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DEL.ICIO.USChambliss gets the last word: ‘Georgia values matter’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
10:35 p.m.: On the heels of a concession by Democrat Jim Martin, Republican Saxby Chambliss took the stage to claim his second term in the U.S. Senate.
But Republican National Committee Chairman Mike Duncan, who faces a tough slog to re-election in January, grabbed valuable, 10 p.m. television time from the re-elected senator.
Chambliss thanked the RNC head for valuable resources sent to the state. But WAGA (Fox5), the only TV station broadcasting the event live, ended up cutting away from Chambliss in mid-victory statement.
In front of a crowd numbering 300, Chambliss thanked supporters and the volunteers from 43 states he said worked on his campaign. “You’re the reason this happened,” the Republican said. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”
“You have sent a strong message to the world that conservative Georgia values matter,” Chambliss said.
10:10 p.m.: Embracing his defeat in the U.S. Senate race, Democrat Jim Martin bounded on stage to Carly Simon’s 1980s hit, “Let the River Run.”
Said Martin:
“Tonight the voters of Georgia have spoken. I accept that decision that has been made. I called Senator Chambliss and congratulated Saxby and Julianne. I want to thank my wife Joan. I want to thank my family and campaign team and all of you volunteers who came in from all over the country. Thank you so much.”
Martin quoted Abraham Lincoln, who told of stubbing his toe when a boy: “I was too old to cry, but it hurt too much to laugh.”
More seriously, Martin said his campaign “stood up for Georgians and the important issues,” including the economy, ending the war in Iraq and “regaining our moral leadership in the world.”
He also had a message to Democrats and Republicans in Georgia, according to my AJC colleague Aaron Gould Sheinin, who was on the ground.
For Democrats, he said the future is bright with Barack Obama as president. “As Democrats, we found our soul,” Martin said. “We are the party of opportunity for all Georgians, with a base as broad as our vision.”
As for Republicans, Martin called on the GOP to protect a free flow of debate and engage in “mutual respect” to “move our state and country ahead.”
9:55 p.m.: With 90 percent of the vote in, Republican Lauren “Bubba” McDonald is cruising to a seat on the Public Service Commission, with 58 percent over Democrat Jim Powell — who finished ahead of McDonald in the Nov. 4 general election.
The non-partisan state Court of Appeals race is much closer, but Sarah Doyle has a significant 3.4 percent lead over Mike Sheffield.
9:50 p.m.: Democrat Jim Martin has just conceded defeat in the U.S. Senate runoff, with a phone call to Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss.
9:45 p.m.: Word that the Associated Press as well as CNN had declared Chambliss the winner in the U.S. Senate runoff didn’t dampen the mood at Democrat Jim Martin’s gathering at the Park Tavern in Midtown.
Several hundred supporters, volunteers and staff lamented the apparent loss, but many continued to hold out hope for a surge of votes in metro Atlanta.
And the official word from the Martin campaign as of a half-hour ago: It’s not over.
“We’re still waiting for votes to be counted in Fulton and DeKalb counties,” said Kate Hansen, spokeswoman for the campaign.
And staffers for Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss have let it be known that they won’t claim victory until Martin concedes defeat. But the 11 p.m. TV news slot exerts a great deal of pressure.
Martin’s share of the vote in DeKalb County was down by several percentage points off his Nov. 4 pace. And in Fulton County, where the Democrat got more than 63 percent of the general election vote, Martin was pulling only slightly more than 51 percent Tuesday night, with about half of all precincts reporting.
Several Martin supporters referenced turnout, which cratered from the general election Nov. 4 to Tuesday.
“A lot of people didn’t get out today to vote,” said Jesse McNulty, 41, of DeKalb County. “We’re in a ‘red zone,’ of course. Anybody who worked on the campaign from summer and beyond had hope for Democrats in key positions.”
Thad Flowers, 29, of Atlanta, was more resigned.
“He ran a really good race,” Flowers said. “He worked as hard as he could. It’s just tough sometimes to beat an incumbent.”
9:25 p.m.: Among those at the Saxby Chambliss victory party was Gov. Sonny Perdue, fresh from his Philadelphia meeting with President-elect Barack Obama.
The occasion was today’s gathering of the National Governors Association.
“It was a candid, engaged conversation,” Perdue told my AJC colleague Mary Lou Pickel. “He reached out to the governors, and we reached back out to him.”
Obama solicited ideas for how best to used economic stimulus money in the states. The president-elect understood he needed a partnership with the governors, Perdue said.
“We expressed our concern that we cannot borrow our way back into prosperity,” the Republican governor said.
But the governor conceded that Georgia needs federal money for new infrastructure —transportation projects and buildings for universities, technical colleges and public schools.
9:05 p.m.: State Sen. Joseph Carter (R-Tifton) quit his legislative job this year to run for a vacant superior court seat in Tift County. Looks like it was a bad bet.
With 91 percent of precincts reporting, Melanie Barbee Cross has nearly 55 percent of the vote.
9 p.m.: The Associated Press has just declared Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss the victor in the U.S. Senate race in Georgia. The Democrats have fallen short of their 60-seat majority.
8:55 p.m.: With more than half the vote counted, Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss has built a formidable lead of more than 250,000 votes.
He currently leads with 61 percent.
