincidence that the one pperson from his administration running tto replace him did not even make the rrunoffs. It is also not a coincidence that Obama is actively avoiding Jones since he votedfor Bush twice. That tells me Jones views are more in line with Bush than Obama.
By Vernon Jones "Spoof"
July 29, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yF8wgUMH9Kk
I got a chuckle out of this clip. BTW, People don’t even bring up that Vernon endorsed Republican Congressman Lynn Westmoreland a few years ago. Lynn Westmoreland went on to sponsor legislation that would overturned the Voting Rights Act. Westmoreland also praised Blackwater and told their CEO that he was doing a good job during a committee meeting. You have to see this to believe it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3zXftyVAhk
Vernon Jones has poor judgement and he just can’t be trusted. If you’re a good Democrat you can’t possibly support Vernon Jones candidacy.
By hop
July 29, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this
there is no doubt the worst president was james earl carter who almost bankrupt the country with failed policies such as double digit inflation, double digit mortgage rates,and prime interest rate that was the highest in the history.
ole by the way, lied to the american people that we were running low of oil,when we know that we have plenty of oil in and around america.
high gas prices today is due to the scare tactics of carter convincing the WACHO ENVIRONMENTALIST, that it was bad for america to use oil based products.
the long lines at the gas pump was jimmy carter’s doings and the high price today is due in part to his convincing the federal government to stop exploring for new oil fields , reducing high paying jobs in the oil industry, and that cause america’s dependency to foreign oil.
if we don’t start pumping oil locally, this country will go bankrupt because we are sending overseas’s almost a trillion dollars a year to pay for the oil imported overesae’s today.
wake up amewrica!
By Shanaynay Jenkins
July 29, 2008 10:22 PM | Link to this
I is a democrat writer ObamaSupporter. I want to see all brothas and sistas on ballot elected. So what Mr. CEO may not be real clean but neither is that skinny white boy. If I sat on Martin I would break his scrawny hind end in two. Us Blacks folk have been living with white folk influence for 500 year. It is time for all Brothas and Sistas to support they own. Ya feels ME?????????
By sssimpson
July 29, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this
Bravo Rev. Lowery ! Vernon Jones stands for many things that I don’t support. I will not be voting for Vernon Jones in this election and I appreciate, courageous and visionary leaders such as Rev. Lowery.
By Copyleft
July 29, 2008 10:33 PM | Link to this
The black vote for Jones could help Obama win GA. What is more important a Senator or a President? We really need to think this thing through. I am, as of now, undecided.
By Back to the topic
July 29, 2008 10:48 PM | Link to this
Hop,
What on Earth does your comment have to do with what we’re talking about? Just be patient and you’ll get a relevant thread where you can spew your Shawn Hannity talking points on energy policy. This thread is about Joseph Lowery’s endorsement of Jim Martin and the fall out from it. If you don’t have anything relevant to say about this go back to watching Fox News or jacking off to pictures of Laura Ingram or whatever it is you do with your free time.
-On another note,and back to the topic I’m glad to see so many African Americans speeking out against Vernon Jones. I also commend Reverend Lowery for his political courage. Reverend Lowery endorsed Barack Obama long before it was cool to endorse Obama. He also called “W” out at Coretta Scott King’s funeral. Some would say he was out of line, but I’m sure Coretta was smiling down on him when he did it. I think he is a man of great conviction and truly a living legend. God Bless You, Reverend Lowery.
By Shanaynay Jenkins
July 29, 2008 10:57 PM | Link to this
Hop is some whitey trying to take away from the discussion about Mr. CEO Jones, and the white democrats that are refusing to support him cuz he is black. Obama is gonna have the same trouble or is he white enough for you white folk frontin democrats?? Yall can say it aint about race. It is alway about race.
By Tirshata
July 29, 2008 10:59 PM | Link to this
I will not vote for Vernon Jones. Remember the young lady who filed rape charges against him. The charges were dropped but I do not believe he was innocent. She was probably pressured to drop the charges. And we cannot vote for him just because he’s black. NO WAY! People wake up color has nothing to do with it. I applaud Rev Lowery.
