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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Icarus — it is good to talk about GA politics isn’t it!?!
And GOPeach – I think that we should put up a Republican against every Democrat in every race. That is what a healthy, governing political organization does.
We have fallen adrift of the spirit of teamwork in our state where fellow Republicans join in arms to support one another running in various offices and offer “best practices” to some of the problems facing our state. This void of leadership has allowed the increase of nonpartisan organizations to grow in strength and has spurred a more beauracratic model of problem solving at some city and county levels.
If GA were still a Republican minority state, we would be a part of flip4.org – a conservative group set out to support Republican candidates in State House and Senate races where Republicans are in the minority and are within the realm of becoming the majority party.
As well, rebuildtheparty.com has as one of its points that we must run Republicans in every race (granted it means Congressional, but the spirit is just the same).
SW GA Lib – The wisdom of the founding fathers ( and mothers who birthed, taught, and married them ) was based on the rule of law which was based on moral law.
I do not care how many times we say religion must never influence government – it does. It certainly does and it always will either overtly or covertly. The question is … which religions beliefs will have the most influence? Judeo- Christian Biblical beliefs are the base.
Perhaps we should move this discussion over to Daily Bible Reading thread and leave this open to Shafer – Johnson.
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!
God forgive me! I thought I would never see the day I would defend Alicia Morgan …. but clearly she can CHANGE like her president suggests.
Here is what she wrote on School Choice which I find very HOPEful:
School Choice: Challenging the Status Quo
Before I say anything let me clearly and emphatically state, I whole heartedly support public education!!. Supporting school or parental choice within public schools and out does not make me anti public schools. Last session a few folks I thought were friends suddenly distanced themselves from me, including the State teacher’s union. The reason? Vouchers. Yes, I was going to vote for a voucher bill specifically for schools on the Needs Improvement list for SEVEN years. If you had asked me that question 6 months ago, I would emphatically tell you absolutely not. Why? Mainly because I’ve been taught not to like vouchers, they were evil, and created to destroy public education. It’s been a topic that my husband and I debate almost daily. He, a teacher, now school board member-elect believes that it is the responsibility of our state and of the public to educate. To him, that does not mean necessarily in a public school.
I understand the very valid points of the opponents of vouchers. We have a traditional public education system in Georgia and in the country that is broken and many would argue has failed an entire generation. Every session our governor makes cuts to public education and local governments are often forced to raise taxes to generate the necessary funds to fill the ever enlarging hole. We are in a crisis in public education. No wonder status quo advocates, yes status quo advocates want to protect the system despite its broken down condition. You figure if something is already broken, why would you then take a sledge hammer and break it some more… that would be voucher continuting to weaken public education. The advocates say that allowing vouchers would create two classes of students, one whose families could afford private school with the help of a voucher and the other whose parents can’t afford it and hence get left behind. It all makes total sense… that is for those status quo advocates who love standing up for public education while they send their own children to private school! Oops did I write that? I did.
I have been focusing on public education since the moment I’ve been in the legislature. I don’t just campaign for it, I introduce and work on some sort of education bill every time that gavel hits for session to begin in the Georgia General Assembly. The epiphany that I had not only on “vouchers” but more importantly with public education began a few years ago when I learned about charter schools. It amazed me that many of my colleagues (Democrat and Republican) think that charter schools are private schools lite. They think charter schools are just the slippery slope to heading towards vouchers. Sad to say, it’s both ignorant and ridiculous. Ignorant because charter schools are public schools that simply have entered into a special contract with the state and their local school board to provide a PUBLIC EDUCATION with more accountability and more flexibility. Enough about that. I can educate later.
The point is, I started thinking about my own educational experience. My mother started both my brother and I at private school from k-2. That foundation was the best thing she could have given us. I then attended a magnet school for Theatre and a performing arts high school for Musical Theatre (yes I could sing, dance and act back in the day). Those were all choices that my mom made and my talents in theatre provided for me. Without that education I am sure my destiny would have been different. After I thought about all of the parental choices my mom excercised, I realized how hypocritical and close minded I was being by not opening myself to any and all options a parent wishes to execute based on what is best for their child. As a legislator, who am I to say, because you live in this zip code, you can only attend this school? If it doesn’t meet your needs, too bad. Those choices don’t always have to be private school nor using tax dollars for private school. They should always be whatever the parent thinks is best.