Chambliss has clearly reasserted himself in Atlanta’s older suburban counties, where a heavy African-American turnout cut into his margins. But Cobb County is falling his way nearly 3-to-1, and Chambliss is taking 60 percent of Gwinnett.
More than 20,000 votes of Chambliss’ lead comes from vote-heavy Cherokee County, where the Republican is leading Martin by 4-to-1.
Martin is taking DeKalb County more than 2-to-1. Chambliss is splitting Fulton County (Atlanta), though that’s likely to change.
8:31 p.m.: Saxby Chambliss’ momma, 91-year-old Emma B. Chambliss, came to the Cobb Energy Centre to support her son.
She couldn’t vote for him, though.
“Miss Emma” moved from Saluda, N.C. to Roswell just two months ago and missed the deadline for voter registration in Georgia.
“No, I didn’t get here in time” she told my AJC colleague, Mary Lou Pickel.
“I was disgusted, disgusted,” she said, shaking her head.
8:22 p.m.: At this point, bright spots for Democrat Jim Martin in the U.S. Senate race are Bibb County (Macon) in middle Georgia, and Chatham County (Savannah) on the coast.
Both have strong African-American turnout operations.
In Bibb, Martin is leading by 62 percent in a county that he carried by only 56 percent on Nov. 4.
In Chatham, Martin leads by a bare 51.3 percent. He won the county by 54 percent in the general election.
Neither DeKalb nor Fulton County, which contain black votes crucial to a Democratic victory, have reported yet.
8:03 p.m.: Keith Miller, 31, is one of about 100 people chatting and munching on cheese and crackers in a ballroom of the Cobb Energy Centre, where Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss waits to see if he’ll hang onto his U.S. Senate seat.
“Because the Democrats might obtain a filibuster-proof majority, I felt an extra urgency,” Miller said.
He volunteered for Chambliss, making phone calls last week. Two employees from the Republican National Committee came to Gwinnett County to help organize the volunteers, Miller told my AJC colleague Mary Lou Pickel.
The RNC had lists of names to call and they wrote the script for the phone calls, Miller said. “We had volunteers who went door-to-door and they advised them too,” he said.
About 15 minutes ago, Chambliss walked in the door, surrounded by cameras. A few people stood and clapped, but it was a subdued crowd. Dick Chambliss, 59, travelled from Alexander City, Ala. to support his big brother.
“The last four weeks have been nervous,” Dick Chambliss said.
7:50 p.m.: Interesting dynamic developing in the three statewide races at stake. The races for U.S. Senate and Public Service Commission are so far tracking along strict partisan lines.
In the Senate race, Chambliss is at 68 percent. In the PSC race, Republican Lauren McDonald is at 67 percent.
But in the non-partisan race for state Court of Appeals, Sarah Doyle and Mike Sheffield are split 50-50. Sheffield has more closely identified himself with the religious conservative wing of the state GOP, but Doyle has strong GOP support as well.
7:37 p.m.: Reports have started to trickle in, mostly from rural areas. Of 26 counties that have reported any results, Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss leads in 21.
7:08 p.m.: The polls are closed, and the 2008 election season is officially at an end.
Democrat Jim Martin, the U.S. Senate contender, has taken up residence at Park Tavern on 10th Street to wait out the results.
About an hour ago, Martin made a round of TV appearances for the 6 p.m. cycle. “We’ve done all we can do. Now it’s up to the voters,” he told my AJC colleague Aaron Sheinin.
Voter turnout, Martin said, is key. “Turnout is important,” he said. “We still have another hour for people to get to their polls. This is their opportunity to make their choice.”
Martin acknowledged the lengthy campaign has turned tough in the final days and weeks, but said he tried to avoid personal attacks. “It’s important people know the differences between me and my opponent,” he said.
Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss is at the Cobb Energy Center. He’s yet to make an appearance.
While you wait, here’s your election night survival kit:
— First, the link to the web site of Secretary of State Karen Handel and the results of tonight’s runoff elections. Use it wisely.
— Now the background. The national issue in this contest is whether Democrats will make it to 60 seats in the U.S. Senate. The defeat of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska put Dems at 58.
Up until today, the fortunes of Democrat Al Franken in Minnesota had been in decline, making Georgia’s race less significant. But several news outlets — the New York Times, Politico and Fivethirtyeight.com — are saying the discovery of new, uncounted ballots has benefited Franken.
The outcome of the Minnesota race will remain in doubt until at least next week. But a Chambliss victory would allow Republicans to trumpet that they’ve blocked Democrats from achieving a filibuster-proof majority.
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Comments
By Sax Be Gone
December 2, 2008 7:27 PM | Link to this
If Georgia had a choice in 2008 between George W. Bush and Barack Obama, they would have selected the Chimp.
By Hmmmmm
December 2, 2008 7:37 PM | Link to this
Better a chimp, than a SOCIALIST! Comrade Sax Be Gone!
By bob Kohl
December 2, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Chambliss will win with ease. Republicans will achieve a filibuster-proof senate. YEA!
By Bob Kohl
December 2, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this
Chambliss will win with ease. Republicans will achieve a filibuster-proof senate. YEA!
By Sax Be Stay
December 2, 2008 7:52 PM | Link to this
I’d rather have the “Chimp” instead of the chump.
By dear leader
December 2, 2008 7:55 PM | Link to this
better a chimp than an A*.
By Kevin
December 2, 2008 7:58 PM | Link to this
Looks like the draft dodger is going to fool Georgians into voting for him again.
