In recent days, some of my political friends and acquaintances have asked me why I feel so strongly about electing Casey Cagle Lt. Governor. Much of it is Casey’s record on conservative issues, from taxes to social issues. Casey is as solid as they get.
However, as many have noted, I have been a steadfast supporter of Ralph until rather recently, beginning my consulting career at Century Strategies in 1997-98 when Ralph was a start-up in Georgia and going on to help Ralph with his campaign for State Party Chairman.
Like many who have departed Ralph now (and the roster of those known and unknown who have left Ralph in disappointment with what they found is nearly a dozen by my count), I came to his company because of his reputation for principled conservative leadership. My reason for abandoning my support of Ralph is simple: Ralph Reed’s words and actions do not match up.
There are many instances of this, but the clearest one is Ralph’s decision to campaign for Permanent Most Favored Nation (or MFN) Status for China as a paid operative for Boeing – something that profited companies and the Chinese government but which many Christian groups were opposing because of China’s record of abuses against Christians.
Part of Ralph’s “grasstops
55 responses so far ↓
Demonbeck // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:20 pm
I have never seen it summed up so beautifully, good job Clint!
Bill Simon // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:23 pm
Good job, Clint, but too bad this didn’t go out in a mail piece.
Bull Moose // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:29 pm
Way to go Clint! You can tell your feelings are very heartfelt and personal. I’m glad you shared them here.
politicalwidow // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:39 pm
GOPeach? Debbie? Yooohooo…where are you? Come out come out where ever you are!
Erick // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:42 pm
Oh yeah, welcome Clint to the front page of Peach Pundit.
jackson // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:51 pm
Dude, the most powerful and personal reason I have heard yet to not vote for Ralph Reed.
GAWire // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Hey, I say all of these things and apparently I’ve gone too far! What gives?!?
debbie0040 // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:54 pm
http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=16061
Ralph Reed Is a Proven Conservative
by Sadie Fields
Posted Jul 17, 2006
The following is a response to Marvin Olasky’s syndicated column from July 13, titled “Honesty in Politics.”
Ralph Reed, who is running for lieutenant governor in Georgia, is a proven conservative leader who has spent decades strengthening pro-family values.
eem2006 // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:57 pm
Sadie Fields is a very sad and misguided woman.
Her words mean squat to me and a lot of other people….
Demonbeck // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:59 pm
Someone send that letter fro Sadie to the IRS
Jason // Jul 17, 2006 at 4:59 pm
I can’t wait to see Ralph lose tomorrow—been waiting for this day since the convention in 2001. Well, realy since 98. Cheers to all former Ralph supporters who saw the light.
GAWire // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:00 pm
Demon, they already have it … needless to say, Sadie has her own issues to deal with.
jackson // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:01 pm
Its hilarious. That guy from Macon or wherever that endorsed Casey had to quit, but Sadie can have her TITLE on the response, and nothing happens. What a fake.
politicalwidow // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:01 pm
debbie,
This is not a response. It is not about what he has done, it is about how he has done it.
debbie0040 // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:02 pm
Reed will win tomorrow and he will win in November
Smillican // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:09 pm
Clint - well thought out, well spoken, and well written. I truly believe this is a vote for Casey Cagle that I could, and would, and should, respect. It’s balanced, based on intense thought and personal experience. I doesn’t sway my vote or my support, but it’s one of the few votes out of Cagle’s camp I can respect.
bruce benidict // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:12 pm
This is pretty insightful comming from the guy who is going to lose their ionly source of income if Ralph wins. This is a very interesting article from our lobbyist friend. It seems like none of the people that Mr. Austin previously worked for are very close to him now. Did Mr. Austin not work for Mitch Seabaugh before? Please tell us why you are not close with him now….or better yet just give it some time and I bet Sen. Cagle will not be speaking to you either.
Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones…here is a word to the wise Mr. Austin…..Don’t attack christian values unless you want your own exploited. it is great to quote scripture but casting stones is much more difficult than walking the walk. And for your sake make sure they take your letter down by Tuesday….just to make sure that Jared Thomas does not save it and once Ralph wins have you excommunicated from the church!!!!!
Clint Austin // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:25 pm
I don’t make much pretense at being a great Christian. A rather shabby one in fact. No defense on that front, but of course I did not appear on TV the last two weeks repeatedly invoking Christian thought to win my campaign.
As for my relationships with clients and former clients, that is one incorrect thing you say. I have pretty doggone good ones with most everyone I have worked with.
jackson // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:26 pm
I dont think Clint should worry about Jared. Jared will probably leave Ralph Reed on his own, just like everyone else has.
And if you didnt pay attention BRUCE, he wasnt attacking his christian values. Just pointed out that when he was there, Ralph Reed didnt live up to what he was preaching. Ralph Reed’s whole arguement is that it OTHERS and the LIBERALS that are attacking him. He can’t even take responsibility for his own actions. Its ridiculous.
The Busdriver // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:29 pm
Mr. Benedict,
Your prose, or lackthereof, smacks of a really stupid Yoda.
“Hmmm, live in glass houses you will. Interesting the article from our lobbyist friend.”
Benedict, if your sack was any bigger than your brain matter you’d quit your stupid games and post your gossip. Man up you pussy.
Dangling the hammer of Jared Thomas. Please. 5 foot redheads inspire fear!! Fear I tell you!!
GAWire // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:30 pm
>>”"”Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones”"”
I’m hiring the stone workers right now to carve that in Ralph Reed’s driveway.
That’s priceless.
Btw, who are you to attack Clint’s business?
GAWire // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:31 pm
Bus,
5 ft redheads vs 3 ft green guys … who wins?
The Busdriver // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:33 pm
By the way Bruce, if that is your real name (I’m thinking Ace, or maybe Gary) . . .way to attack the messenger.
The Busdriver // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:34 pm
“5 ft redheads vs 3 ft green guys … who wins?”
I don’t know. Are they fighting Mini Ditkas?
Demonbeck // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:36 pm
All I know is that Clint Austin is one of the most well-respected non-elected/non-staff names in the Gold Dome.
And really, how much of an effect can a LG have on pretty much anything these days?
Kudos to Clint. Well said.
bruce benidict // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:44 pm
I am sure that you do have good clients….but by attacking a candidate online you somehow offer the idea that people hold credence in your opinion …and they may…..for one more day.
1. I really like your point that you can attack RR about his christian affiliation on TV and when you quote scripture on a blog supporting his opponet you are somehow beyond reproach…nice
2. my coment about your clients was specific….like I said once you assert your self as a valued opinion with a 2 page letter you must be able to defend your own actions (politics 101…page 1)
3. as for Ms Jackson…..are you asserting that liberals are not attacking Ralph…for heavens sake consider that fact that the AJC endorsed his opponet….so did the Macon telegraph….they are a huge faction of the conservatives media in georgia (laugh)….and then in one the most conservative parts of Georgia - the Waycross paper endorses RR and it is somehow necessary to add it to the title of a blog….I guess John McCain’s report that claimed Ralph did no wrongdoing woud be considerd liberal media too huh…attack with a gun not a butter knife…
furthermore, you speak about RR taking responsibility for his actions, I am merely asking Mr. Austin to take responsibility for his own actions in writing the 2 pager. If you have not been watching the debates or the papers you will see that RR has answered every questions asked of him, I am only availing Mr. Austin that same opportunity.
StevePerkins // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:48 pm
If enough disgusted people just leave the Lt. Gov. box blank, could Cagle and Reed be forced into a runoff due to neither achieiving 50%? That would be awesome beyond words.
The Busdriver // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:50 pm
Mr. Benedict,
The copy of the McCain Senate Final Report that Ralph let you borrow. Didn’t it concern you that it was only 11 pages long, including the table of contents?
