Follow the party line or get lost
Items compiled from my political notebook as the summer months approach:
•I found it interesting to read the accounts of Georgia’s Republican state convention this past weekend.
A rather vocal group of Ron Paul supporters were at the convention in Columbus and did everything within their power to get recognized by those who run the state party. Their efforts were in vain, however, as the state party decided on a “united” front for John McCain.
I didn’t find these actions suprising given past actions by state Republican leaders. In 2006, state party officials refused to even recognize that Ray McBerry was running against Sonny Perdue in the Republican primary for governor. They went as far to not even list McBerry on the state party’s official website even though every other statewide candidate was listed.
I called the state Republican party headquarters to voice my objection. I called as an average Georgia voter, not as a journalist. The woman was answered the phone basically said — in a somewhat condescending manner — McBerry had no right to run against Perdue and that since Perdue was the incumbent that he was going to receive the support of the state party.
“But can’t you even list his opponent on the state party website?” I asked. “Ignoring a candidate doesn’t mean he doesn’t exist.”
The woman on the other end of the line then hung up on me.
The message is clear when it comes to the Republican Party in Georgia: follow the party line or get lost.
•The race for governor in our great state is officially underway for 2010. State insurance commissioner John Oxendine has declared his intentions to seek the office.
Oxendine, a Republican, has received high marks from many (myself included) for his work through the years as state insurance commissioner. Oxendine has proven to be a thorn in the side of the big insurance companies, who often don’t look out for the best interest of paying consumers.
With no incumbent running in 2010, the governor’s race will be wide open, but Oxendine certainly is worthy of consideration.
•Speaking of the Governor’s office, will Sonny Perdue go down as the least effective one our state has had? I mean what has he accomplished during his time in office?
Give up? I give up too. Perdue has overseen a rising unemployment rate for Georgia with numerous large companies closing their doors. I guess he will be remembered for that if nothing else.
•I must admit I was surprised Saxy Chambliss did not draw a primary challenger for his U.S Senate seat. If ever an incumbent was worthy of a primary challenge, it would be Saxy.
Chambliss has been nothing but a rubber stamp for President Bush’s failed policies, both domestic and foreign. Like a captain who refuses to give up the sinking boat, the loyalty Chambliss has shown to Bush, arguably one of the worst presidents in our country’s history, is disgraceful.
Here’s hoping for his ouster in November.
•Bob Barr’s bid for president as a member of the Libertarian Party has gained a great deal of national press. Our state’s largest newspaper attempted to drag Barr through the mud with a front page story Sunday, but the growth of his support continues to grow.
Barr’s first step will be to secure the Libertarian Party bid and then set his sites on John McCain and Barack Obama. The Libertarian candidate for President, whoever it may be, will be on Georgia’s ballot.
Chris Bridges is a reporter for The Banks County News. Contact him at 706-367-2745 or e-mail comments to chris@mainstreetnews.com.
A rather vocal group of Ron Paul supporters were at the convention in Columbus and did everything within their power to get recognized by those who run the state party. Their efforts were in vain, however, as the state party decided on a “united” front for John McCain.
I didn’t find these actions suprising given past actions by state Republican leaders. In 2006, state party officials refused to even recognize that Ray McBerry was running against Sonny Perdue in the Republican primary for governor. They went as far to not even list McBerry on the state party’s official website even though every other statewide candidate was listed.
I called the state Republican party headquarters to voice my objection. I called as an average Georgia voter, not as a journalist. The woman was answered the phone basically said — in a somewhat condescending manner — McBerry had no right to run against Perdue and that since Perdue was the incumbent that he was going to receive the support of the state party.
“But can’t you even list his opponent on the state party website?” I asked. “Ignoring a candidate doesn’t mean he doesn’t exist.”
The woman on the other end of the line then hung up on me.
The message is clear when it comes to the Republican Party in Georgia: follow the party line or get lost.
•The race for governor in our great state is officially underway for 2010. State insurance commissioner John Oxendine has declared his intentions to seek the office.
Oxendine, a Republican, has received high marks from many (myself included) for his work through the years as state insurance commissioner. Oxendine has proven to be a thorn in the side of the big insurance companies, who often don’t look out for the best interest of paying consumers.
With no incumbent running in 2010, the governor’s race will be wide open, but Oxendine certainly is worthy of consideration.
•Speaking of the Governor’s office, will Sonny Perdue go down as the least effective one our state has had? I mean what has he accomplished during his time in office?
Give up? I give up too. Perdue has overseen a rising unemployment rate for Georgia with numerous large companies closing their doors. I guess he will be remembered for that if nothing else.
•I must admit I was surprised Saxy Chambliss did not draw a primary challenger for his U.S Senate seat. If ever an incumbent was worthy of a primary challenge, it would be Saxy.
Chambliss has been nothing but a rubber stamp for President Bush’s failed policies, both domestic and foreign. Like a captain who refuses to give up the sinking boat, the loyalty Chambliss has shown to Bush, arguably one of the worst presidents in our country’s history, is disgraceful.
Here’s hoping for his ouster in November.
•Bob Barr’s bid for president as a member of the Libertarian Party has gained a great deal of national press. Our state’s largest newspaper attempted to drag Barr through the mud with a front page story Sunday, but the growth of his support continues to grow.
Barr’s first step will be to secure the Libertarian Party bid and then set his sites on John McCain and Barack Obama. The Libertarian candidate for President, whoever it may be, will be on Georgia’s ballot.
Chris Bridges is a reporter for The Banks County News. Contact him at 706-367-2745 or e-mail comments to chris@mainstreetnews.com.
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