By Shanaynay Jenkins
July 29, 2008 11:05 PM | Link to this
Gotta go hit the club. Holla.
By BoopFarta Ididieah
July 29, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this
free your mind and the rest will follow
By Dr.A
July 30, 2008 12:05 AM | Link to this
Right on Rev Lowry. As Mlk has said “the true measure of a man is not where he stands during moments of comfort and convenience but where stands during moments comflict and controversy” In 2008 African Americans should have learned that if a man has the hue in does not mean he has the view! Vernon Jones has not earned my vote!
By W Hat
July 30, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
Where oh where have all those sweating, balding heads gone? I miss them so. What happened to the pride? You fellas are gonna need um when our oil masters finally get all that precious USA oil up in Alaska ten years from now and then we’ll have three more years of $10 gallon gas leftover to guarantee global climate destruction. Yesiree, they gonna need a lot W hats to cover them burnin, baldin heads.
By Wackolibhack
July 30, 2008 1:12 AM | Link to this
It is Bush’s fault that W Hat needs more hats. It is Bush’s fault that Clinton did not let us drill in ANWAR 15 years ago. It is Bush’s fault that my party will not let us exploit our own resources here at home. It is Bush fault that Lowry had to endorse the skinny white boy. It is Bush’s fault that that we will all get skin cancer. It is Bush;s fault that there is cancer. There was never any climate change at all ever through recorded time until Bush and it is his fault. I hate Bush!!!!
By Sal
July 30, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this
It ceases to amaze me how people who have never run for public office, worked for a government office or participated in any real political issues can have the audacity to open their mouths and rattle off such buffoonish comments! As someone who works for a U. S. Representative and splits my time between residences in both DC & Savannah, but grew up in Miami, I am always amazed at how the residents of Georgia (Metro Atlanta in particular) are so behind times! To get upset at a man like Joseph Lowery for righteously supporting a candidate like Jim Martin does not make him a “sellout” or anything of the sort. Check his history. The man is known for forming alliances with likeminded individuals who are of the best interest of the “whole community”…not just one segment. Individuals who have not skipped a beat or wavered one bit in their decisions. Individuals who are open-minded enough to seek input from not only their own, but the minority community, too. And more importantly, individuals who would likely not make you regret voting for him or her. Whereas these type of qualities appear to identify more with Jim Martin, unfortunately they fail in comparison to Vernon Jones, who is a man who has proven (time & again) that he has little (if any) respect for WOMEN…the same species that gave him life. Yet, you misguided few & gullable puppets who support him actually want him to represent you as your State Senator? I have but one question: “Are you retarted or just plain stupid?”
By The Centrist
July 30, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this
Why does one of the 25%’ers (Bush Supporter) defend the failed Bush Administration when the topic is who Joseph Lowery is supporting?
By Aaron Burr
July 30, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this
(Sound of Saxaphone music going on in the background with funky guitar music as well)
Wackoliberal hack is gettin’ it on with his Bush love again. Wackoliberalhack loves Bush. Bush lovin’.
Bush can do no wrong.
Bush is da messiah. Oh yeah.
Wackoliberal hack sticks out his tounge and (bleep) (bleep) Bush’s (bleep) (bleep). Oh Mr. Bush! I can’t believe (bleep) (bleep) (bleep).
Really Wackoliberalhack!
By Mableton Mom
July 30, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
http://georgiaunfiltered.blogspot.com/2008/07/jim-martin-for-senate-tommy-irvin.html
Lies!
By DeKalb Voter
July 30, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
The last time I checked we are all free to endorse the person of our choice, this includes Lowery. I thin Martin has a slightly better chance in the general election than Jones does but I don’t think either men have a chance over the republican candidate. Both senators from Georgia will be republican.