Bill Simon // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:50 pm
The difference is, Ralph has pretty much LIED in a lot of his answers.
Boy, forget the races…I cannot wait until he gets deposed by either the feds or the Texas tribe suing him. His new Indian name shall be “Racketeering Ralph”…
politicalwidow // Jul 17, 2006 at 5:59 pm
Busdriver-
I think you might be off a bit. I think Bruce Benidict might write a column for the Sunday Paper.
jackson // Jul 17, 2006 at 6:00 pm
Sure, Bruce, its the liberals and the liberal media. That’s why World Magazine, Weekly Standard, the Wall Street Journal, David Brooks, Matthew Conetteti, Paul Weyrich, Phyllis Schafley have all criticized Ralph Reeds recent activities. It’s all the vast left-wing consipiracy.
The Busdriver // Jul 17, 2006 at 6:02 pm
Don’t forget chief Leftist Dr. Dobson, who said this about Ralph:
“As for the comparison between me and Ralph Reed, let it simply be said that some things are more important to me than winning. The lives of unborn babies and the moral underpinnings of the nation are two of them. On these issues, I will never compromise to achieve a place at the table.”
eem2006 // Jul 17, 2006 at 6:02 pm
I think Bruce Benedict has big ole boobies…not balls
The Busdriver // Jul 17, 2006 at 6:04 pm
Sunday Paper? Oh yeah, the “big cavernous pit of love” thing. Gotcha.
Mr. Benedict, where should we send your Pulitzer?
Romegaguy // Jul 17, 2006 at 6:12 pm
JOKE OF THE DAY—
Do you know what you call a former Reed employee? A Cagle supporter.
jacewalden // Jul 17, 2006 at 6:12 pm
Smillican,
How is this ANY different from the reasons that the Cagle supporters on this website?
(1) He sold out Christians to make a buck off of China
(2) He set up “Christian” organizations to launder his money and manipulate the government
(3) His character doesn’t match his lies
This is just another example of what everyone else has been saying for months. Are you saying that our criticisms of Reed are invalid?
The Busdriver // Jul 17, 2006 at 6:16 pm
That’s 99% true. All former Reed employees are in fact working for Cagle, but there is one guy that used to work for Ralph who isn’t working for Cagle. His name is Robin and he’s currently in Peterson Federal Correction Facility in Virginia. See, Ralph doesn’t mind if you’re a pederast. All that matters is whether the (laundered) check clears.
GAWire // Jul 17, 2006 at 6:22 pm
>>”"”by attacking a candidate online you somehow offer the idea that people hold credence in your opinion”"”
By attacking a candidate online, that makes us … voters. You don’t have to be a pundit, a writer, a blogger, a journalist, an elected official, a staffer, or anything quite frankly to opine about a political candidate who is so involved in political scandals that he doesn’t even remember what the truth is anymore. You do have to be alive, and that is pretty much the standard.
Save The GOP » Last Minute Stuff on Ralph Reed // Jul 17, 2006 at 6:37 pm
[...] You can read a great piece by a former Reed supporter about an issue we haven’t hit yet, Reed’s rather unChristian work to give China Most Favored Nation status, here on Peach Pundit. [...]
northside elephant // Jul 17, 2006 at 7:15 pm
Clint, I first met you when Ralph was running for GAGOP chairman. In ‘01 and ‘02 I got to know him and some of his associates like Linda Hamrick. I was quickly disillusioned when I learned first-hand how Ralph peddled his influence and sold out his Christian values. You summed him up well and I think you answered the often asked question of just what it is about him that so many find detestable.
Thanks
mercergirl // Jul 17, 2006 at 7:16 pm
I have a whole lot of respect for you, Clint Austen. Well said, and I have to agree with Smilican in regards to your reasoning except unlike him I’m voting for Cagle as well. That is unless of course, Reed emails me personally like GOPeach said
- just giving you are hard time, GOPeach, its all in good fun. After all, at this point in time we should all accept we’ve all made up our minds and we will see the results tomorrow. And if someone on here has NOT made up their mind, well I doubt any of our bickering will sway them.