I realized this weekend at the conference I attended that I don’t have to defend every failing charter or private school. I don’t have to pretend that every option a parent has is a viable option. The point is to allow parents who choose the doctor their child sees, the grocery store they shop in, even where they choose to worship, to also have the opportunity to choose the path that will provide the foundation for the most important tool their child will have in life..
It’s time to challenge the status quo. I thought long and hard about my own values. I am a progressive Democrat. I believe in providing access and equal opportunity to all people. This is regardless of their skin color, socioeconomic background, or their last name. That access spans beyond healthcare and marriage, it goes to education as well. One legislator said it best in Louisiana when asked why her children don’t attend the schools in her district. She said “I won’t sacrifice my children”. Why should I sacrifice the wonderful young people in my district whose parents may want them to attend a different middle school than the one they are zoned for, or attend the local charter school, or yes attend the primary school at my own church which has won all kinds of state accolades? It’s about choice. Not pushing one over another but saying to a parent you have the right and the responsibility to choose the school that is best for your child and to ensure they become the best they can be in our state and in this world. We owe them that.
The solution? We have to help the advocates of the status quo understand that choice is not the enemy. Subpar schools and an educational delivery system that continues to provide a 2nd class education in many areas are the enemy and are no longer acceptable. We have to implement real solutions that address the needs of traditional public education (strong, well trained and well compensated teachers, visionary leadership, smaller schools-not just classes- and higher expectations). There are traditional public schools doing an amazing job. We need to replicate those and make some drastic changes to the ones that aren’t. If we do that at the same time that we offer charter schools, inter and intradistrict transferring, themed schools, home schools, virtual schools and yes private school options those advocates of the status quo won’t feel so threatened-hopefully.
It’s time to challenge the status quo. Provide opportunity and access to all, not just my colleagues and their families, but all children. It’s what progressives say we are all about and it’s time to provide access not just to our own children but every single child!
GOPeach,
Look, it doesn’t matter whether the guy had a chance or not. I think it is good that he ran against her. I agree with Bull Moose…we should have candidates in every single race to start a dialogue on issues important to us. Also, I am not a single issue person. I may agree with a Democrat on one issue or another, but overall, I will not defend someone who gave Alicia Thomas Morgan money and thinks it won’t be an issue in a statewide campaign. I mean, this is a woman who is proud to be compared to Georgia’s own Cynthia McKinney.
Also, to apply a little logic to your argument, if the guy had no chance of beating her, then she didn’t need Eric Johnson’s donation. What was the point, other than to buy her vote on one issue? Furthermore, it may surprise you that not all conservatives agree with or would use a voucher. I know a lot of people who send their kids to private school or who home school who think vouchers only increase government control over private schools. After all, don’t you think there will be a lot of rules attached to what schools can receive the voucher, thus increasing government control? I know a lot of people don’t want to hear this, but it would be better if government got out of the education business completely and parents had to take personal responsibility for the education of their little rugrats.
I am personally tired of Republican candidates and “party faithful” telling me that I need to constantly excuse the lack of principles of our elected officials just because they claim the title of Republican. I am looking for men and women who will not compromise their principles, even if it causes them to lose.
Either way, Shafer is favored.
How can Fortay talk about Cagle offending female staffers when there has been no turnover in his office since he was elected–other than his Chief of Staff leaving to start a firm?
Where are you people getting the idea that Sen. Johnson is buying votes? He is not buying votes. He may be building a bridge and thinking outside the box to soften the left wing of the House. Seems like a maverick. John McCain did the same things and he was our fearless leader.
Peachy,
So when some people didnt support your crazy friend Coates who has never had a chance, you were quick to talk about how people needed to support the republican in the race just because they were republican. But now when people question your crazy friend Eric for not supporting a republican (who didnt have a chance either) you defend him. Very interesting.
I think comparing Johnson to McCain and Shafer to Jindal is probably a good analogy.
I don’t believe this is the real “GOPeach” posting under her moniker. Crazy whackjobs just don’t change and start writing coherently all of a sudden.
Something is amiss here in this new “GOPeach” blogging.
