Home > Thinking Right > Archives > 2006 > July > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBye Ralph and Cynthia
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Maybe it should have come as no surprise, since first time candidates rarely fare well, but yesterday most likely derailed any presidential prospects a decade or so hence for former Christian Coalition director Ralph Reed. Bad news, too, for U.S. Rep. Cynthia McKinney.
McKinney’s been pinned twice now by more mainstream candidates — first Denise Majette and yesterday by DeKalb Commissioner Hank Johnson, who’s forced her into a runoff. The McKinney magic’s gone, a sign that the era of housing-project vote-the-slate candidates is passing.
With the black middle class flocking to South DeKalb, and Rockdale, the 4th District is easily the most heavily black congressional district in Georgia. It’s 58.6 percent black, 33.5 percent white in registration, with Asians, Hispanics and others accounting for the rest. It was 51.6 percent black when McKinney lost to Majette in 2002 and since many of the white Jewish voters McKinney alienated have been moved into the 5th District, her fate is clearly with DeKalb’s large black middle class. Mortgage-holders tend not to be bomb-throwers — or to vote for those who are. A prediction: If Johnson doesn’t defeat her now, a candidate like DeKalb CEO Vernon Jones will two years from now, assuming he can stay out of controversy himself.
It was evident early that Reed would be unsuccessful. He ran strong most everywhere, but not strong enough anywhere. Combine those who have antipathy to the Religious Right with Republicans who feared Reed would energize Democrats in November and add in the cross-over voters. The result is a Casey Cagle victory. Smart guy, Casey. He spent lavishly early, well before qualifying, to send the message to other Republicans that he had money to burn. That kept others out and made him beneficiary of all the anti-Reed vote.
Mark Taylor, while no surprise, demonstrated a quality that State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) had observed after running against him for lieutenant governor: Opponents think him a weaker candidate — and yet he wins. Cathy Cox will come back, but her defeat does leave the Democrats without heavy hitters on the bench.
The national election in Georgia is over. Ralph Reed, the budding superstar, is defeated. Cynthia McKinney has lost her magic — and in a district with an oversupply of ambitious politicians, that is very bad news for her. Pretty momentous for a primary.
Comments
By Mid-South Philosopher
July 19, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Jim,
I live in the hinterlands of North Georgia…you know…one of those counties that is not considered a part of the greater Atlanta metropolitan area by the AJ-C. Our election results rarely get reported in the paper, but I suspect they are indicative of a lot of precincts.
While Republicans continue their domination of the political scene, there are changes in the ranks. Like the rejection of Ralph Reed, more and more successful Republican candidates are those that have moved from the radical, fanatic “right” back toward the middle. As exemplified by the surprise for Cynthia McKinney, the Democrats (although they have not fully figured it out yet) are going to have to move from the radical, fanatic “left” toward the center if they are ever to again be viable in Georgia.
In our case, the two incumbent county commissioners (one Democrat and one Republican) who were replaced were perceived as narrow-minded and non-cooperative. They were viewed as argumentative and endowed with an excessive appreciation of self-worth. The voters attended to their cases!
Citizens want a more reasonable degree of competence from our government. We do not expect “perfection,” but we have a right to expect “proficiency.” We expect our leaders to be reasonable, and we will not tolerate “rulers” or “demigods”…at least… not for long.
By David
July 19, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this
I can’t scratch and claw quick enough to get back to the voting booth to vote against McKinney again. Hank is such a superior looking candidate.
By Earl
July 19, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
Mid-South Philosopher makes an excellent point. We’re tired of the pompous telling us what we should be “for.” Competence is what we need, and both Democrats and Republicans are starting to come to that realization. Maybe there is hope afterall.
By Maybe Jim isn't a Dummy
July 19, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this
Well, we still have some work to do on McKinney, but at least Ralph got sent packing back to lobby-land.
It’s pretty discouraging that people as blatantly mentally ill as they both are can stand up in front of crowds of supporters, twist the language around and come up with phrases that illicit applause.
Sometimes I wonder if we’re smart enough to support a democracy over here.
By Brian Curtis
July 19, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this
This result gives me hope for democracy. Maybe people are backing off from the crazies again!
McKinney is, of course, an embarrassment. But far more encouraging is the fact that Reed lost. So maybe Georgia voters aren’t dumb enough to vote for anyone, no matter how evil, just because he talks a lot about God. Imagine that!
And someday—dare I hope?—there may be a sensible conservative party in place of the whacko Religious Reich operating today.
By James
July 19, 2006 08:17 AM | Link to this
Yay!!!!
Thank you Jim for giving the Black middle class of the 4th district credit for knowing a idiot when they see one. Hopefully they go back to the polls August 8 to kill her career for good.
Now all of us (white middle class) voters need to do is remove the racist, confederate flag loving, bible thumpers from the republican party.
By Jim Robinson
July 19, 2006 08:18 AM | Link to this
I don’t know anything about Johnson, but a rock would be a better choice than McKinney. ABC! Anybody But Cynthia!
By Peter
July 19, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
Coyne kept Hank Johnson from winning yesterday!
Today’s article in the AJC described Coyne as the spoiler who kept Cynthia from winning, but the opposite is true. Both Johnson and Coyne were anti-Cynthia votes. Without Coyne, Johnson would have won outright yesterday.
I don’t understand how the AJC can pick Johnson as the best candidate and then report with such an evident bias as though Cynthia was somehow betrayed by two opponents who dared to run against her and force her into a runoff.
The TV media also were outrageous in their lopsided coverage, camped out at the McKinney camp, waiting for her to announce her win, without a single camera pointed at Johnson.
Now Johnson is on the map, and I hope the camera will be pointed at him for the runoff in three weeks. There’d better be a party booked because I want to be there!