By amosley
July 30, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this
I am a proud jones supporter and a dekalb county resident, I am a avid supporter of his campaign and based off of his work in dekalb such as more parks, wider roads, more libraies, sidewalks, more community involvement. I cant wait to see what he can do for this state and nation. Vernon Jones 2008.
By Actual Democrat
July 30, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this
amosely, so you were in the van following the Knight supporters the night of the 14th, yanking up the signs they placed, collecting a dollar a pop? He did pay you, didn’t he? He paid the others.
By Tierd Of False Facts
July 30, 2008 2:40 PM | Link to this
Black People, including Rev. Lowery this has been going on since slavery the white people say or do something to turn blacks against each other and we fall for it and this is what is happening now. Does it matter who a candidate voted for that his choice, would that effect how he will represent the issues and policies that will help the state of Georgia, which he has a proven record of making changes in Dekalb that was neglected for years. Does it matter if he put a picture with a face on a flier stating that they share the same vision in representing change as we see all the time Sen. Obama picture with Dr. Martin Luther King without permission from Dr. King he was only six years old when he was killed so I am sure he did’nt endorse him, another thing that has been misquoted, Sen. Obama never said that he would not endorse him, he said he was not endorsing anyone in the primary race. Black people quickly magnify the negative things about each other because I have not read or heard anyone of them including Joseph Lowery speak on the fact that Jim Martin rather than vote for a woman or a black man , he voted for John Edwards who had dropped out of the race before the Ga. primary. People always talk about it not the color of skin that matters, I beg to differ, everyday of your life you will be judge by the color of your skin and until black people who think that they have arrived, realize that you just a black person that if they had to choose between you or them they will stick with each other because they already know that black people is the only race of people they do not or will not stick together for anything. Yes, Martin Luther King is turning over in his grave @ Rev. Lowery because his life was sacrificed to get us to the point that a black man could run for Pres. or U S Senate position. Black people will never learn or stick together. But you can rest assure they will always stick together.
By Vernon would get 30%
July 30, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this
I’m a staunch Democrat and I admit that Martin and Jones will have an uphill battle against Saxby. Martin, however, will have a much better chance at riding the Obama wave to a possible upset than Vernon Jones. Jones would get 30% of the vote even if Obama got 46-47%. The reason is that a lot of strong Democrats will not vote for Jones under any circumstances. It’s not because he’s black. Anyone who would bring that up is misinformed. Vernon will not get base Democrat support because of his two votes for Bush, his anti-union positions and his poor character. Dems won’t vote for Saxby, but if Jones wins the libertarian will poll over 10% because of protest votes.
Martin gives us the best chance to win and at the very least he’ll help Obama and down ticket Democrats maximize their vote in Georgia. I would rather have Saxby in office than have Vernon Jones as the highest ranking Democrat in Georgia. Scratch that…Vernon isn’t really a Democrat.
By Actual Democrat
July 30, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this
“Tired of False Facts,” it is clear you learned nothing from Dr. King. Please excuse the rest of us — of all colors, religions, and nationalities — who did, and who choose to go forward from your self-imposed delusions of persecution. Jones is NOT a Democrat and he’s NOT an honest man. Most of us have nothing but respect and appreciation for John Lewis and Hank Johnson: actual Democrats. What’s the matter, aren’t they black enough to suit you? Or is it just the honesty and integrity part you find so offensive?
By Katie
July 30, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this
Vernon Jones is probably the only democrat in the state who would make me vote republican if he won the nomination. If he wins over Martin, Chambliss will get my vote. And yes, I am black. Vernon is simply an embarressment.
By amosley
July 30, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
I have never followed a van, but if a man that couldnt beat casy cagle for a vacant seat cant beat vernon jones. Dr. king would be very proud of the work Vernon, Hank, cynthia, and Lewis have done here in the state and around the city he was born and raised in. and What is a real democrat? and whay should i be obligated to a party that is out of touch with me? Why cant i support the canidate that has the same views as me no matter what party he is in. I am a DEMOCRAT according to the 2008 version of the party platform but in 2009 it might not be the same.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
July 30, 2008 3:40 PM | Link to this
How sad.