By ernisTbass
December 2, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Still discovering more ballots in Minn???Makes you say Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm??At least it proves Fla voter syndrome isn’t heat related.
By j. mathers
December 2, 2008 8:17 PM | Link to this
For the last two weeks i have been bothered by 2 to 3 taped calls per day from good republicans urging me 2 vote their way.The only thing they accomplished is to annoy me to the point that i voted democrat. ENOUGH ALREADY
By benjamin
December 2, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
All American Georgian voters should vote for Senator Chamblis.If the Democrats in the Senate have 60 votes they will do whatever they want.It will hurt all the people in the US.They are the majority in Congress and their president is a Democrat.
By DMac
December 2, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this
When will the early voting and advance voting results be added to the totals?
Why aren’t those totals the starting point. Haven’t those totals been tabulated already?
By MAA
December 2, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
No matter how the election turns out, I will once again have peace in my home, no more dumb commercials on TV slinging mud and no more phone calls that fill up my answering machine where I can’t get legitimate calls from my doctor or others that really need to leave a message. Makes we not want to even participate in the election process. May we never be this dumb again as we have been this year with the Presidential and Senate elections…..DUH!
By Poll Watcher
December 2, 2008 8:31 PM | Link to this
NOTE TO THE AJC: According to the Secretary of State’s website, you will find that DeKalb County overwhelmingly voted for Martin.
By JDiver
December 2, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this
it’s interesting that since Obama suggests we solve the problem for everyone, and we need a strong working force not just a strong ruling force he’s labeled a Bold “Socialist.” Another way to look at it is he has a true Christian ethic, not just a false one like the south is infamous for.
By AJ
December 2, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this
Thank you GOD! Between this outcome and the economy, Obama just might not screw up this country in the first two years.
By Enoch McCarter
December 2, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
Franken is the voter fraud candidate. If he can’t win the election, they will just “find” some more votes. No one but a moron could believe such corruption. If he steals this election he should be known as Senator Fraud.
By Enoch McCarter
December 2, 2008 8:46 PM | Link to this
Why do the democratic parts of the state count so slow?
By Peg Landin
December 2, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
I’ve heard of the ignorance of the southern whites. This Sax be gone group truely sums it up. Who, by the way, is chimp?
By Georgia the ODDBALL State
December 2, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
If Saxby wins Georgia will be known for being the oddball state in a year were the majority of states are voting for the future. Georgia continues to support the past. Now I see why everyone says people in the south are SLOW very SLOW except for Flordia. GO GATERS by the way the Gators chop them UGA puppies.
By Ruben Ochoa
December 2, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this
I do not like Obama but calling him a chimp is racist, Go Chambliss!
By zoko
December 2, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
AJ,You must be kidding! Obama screwing up this country? I thought we have already ran out “screws’. Did bush leave any screws behind after eight years?
By Constitution Boy
December 2, 2008 9:00 PM | Link to this
Peg Landin,
You’re an idiot. Bush is the chimp. I bet you wish you could take that comment back. Hey Southern Whites: according to one Peg Landin, you’re all ignorant. I appreciate you lefties showing your true colors, Peg.
By Matt
December 2, 2008 9:01 PM | Link to this
To All the Other 49 More Advanced States:
We did our best! But it wasn’t good enough… Sorry to let you down.
By Rick
December 2, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this
Oddball, just because Georgia refuses to be fooled like you were doesn’t make them slow. By the way, if you can’t correctly spell the name of the mascot of your state’s school, or correctly spell your state, you shouldn’t be calling anyone slow.
By Brock
December 2, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
So Sax will win and the GOP will be entitled to bloviate and be obstructive in one house of Congress. Congrats on this major accomplishment! Maybe Saaarah IS the future of the GOP.
By CH
December 2, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Georgia, if you want to have Saxby as your senator, go right ahead! That comes to show what kind of low life idiots who live here! Take your conservative southern life and stick it where the sun don’t shine you stupid fascists!
By CH
December 2, 2008 9:06 PM | Link to this
Georgia, if you want to have Saxby as your senator, go right ahead! That comes to show what kind of low life idiots who live here! Take your conservative southern life and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine you stupid fascists!
By CH
December 2, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Georgia, if you want to have Saxby as your senator, go right ahead! That comes to show what kind of low life idiots who live here! Take your conservative southern life and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine! You stupid fascists!
By chuck allison
December 2, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Fulton County won’t submit their vote totals until hours after everyone else. It happens every time we have an election. In presidential elections they are the very last area to submit their vote total on the entire eastern seaboard, so GA is the last state in the east to be called. Nobody knows what is going on down there. They will blame it on equipment problems even though everyone uses the same equipment.
By Rick
December 2, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Oddball, just because Georgia refuses to be fooled like you were doesn’t make them slow. By the way, if you can’t correctly spell the name of the mascot of your state’s school, or correctly spell your state, you shouldn’t be calling anyone slow.
By Martin has been sent packing
December 2, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Constitution Boy and Matt like men. Pick up a third and do Lucky Pierre.
By Tom Ga Values Hunter
December 2, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Paging the poster that calls himself “Sissy Saxby” or any of his other names…. How do you feel. I told you that Saxby would win. Have you called your shrink yet?
By Augusta
December 2, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this
Too bad, AJC. You have tried your very best to destory the two-party system, and I’m sure you will continue to try. But today at least Georgians did the right thing by turning back AJC-style socialism.