By CDog
July 19, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
Ideologically, Casey Cagle believes everything Ralph Reed does. He will support and oppose the same legislation that Reed would have. Anyone who voted for Casey Cagle as an anti-Reed vote because they view Reed as “radial right” and Cagle as a “moderate” will be sorely disappointed come January. I challenge you to name one issue where Cagle takes a “moderate” position and Reed takes a “conservative” one. Look at their campaigns. Did you every hear anything about issues? No, because they have the same position on almost every issue, so it was impossible to debate anything. It was all about character and ethics.
I was originally a Reed supporter but switched to Cagle when I found I could get essentially the same candidate without the political baggage of potential scandal. Reed did not lose because of his positions on the issues. He lost because of scandal.
By Without McKinney It Won't Be Fun
July 19, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this
Peter: The media swarmed McKinney like flies because she is a lunatic and the media can understand her, she doesn’t bore them with talk of better government. It sure didn’t help to have Mother Moonbat Cindy there too, it only exacerbated the silliness.
Politics is no longer about better services, lower taxes and more efficiency for the citizenry, it’s all about making anti Bush noises where they can be heard.
McKinney is not a person of any substance, the media and it’s attendant moonbats just like hearing what she says.
By Political Foreskin
July 19, 2006 08:32 AM | Link to this
My wife was a cross-over democrat who sacrificed her vote for Cox to vote for Cagle. My wife foams at the mouth whenever she hears Ralph Reed’s name. (True).
Ralph Reed is not finished. He can consult with companies and still use his famous family values. Why, Ralph already has a client who needs to name an all-you-can-eat Chinese Seafood Buffett. Ralph want to call it, “Wok on Water”, after a miracle in the bible. The client is considering…..
Cynthia McKinney blew this election last spring when she beech-slapped that security guard and then immediately played the race card. “I am a black….female….” (Remember that embarrassment?) And how about that motley assortment of celebrities who appeared with her in support….Harry Belafonte? Eartha Kitt? Rosey Grier? Paula Abdul? The entire cast of the “Lion King on Ice”? Can this chick rally her base or what?
McKinney’s showing reveals that blacks have come a long way since “We find the defendant Orenthal James Simpson, not guilty”.
I’ve often wondered who would win if OJ ever pulled a knife on McKinney…. OJ sure would look funny with that knife sticking out of his…!
By Spike
July 19, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this
I left the Lt. Governor section of my ballot blank. I could not vote for either Casey Cagle or Ralph Reed. All the mudslinging on both sides was disgraceful. Depending on who ends up the Democrat candidate, I may actually cross the party line and vote for that candidate.
By MELO
July 19, 2006 08:38 AM | Link to this
Ralph Reed(i am ashamed to spell his name in Caps, but) please just
R.I.P.
By Ralph The Hyprocrite
July 19, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
Christian Coalition Representative? This man clearly is a hyprocrite of the worst kind. Lining his pockets with Jack Abramhoff’s kickbacks and then looking the television cameras straight in the eye and denying any wrongdoing. Wonder how big his house is? What kind of luxury car does he drive? All funded with Abramoff corruption!!!! Good riddance. I hope he gets more of what he deserves. Which is to lose everything!!!
By hollie a. ryder
July 19, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
Mckinney should be in jail for assault of a law enforcement officer. Please, vote for an individual standing for election to a public office who is reasonably in touch with reality and is willing to serve the voice of the majority of the people, not the loudest or shrillest.
By Joey
July 19, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
I voted republican for the first time ever (after 30 years of voting) for one reason…and that was to vote against the uber-hypocrite Reed. Now maybe he will disappear and go try and get a real job, although I doubt this sleazeball will ever be able to do honest work. Ralphie was hoping to mount his charge to make this country a theocracy (everything on his web page is faith based this and faith based that) Cagle may be be close to Reed in philosophy but I’ll take my chances.
By time for the truth
July 19, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this
BYE BYE REED … BYE BYE MCKINNEY (Hopefully)
And the odious pandering fat barsteward will lose to Perdue!!
Nice to see the thuggish McKinney is in potentially serious trouble. If the white candidate’s votes transfer across to its more moderate seemingly competent black opponent and a few more GOPers and moderates get together with the other folks who sensibly detest this socialist racebaiting cop assaulting trash then it will lose its congressional seat and GA will be very relieved. Hopefully even somewhat liberal blacks have had enough of Mckinney and this time it will quietly fade away when it loses!! It is the ignorant, politically illiterate, snouts in the welfare trough black underclass and extremely uppity liberal black females who gleefully support her racism that have allowed her to win in the past. If it wins then its other constituents will continue to be very poorly represented.
Any defeat for the vile Christian Coalition is marvellous news. Reed was a polarising force and my wife and I, as centre right Republicans would never have voted for him. Perdue will find it that bit easier to retain the Governors Mansion now… which is clearly a good thing!!
Evangelicals make my flesh crawl and while clearly they have the right to say/think whatever they want my contempt for them is on a par with any far left liberal - just for different reasons!!
The rebel flag is a perfectly legitimate representation of southern heritage. Beholding the typical ignorant yankee/liberal hate on this matter as ever is hugely amusing.
By Cynthia a laughingstock
July 19, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
Cynthia represents her district as the laughingstock and of the nation. Some of her District 4 constituents have finally figured out her cop slapping, Jew hating, camera hog bozo costumes (at State of Nation speeches), Muslim smoozing are not enough to represent them in Washington. District 4 has grown up and realize Cynthia has no competence—no nothing—-to offer.
Loosing Cynthia will be a heartbreak for the media. Her whacko antics sell alot of newspapers!
