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DEL.ICIO.USCox: Taylor tried to reduce black-majority districts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
THE AD
The radio ad opens with Rep. Bob Holmes (D-Atlanta), one of the state House’s and Legislative Black Caucus’ most senior members, remembering Democratic gubernatorial contender Mark Taylor’s attempt to pass a redistricting plan that would have reduced the number of black-majority or black-influenced congressional districts from three to one in Georgia. Holmes said Taylor wanted to draw a congressional district in Southwest Georgia tailored for him to win. He then adds that the move was denounced by the NAACP and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Listeners next get a snippet of a tape from 1995 state Senate debate, when Taylor tells white colleagues “If you’re tired of paying for the sins of your fathers and grandfathers,” to vote for his plan. Holmes concludes by saying, “Now you know. Mark Taylor’s just been looking out for the other ‘big guys,’ and himself.”
SPONSOR
Cathy Cox for governor campaign
THE REALITY
Cox’s ad is running on radio stations in several cities and is aimed at black voters, who are expected to make up a majority of the vote in the upcoming primary. Cox and Holmes were serving in the House, and Taylor in the Senate, when the statement was made. Holmes has endorsed Cox. Taylor doesn’t dispute making the statement. It was widely reported at the time. The lieutenant governor said he has apologized for making the remark. “It certainly has given me even greater insight into the importance of the right to vote for African-Americans,” Taylor said in a statement Wednesday. “I hope voters judge me by my entire record of standing up for every-day Georgians, not just on the basis of one mistaken statement made a long time ago.” The ad also is a response to earlier stories Taylor put out about Cox cosponsoring legislation penalizing cities for not flying the Georgia flag in 1993. At the time, the flag was dominated by the Confederate Stars and Bars, and black lawmakers called it racist.
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By Tripp
July 7, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this
Ever notice how Cathy Cox ads keep getting passing grades on truth tests and reality checks? I wonder why Mark Taylor keeps running ads that don’t pass these same tests? Some people are just more comfortable telling lies instead of telling us the truth. Those that tell lies don’t get my vote.
By truerblue
July 10, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
Ever noticed how when Mark Taylor says he’s apologized for something from the past that we are automatically expected to forgive and forget! Example; using cocaine and marijuana in the 80’s and operating a motor vehicle while drinking with his son riding shotgun OR making seriously racial comments like “are you tired of being bullied and paying for the sins of you fathers and grandfathers”. I find these examples to be a true, crystal clear sampling of WHO and WHAT he really is! Does anyone out there have the distinct feeling that he might also be incapable of governing Georgia because of this twisted type of thinking and poor decision making? And he calls it “youthful indiscretions”. PUHLEEZE!
By LB
July 13, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this
I have my own personal policy when voting. I immediately eliminate a candidate who sends out flyers or makes announcements bashing an opponant. I firmly belive the old saying “guilty dog barks”.
This week for secretary of state I got a flyer that was so negative about the opponant it left no room for the actual candidate except for the small print that said “paid for by the friends of ….”. Two days later I got a similar flyer from the opponant. I would rather vote for an unknown who speaks only of his/her accomplishments than somebody who is so heavily involved in a t** for tat they forget to campaign for their own self.
By Terry
July 14, 2006 9:55 AM | Link to this
I plan to use every second prior to casting my vote in every race. With that said, as a voter in this state I feel that Taylor should at least address this, “sins of your father” statement. Yes, it is only one issue, but to me, issues/”slip of the lip”, are nothing more than barometers. This applies to all canidates.
By Al
July 14, 2006 3:41 PM | Link to this
Terry’s right. Comments like that are great barometers of the real Mark Taylor. Combine that with some of his campaign’s official remarks this week to the AJC about his education plans. He supports letting the local school boards decide if they want to teach creationism in school and local boards decide if they want to use race based zoning criteria. Hiding behind local control sounds like a 1960s Dixiecrat, not a 21st century southern Democrat.
By John White
July 17, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this
As a Resident of Albany, Georgia and A Former State Representative, representing Albany and several area counties from 1975 to 1997. My Support goes to Cathy Cox. I was there in the Senate Chamber when Mark Taylor Insulted all Black Georgians and Black People with his remarks ” If you’r tired of being bullied and if your’re tired of paying for the sins of your fathers and grandfathers” It was clear to me that he has a distaste for Black people and certainally did not want anymore to have an opportunity to be elected to public office while supporting a bill that would dilute the current black voting strength. He goes to Black churches, smiles in your face and then places a plan before the legislature to take away your opportunity to serve your people. He has misled many black Ministers and Andy Young is Wrong about the “Big Guy”. I have worked with him in Albany and the State House. The Senate District that he represented in South Georgia is Still the poorerst in the State. He didn’t help improve several counties that he was elected from, so how is he going to improve a State that’s in serious need? Well, I dont expect him to. I support cathy cox. I worked with her father, Rep. Walter Cox, who was a Decent Man and supported many Black issues that came before the House back in the late 70’s and 80’s. I expect that the Apple will not fall far from the tree. She’ll be a breath of fresh air for Georgia. We’ve had 79 Men for Governor. Why Not a Smart, Bright, Sensible and prepared Caring Woman?
By Carol
July 17, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
We Georgians must have a Governor who has not been an admitted Cocaine user, a Dope smoker, and been arrested for DUI and One who has admitted that his family has gone unattended. I feel sorry for the young Taylor boy, all boys need the attention of a father.It Appears that Mark Taylor did not have time for his. I hope he gets his life turned around. Prehaps after we elect Cathy Cox as Governor, Mr. Taylor will be able to devote some time to his son’s situation. I like Cathy’s plans for education and serving all Georgians, not just Big Guy’s and Big Girls in the State.
By Karen
July 18, 2006 1:49 PM | Link to this
It’s ashamed that all of this hasn’t come out before. Seems like Mark Taylor has been able to “buy” some silence to me. I’m dissapointed that AJC would endorce a candidate that has admitted to drug use, putting down the African American race and neglecting those that matter most, family. Seems like all the people that believe these things are important would take a stand against these things. If Cathy doesn’t win, I will do everything I can to keep someone like Taylor from being a leader in our state. This should have been done long ago! I hope anyone that reads this will do the right, moral thing and get out and vote for Cathy Cox!!!