By Mark
December 2, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this
Obama looks like a chimp. Actually, Obama looks like an Ape. Their children look like baboons. Impeach Obama’s hairy a* already.
By George
December 2, 2008 9:11 PM | Link to this
I guess you superior liberals would like to explain what a filibuster-proof Senate would be capable of. Oh, I forgot. You all are all show and no go. Remember that absolute power corrupts absolutely. Ask Bush. What would be hilarious if it were not true is that a majority of people in this country believe that, on the backs of the Democrats, we are hurtling ourselves into a utopian future. Show me one scrap of evidence that the dems are capable of doing anything right. Heck, I’d settle for Obama’s birth certificate.
By jimbo
December 2, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this
Blacks would have voted for Jim Martin, but he doesn’t have the same skin color so they stayed home. If Jim Martin was black he would have won.
By Paul
December 2, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Why can you leftists not accept defeat and describe your opponents without calling names?
Our nation faces serious issues. You people need to grow up. Even Obama, who I opposed vehemently, is showing maturity and placing the country ahead of this kind of snipping.
By Dems make me LAUGH
December 2, 2008 9:16 PM | Link to this
Wow….for a party that clings to being progressive and opened minded you liberals sure are HATEFUL. I would think that the likes of CH and Matt would still be besides themselves over Obama being elected.
Stop all the racism Mark you dumbass!
By Pierce Randall
December 2, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
The filibuster discussion was good old fashion Georgia self-importance. It doesn’t really matter that much. If Democrats were 60+, they’d still have to make a lot of compromises, since they had to recruit non-traditional Democrats to win in 2006 and (to a lesser extent) 2008. Alternately, even now, if Democrats can do a good job of whipping up votes in their party, they have, to some extent, a filibuster-proof majority on a variety of issue: Judicial and cabinet nominees, some war policies, and a lot of economic areas. Republicans like Susan Collins didn’t keep their seats by running like Saxby Chambliss.
What did Georgia really get if the reporting is right (I suspect it is) and Saxby Chambliss won? A sleazy career politician who ran a cesspool campaign this time around, and last time around famously maligned Max Cleland for not being “patriotic” What did Georgia miss out on? A moderate Democrat who’s not a populist or a demagogue, but rather a soft-spoken career government worker. A man who, though he was on the wrong side of (in my opinion) the bailout bill, would still represent this state from the center, and with some dignity.
Republicans, right-leaners, and people who run away from any sight of Democratic power: You may have held off this “filibuster-proof majority” nonsense, but you didn’t elect a hero. You picked a nasty, race-to-the-bottom choice nobody’s going to remember 6 months after he leaves office, in fine Southern tradition. And you know it!
By Sandra
December 2, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
I am glad that Chambliss won. We need check n balance in government. This way Democrats have 2 branches and the Republicans 1. I like it this way with the Republicans also.
Go figure though- Dekalb went for Martin. They need to be their own state. Kind of surprised about Clayton county. I know two other counties also went for Martin. Just 4. Wow.
By CAG
December 2, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
geeeeee I wonder why Saxby Chambliss won so easily this time.
I WONDER WHICH OBAMA VOTERS DIDN’T GO OUT AND VOTE THIS TIME
FREAKING UNBELIEVABLE
By Jock Ewing
December 2, 2008 9:22 PM | Link to this
Great win to Keep that Sorry Obama and crew at bay somewhat. Remember we had to have a Jimmy Carter before we got Ronald Reagan. Obama will be another Jimmy Carter. Mark my words you read it right here.
I still dont think is legally entitled to the office as he has yet to produce the document and how in the hell did he even get a Senate seat?
Either way, I intend on supporting ODrama as much as the Democrats supported Bush these last 8 years. Not one damn bit and wish him and his party of socialist/communist the worst.
He’s a Jimmy Carter aka P—-y Communist!!
By Mark
December 2, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this
BREAKING NEWS:
MAX CLELAND GETS DRUNK, DROPS GRENADE AND BLOWS HIMSELF UP AFTER HEARING OF CHAMBLISS WIN.
By Bubba
December 2, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Another great GA politician in the tradition of Talmadge, Maddox, and Tom Watson. You can take your Klan robes off now, boys.
By Tom1
December 2, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
Well, another Vietnam Veteran who served bites the dust in Georgia. Well boys, you got your chickenhawk draft dodger - because he calls himself “conservative”, right? Got sons and daughters in Iraq? Smart move.
By Jock Ewing
December 2, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this
Great win to Keep that Sorry Obama and crew at bay somewhat. Remember we had to have a Jimmy Carter before we got Ronald Reagan. Obama will be another Jimmy Carter. Mark my words you read it right here.
I still dont think he is legally entitled to the office as he has yet to produce the document and how in the hell did he even get a Senate seat without it?
Either way, I intend on supporting ODrama as much as the Democrats supported Bush these last 8 years. Not one damn bit and wish him and his party of socialist/communist the worst.
He’s a Jimmy Carter aka P—-y Communist!!
By Pro-Life in MidGA
December 2, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
DeKalb County, Bibb County (Macon) in middle Georgia, and Chatham County (Savannah)are three of the biggest crap holes in GA. It is interesting that dems do so well in these worthless places. It is great to know that most of this great state supports pro-life and consrvative candidates. It make me proud to call GA home.