By How Long Will The Loonies Follow Ralph Around?
July 19, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
Will you stand outside his place of private business, foaming at the mouth, Political Foreskin?
I thought you got what you wanted, Ralphie out of politics?
You moonbats must not yet have a fresh target to attach your unhealthy obsessions to.
Get over it.
By Patrick
July 19, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
Today is a fine new day with the defeat of Ralph Reed and runoff for Cynthia McKinney. Two ‘extremists’ that we do not need in Georgia politics. Thank you to my fellow voters for following the path to decency for Georgia.
By DS
July 19, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this
Had it not been for Abramoff, I would have voted for Reed. Cagle was the better candidate. Not mentioned was Handel. The count against her was support for domestic partnership benefits for Fulton County employees.
Unfortunately, Cox lost. Should Perdue lose come November, she would be the more palatable alternative. She had it right BIG GUY = BIG GOVERNMENT
The proof Democrats believe the economy is booming, though they say it isn’t…the Big Guy is proposing a major expansion of government to provide healthcare for every child in the state. Admirable goal, but look to TN folks, they tried it with Tenncare, and nearly backrupted the state when the economy tanked and a tax revolt ensued when politicians in Nashville decided to try and institute an income tax.
By deegee
July 19, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
Not sure if black voters in Southeast Dekalb forced McKinney into a runoff or the white republicans in North Dekalb. This is reminicsent of the McKinney-Majette story. We’ll know when we see who goes back to vote in the runoff. It’s not hard to imagine that republicans in North Dekalb would prefer to vote democrat in a runoff than to pick up a ballot with Reed and Cagle on it. PeeYooo!!! What a stinker that must have been for Political Foreskin’s wife.
Cagle and Reed, Reed and Cagle, two sides of the same coin. Vote for me because I represent your Christian values and you don’t need to know anything more than that. Onward Christian soldiers into the PAC!
By Rod
July 19, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this
So, does anyone know exactly how this McKinney thing will work out? I know the run-off is August 8. However - who can vote? Is voting open to everyone in the district - or - everyone who voted in the district in the primary - or - everyone who voted in the district in the primary on the Democrat ballot? The paper didn’t list the rules (hardly surprising) as they should have.
By Ken
July 19, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this
I am amazed… but thrilled! It appears that voters in North DeKalb actually WENT TO THE POLLS! Now… don’t get slack in the runoff, folks… it’s not over yet… she can come back…. make sure you get out there on August 8th and drive the final nail in the coffin of Cynthia’s political career! Congratulations, Hank…. make us proud!!!
By Steve
July 19, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this
Cynthia is a racist. She is a total scumbag. The sooner she gets booted the better off for mankind of all races!!!
By SW
July 19, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
I live in the 4th District and I m so proud to see that Hank Johnson is poised to bring the divisive and radically out of touch with reality McKinney out of her seat in the 4th District and hopefully out of politics for good. I am equally as glad to see Ralph Reed bite the dust too; go away Ralph, we have your number and we don’t like it, no one is calling. If you can’t beat Casey Cagle you’re in bad shape.
By Harold
July 19, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
Sorry Reed! You gotta be at least as smooth as Dubya (which ain’t sayin’ much) to get elected on the “Oh I am SO Christian that all good Christians have to vote for me” platform
Cynthia, you done gone too Whitney for us.
By candide
July 19, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this
Hooray! Another Christo-Fascist, Ralph Reed, bites the dust.
By Cynthia Mckinney's hair dresser
July 19, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
I became a moron for a day to vote against this race card bigot. Looks like I’ll have to do it again. She’s an embarrassment to the whole state of Georgia and having Cindy Sheehan there proves the point further.
By Philly
July 19, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
This is one christian coservative that will sit out the November election. I would never under any circumstances vor for Cagle. Cagle is scum and a crook. He ran a negative campaign. Cagle should not get away with it. The way Reed was treated was despicable. The Georgia GOP wants christian conservative vote but wants us to keep silent. I say let the GOP see how many elections they win without christian conservative vote.
Many Reed supporters will either sit out the general election or vote for the Democrat for Lt. Governor.
Either Martin or Hecht will be better than Cagle.
By Bob
July 19, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this
If you voted Republican yesterday, you will not be able to vote in the Democratic run-off. If you did not vote at all yesterday, you can vote against Cinthia…… Let’s Fire Cnythia Mckinney on August 8th.
By Bryan
July 19, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
Has anyone noticed the comparison of McKinney to Buckwheat. I hope that fool gets the socks beat off her!!!! She’s a disgrace to GA!
By deegee
July 19, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this
Has anyone else noticed that Casey Cagle’s eyes are like cold, expressionless, steel bullets? I had a halloween decoration once that had the same eyes but they blinked on and off.
By DS
July 19, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this
In regards to participation in primary runoffs, you are allowed to only vote in the party’s primary in which you vote. Democrats vote Democrat, Republicans vote Republican.
And Harold’s sarcastic remark about the President and Reed, why don’t you include Carter and Clinton in that as well? Carter essentially began the modern advent of campaigning as a born again Christian. Clinton made a big to do about being a Baptist. Unfortunately, Carter’s administration was a nightmare, and Clinton’s was one long running scandal plagued joke after another, including some campaign finance and lobbying issues (remember the 96 campaign?). Many of Bush’s initial first term problems (as is usually the case with most Presidents) were inherited from the previous administration.
By wayne
July 19, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this
who are all those dancing fools in that picture w/Mckinney? especially the white ones. What the heck are they thinking???
By kb
July 19, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this
Given that GA ranks just about last in education, and also that we have state representatives like Cynthia McKinney, I was about convinced that we live in a state of bumbling, uneducated citizens. But given the results of the latest polls refelcting the voices of GA residents, it appears that there is hope for GA afterall. How refreshing!