By W and VJ sittin in a tree
July 30, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Mosely and all VJ supporters,
Ask yourself the following questions.
Do you think the Iraq war was a good idea?
Do you think the Bush tax cuts were a good idea?
Do you believe Global Warming is not man made?
Do you think Bush did a valiant job in responding to Hurrican Katrina?
If you answer yes to all or most of those questions than Vernon Jones is your guy!
Also, Obama doesn’t like Vernon Jones and he will not campaign with him. Obama hasn’t formerly endorsed Jim Martin, but he has strongly rebuked and actually cracked some jokes at Vernon Jones expense. Jones is also stretching things by bringing up that Martin voted for Edwards in the primary as if that should disqualify Martin. John Edwards is much closer to Barack Obama than say George W. Bush. Switching from Edwards to Obama doesn’t require much of a change in principles, but switching from Bush to Obama is an ideological flip flop of Biblical proportions. Vernon Jones makes me sick!
By W and VJ sittin in a tree
July 30, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this
Mosely and all VJ supporters,
Ask yourself the following questions.
Do you think the Iraq war was a good idea?
Do you think the Bush tax cuts for the super rich were a good idea?
Do you believe Global Warming is not man made?
Do you think Bush did a valiant job in responding to Hurrican Katrina?
If you answer yes to all or most of those questions than Vernon Jones is your guy!
Also, Obama doesn’t like Vernon Jones and he will not campaign with him. Obama hasn’t formerly endorsed Jim Martin, but he has strongly rebuked and actually cracked some jokes at Vernon Jones expense. Jones is also stretching things by bringing up that Martin voted for Edwards in the primary as if that should disqualify Martin. John Edwards is much closer to Barack Obama than say George W. Bush. Switching from Edwards to Obama doesn’t require much of a change in principles, but switching from Bush to Obama is an ideological flip flop of Biblical proportions. Vernon Jones makes me sick!
By michelle44
July 30, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
I am a woman and I am educated enough to know what alledged mean. People persecuted Jesus the same way. What has Jim Martin done for anyone. I live in Dekalb so I have seen what Vernon Jones has done for our County. I am proud to call him my CEO. I don’t think any of you knew Barack Obama before he ran for President, but you are ready to jump on his band wagon. Why do you believe everything the media puts out there? Why do you let them make a flyer a big issue? That flyer is not the issue. Health care, gas prices, the war, those our issues not some flyer. WAKE UP! If you want the good ol boys in Washington vote for Jim if you want a qualified candidate VOTE FOR VERNON JONES!!
By DeKalb Voter
July 30, 2008 4:20 PM | Link to this
So Tired of False Facts from what you’re saying we should always vote our own race. Have you actually given two minutes of thought to what you are saying? If everyone follows your lead, Obama, whom I am sure you support won’t have a chance of being elected president, nor would Jones senator. Or, are you of the old Schoold of Double Standards and you think it’s okay for whites to cross the race line and vote black but blacks shouldn’t do the same and they should always vote black. You are a joke my friend.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
July 30, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
You’re allegedly right.
My alleged best friend, who is allegedly a police officer, allegedly told me that the very first thing that Vernon Jones allegedly did when he allegedly addressed police officers on day one is allegedly say, “Not enough black people in this room!” And then allegedly micromanaged everything that happened in the county.
And when allegedly moved to Dekalb County, we allegedly had to spend 10 DAYS trying to navigate the county water company before we finally got service and did get anywhere until we called the County CEO office. While you can view this as the county CEO helping, you can also view the fact that no one bothered to show up for a week and a half to that same office.
Mr. Jones IS (allegedly) a good old boy in every way imaginable but the color of his skin, and if you fail to see that, you ma’am are (allegedly) a racist.