By Sandra
December 2, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this
CAG- it was the black vote. It was too cold for them to vote. And the buses weren’t picking them up like they did in the General Election. Obama was not running.
By David
December 2, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
Pierce Randall,
I don’t think that any conservative worth his or her salt would disagree with what you’re saying. I don’t know of anyone who is crazy about Saxby, but he is more palatable than Martin who remained an unknown quantity to the end.
By Georgia Dawg
December 2, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this
It is a real shame that you are not required to reveal your IQ in order to submit a post on this site. There is way too much whining on both sides. I am also really glad I’m considered to be “slow”. I guess I’ll have to turn in my college diplomas and move up north to get a “real” education.
By kelly
December 2, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
CH, Love your comments…I assume that the Republicans are facists, and why is that or do you have to find on moveon.org. Your comments are comical, you cannot win or lose with dignity, I am sorry you are so intellectually challenged. Good luck on the short bus.
By T. Hardy
December 2, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Regardless of your political ideology, it is totally unbelievable that the people of Georgia would choose to re-elect a man whose principle proponent is fear, division, and exclusivity. It is said that the people of Georgia would continue to support a man who defamed and slandered an honorable and legitimate American hero in order to procure elected office. So what will it be Georgia, fear, division, exclusivity, and slander, or hope, inclusion, meritocracy, and uplifting? Clearly Georgia has answered this question twice in last month and it was not the later.
By Sandra
December 2, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
CAG- it was the black vote. It was too cold for them to vote. And the buses weren’t picking them up like they did in the General Election. Obama was not running.
By T. Hardy
December 2, 2008 9:35 PM | Link to this
Regardless of your political ideology, it is totally unbelievable that the people of Georgia would choose to re-elect a man whose principle proponent is fear, division, and exclusivity. It is said that the people of Georgia would continue to support a man who defamed and slandered an honorable and legitimate American hero in order to procure elected office. So what will it be Georgia, fear, division, exclusivity, an slander, or hope, inclusion, meritocracy, and uplifting? Clearly Georgia has answered this question twice in last month and it was not the later.
By T. Hardy
December 2, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this
Regardless of your political ideology, it is totally unbelievable that the people of Georgia would choose to re-elect a man whose principle proponent is fear, division, and exclusivity. It is said that the people of Georgia would continue to support a man who defamed and slandered an honorable and legitimate American hero in order to procure elected office. So what will it be Georgia, fear, division, exclusivity, and slander, or hope, inclusion, meritocracy, and uplifting? Clearly Georgia has answered this question twice in last month and it was not the later.
By Pierce Randall
December 2, 2008 9:37 PM | Link to this
David, I appreciate the validation, even though I might disagree that Martin is so much an unknown quantity. I get not wanting to vote for Martin if you’re not a Democrat, so if you’ll grant me Chambliss is lousy, we can agree to disagree on the rest.
Hey, “Pro-Life in MidGA”, Macon’s my hometown, you jackass! Where are you from? Perry? Twiggs county? Hide behind whatever contentious social issue you want — you’re still not taking the moral high ground when you attack communities across the state just because they vote against your guy. Goes to show you that whatever compassion you think you have is one of convenience or outrage, not respect for others.
By Jock Ewing
December 2, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this
T. Hardy, just maybe Georgia doesnt like Communists running their lives. Max Cleland is old news and was never fit for public office even State office.
Everybody wanted CHANGE, well all I can say is get ready cause your gonna get it and I predict 25% of the Odrama supporters will have buyers remorse come Summertime.
America proved how stupid its voting population is on November 4th and they will pay the price. All except those crazy left wing loons that dont have any common sense anyway or those with so much money they just dont care.
By CH
December 2, 2008 9:45 PM | Link to this
To Dems make me LAUGH,
I guess you do not want to admit that you are a fascist! Hateful? Dude! You come from a group of hateful people. You are one of those idiots who called Obama a socialist, a terrorist, and other hateful names. You are just a backwards southern cretin who enjoys drinking beer and worshipping your dictator named George Bush! I know you love George Bush; it takes a subnormal person to love a slow minded idiot who is President. I know you voted for that warmonger, woman-hating, anti-gay, racist John McCain. I bet you think that dimwit Sarah Palin is hot huh? Typical Southern conservatives; always slow and never wise. It is so true that Southern Hospitality is a myth! Ignorance in the south is a fact!
By RepubicanTurnedDem
December 2, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this
Hey,guys, after 8 years of Stupidity and Darth Vader, the Martin loss is a loss, but we still have a Majority. Let the Rs whine for 2 years, I hope for 4. Dubya really F**d up our country, and the Rs just can’t accept that. They think the world is right and all is fine. Dimwits to me. I pray the Ds can hold the White House for 8 years. Let’s punish them for what they did to the country and the world. Sorry Jim lost. But Sissy Saxby will not be THE voice of the Rs. He’s weak on immigration and loves to pay the millionaire farmers farm subsidies. I’m hopeful that Obama will put an end to that. Goodbye Dubya.
By Rick
December 2, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this
CH, another moronic post. I suppose when people talk about uneducated Southerners, they’re thinking of you.
By CH
December 2, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this
To Kelly,
I know you don’t know the definition of socialist but do you know what a fascist is? Look it up and then look at yourself!