By Jim Wooten
July 19, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this
Bob is right on who’s eligible to vote Aug. 8. If you took a Republican ballot yesterday, you can’t switch and vote as a Democrat in the McKinney-Johnson runoff. But if you voted as a Democrat, or didn’t vote, you can vote in that runoff.
By Joey
July 19, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
Here’s the thing about Carter…he really is a christian. He might not have been a good president, but he has proven that he has the real values that Jesus taught (compassion and service for the poor)…not the right wing perversion of religion that Ralph Reed and the rest of the american taliban preach.
By Go Sonny
July 19, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
So Mark Taylor is the victor thanks to Cathy Cox’s major misstep in handling the issue of gay marriage and civil unions. She was initially viewed as having the possibility of being progressive on civil unions then she back tracked in a way that was entirely unacceptable. He was the beneficiary of folks skipping the race altogether.
Meanwhile, Mark Taylor threw a significant core constituency as well as their supporters under the bus..all for the sake of looking strong on being “anti gay civil rights”. He was “the big guy” stepping on the necks of folks who are asking for some simple equity all for the sake of being able to look like Ralph Reed so that he can appeal to conservative voters.
It’s so laughable when you consider how he’s standing on a victory podium surrounded by his 20 something trophy wife ( isn’t she number three?) and a son currently under indictment for vehicular homicide and DUI. It’s hard to believe that this is a guy who can’t come to terms with supporting the possibilty of civil unions for a significant portion of his constituency.
So marriage should only be between a man and a woman….so be it. You’ll get no argument from me. I don’t feel the same way about civil unions. I think a lot of middle of the road Georgians may feel the same way. It’s an issue of fairness.
Maybe the legislature will cool the rhetoric down a bit and act in its best interest to make life a little better for all Georgians. But I think I might trust Sonny a little better in a second term to make the case than Mark Taylor. A real Republican moderate is probably better than a fake Democrat conservative.
By WCO
July 19, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this
$500.00 says Cynthia will have the buses bringing in her supporters(Paid for votes)I hope there are enough educated voters to support Mr johnson but unfortunately I believe there are still too many “gotta vote against the Whiteman”supporters in her district. And yes sadly this nutjob will get reelected and that explains why “Whitey” keeps moving away from this area in droves!
By kb
July 19, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this
Joey,
Your perception is noble but unfortunately flawed. You see, liberals want to convince hardworking Americans that “the poor” are folks just working hard to make ends meet - but can’t quite get there. While that may be the case in a small minority of instances, the reality is that the vast majority of “the poor” you preach for (in the form of support for income redistribution) are eating twinkies on the couch in front of the TV and accepting their handout with absolutly no intention of working or making efforts to support themselves.
By Derrick
July 19, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this
DS, I’ll take the bait. Bush inherited a relatively peaceful Israel-Palestine conflict, a budget surplus, a policy that had constrained Saddam Hussein, a Russia that was moving towards Democracy, relative peace in the world (surely compared to now), and a rising middle-class. Every single one of inheritances he squandered. Don’t blame the current problems on Clinton. Every president inherits some problems from previous president. The job entails solving some of the problems and leaving the country in better shape than when you took over. A task that most people agree, that Bush has surely failed.
By getalife
July 19, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
Thank you Ga.
There is hope when Reed goes down.
I guess Dusty will be in a bad mood today.
By Stacey
July 19, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
I usually vote Republican, but voted Democrat yesterday for the sole purpose of getting Cynthia out of office for good! I’ll certainly be voting against her again in the run-off.
By James
July 19, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this
Derrick,
Its useless..the battle you are about to fight. Facts are like science and math to conservatives…a little fuzzy and not exact.
By Stewart
July 19, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this
Cynthia and Hugo Chavez have something in common. Good buddies with Cindy Sheehan! I hope the good people of the 4th district follow through and put her out on her behind.
By Don
July 19, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
The voters are waking up all across the country. This {Buy Me For How Much] attitude is finally being brought to light.
By clarkslawga
July 19, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this
kb,
Do you have any reputable research or information that can back that twinkie statement up. (No PAC statements please.)If so I’d love to see it or be able to access it.
Or is it just your opinion?
By Dekalb Resident
July 19, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
Mr Wooten,
I’m sure you would like for Congresswoman McKinney to be defeated by Mr. Johnson and your article appears to be trying to influence that outcome. However, although Mr. Johnson is a nice guy; the runoff will come down to voter mobilization and turnout and the Congresswoman’s “machine” will do that very well. Maybe Vernon Jones will give her a challange two years from now but 2 years in politics is a long time. Mckinney will defeat Johnson inspite of your attempt to influence 4th District Politics.
By Dekalb Resident
July 19, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
Mr Wooten,
I’m sure you would like for Congresswoman McKinney to be defeated by Mr. Johnson and your article appears to be trying to influence that outcome. However, although Mr. Johnson is a nice guy; the runoff will come down to voter mobilization and turnout and the Congresswoman’s “machine” will do that very well. Maybe Vernon Jones will give her a challange two years from now but 2 years in politics is a long time. Mckinney will defeat Johnson inspite of your attempt to influence 4th District Politics.
By clarkslawga
July 19, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
I too live in DeKalb and I will use my own form of “voter mobilization” and do my best to be rid of CM. Regardless of political affiliation, a shameful person is a shameful person.
Wish us luck.
By Jesse
July 19, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
Say all of the nasty comments that you may about Cynthia McKinney. She will kick that tom’s butt. Cynthia is a winner. She is confident. She is a strong person. Too bad certain over zealous/misguided people have taken it upon themselves to try and whip her into submission. Vote for Cynthia.