Michael C // Jul 17, 2006 at 7:47 pm
Debbie, I just do not get it. You have to be an act. No one could honestly keep up this facade of lies for so long.
Headin\' South // Jul 17, 2006 at 7:50 pm
Clint, that was a very well written piece.
Bill, I think Ralph’s Indian name is “Little Chief Cashing Checks.”
Brian from Ellijay // Jul 17, 2006 at 10:02 pm
Would that be Molly?
TigerLily // Jul 17, 2006 at 11:22 pm
bruce benidict:
Clint Austin has more than one income. He is a political consultant and lobbyist…successful at both might I add. He is even on good terms with Senator Seabaugh. Not sure where you are getting your information but it is incorrect.
What also bothers me is your conclusion that Georgia will have a K Street Project if Ralph Reed wins. You mean to tell me that if Casey wins or if Ralph wins the primary they will shut the doors on those who supported their opponent? Crazy thought, sir. First, the winner is going to need money to take on the Democrat in November. Like it or not, there is a race come 11.07.06. Second, come January 2007 there will be many issues under the gold dome and most of the lobbyists have found a way to become GOP centered if they weren’t before. Are you saying all doors will be shut on the second floor if they didn’t support the winner? That is a lot of people to be silent to.
Doesn’t sound smart to burn bridges…lobbyists like Mr. Austin have multiple clients that represent small interests to big business.
Snap out of it. Clint doesn’t deserve your questions or suggested implications for speaking his mind.
Southern Appeal » The fedster’s 2006 Georgia/Macon Republican Primary endorsements // Jul 18, 2006 at 5:08 am
[...] Update: In the interest of equal time, Clint Austin of Peach Pundit mkaes an eloquent and compelling case against for voting for Reed here. [...]
Clint Austin // Jul 18, 2006 at 10:29 am
Couple of clarifications based on emails and calls I have gotten:
1. My friend who “married me” is not the person to whom I am married - it was the preacher who performed the ceremony. Poor wording on my part.
2. Ralph’s work on China pre-dated my work on his chairman’s campaign. However, I did not learn of it until after 2001. This was a fair question from some folks, so wanted to make it clear.
rugby fan // Apr 14, 2008 at 7:21 pm
I agree!
Lt. Col. Sheppie // Apr 14, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Great post Clint! I think we’re seeing the beginning of the end of the Reed campaign. I will say he was great to serve with as one of his Vice-Chairs.
Icarus // Apr 14, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I don’t know Clint & Sheppie,
With Ralph’s close ties to the big man upstairs, I’m sure he can make sure we get plenty of rain, and keep us out of unnecessary wars with border states.
No blood for river water!
(after all, rednecks pee in it.)
Bill Simon // Apr 14, 2008 at 9:28 pm
I love the way these nuggets keep on getting unearthed. Maybe there will be a return of one of the LOOONNNNNN threads that had its comments shut-off, but somehow, the comments will be turned back on.
I think the thread started with something like “Another…”.somebody-somebody’s last name…thread….or something like that.
rugby fan // Apr 14, 2008 at 9:59 pm
What you all forget is Ralph’s superior grassroots network.
That will deliver Ralph to the White House, erm, Governor’s Mansion, erm, where does the Lite Gov live?
Anyways, Ralph is well positioned to win, even home schoolers like him and will work for him.
Watch out, Reed will prove the non believers wrong or my name isn’t Sonny Perdue, erm, I mean, put a steak dinner on it.
bowersville // Apr 14, 2008 at 10:10 pm
You almost had me going until you mentioned Sonny Perdue and a steak dinner.
I remember Sonny out there campaigning and complaining about eating pork n beans.
Romegaguy // Apr 15, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Rugby, Ralph will win it for the children
Chris Farris // Apr 15, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Speaking of bloody purges……