By RepubicanTurnedDem
December 2, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this
Yes, the Rs in power turned everything in to a Socialist state. Guess Hannity, Boortz and the other talking heads for the Rs can’t handle that. Bet they talk all around that. Don’t worry. I won’t listen. They’re too dumb for me. NPR is my game for intelligent news.
By Rick
December 2, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Well done again, CH. Fascism is a highly-centralized autocratic, single-party state led by a dictator- just like socialism. It believes in nationalism (including collectivism and populism based on nationalist values), just like socialism. If you’re going to throw around labels, at least know what you’re talking about. And RepturnedDem, your tuning in to NPR exclusively explains the lack of actual insight.
By My Two Cents
December 2, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
Let’s face it all of the candidates were awful so we had to choose the best of what we were offered. Martin had the thugs represent him last night…wow, that was really impressive! Let’s just get the next four years over with and get on with some viable candidates who speak for the majority of the people. I hope we have some money left by the time all of the bailouts are given!
By Rick
December 2, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this
Well done again, CH. Fascism is a highly-centralized autocratic, single-party state led by a dictator- just like socialism. It believes in nationalism (including collectivism and populism based on nationalist values), just like socialism. If you’re going to throw around labels, at least know what you’re talking about. And RepturnedDem, your tuning in to NPR exclusively explains the lack of actual insight.
By OldTrafford
December 2, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this
I voted Libertarian in December but I held my nose and voted for the watered down socalist (Republican) today. For the person who tried to put down the state elecotate as a whole with the insulting Obama v “Chimp” comments, you need to grow up and ask yourself why those allegedly more evolved voters who voted for Obama in November couldn’t find their way into the poll today. If 2 of 3 of them found their way into the polls today you would have had your left wing paternalist filabuster proof majority in the Federal Senate. I wonder why they couldn’t find their way to the polls a 2nd time. My guess is that it was too bad the Obama paid limos and buses with flat screen TVs weren’t available today.
By CH
December 2, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this
To Rick,
I come from the south! Oh yes! Born and raised here in Georgia, but I do not agree with the ignorance of the south! Maybe you do! With me, I just want the south to grow up. I will give credit to Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida for doing the right thing. For the other southern states, they can go to hell! Rick, I know you are happy that your favorite perverted Senator won this election! It makes you feel proud that you voted for him. You know what Rick? You don’t have to tell me all those “ISM” words. I know what kind of person you are, and you voted a numbskull who is a freak. You and other low life Cons just want to keep Georgia in the dark ages. That’s all! You don’t care about America, and you don’t represent this country.
By Idiot Hunter
December 2, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
Your Two Cents are worthless, you imbecile, Saxby was just reelected to a six year term. Senators serve a six year term. Let me guess you were educated in the government schools, right?
By Rick
December 2, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this
CH, you know little about anything. So let me see if I get this straight- if a state went for Obama, then it did the “right” thing, but they can go to hell if they voted for McCain?! What an enlightened, “progressive” thing to say! Your overall ignorance is breathtaking. I’ll bet you’re one of those uninformed Obama voters that John Zogby interviewed. A catchy slogan is all that’s required for your vote. And, got to love the answer on the “isms”. Big words confuse you, so you resort to name-calling. Again, well done. I’m sure Georgia is proud to have you as one of its own.
By mark richards
December 2, 2008 11:40 PM | Link to this
Georgia values? Please! Racism. Hatred. Intolerance. Those are the Georgia values that I remember dominating my state as a Macon child growing up. Chambliss savaged a decent man in Max Cleland. He impugned the patriotism of a man who left three limbs in Vietnam. Saxby Chambliss is an example of the strident, hateful, mean-spiritedness that personifies the Republican Party. He is a thug. That fellow Georgians voted to elect and re-elect such a despicable human being is a sad, sad commentary on what personifies “Georgia values” in 2008. We’re better than that. Or, at least, we should be.
By mark richards
December 2, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Georgia values? Please! Racism. Hatred. Intolerance. Those are the Georgia values that I remember dominating my state as a Macon child growing up. Chambliss savaged a decent man in Max Cleland. He impugned the patriotism of a man who left three limbs in Vietnam. Saxby Chambliss is an example of the strident, hateful, mean-spiritedness that personifies the Republican Party. He is a thug. That fellow Georgians voted to elect and re-elect such a despicable human being is a sad, sad commentary on what personifies “Georgia values” in 2008. We’re better than that. Or, at least, we should be.
By mark richards
December 2, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this
Georgia values? Please! Racism. Hatred. Intolerance. Those are the Georgia values that I remember dominating my state as a Macon child growing up. Chambliss savaged a decent man in Max Cleland. He impugned the patriotism of a man who left three limbs in Vietnam. Saxby Chambliss is an example of the strident, hateful, mean-spiritedness that personifies the Republican Party. He is a thug. That fellow Georgians voted to elect and re-elect such a despicable human being is a sad, sad commentary on what personifies “Georgia values” in 2008. We’re better than that. Or, at least, we should be.
By Georgia Another Slow Stupid Southern State
December 2, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
I see by reading these blogs and the results from today that Georgia is really full of Slow Stupid Uneducated Individuals how in the hell can you people voted for the same old shyt you guys didn’t vote for obama I see why he didn’t come down there you guys vote for a guy who agreed with Bush that we were not in a recession which was made official on Dec 1 that we are in a recession. Georgia has a 7% unemployment rate rank one of the highest in the country. Yet I now see the IQ of people that vote down there except for the city of Atlanta. To the poeple within the city limits of Atlanta you guys have a lot of work to do with the people through out your state I pray for you guys.
