Sen. Eric Johnson has wigged out over a joke Sen. David Shafer told this morning at the Cobb County Republican Breakfast.
As I’m told, Shafer was the featured speaker this morning at the Cobb GOP’s monthly meeting, where he was introduced by Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chip Rogers. Shafer covered a wide range of topics, including zero based budgeting, the Tennessee War River project, and education reform. At the end of the talk, he told the crowd that he was running for Lieutenant Governor in 2010 and, while he was not ready to give a stump speech, wanted everyone to know that he was rated “A plus” by the National Rifle Association and a list of other conservative groups. He then added in good fun, that he had never been arrested, accused of a crime other than a minor traffic violation, been rebuked by the Cobb County Republican Party or given money to Alicia Thomas Morgan. This line earned him uproarious laughter.
The last two comments, alluding to the Cobb County GOP’s vote earlier this year to censure Johnson of Savannah for giving money to Democrat Alicia Thomas Morgan, sent the Savannah lawmaker into a hissy. He sent out an email entitled “Johnson responds to Shafer comments at Cobb GOP Breakfast” accusing Shafer of pettiness:
“I am saddened by such early, petty comments. I am afraid that this is what Republicans will have to hear from my opponent for the next 18 months.”
Johnson then attempted to defend his giving money to Alicia Thomas Morgan and other Democrats, saying that it was to buy votes for one of his voucher bills.
It seems Senator Johnson is feeling a bit defensive of his support for Democrats when a harmless joke told at a Cobb Breakfast triggers such an hysterical outburst. Its pretty clear that what we’ll really be hearing for the next 18 months is a lot of whining from the coast about feelings being hurt.
I can’t wait.
Disclosure: (or lack there of) I’m in no way affiliated with Shafer for Georgia outside of being one of David’s fans
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David gave a very impressive talk, lots of issues, a little red meat and some funny stories. Chip Rogers and Phil Gingrey both had very complimentary things to say about him and his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor. Eric’s name never came up, although most everyone who laughed at the Alicia Thomas Morgan joke knew that it was Eric who had paid her the money. Eric’s reaction is pretty bizarre, especially to those of us who were at the breakfast, and while people laughed at David’s joke, most Cobb County Republicans do not think what Eric did was very funny.
Shafer is a rather impressive candidate. He will win and has my vote.
So the former Pro Tem thinks that buying votes is a rational explanation? Wonder how much ours are worth? Can someone set up a paypal account.
I think Senator Johnson doth protest too much.
“I am saddened by such early, petty comments. I am afraid that this is what Republicans will have to hear from my opponent for the next 18 months.”
What is worse is that we have to hear from you. Mr. Johnson, for 18 months.
“it was to buy votes for one of his voucher bills.”
Maybe for that, but you’re not buying my vote.
A few days ago, one of the regular posters asked why some of us were supporting Shafer in this race. The contrast painted above is a pretty good snapshot of the race for me. Shafer gave, by the above accounts, a fairly cut and dried meat and potatoes talk. He appears to have covered the major issues of the day, and at the end, made an appeal to “the base” with a few lighthearted remarks thrown in.
The reaction from Senator Johnson is a bit of over-reaction at best, and is somewhat paranoid at worst.
The Republicans are essentially choosing someone who will have dual responsibilities for the next 4 or 8 years: 1) To get the next governor’s legislation through the general assembly, and 2) To be the person in the “on-deck” circle to be the next governor.
After the contentiousness exhibited from our team over the past 6 years, I will be paying a lot of attention to temperment in our next round of candidates. I would encourage other persons planning to vote in an upcoming Republican primary to do the same.
I have paid attention and will vote for Oxendine/Shafer.
Somebody needs to ask that @ss Johnson from Savannah why he thinks the king of the Rabun County Taliban should be the Lt. Gov.?
Ah, Senator Thin Skin!
You see, some politicos take themself way too serious where they feel the need to release a formal press release in regards to a joke – an off hand joke at that.
I have nothing against Senator Johnson (Thin Skin), I just think his politics as usual press release was a desperate ploy for media coverage in what is shaping up to be a race that is Senator Shafer’s to lose.
Icarus hints at something very important and that is tempermant and judgement. While there are a host of issues that are important such as guiding our state through this unprecedented recession and ensuring that Georgians are taken care of and that education and safety are not compromised for necessity’s sake, it is important to think about the tempermant and judgement of the candidates that we are going to elect.
So you have nothing against the Rabun County Taliban moose shit??, We’ll fornicate you moose!! Hey hey, hi oh! Piss on you moose!
