However, I was waiting for the final results to be posted, which they now have been. Not much has changed, as far as the standings, but the percentage, and a clearer picture of the actual event can now be discerned.

http://www.uniongop.org/bbq09_results.htm

Graves was certainly the leader in the CD-09 race, congratulations. However, we are very pleased with our showing, considering the amount of money we have spent is pennies compared to the amount spent by the two candidates before us, and some behind us.

Knowing our campaign took only 4 people, we are very excited how many people there choose to vote for Jones based on the message, not based on the invitation or position within the campaign. We know we have a lot of work to do, I don’t want anyone to believe we are trying the old trick of spinning this as a victory, we are not. It is simply a step in the right direction. Thanks to those that are supporters, and thanks to those that will soon be! Also, thanks to those who continue to question everything I do, it makes me a better person, and I do appreciate it.

Maybe I should have listened to my wife and had more kids, we could have captured more of that elusive under 10 vote!

Jeremy Jones
http://www.JonesForUs.com/contribute.htm

When I arrived, I was approached by Carol Guiliani who is one of Doug’s grassroots warriors and very sweet voluteers. She politely ask for my support in the straw poll and directed me to to where Doug was and insisted I speak to him. I did, as I usually try to do with both candidates. When I walked into the hall, I passed one of Doug’s staffers whom I recognized, and saw 4-5 other blue shirts scatterd about the room in addition to Doug’s wife and one of his son’s. Then I noticed sitting at a table toward the center of the room was a group of 15-20 red Kemp shirts, all on young college aged guys. As I passed on I asked where he and his buddies were from b/c I hadnt seen them at meetings before and he told me UGA.

The meeting went on. I ate bbq and chatted up folks. After the speeches, everyone turned in their ballots and the results were announced. Shortly after that I walk out to leave, and walk past two Suburbans, each sporting Kemp bumber stickers, and surrounded by the same UGA guys putting away signs and drinking Cokes.

I’m not saying there is anything wrong with that. People do it every cycle. It certainly appears that Doug has a dedicated group of supporters, too. I see them around. But the only organized effort I’ve seen to bus folks into a straw poll was there from the Kemp camp.

I had to leave early from the Cobb event, but what I observed seemed to be a concerted effort from most candidates there. Doug’s contingency was pretty big, but I recognized several as Marietta/Kennesaw locals.

Given their geographic bases, it’s hard for me to believe either of them were able to convince many, if any folks to drive to Muscogee or Union.

Ever since the cobb straw poll, doug has been busing in big groups to win straw polls. Its no big secret.

That’s apparently his strategy, fine. Total waste of money in my view.

But getting a bunch of hacks to lie on a blog about it is silly.

Seems like Deal has a big problem in his own district. The voters in GA 9, understand that you shouldn’t use the influence of your office to make yourself richer. If I was Deal,

Scott and Johnson both had 3 votes come from Union County, looks like they were the masters at bussing people in.

The facts speak for themself – folks are jumping ship from the Oxendine effort and don’t want to be associated with the style, tactics, or negativity of the effort.

Thirteen people PLUS 20 something paid staffers and volunteers. Now that is grassroots support that even $430,000 can’t buy.

Don’t forget your Stand-by Alternate status at the national GOP convention. That was no small feat considering you were a presidential elector for the Libertarian Party in 2004. I am kinda curious as to how you ran as a delegate pledged to Fred Thompson when I didn’t see you at the GOP County, District, or State conventions in 2008.

http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/sep/02/tennessee-gop-convention-opens-somberly/

I don’t think we need your entire resume online for everyone, but good luck in your race for the US Senate should you win the lottery!

I think I just heard the same spin from lt gov ralph reed.

Money, true statewide or districtwide grassroots organization and a good message. That’s what matters. Not a bunch of losers on a blog pontificating for you.