By Laura
December 3, 2008 12:18 AM | Link to this
I wouldn’t want to be Saxby on judgement day. I might not want to be someone who voted for him either.
By Yep
December 3, 2008 12:29 AM | Link to this
Typical Democratic response… Your candidate loses, break out the insults. Too bad your ego can’t handle the fact that not everyone wants to live in the land of the entitled. Saxby was not my candidate, but I voted for him because I could not see Martin offering anything but liberal dribble. If you are depending on a bunch of gangster rappers to promote your agenda, how smart can you really be?
By Scott E
December 3, 2008 12:30 AM | Link to this
Showed up at my precinct this morning to vote and the Obama Thugs from Nov 4th were conspicuously absent.
Can’t expect the bros and sistas to support a white man like a mediocre state legislator Democrat Jim Martin that would be “LUDICRIS”.
I really believe when LUDICRIS stumped for Martin the night before the election probably caused another 100,000 votes for Chambliss. Add that to the extra 100,000 that Sarah Palin drew for him and there’s your margin of victory.
Political suicide has a name it’s LUDICRIS!
By madtbone
December 3, 2008 12:46 AM | Link to this
After reading through all these comments, I have but one question. where are all the Americans? I see our country sliding down a dark road and yet, there is only hate, venom and misunderstanding in all of our words. It is not a time to say who is right or wrong. Nor is it a time to point fingers and cast blame. It is time for us to come together as a country. There are no red and blue states, but there is a United States. Idealogical debate should have a logical end and that is to pave the road for the future of our country. I voted for Martin, he came out on the losing end. I pray that Sen. Chambliss will do his best to insure the future of Georgia and of our United States. I hope and I know that we as a people will not allow the great work of our forefathers to go by the wayside just because of the red and blue that so many have become addicted to.
By GA Values
December 3, 2008 3:31 AM | Link to this
Well I am so glad that SISSY SAXBY won, it just goes to show how far you can go by attacking the good name of a war veteran. I’m so happy I think I’ll go grope a little girl’s breast.
By mike
December 3, 2008 4:09 AM | Link to this
“madtbone” what state do you live in? Its nice to hear that we need to work together stuff. Six months from now the negative attacks and finger pointing will be just as before. I really dont understand people who continue to vote for those who do not have their best interests in their hearts. Is this country better today than 8 years ago??
By Famuan
December 3, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
This is to be expected from a “cotton state”. A lot of Georgians are stuck in 1953 and would vote against their own interests because they’re simply too stupid not too….hence, Senator Saxby Chambliss.
By Robb
December 3, 2008 6:40 AM | Link to this
Shame Georgia is still stuck in that red state mentality. Perhaps its the proximity to Mississippi. Maybe one day. Let’s keep Georgia marginalized.
By bees
December 3, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this
The DNC and the Democrats of Georgia done it again. They did not come all out for Jim Martin..Max Cleland..Cynthia McKinney or any body else. Florida is laughing at Georgia for not wanting to move forward. Now Georgia will be the JOKER talked about for the next four years, just like Florida was when Bush won. In my opinion the Democrats beat themselves and no one else. The RNC plays dirty, and that’s how you win. The DNC is trying to be the goods guys, and they can’t continue to be like that, or all their seats will be loss to the Republicans. Also the DNC should not have allowed those RICH hip-hop hoodlums up front..don’t they realize most white folks and a few blacks do not like their music or their life style. DNC keep catering to the offensive hoodlums (thinking they will get the young voter out) and you will be history, not only in Georgia but all over the Nation. The people that really vote are not interested in the hip-hoppers. Now Georgia I do congratulate you for your decision to remain in the JIM-CROW MENTIALITY. GOD HELP YOUR BACKWARD STATE, AND THE DNC AS WELL.
By Ludicris
December 3, 2008 7:15 AM | Link to this
It’s time to take it to the street people. I say, if the people of Georgia don’t want a Godless, Socialist, Non-American and his lackey here - it’s time for da black folk to get ta steppin’.
I am organizing a boat convoy that is going to take us all back home to Africa. That’s righ.t. back to where we belong. i mean, what they gonna do when’s we gone? Shine they own shoes? Clean they own houses? Who’s gonna pick up da laundry then?
Meet me at 12:30 am on December 5 at Pier 31 in Savanah. They’s gonna be a high time on the way back home. Music, dancin’, fried chicken…and Obama gonna be there to!
Peace Out
Ludicris
By Paul
December 3, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this
“Georgia values” = Ignorance, intolerance, hatred, and unquestioning religious insanity. This state is an embarrassment to the U.S. and deserves what it will get with Chambliss in office. He has proven to be a dishonest, self-serving, and blatantly elitist thug who had zero qualms debasing a war hero in his first election bid. Georgians have a history of voting against their own best interests and it won’t end with Chambliss.
Is his win shocking? Not all … This is the state that pushed creationism in our public schools, supports our troops yet consistently elects draft-dodgers, views pro-life issues as more important than the economy, and the state whose governor holds prayer vigils on the steps of capitol to ask a fictitious eternal being to end our drought.