I was at the breakfast, had never met David before, and thought his opening lines were light hearted and highly entertaining. If this kind of thin skinned over reacting is what Georgia can expect from Johnson for the next 18 months, Shafer won’t even need to campaign.
I was also at the breakfast…Eric’s name was not mentioned by Shafer, and the span of time in which Shafer rattled off the references to himself not ever being “arrested or rebuked by the Cobb Republican Party” or giving money to Morgan took all of about 8 seconds and that was it. Until I read this post tonight, I had completely forgotten about Shafer had said on that.
But, good one for Johnson to remind me and everyone else who was there and who reads Peach Pundit of the very light-hearted joke.
Hummmm …. I am sure that there will be much to unfold in the months to come on the LT. Gov. Race…. I do not know either David Shafer or Eric Johnson personally …. but I like what I know about both of them.
I think they are BOTH PRO-LIFE and the are BOTH CHRISTIANS. They are BOTH very strong leaders. It will be tough.
I do not hold Sen. Johnson “guilty” of any wrong just because he supported Alicia Morgan. Our dear Republican Governor Purdue gave quite a bit of money to democrats as well if you will all remember.
Also…. I heard that a Cobb Rep. State House candidate has been helping Alicia see why abortion is wrong now that Rep. Morgan has had a baby….. I think we may be in for some surprises from Mrs. Morgan…. It seems the goodness of God through Sen. Johnson and others is causing her to repent!
Eric Johnson– has a job
David Shafer– lives off his wife
Eric Johnson– architect and business owner
David Shafer– political hack
Eric Johnson– will win his current Senate District
David Shafer– will lose North Fulton, and thus his district
Eric Johnson– free thinking, conservative legislator
David Shafer– Casey Cagles buttboy
Few of David’s supporters, care to remember or admit that David is only where he is today because he was close with Casey, when Casey was hated by the caucus-
If I remember correctly Casey served a stint as Minority Leader and Caucus Chairman but was thrown out because he was ineffective and never punctual— replaced by Eric Johnson and Tom Price
When Casey ran for Lt. Governor, folks voted against Ralph Reed– not for him, David was awarded with a chairmanship and increased publicity for his loyalty
While many Peach Pundit posters fawn over David, the state will not do the same, despite David’s fundraising prowess he could have been defeated in any of his State Senate contests in a primary if any well known candidate from North Fulton had ran–
And people wonder why we’re in the shape we’re in both at the state and national (and yes, even local) level?
Because people are more worried that a particular candidate is ‘pro-life’ and ‘a Christian’ rather than that he holds to only the Constitution and maximum individual freedom under it. (Yes, Virginia, there is a Constitution of the State of Georgia.)
People do a lot of things I abhor. But as long as they are not trying to use the government to tell me I have to do exactly as they do, I’m cool with it, so long as it doesn’t harm anyone other than the person doing it.
I just wish others would extend me the same courtesy, and any politician that does not will never again get my vote.
That includes both of the individuals in question here.
One of the things I really like about David is that he doesn’t take himself too seriously. I don’t know Johnson very well, but he appears very thin skinned. I think it was a good joke to make, being that it was in front of the body that had censored Johnson for his recent contributions to Democrats.
Instead of picking one isolated issue, like school vouchers (which I think it’s debatable as to how supportive she’s been of them), I think we should exam Alicia Morgan Thomas’ entire platform and voting recored. If they are the kind of issues you support, then send her a contribution like Eric. But, from those who don’t like extreme left-wing representation, Eric should be expecting lots of criticism and questions over the next 18 months.
Pretty good example here of why Eric was kicked out of the Pro Temp job by his fellow legislators.
The guy is a thin skinned jerk.
and there’s no excuse for giving money to democrats. none.
Foray–first and foremost, I just want to point out that you were on this blog at 3am calling someone a “butboy”. Just throwing that out there.
Secondly, I think the Caucus was pretty big on Cagle seeing how they all endorsed him when he didn’t have a shot at the LG’s race. A shot. They also campaigned for him all over the state and put their reputation on the line.
Cagle got screwed over by Johnson/Price/Stephens and I think it is damn near poetic that made the leap and won statewide when nobody gave him a chance.
I have always been partial to the Cagle/Mullis/Rogers crowd as opposed to some of the others who have held senate leadership. I think the Williams/Rogers combination is great. Good, decent people.
