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DEL.ICIO.USGridiron campaigning
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For Mark Taylor, the last day of the work week found him at Friday Night Lights.
In the heart of Middle Georgia, in the heart of one of the biggest football rivalries in the area, Taylor campaigned at the Northside High School- Westside High School game in Macon.
He couldn’t have found a better one.
The game at the Bibb County Sports Complex pitted undefeated and nationally ranked Northside of Warner Robins against once beaten Westside.
Unlike other events during Taylor’s final week on the campaign trail, his trip to the game was more informal. Football weather forced Taylor into a trench coat as he walked through the crowds and concession area greeting supporters.
“I’m Mark Taylor. I need your support,” he told them.
“We need a new governor.”
One group of Westside girls screamed when Taylor shook their hands.
“They are treating him like a rock star,” said Terry Tripp, a member of the Bibb County School Board and vice president of the Democratic Women of Bibb County.
“Middle Georgia loves Mark Taylor. He can never lose coming here.”
At the end of half time, with Northside leading 13-7 and with the bands ending their shows, Taylor walked on to the field and waved, receiving polite applause.
“It is good for the people to see him out here. I am voting for him,” said Will Mitchell, 50, of Warner Robins. “Because we need him and it is time for a change and time for Sonny to go.”
Roslyn Moore, 42, was also a supporter. She took at least two pictures with the lieutenant governor on her camera phone.
“That’s my vote and it had nothing to do with him coming here tonight,” Moore said. “I like what he is saying about the HOPE Scholarships and education. He’s true and for us.”
Although few were thinking about reading and writing in the middle of a football game, Lynn Farmer, another member of the school board, said that Taylor’s coming to Middle Georgia to attend a football game was a significant event that spoke to his commitment to education.
“It is important for him to come out here and talk to parents who happen to be at the game,” Farmer said.
“His educational plan is right on target for us. He understands that pre-K is important. He understands the need for early intervention. He is a big supporter of teachers.”
Taylor left shortly after half time, stopped through First Friday in downtown Macon then flew back to Atlanta. He is set to begin a Metro-wide bus tour at 7:45 a.m. Saturday. The election is Tuesday.
“He seems like a realist,” said Mike Clemons, an airline pilot from Lizella. “He knows he is the underdog. It is tough to fight against Sonny’s money.”
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