Rome-
I hate to dignify your post with a response but, you are MORE than CLUELESS about the COATES race. That was a real opportunity for Cobb to pick a seat. ANYONE on this blog who knows Cindye Coates personally will agree. Her loss in 2008 was understandable as so many first time blacks came out for Obama and voted STRAIGHT TICKET DUHmocrat! They did not come out to support her opponent….. What’s his name…. Terry……??????
BUT… In 2004 and 2006 – COATES should have been in THE HOUSE. I know she works as hard as anyone – CERTAINLY HARDER THAN Chris ( Nobody Knows) Cooper. Unless you PERSONALLY KNOW her, maybe you should lay off.
As for Sen. Johnson – I am just reading what the CAGLE boys are saying on this thread and it seems a little fishy.
Cagle fans? For the record, I have as much of a problem with Cagle giving money to “The Big Guy” as I do with Johnson giving money to Alicia Thomas Morgan. Principled conservatives do not give political donations to liberal democrats.
N GA Girl – THANK YOU for reminding us the CAGLE gave $$ $ to TAYLOR!
Everyone – LETS SERIOUSLY find which REPUBLICAN in OFFICE now GAVE the MOST $$$$ to a Democrat!!!
WHAT is WORSE?
A. CAGLE giving $$$$ to TAYLOR
B. REED never being found guilty with the Abramoff charges.
Reed.
Always.
Rugby-
If you can pardon Cagle , then you can pardon Johnson. Hummm maybe in order to be Lt. Gov., one must give $$$ to a democrat. Is this an omen?
For the record, Chris Cooper, of his OWN volition, qualified for office to run against Alicia Thomas Morgan, and NO money from the party (unlike the $1100 of party money wasted on Peach’s pal’s race) was directed at Cooper.
If people want to pay a qualifying fee, and sign a document stating they agree with the principles of the Republican Party, it is NOT the duty of the GOP to make a decision as to whether to have them on a ballot.
SO, any more crap from “Peach” about whether someone from the Cobb GOP “sent Chris Cooper out to take on Alicia Thomas Morgan” is just that: bullsh*t.
Johnson happened to give money to Morgan who THEN turned around and gave money to her husband, who was running against a long-time conservative Democrat for Cobb School Board.
Johnson, with his money, helped defeat an acceptable, conservative Democrat on the school board who went along with the good decisions made by the GOP-led board, in favor of Morgan’s lobbyist-husband…a liberal Democrat, by the way. THIS is what pisses us off about Johnson’s donation. He has helped screw us over in our school system.
So, the great schools that Cobb County has had for years will start their descent into crap-town due to GOPeach’s pals like Alicia Thomas Morgan’s newly-elected-to-Cobb-Schools-Board-husband.
It is really AUDACIOUS how a certain schleim, appoints himself to be the SPOKESPERSON for the Cobb GOP.
When ASH was CHAIRMAN, the Party gave $2K before the 4th of July to the HD 37 candidate and $2 after the primaries. And she did much better. $1,100 is not that much money. Please know it.
Oh for GOD SAKE! Betty Gray wanted out. I know her personally. She was tired and GLAD David Morgan won. What a blow-hard you are “Bill Simon”.
* $2K after the primaries.
Alicia Morgan is not my pal. HOWEVER, I think she is thinking of voting yes on HB1. This is going to cause the left side of the HOUSE to soften.
I like the idea of Hermanator running. Not that I have a major problem with Cagle or Ox, but Herman would be change we can really believe in. Herman would shake the status quo to the fundament.
A problem I have with Cagle and Ox is that both bowed to the uneconomical and inefficient heavy-rail mass transportation lobby.
Well what do you know, “schleim” makes it through the spam filter.
As far as money to Taylor–Cagle did what everybody else in senate GOP leadership that cycle did, if i’m not mistaken. Including Johnson. They considered it a small, small olive branch to Taylor after Reed, Skandalakis and company decided to go the “Taylor used drugs” route on their TV ads. I mean, really. Cagle and Johnson didn’t decide to cut and run those terrible ads but they were sure forced to make an attempt at governing with Taylor at the helm.
Eric Johnson gave money to Mark Taylor, too. In fact, he solicited the checks from Casey Cagle and the other Senate Republicans who gave to Taylor. Johnson has been playing both sides, giving money and cutting deals with Democrats the entire time he has been in the Senate. This year alone he gave over $15,000 to Democrats, not just Alicia Thomas Morgan.
