How many of you have been like me when it comes to this year’s governor’s race? When it came to the list of declared candidates you found yourself being more than a little underwhelmed. Oh, there were a couple of candidates I could have supported — voted for even — but the fire just wasn’t there.
It could have been any number of reasons my enthusiasm was lacking. Quite frankly, politics today has left a taste in my mouth similar to biting into a sandwich that has been left on the counter for a week. Your first instinct is to spit it out as soon as your taste buds react.
Republicans say “Blah, blah, blah” about Democrats. On the other hand, Democrats return in kind with “Blah, blah, blah” about their opponents. Enough already.
Welcome to the party Ray Boyd, a self-made millionaire businessman who we will be hearing a lot more of in the next few weeks. Boyd, from all that I’ve read in the past few days, appears to be my kind of candidate.
He’s running in the Republican primary but don’t let the party label fool you. He wants all elected officials in Georgia thrown out of office — regardless of party. He is not accepting campaign contributions, rather he will finance his own campaign by putting in a personal contribution of $2 million.
Is he arriving at the party a little late? Sure. But when the majority of Georgians couldn’t tell you who is running anyway, then I don’t think it matters. (What a sad state of affairs that more Georgians can probably tell you who is still alive on American Idol than who is running for governor this year.)
Boyd has already criticized those in the race for being “ethically challenged” and questioned how they would have the gall to even enter the race.
Boyd, 67, said he knows he will have both sides attacking him. Yet, a candidate who stands for what is right is going to have that.
While a successful businessman now, Boyd was not always that way. He recalled in interviews how he picked cotton as a child making a penny a pound. He said he has no debt today despite the ups and downs of the economy and questions those in the real estate business who, unlike him, are struggling today.
“Why in the hell, when things were good, didn’t they take care of business?” Boyd asked in a political article published last week.
The amount of money Boyd is willing to put into his campaign makes him a legitimate player. That’s the way politics are. He will be able to buy advertising and get his name out there. Already, a buzz has been created with just with a few newspaper articles about him.
Make no mistake, those competing in the Republican primary are nervous as they can be with Boyd in the race. This is the type of candidate who can spark a fire under a dormant voter base which can help him cruise to the Republican nomination.
Georgians are tired of politics as usual. Several long-time politicians, including a former governor, are in the race this year. However, is that what our state really needs at this point? Does our state need candidates who are facing ethical charges and candidates who try to dance around those issues? Hardly.
Voters in our state have been waiting for a candidate like Ray Boyd. A candidate who can appeal to voters from both parties. A candidate who knows what it takes to be successful. A candidate who may just pull Georgia out of its haze. Welcome to the party Ray Boyd.
Chris Bridges is an editor with Mainstreet Newspapers. You can reach him at chris@mainstreetnews.com.
I plan to vote for Mr. Boyd and I hope those that are sick and tired of the lies, deceit, adultry, vile corruption daily practiced by the current cesspool floaters, vote for Mr. BOYD!!
I am going to Ray Boyd's website and ordering as many as I can afford of his bumper stickers and yard signs.