By Samatva
December 3, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this
It is sad that ‘Georgia values matter’ includes such nasty, degrading, and untruthful smear campaigns. It’s even sadder that the people who do not want to support this coountry (i.e. pay their fair share of taxes) won last night.
While I held my nose and voted for Martin, I was disappointed in how he got down in the mud with Saxby. Obama has shown that, while politics is never completely “clean,” you do not have to “waller in the mud” to win an election.
Let’s hope the end of dirty politics is coming…
By Sir Winston
December 3, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
For all of you that are upset over the thumping that Martin took last night, I would like you to know that flights are available, daily, from Dead Mayor airport in ATL. If flying is not your thing, Greyhound runs buses that leave the state on an hourly basis. Peace.
VIVA SAXBY
By GA Values
December 3, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
It’s true that SISSY SAXBY* will have few friends in the Senate, and none in the White House. So maybe he won’t be able to get anything done … but at least he’ll do everything he can to undermine our first black President!
By Gary
December 3, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
This is sad. Just because we voted for Saxby Chambliss makes us backwards, stupid, and idiots?? It is sad when some people can’t get over the fact that their person lost. My person lost the Presidential election and I was over it the next day. Barack Obama will soon be our next President and I pray he does a good job for our country’s sake. I don’t agree with him and did not vote for him, but will give him a chance because he is the President. Some of you could learn that civility…..check that, most of you could learn that civility because it shows that you lack it. Saxby won because he was the better candidate. Just because Georgia is more conservative than other states doesn’t mean we are backwards. Is Missouri backwards? How about Texas, Oklahoma, or Nebraska? Is Arizona backwards? How about states like Maine that put Republican Senator’s back in office, are they backwards? Remember not every state voted for the chosen one. The people of Georgia value things other than welfare and that is why we voted the way we did. The venom from those on both sides in this blog just shows the lack of education for most of you.
Oh and Samatva, I do love and support my country. I pay more than my fair share of taxes so those that don’t can sit at home and do nothing all day like comment on blogs. Just because I voted for someone you don’t like doesn’t mean I am any less of an American than you.
By rc
December 3, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this
rednecks win again, what a state.. a draft dodger for senator, a do nothing gov, a hothead for speaker, a bankrupt school super, a dot that has done little except catch unflattering headlines…. and a current prez who doesn’t have a clue…
By It's True You Know
December 3, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
I guess without the free rides; cigarettes; box lunches; dollar bill payoffs; and the “house negro” on the ticket the welfare club didn’t meet. Thank goodness it was cold yesterday!!!
By Kevin
December 3, 2008 10:49 AM | Link to this
Congrats to Saxby. You proved once again that the more negative, nasty, half truth, no truth, and outright lies, combined with pack money spewing even bigger lies and outrageous claims every other minute in the news is the way to win an election. Congratulations to Georgians for falling for this kind of total crap. In the end it doesnt matter, but Saxby truly showed the kind of low life he and his party supporters are.
By Reality Check
December 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
Kevin, you disingenious A$$:
Did your televison and mailbox only yield Chambliss ads?????? How about the 23% tax on old people LIE the DNC paid to run endlessly??? Was there no PAC money coming into the state from liberal goons??? BHO robocalls; BJ Bill; Ludacris; and the rest couldn’t get your boy Adolph Martin elected. SORE LOSER!!!
By Sir Winston
December 3, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this
I thought everyone hated Saxby. I thought he was like Bush. Bush is bad. Saxby is bad. All republicans are bad. Only whiny sore losing lib losers are good. Whaaaa whaaaaa GA is bad. Do you guys realize what you sound like? Pathetic. Peace.
By Kevin
December 3, 2008 11:17 AM | Link to this
Yes the ads were 3 or 4 to 1 for Saxby lies. What the heck is Reality Check and I assume you meant disingenuous. PS I am a disgusted republican who isnt unhappy about the win, just the way it was won. Now we can sit back and wait for the big change and not have to see the filthy big politico machine negatively spewing out this kind of loathesome hate and lies for another 4 years.
By Pants on Fire
December 3, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
Kevin the DISINGENUOUS complete A$$: You are about as much a disgusted Republican (note the capitalization of proper noun) as Obama is qualified. Let the life of lies go and seek happiness.
By Bill
December 3, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
So, the first election of the 2010 election cycle turns out to e a Republican landslide, and a referendum on Obama. The people say NO to Obama!
By Sole Conservative in S. DeKalb
December 3, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
Well surprise, surprise. DeKalb County went for Martin, sigh! Man, I wish that I put my Lithonia house on the market before it tanked. I am embarrassed to have a “DeKalb” sticker on my car tag. Anyone wanna buy a nice 5 year old house located in a cul de sac for a steal?
By madtbone
December 4, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this
wow. ignorance is strength. war is peace. freedom is slavery. our citizens are not aware of our current status. we spend over a trillion dollars on an unnecessary war. the people still believe we are a democracy when we are truly a republic. sounds like a plot to a dystopian thriller to me. but we are too engaged in who is right and wrong, red and blue. orwell wasn’t writing about the ussr.
By RTW
December 4, 2008 12:26 AM | Link to this
madtbone: “wow. ignorance is strength.” You’re right. The general election proved that.
By Copyleft
December 4, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this
Bill: If we could harness that spin, we wouldn’t need foreign oil any more. Keep up the pretense that America has not moved profoundly to the left, with only a few desperate holdouts like Georgia screaming all the way.