By Ginny
July 19, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
I watched with baited breath the returns come in last night for Cynthia McKinney. I am pleasantly surprised.
Those of you who live in the 4th district and did NOT vote yesterday need to PLAN on voting against Cynthia on Aug 8th. She is an embarrassment to the entire state of Georgia, and having the Queen Nut bag, Cindy Sheehan, in her camp last night demonstrates how far off-base she is! If you have ANY doubt about McKinney’s qualifications, consider the fact the only meaningful legislation she has sponsored is a post office and the proposed Federal investigation of the murder of Tupac! Read the list of her campaign contributors - 80 percent Arab! I’d vote for my cat before I’d vote for her!
By A man of great privilege and fortune.
July 19, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
People throughout the country want in vain to do something that I get to do twice every two years. And this year, there’s a runoff, so I might get to vote against Cynthia McKinney three times. What can I say—I am blessed.
By clarkslawga
July 19, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this
I plan to vote against CM and tell everyone I know to get out and do so too.
But can we please stay focused and not turn this into another Sheehan argument. So she was there last night, who cares. She is not a player in this and just the mention of her name is enough to stir up a hornet’s nest.
Stay focused people. We have a job to do.
By SamX
July 19, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this
Go Sonny, Cathy Cox actually took a page from the Sonny book on campaigns. 4 years ago when Sonny was campaigning for governor he met openly with Log Cabin Republicans, a gay Republican political group.
In todays political climate Sonny would never meet with that group. Not a chance. Never.
Taylor could actually score big with a couple catchy ads. Portray Sonny in a meeting with a group of Log Cabins Republicans. Fem up the actors, maybe a few drag queens, throw in a few rainbows, and Taylor instantly becomes the favorite.
By Paul
July 19, 2006 10:00 AM | Link to this
So Cynthia ( I’m proud I’m a racist) McKinney is in a runoff. I might move to her districe to vote against her.
By Steve Barton
July 19, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this
I am sure that Hank Johnson will now get some news coverage around here. Funny how absolutely everyone wrote off his candidacy, yet he had a track record of winning elections and was obviously not a nut. Good luck to Hank in the run-off.
By Rick
July 19, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
Well if he’s “obviously not a nut,” he’s better than Cynthia!
By kb
July 19, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
clarkslawga,
I speak from experience in having worked with section 8 housing recipients extensively. To help answer your question, why don’t you give me an example of a poor person’s plight - representative of many people, (justifying several years in that condition) where his circumstances are not a result of his own poor choices (barring those who may be disabled, suffer from other medical conditions, or have family members who do). And don’t give me an example of someone who has to support twelve kids. Having children without a forethought of how they will be supported is an irresponsible decision leading to poverty. Also, don’t provide some one in a million experience either. Again, choose some examples that are representative of the majority of continuous welfare recipients.
By R Cagle
July 19, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this
I was looking forward to voting against McKinney, but I’m one of the white (but non-Jewish) voters moved to the 5th District where my existance much less my vote will once again mean little in November or to the entrenched encumbment
By Shar
July 19, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this
The news on the most publicized races, Reed and McKinney, was good, but I continue to wish that voters would pay more attention to the lower profile contests that profoundly affect the quality of life in this state. With one of the highest dropout rates in the country, the lowest SAT scores, and embarassing discrepancies between our own home-grown CRCT test results and students’ performance on nationally normed tests, there is no way that Kathy Cox (she who supported adding evolution to the biology curriculum) should have retained her office. Add Stan Wise, who never met a representative from a regulated industry that he didn’t like and who has done his best to get rid of the troublesome Adversarial Staff (representing ratepayers) at the Public Service Commission, and it is clear that actively bad performance does not necessarily result in the well-deserved bum’s rush that Reed and McKinney got. Next time, let’s spend a little less time flogging the marquis races and a little more on educating voters as to the alternatives to incompetance on the local level.
By The Thin Guy
July 19, 2006 10:13 AM | Link to this
Cynthia needs to spend more time dancing and less time eating Possum Pie. Her behind is beginning to eclipse her backup dancers. I love living in her district. I get to vote against her every 2 years. Poor Hank doesn’t know what’s about to hit him.
By Sad Republican
July 19, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
Having followed politics all my 35 years, I have never been so disappointed in Republicans. Casey Cagle’s shameful lies have driven me from the Republican choice for Lt. Gov. I usually vote straight Republican ticket with few exceptions, but Cagle has joined John Oxendine as another Republican that is not worthy to hold office. I will vote for the Democrat in both the Lt. Gov’s race and Insurance Commissioner’s race. Republicans of character need to send a message to politicians like Cagle — if you will lie (going so low to even smear Ronald Reagan’s positions) to get elected, there will be consequences. Just because I am a Republican and voted in the Republican Primary and plan to vote for Gov. Perdue and 90% of the other Republicans, doesn’t mean I have to vote for every Republican. If some of these Republicans start losing the General Election because of their shameful conduct in winning the Primary, it will serve to clean up this disgraceful politics.
By Go Sonny
July 19, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
SamX, You make an interesting point…But maybe with the departure of Ralph Reed and with Karen Handel putting Bill Stephens on the ropes, maybe we are finally seing a change in the social moderation of the republican party in favor of moderates who deliver.
At the very least even if they aren’t personally changing their views, maybe they are starting to believe that politiciancs have no right to come into our homes to define our personal values through publicly sponsored legislation.
Dare I dream that Rockefeller Republicans may be coming back into fashion?????
By seeing through the smoke
July 19, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
ahh… so kb, it’s just your opinion, based on your perception of your job and limited anecdotal observation, rather than rigorous anaylsis. Thanks for clarifying.