By Tired Of False Facts
July 30, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this
People, including Rev. Lowery wake-up. They have used this tactics every since slavery to separate the blacks. Yes, I do believe that MLK would be turning over in his grave because he sacrifice his life that we might see what is happening today and that is a black man running for Pres. as well a US Senate. Blacks always seems to have a low tolerance level in regards to the negatives about each other and magnify it, but some how seems to sweep their negatives under the rug. Out of 64 blogs not one has seem to mention the fact that Jim Martin would rather vote for a candidate that dropped out of the race before the Ga. primary, rather than vote for a black man or a woman. Jim voted for John edwards who had dropped out of the race for Pres. The issue about Mr. Jones voting for Bush twice should not have any merit in how he would represent you and the things he would bring to the table for Georgia, such as the things he have brought to DeKalb which the previous adminstration neglected. Some of you magnifying the flier, that flier never stated that Obama endorsed him, it was a picture of two people representing the same vision, same concerns in bringing about a change for all people. The t-shirts, fliers with Obama and MLK on it, do you think that it was endorsed by MLK or was it stating that two men bringing about change for all people. People do not fool your self Bush won Georgia by a landslide a lot of people voted for him and probably a lot of you did to. So you are not going to vote for someone because they exercise their right for freedom of choice, but now it is right for Mr. Lowery to do so. Black people will never unify for anything because the Jim Crow law has them bound to think that the other races is for them when the record proves that once they get elected they will never see them or do anything for them until its time for the next election. Hello Dale Cardwell, prime example.
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
July 30, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
If you’re talking about being loyal to race Tired of False Facts, how about the fact that Vernon Jones didn’t endorse Obama until very late in the game.
Do you work for Vernon Jones?
I am amazed that you read that MLK would turn over in his grave because there are people who utterly and completely ignored the spirit of his speech. Last time I checked, he didn’t have a dream that African Americans vote only for African Americans and nothing else.
You talk about the limitations of Jim Crow laws….but from MY end, the limitation I see is people who are willing to keep reelecting people like Vernon Jones over and over again.
Who else have I seen mind blind voting habits from?
Ah yes, the Republicans. Voting for Bush.
Fortunately, there are many African Americans that don’t just accept blindly anything and everything that is sold to them. And hopefully they’ll vote AGAINST Vernon Jones.
By Tired of False Facts
July 30, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
To DeKalb voter that is not what I am saying @ all, but evidence shows they think that way. Do you know who is getting out to vote for Obama, the young people which has not been brain washed, but judge a man on what he stands for on policy and issues and not who he voted for or who he showed up on a flier with. If you would look at the voting statistics the young, new voters is who put Obama over the top. If you don’t believe they think that way, why would you honestly think that Saxby would win, Saxby has never done anything for Ga. but voted down everything that could help Ga., he has never made him self available in the community to hear the needs of the people, there have been only two black men US Senators and they both is out of Chicago. There has been several to run and more qualified then their opponent, but rather than vote for a black man they would rather vote for a white man with no experience and out of touch with his voter, such as Saxby.
By VJALLTHEWAY
July 30, 2008 5:09 PM | Link to this
I HAVE TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE JOSEPH LOWERY IN HIS OLD AGE: UNCLE TOM
HE HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING SINCE THE 1960’S
HIS NAME DOES NOT HOLD ANY WEIGHT
WHAT HAS HE DONE FOR ANYONE IN THE PAST 40 YEARS BUT ANSWER TO THE WHITE MAN!!
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
July 30, 2008 5:24 PM | Link to this
Saxby Chambliss has done one thing, and only one thing I like. He had a staffer who took my wife’s medical problem very seriously when I called and complained about a DEA/FDA policy. And then didn’t do anything about it.
Conversely, he launched a major campaign calling a veteran a slime ball. Republicans only value patriotism if you agree with them.