Southwest GA Libertarian
I’d support some of the “outsiders” on this blog for political office rather than grovel at the feet of a “strong leader”. Somebody who, who has some basic economic knowledge (and not necessarily a Lawyer) and who supports the GA Constitution. Heck, let’s piss everybody off and find a Druid from the Okefenokee Swamp area.
foray – You are right on! People did not vote for Casey Cagel – They clearly voted against Ralph Reed…. That will bite him in the butt in 2010.
I have heard from dozens of women that he comes on to them in a silky voice and starring into their eyes… creepy…. kinda like a televangelist.
Southwest GA Libertarian – In a Primary, a GOP candidate has a conservative base that he/she must appeal to and it DOES matter if they are Pro-Life and Christian. These could be reasons libertarians have no real traction with the salt of the earth types in Southwest Georgia.
Hey – Let’s have a contest and see who can find which Republican elected official has donated the most $$$ to a democrat!
Can anyone beat Sonny Perdue?
It is well known around the Capitol that Casey is sleazy– perhaps one should look at female former staffers who are no longer in his employ–
Eric Johnson has no business running for office as a Republican. He has been completely discredited. He was censured by the Cobb County Republican Party and removed from Senate leadership for misconduct. Vote buying is wrong, regardless of the issue. I support Casey Cagle for Governor and David Shafer for Lieutenant Governor. They are two good men and fine leaders. CAGLE/SHAFER 2o10!
Nah —- Cagle can not take down Herman Cain.
I think the candidate who is the most compatible with Herman Cain will win the LT. Gov. It would seem that Sen. Johnson is the maverick that is not a member of the ” Good Ol White Boys Club” in the Senate…
Just my observation from all the Johnson bashing thus far on this thread.
Plus…. I think Herman Cain will save the GOP in GEORGIA!
He is a SOCIAL CONSERVATIVE
He is a FAIR TAX MAN
He is BLACK….
BINGO! We have a winner!
Johnson is not a maverick. He is an ex-boss who lost his power and title because of his own misconduct. Herman Cain is not running for Governor. Cagle/Shafer is the ticket in 2010!
foray – Perhaps these staffers need to weigh in fast! We do not need another “Bill Clinton”. Gag me with a navy blue dress!
Herman Cain will announce soon. He will run and he will win!
Eric Johnson– will win his current Senate District
David Shafer– will lose North Fulton, and thus his district
Foray, why do you say Shafer will “lose” North Fulton? One of his bills, as I recall, paved the way for the cities of Sandy Springs, Milton and Johns Creek to form and remove themselves from the tentacles of the Fulton County Commission.
Bowersville said:
“Somebody needs to ask that @ss Johnson from Savannah why he thinks the king of the Rabun County Taliban should be the Lt. Gov.?”
We need names. Who are you talking about?
“Herman Cain will announce soon. He will run and he will win!”
I hope you are right.
Howard Roark – I am right and I am VERY excited! I may get back involved with the GOP . It will be fun to RAISE CAIN in Georgia.
Anyone who wants to encourage Herman Cain to run.
this is his e-mail: hs @ hermancain dot com
sorry …. it is hc @ hermancain dot com
Social conservatives were in charge of D.C. for a whopping 2 years (1995-1996, we had a GOP-led House, Senate, and White House) and were tossed-out on their ears because people were FED-UP with their social conservative agenda (e.g., interfering in the Terri Schiavo affair or yammering about making “marriage” a constitutional item).
Social conservatives have proven themselves to be inept with fiscal conservatism, and as prone to the greed and stupidity of passing irresponsible spending legislation that K Street wants them to pass as the Dems EVER were.
I do not see Johnson getting any traction in North Fulton. Shafer is very popular here. He has done a good job as State Senator. He has stayed in touch with his constituents and he has been a champion for North Fulton. Fulton may be a stronger county for Shafer than any other in the state, except Cobb where the anti-Johnson sentiment is so strong.
He is a SOCIAL CONSERVATIVE
He is a FAIR TAX MAN
He is BLACK….
Oxendine is a Social Conservative and a FairTax guy. Why not him?
Ox has potential.
Milton – humm I think all the Private School parents in N. Fulton may like vouchers for their kids. Johnson may be a bit of a perk.
I was there when Alicia Thomas Morgan was singing a protest song in the well during morning orders after the Voter ID vote. Anyone who can give such a person a dime, especially when (don’t forget) there was a Republican running against her, is not worthy of my vote.