By Dave
July 19, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
We need to ghet rid of these extreme right and left wing politicians that are represented by the Ralph Reeds and Cynthia McKinneys of the world. What we need are more Sam Nunns who represent those in the center. I am so tired of politicians who say their behavior is misinterpreted or not their fault. Just like CEOs Lay and Skilling bad behavior you can’t say anymore it was not me it was somebody elses fault. I want somebody who says the buck stops here. If you can’t manage things get out of the way.
By Stewart
July 19, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
Derrick and James,
A peaceful mideast during Clinton’s presidency? Do you not remember the USS Cole and Kobi Towers? I do not blame Clinton, I actually think he was a very good President. However he was not the only force in balancing the US budget. The Republican congress was an equal player and Bill Gates was an even bigger player. And we were talking about the declining middle class during that period as well. The current President is dealing with a different and more complicated set of issues.
By You "Voted" For Bush, Didn't You?
July 19, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this
It so easy to spot a pinko:
By Sad Republican July 19, 2006 10:14 AM Having followed politics all my 35 years, I have never been so disappointed in Republicans. Casey Cagle’s shameful lies have driven me from the Republican choice for Lt. Gov. I usually vote straight Republican ticket with few exceptions, but Cagle has joined John Oxendine as another Republican that is not worthy to hold office.
“Mourning” a Republican victory, eh?
You liberals are a trip. We’re talking about the lieutenant governor of Georgia, right?
You’ve already fired up the Smear Machine?
By holdingAJC"accountable"
July 19, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
Isn’t there a Bible verse that says “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than a hypocrite to win the office of Lieutenant Governor”? I’m just sayin’…
By Wilton Brown
July 19, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
Time to vote the Moonbat out of Congress again and this time send her packing foir good. I am tired of being known as a loser from Ga. because that woman is my congress person. I want to be PROUD of my Georgia.
By clarkslawga
July 19, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
kb,
I currently work with the underprivilieged and I can speak from my personal experience that you are dead worng. There are those in this world who do not possess the intelligence or advantages that you and I have available to us and find themselves in the cycle of poverty.
Specific examples are fine, but they hardly tell the story. For that you would need to open your eyes and your mind and evaluate things objectively. Poverty is a real problem,a nd should not be dismissed with twinkie comments such as yours.
I will give you a few specific examples from my experience, however. The three veterans with mental issues due to PTSD come to mind. They function in a world that frightens them at every turn. Holding a job is not as simple to these guys as folks like you would like to believe. (And lets not get started on cuts in VA benefits.)
I have more than one client who have skills marketable in the world of manual labor only. They simply were not born with the intelligence to do anything else. At current wages there is no way they can provide for their family without assistance.
How about the overwhelming number of people older then 65 with incomes less than the poverty level. There are a huge number I come into contact with regularly who recieve only SSI and can barely subsist, much less afford the “luxury” of twinkies and TV, (or for that matter air conditioning for the heat or heat for the cold.)
The fact is that the poor are real and it is a real problem. It is a much more important “family value” or “social value” than flag burning or gay marriage.
Conservatives should wake up and realize that uninformed statements regarding “the lazy poor” do a disservice to the truly needy and to their own cause. Sure there are those that abuse the system, but that particular negative personality trait is not exclusive to the poor. To paint all the poor with the brush of the ones who do abuse the system is not only intellectually dishonest but factually wrong and impossible to support.
It also reinforces the stereotype of Conservatives and Republicans as being the heartless party that doesn’t care about the needs of others as long as there are guns, God and no Gays.
I think you guys are better than that.
By clarkslawga
July 19, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this
I would love to hang around and debate today but unfortunatly I have to get out of the office and into the field. Sorry to dump facts and run.
If you are going to call me out or call me names today you’ll have to cry in the wilderness as I won’t be here.
Go Hank Johnson.
By LB
July 19, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
I am totally baffled. How in the world did Cynthia McKinney get enough votes to even be in a runoff? Who is voting for her? Have these people not learned yet that Cynthia represents no one but herself?
By Bunny
July 19, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
well, after reading all of these comments, just who did vote for McKinney? Looks like everyone hates her. I guess the folks in her district don’t read the paper. or don’t write comments one. I sure am glad I am not in that district, but at the same time wish I could vote against her.
By Bunny
July 19, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
well, after reading all of these comments, just who did vote for McKinney? Looks like everyone hates her. I guess the folks in her district don’t read the paper. or don’t write comments one. I sure am glad I am not in that district, but at the same time wish I could vote against her.
By clarkslawga
July 19, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
Perhaps I should have said….
Dump some slim facts and a lot of opinion and run.
And you know what they say about opinions and a******s.
By Van
July 19, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
LB,
When you live in an alternate universe, Cynthia is a paragon of virtue.
Think about it, to the lunk heads in the 4th District, hitting a cop and getting away with it, is a resume enhancer. Having silly Sheehan by your side is a plus.
Following the lead of her mentor, Clinton, deny everything and blame it on someone else.
Thank you Voter Rights Act for making her a safe district.
By Paul
July 19, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
So Cynthia ( I’m proud I’m a racist) McKinney is in a runoff. I might move to her district just to vote against her.
By Elliott
July 19, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Another citizen of the 4th district here. One of the rallying cries of the War for Independence was “Taxation without representation.” Oddly enough, that’s what the citizens of the 4th have today. Cynthia McKinney is not a representative. She does not give one whit about her constituents other than their ability to keep her in power. She uses her office as nothing more than a pulpit for her personal views. Its fine to have wacked out personal beliefs. Hell, Ann Coulter has made a career out of it, and the only thing she is sensible enough to do is not run for office.