As for Vernon Jones. Obama is getting out the vote for Obama. If Vernon Jones is getting out the vote for Barack Obama, he is doing so because he thinks it will help him too. And if Vernon Jones is really true to that effort, will he keep working on that if he loses the primary?
My gut says no, but if he continues to help Obama even if he loses, then I will say I’m wrong. Unlike Republicans, I AM capable of admiting I am wrong.
And yes, racist people are morons. I think we SHOULD have more Black Senators, but quite frankly, it was the same argument for Hillary Clinton.
We should have more women senators. We should have a woman president, but that doesn’t mean that HILLARY is the one I want in office.
But that’s just me.
By Mrs. Aaron Burr V. Mexico
July 30, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this
Let’s just get rid of all white males. In any office. Anywhere. Any job. They have screwed everything up so badly, that they must be punished. It do not care about qualifications. I do not care about reason or logic. This will make me and others feel better and that is what counts. “Do not look at my results just my intent” that should be the mantra of this new country I see in my mind’s eye. It will be wonderful. Like riding ponies on rainbows (a little gay out reach there). Who is with me?? I HOPE we can make this CHANGE.
Vote Obama in 2008
By Aaron Burr V. Mexico
July 30, 2008 5:54 PM | Link to this
Hello Mrs. Aaron Burr V. Mexico,
The other Mrs. Aaron Burr V. Mexico might be rather suprised to find out she is a Rephuclycan.
Oh wait.
She isn’t.
So that might make you Mrs. WackoLiberalHack instead?
Yeah. I thought so.
And yeah you should vote for Obama in 2008. That’s the one good thing you said.
Except for looking at results.
Like saying you’re against Torture. And caving.
And saying you’re against Off Shore Drilling. And caving.
And saying you’re against raising taxes. And caving.
Results like John McCains we don’t need.
Silly Mrs. WackoLiberalHack, Trix are for kids!
By Mrs. Aaron Burr V. Mexico
July 30, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this
Well Aaron you would now all about trix. I think you were my favorite trick the night we met. You know I love Obama and he has my Full Throated support. Don’t try to deny me to your neocon friends on the rightwing AJC Political Insider. I have a date tonight, but I should be home around midnight.
By New South Lady
July 30, 2008 6:43 PM | Link to this
Luv a duck. Why is this about race and not about reality? I don’t think name calling and finger pointing, not to mention invoking MLK from the grave, are sensible responses to the race for the Senate. The question we should all be asking ourselves is, who can win.
Vernon Jones has not conducted his campaign on the issues. He has used subterfuge and misdirection to hoodwink voters into supporting him. His unsuccessful attempt to hitch his wagon to the Obama campaign should have alerted everyone to his lack of character and lack of a cause.
On the other hand, Jim Martin has chosen to iterate a positive message and focused on the issues. Jim is an honorable man and he has always done his best for Georgia, especially for Georgia’s children. Let’s not pin his loss in the Lt. Gov race last time to heavily on him as his loss was as much due to the vicious mud-slinging tactics of Mark Taylor as it was to the near death grip the GOP had on the State at that point.
Jim Martin can carry the banner to Saxby; and, frankly, I believe he can win because Georgian’s have had enough of Republican lies and Bush boot lickers.
Drop race card, look at the issues, and the candidates and their individual approach to the campaign as it reveals their character. Then vote.
New South Lady
By Democratic Debutante
July 30, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this
Eager, don’t gloat. It’s tacky. Yes, indeed, JL’s endorsement of Martin today (I just heard on the tube news that he has indeed made the expected endorsement) will tip the balance.
Ain’t it grand that men like JL can put down the race card and do what their brain and heart tells them is the right thing for Georgia.
Let the racist idiots invoke the ghost of MLK. Frankly I think MLK had better sense that to ally himself with a liar who has disgraced his office in DeKalb and embarassed his campaign by trying to grab Obama’s coatails as he passed through Georgia. Vernon ain’t fooling me and I don’t think he’s fooling anyone but the fools.
You go Jim. Thanks Dr. Lowry.