Herman Cain is my first choice for Governor, and I hope he runs. David Shafer would get my vote for Lieutenant Governor. I cannot support Johnson.
And we wonder why the GOP is weak.
Let it be known to ANYONE who has ever run a business: $1100 is a LOT of money when it is spent on activities that generate no ROI.
So, it is also a LOT of money when it generates no winning outcome for the entity who donated it.
Unless, of course, you ar eone of those people who thinks money just grows on trees.
Peach, if Betty Gray wanted “out” she would not have run. Durrr…wow..it’s AMAZING how much you know about the Democrats.
By the way, “schleim” is NOT a Yiddish word…it is a German word…nice of Peach to resort to the Germans for her insults. Nazi-b*tch.
That’s the problem when you give money to incumbents from either party that are sure things, like Alisha Thomas Morgan. They generally launder it into more competitive races and beat the other party’s nominee.
Here is the issue I have, after a cursory glance of the disclosures (and grant it the database could be wrong so I won’t lead with my chin too far) it appears Johnson gave more money to Morgan than Heard or Freeman (two House Republicans who were beat by Democrats this year). He gave $4,600 to Morgan, gave $2,300 to Heard and none to Freeman. Morgan then turned around and gave that money to other Democrat candidates, DPG, and plane and hotel tickets for the Dem National Convention and Obama’s swearing in.
“Oh for GOD SAKE! Betty Gray wanted out.”
Sound like some rationalizing from someone who didn’t like losing an election. Give me a break, holding elective office is not a permanent jail sentence, if you don’t like the position then you retire – it’s done all the time.
GoPeach, What makes you think Alicia may vote yes on HB1?
This thread has turned into pure trash…
Bill – yiddish is low German dialect. No disrespect intended, it’s just a fact.
Jenny-
A certain Republican State House candidate who has asked me to not mention her name with the initials of CC and in Cobb County told me. I know for a fact t she has been praying for Alicia for at least 4 years as well. This candidate has a grace to build bridges like few people I have ever known to EVER run for office. She ran 3 times in a district that had 12 precincts and 10 were democrat precincts. I witnessed how she would knock on democrat doors with John Kerry and David Scott signs in the yard and win their favor just being friendly and kind. This is why it COMPLETELY sickens me when certain people bash this lady. ONLY those who do not know her would. I hear people call her “The Sarah Palin of Cobb County”. One day she WILL BE ELECTED and when she is – WE WILL SEE GREATNESS in her. I KNOW it.
Harry,
I understand what Yiddish is, but that word from Peach is straight German, not Yiddish.
Oh and the reason I know so much about democrat is because they GOVERN S. COBB where I happen to live. The part of Cobb County the GOP had abandoned.
Bill, the word schleim may not show in a Yiddish dictionary but it’s all over the German-speaking world whether high or dialect. So, it’s Yiddish too. Have you never been referred to as a schleimscheisse?
Good threads never die…
elizabeth dewberry—-
Bill, the federal government didn’t get involved in the Schiavo case until March of 2005. How exactly did that get them “tossed-out on their ears” in 1996, after “a whopping 2 years”?
Oh..oops…that should have been 2005-2006.
Ah, OK.
So… THAT was what caused our party to lose in 2006? Nothing else?
This thread has turned to trash. At what point does it dare to dream?
Although, if you could filter out all of GOPeach’s posts, and all of Simon’s replied to GOPeach, it could still be redeemed.
Taft,
Had Congress and the WhH actually passed fiscal conservative policies and laws during their 2-year tenor, I believe their foray into the Terri Schiavo affair would have been overlooked.
BECAUSE it was their most glaring example of the pattern of ill-conceived acts by Bush, Frist, et al., it became the tipping point for their demise.
Chris,
You have my permission to remove my postings IF you remove Peach’s as well.
All of my responses to Peach, I mean.
I just want to know which one of the commentators is Eric, which one is David, and which among those are either campaign or senate staffers.
Bill,
Alas only Erick has the authority to do that. Besides you and Peachy going after each other amuses my alternate personality Icarus.
ICARUS!!! ICARUS!!! ICARUS!!!
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