Cynthia would be a fine (?) addition to any of the talking head t.v. or radio shows that people with an aversion to actual news, thought and debate accept as actual journalism. Its just that she shouldn’t be in office wasting a valuable representative seat. I’ve called her office before as a constituent and asked her to do the honorable thing and please step down and let someone who is interested in representing ALL the people of the 4th district take the job. Obviously that’s fallen on deaf ears.
We can only hope that Mr. Johnson maintains his momentum, and coupled with the votes that were wasted on the guy from Alpharetta (Coyne? Cayne? What the hell was he thinking anyway) maybe we can finally have a representative with integrity in our district.
By Jamie
July 19, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
Gotta love McKinny. At least she keeps GA in the news. Didn’t vote yesterday, but will definitly do so in the run-off and that too for McKinny!!
GO McKinny. You know you are onto something when Whiteys all over the country hate you.
By Joey
July 19, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
kb,
I disagree…
but that’s not the point. My post about Jimmy Carter stands. I wasn’t necessarily referring to the poor in just this country. Jimmy Carter still is the most humanitarian ex-president…and he may be called a lot of things, but not hypocrite or phony. Comparing his actual faith with the pandering of Ralph Reed is a false analogy.
By Carey
July 19, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this
Please re-elect Cynthia!! She is a perfect Democrat - incompetent, clueless, ignorant, racist, socialist, and narrow-minded. All the core qualities the Democrats look for.
By Van's #1 Fan
July 19, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Awww Van, I’m sorry. The winner today is DS who brought Clinton-bashing into the unrelated discussion of current state politics at 9:21 a.m. Good effort, though!
Please try again tomorrow to win the “I STILL Hate Clinton for Having a P-nis AND a Brain” little gold star o’ the day! Love ya!
By DeKalb resident
July 19, 2006 11:00 AM | Link to this
Holy cow! The likelihood that Vernon Jones would run for Cynthia McKinney’s seat is all the more reason to vote for Hank Johnson!!
By John
July 19, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this
Cynthia McKinny is still around because she has a lot of constituents that think she’s a tough rebel going against the white establishment. Getting into a fight at the capitol only solidified that base. They think she’s looking out for them when in fact she is just arrogant.
By kb
July 19, 2006 11:02 AM | Link to this
clarkslawga,
You have done little to impress me since you brought up examples of those with medical/mental conditions (previously, I said examples barring those conditions - but you were desperate - I understand). As for the elderly, would you accept that in many cases, again barring medical conditions that have interfered with proper planning, that there are some whose prior irresponsibility or poor planning has gotten them where they are?
I understand situations beyond control and am perfectly willing to help those folks until they get back on their feet - like military families, or those who have suffered huge unexpected losses (like Enron)or some other catastrophe, certainly the mentally and physically disabled, and those supporting medical conditions of themselves or family.
An individual who heavily skilled in labor/blue collar as opposed to white collar jobs does not represent a condition that should require perpetual supplementation from the taxpayers. The world is full of labor jobs and many of them pay quite well, again unless you are supporting twelve children.
So I think it might be worth you opening your mind to the fact that our welfare system is overwhelmingly abused and the examples you provide in which conditions are no fault of the individual are the exception - when it comes to perpetual dependency and dependence. The fact is, liberals just hate the idea of personal responsibility!
It’s just like the education system where liberals constantly cry for more money when numerous studies indicate that better schools can operate on a much lower per pupil cost. But again we throw more money at the problem and it gets us nowhere but on a continuous downward spiral!
By Nja
July 19, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this
Some people on this blog play the race card just as much as McKinney. If you took the time to actually find out (maybe by coming out of your shell and actually speaking to Black people) instead of just making assumptions you would know, a lot of Black people did not want McKinney back in office.
By Youmustbekidding
July 19, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
McKinney The racist biggot had Cindy the child deserter but now I love him so I can make money Sheehan as well as some sleeve tattoed man wanna be there as her front line supporters last night. Boy this should get her some votes in the run off. Come on Dekalb county see her for WHAT she is not what COLOR she is. If you MUST vote that way look at Hank Johnson he is black also! Please people get her out of office she is a national joke to our state.
By Cynthia Mckinney's hair dresser
July 19, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
JAMIE…you are an idiot(which makes up all of her base)!!!!!! you can’t even spell her name right
By rarringt
July 19, 2006 11:07 AM | Link to this
Interesting how many of the “common sense conservative” posters around here who constantly deride any talk of “playing the race card” love to speak of their disdain for McKinney in a racial context (i.e., if a white person had done what Mckinney did, etc…).
I’ve never been a big fan of McKinney. She’s been in Congress 12 years, and hasn’t really built up much of a track record of performance other than 1) being one of the first to criticize Bush on the war and 2) being one of the only people to protest the disenfranchisement of eligible, registered black voters in Florida back in 2000, and 3) calling for substantial fiscal restraint on the budget in order to minimize the deficit.
But none of that has to do with her appearance or mannerisms.
Most of the folk in here voted for Bush in 2004 with the full knowledge that 1) his performance had been abysmal, 2) his potential for improving was unlikely, 3)he wasn’t intellectually curious about the matters on which he worked on, and 4) his ability to understand the complex issues presented to the White House were, at best, questionable. Oh yeah, he’s presided over the largest creation of/ increase in a deficit over a 5 year period in the history of…history.
The point of my post is, Both Bush and McKinney have dismal performance records and questionable judgment. Both seem a bit short-sighted. Both are likely not the best person for the jobs in which they have/seek.
Yet with Bush, you folks acted as if he was the Second Coming, and embarked on a quasi-religious crusade to keep him in office. McKinney, however, you villify, and act as though she has “666” stamped on her forehead.