This shows me several things: Johnson is very thin-skinned, and he lacks not only political judgment, but rock solid prinicples. No one would even know about this little incident at the Cobb breakfast (outside of those at the breakfast) if it weren’t for his little outburst. As far as principles go, he put his money on a person who stands for very little that I believe in. If he is willing to buy votes in this fashion, it seems that nothing will be off limits.
With 40 comments on a weekend thread, I guess this is a signal that we might actually be back to discussing Georgia politics on this Georgia Political Blog in no time.
North GA Girl – Hummm I still think this whole Alicia Morgan connection is over rated… and WHO was the republican running against her??? Did he/she work hard at getting votes. I NEVER knew she was opposed??? NEVER met the man/ woman.
It would seem that anyone would be CRAZY or WELL KNOWN to run against Alicia. The Cobb GOP is silly to run someone against her. I am sure Sen. Johnson has sense enough to know that. Too bad the Cobb GOP was clueless….
Oh… and HOW MANY mocking Cobb GOP members were knocking on doors in Mableton ? How many were helping their infamous candidate unseat Alicia ? How hypocritical!
GOPeach,
I have to disagree with you. If Johnson was planning to run as a Republican for higher office, it is out and out STUPID to give such a liberal Democrat money. I don’t really care if her opponent had a chance to win or not. The donation implies he wanted her to win, plain and simple. Money is speech, and it was an endorsement.
NorthGAGirl -
CHRIS COOPER 5369 27.46%
ALISHA THOMAS MORGAN 14,178 72.50%
QUESTION :
WHICH COBB Senator put money on Chris Cooper?
Did Chip Rogers? Did John Wiles? Did Judson Hill?
Maybe the “thin skinned” are those who sent out poor Chris ” Nobody Knows” Cooper to take down Alicia ” Works Her District ” Morgan.
I can not remember the last time I saw a republican in Mableton. Yet – The jokes, the mocking, the sneering over Sen. Johnson who just may have good reason to help someone who agrees with him on an ISSUE!
Alicia’s blog on School Choice -
http://www.alishamorgan.com/blog/index.cfm?Fuseaction=blog
Also…. I was just informed that David Morgan ( Alicia’s husband ) and now COBB SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER … is the GA State Director for
All Children Matter – http://www.allchildrenmatter.org/state.php
GOPeach:
Interestingly enough, there are a large number of both Christians and pro-life people within the libertarian movement.
As a general rule though, we are secure enough in our beliefs that we allow others the freedom to agree or disagree with us with zero government coercion either way.
Honestly, we have our fair share of cases of people both within the Party and the movement in general that have had some pretty bad cases of ‘foot in mouth disease’, and that has allowed the Democratic-Republican Party to further marginalize us. (You see the halves of the Party using the same mudslinging against each other all the time, but they have the name recognition that we simply don’t have yet.)
Foray–if Cagle’s such a bad guy, how is it that his office has had virtually no turnover since he was elected two years ago. Except for Alexander, I guess.
Maybe he talked to Alexander in a “silky voice” and that’s why he left.
NorthGAGirl -
CHRIS COOPER 5369 27.46%
ALISHA THOMAS MORGAN 14,178 72.50%
QUESTION :
WHICH COBB Senator put money on Chris Cooper?
Did Chip Rogers? Did John Wiles? Did Judson Hill?
Maybe the “thin skinned” are those who sent out poor Chris ” Nobody Knows” Cooper to take down Alicia ” Works Her District ” Morgan.
I can not remember the last time I saw a republican in Mableton. Yet – The jokes, the mocking, the sneering over Sen. Johnson who just may have good reason to help someone who agrees with him on an ISSUE!
Alicia’s blog on School Choice -
http://www.alishamorgan.com/blog/index.cfm?Fuseaction=blog
Also…. I was just informed that David Morgan ( Alicia’s husband ) and now COBB SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER … is the GA State Director for
All Children Matter – http://www.allchildrenmatter.org/state.php
Sorry – I did not mean to post twice – I thought it was a glitch.
I agree with zero government coercion concerning religious freedom. However – we must be very careful not to accept Islamic law in our attempt to be tolerant of others…. They will use this against us like they have done France, England, and all the other highbrow people who stick their head in the sand.
GOPeach:
A hard-line ‘Freedom First’ stance – such as espoused by the Libertarian Party – is actually a check on ANY religion becoming ingrained in the legal code. Executed faithfully (pardon the expression), such a stance equally prevents Christianity, Judaism, Secularism, or any other religion from influencing government.
Ah, the wisdom of the Founding Fathers.
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