Just thought it would be fun this morning to introduce y’all social conservatives (very different from the limited government fiscal conservatives, who I at least respect) to your own hypocrisy.
By Don't Forget The GOP Challenger in November
July 19, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this
Whoever wins this will be going up against [Republican Catherine Davis]. (http://www.catherinedavis.org/)
By seeing through the smoke
July 19, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
kd — clarkslawga anecdotal evidence is as valid as yours. If we want to talk about welfare for the poor, let’s start by defining welfare. Tell me what you mean when you say welfare.
By Nja
July 19, 2006 11:15 AM | Link to this
Rarringt-
The majority of people on here pull the race card just as much as McKinney but for some reason think white people can’t pull the race card- just read some of the comments.
If they actually took the time to speak to Black people instead of assuming they would know there were a lot of Black people who wanted her out of office.
By GOP Challenger to Whoever Wins
July 19, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this
Whoever wins the runoff will have to go up against Republican Catherine Davis, a very successful African-American woman.
By kenny
July 19, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this
Who here would be willing to let the media investigate your past to run for office..as a christian, my sins and faults are not remembered by God…only the devil and his subjects..I am glad I believe people can change and receive second chances…but saying all that…I am glad Reed didnt get elected too
By Coweta Jacket
July 19, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this
I really am glad they put those tougher voting rules in place. I voted 12 times through the early voting period and yesterday’s primary against Moonbat McKinney. And oh by the way, I live in Coweta County. I figured I could do my part by cancelling out some of the votes cast for her by the daytime porch sitters in her district.
By clarkslawga
July 19, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
I really am leaving after this. Just looked in on my way out and saw kb’s response.
A few things
I was not out to impress you. You asked for examples and I gave them. I also stated the obvious (to everyone but you it appears) that such anecdotal evidence is useless in a determination of whether poverty is a real problem or not. There is information out there, (and not from the partisans like the Heritage on the right or the Economic Policy Institute on the left) but that would require objectivity.
Everyone that disagrees with you is not a defacto liberal. I type this sentence almost everyday but never get tired of saying it. There are plenty of people that are closer to the center than many on this board and as soon as we open our mouths we get…FIRE, oh wait I mean LIBERAL.
I am not a liberal. It’s not that it would be a bad thing but I am just not one. I have pretty moderate positions on most issues. I rarely align myself with the D’s or the R’s exclusively and I most definitely think for myself and believe in personal responsibility.
Just because you call me one doesn’t make me one. It just means I am closer to the mainstream than you.
If anyone is at fault it is the electorate (all sides) for not demanding better.
I’d love for you to open your eyes and see the truth that poverty is real, but I can see that is not possible. I will reiterate that such comments as your “twinkie” comment are self-serving and make little or no impact on the abusers of the system (do you think they care?)
They do however allow a snapshot of what is truly in your heart.
By kb
July 19, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
seeing through the smoke: That’s “kb” by the way.
How about this definition: “Financial or other aid provided, especially by the government, to people in need.” Specifically, I am referring to taxpayer funded programs that provide monthly supplementation (or income altogether) to individuals. And I gather from your tone that you take the position that our welfare programs are only abused in a small minority of instances.
If that is correct, I’ll pose the same question to you: why don’t you give me an example of a poor person’s plight - representative of the rule not the exception, (justifying several years in that condition) where his circumstances are not a result of his own poor choices (barring those who may be disabled, suffer from other medical conditions, or have family members who do)?
By time for the truth
July 19, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
” … my sins and faults are not remembered by God”
For Christ’s sake man get a grip and stop posting inane moronic dogma!!
By just me
July 19, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
How can people be stupid enough to still vote for someone crazy like C McKinney - oh my gosh I just don’t get it. At least she will be defeated in the runoff - hopefully in a landslide. Time to cross the party lines and vote for anyone running against her.
By Dekalb Resident
July 19, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
Who voted for Mckinney? The answer, according to the election results is MOST of the 4th District voters who participated in Tuesday’s elections. Those who attack Cynthia most viciously are those that don’t even live in our district. And yes there are racial issues being played out and unfortunately those that continue to jump into 4th District politics from other districts will continue to help KEEP Mckinney in office because you are not allowing us the opportunity to “check our own house”. Anytime someone is attacking your home turf they automatically become your enemy. Yeah you may get a few to come to your side but at the end we are left splintered and then the advantage in American politics goes to the incumbent. How dare some of you question the intellect of the 4th district voters when many of you voted for an idiot like George Bush. He has done more to embarrass all of us then any other politician. If you argue that Mckinney makes Georgia look bad then what do you say about Bush who makes America look horrible. Our state has been looked at for a long time as a bunch of redneck hillbillies and Cynthia Mckinney had nothing to do with that image. Campaign sloggings about the BIG GUY (glorifying being fat) and how much each candidate is against homosexuality and Devout Christians yet they have many divorces and get caught up in scandal after scandal. Let’s get real. I have met Hank Johnson and generally like the guy and probably would have voted for him had others not attempted to dictate to me who i should have representing me. If this was a state office then i wouldn’t mind all the comments because you should be involved and vocal about electing your representatives. But this is an issue for the residents of the 4th district and it will be a cold day in Hell before i allow someone outside of my district dictate who My representative will be. I may not like some of the bad attention that our Congresswoman has provided but i despise even more those outsiders who attempt to run their district and mine alike. Residents of the 4th also don’t be blindsided these same people won’t like any candidate that we elect to represent us; how much chance of winning do you think Hank Johnson would have of winning in their home districts? I think little Denise Magette proved this point. She was a star for them until she stepped across the line and then realized how many supporters she really didn’t have… If Mckinney is going to win or lose it should be because of the voters of the 4th District decided and not because the AJC or other districts don’t like her style.