Comments on: Not everyone is happy with how the transition will take place.

By: Georgia House GOP needs to pick new leaders carefully

Georgia House GOP needs to pick new leaders carefully — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:18 +0000

[...] next leader of the Georgia House will not be as scripted as first thought. Republican backbenchers bucked at the suggestion of a “show must go on” [...]

By: Georgia House GOP needs to pick new leaders carefully | Kyle Wingfield

Georgia House GOP needs to pick new leaders carefully | Kyle Wingfield — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:01:06 +0000

[...] next leader of the Georgia House will not be as scripted as first thought. Republican backbenchers bucked at the suggestion of a “show must go on” [...]

By: Howard Roark

Howard Roark — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 00:42:56 +0000

MB is at best tainted. At worst he is a continuation of GR. I understand he collects many dinners and gifts from lobbyist.

I want someone who is smart and well spoken and will kick butt and take names of those in the caucus who practice bad behavior. I wish GR had unloaded what he knew about his members.

By: Doug Deal

Doug Deal — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 06:16:19 +0000

Thanks guys. I wish someone who matters would say what I said. Perhaps a back bench revolt is in order.

By: ByteMe

ByteMe — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:44:16 +0000

Whatever. You’re just another namecalling jerk. Nothing to see there. I’m guessing that LIMH is closer to the truthtelling than you’ll want to acknowledge.

By: Truthteller

Truthteller — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 02:22:46 +0000

Exactly, ByteMe! Exactly my point you ignorant cheeseball.

Anonymity sometimes is the most effective way to make a difference.

( oh, and, uh… 32 – 13 )

By: Ken in Eastman

Ken in Eastman — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:39:22 +0000

Silent Outrage,

Since you like David Ralston, I have some news that shoukld make you VERY happy! There was only ONE tax problem that David’s firm had which was caused by an employee who embezzled money. David worked hard to ensure that ALL funds were properly paid to the correct agencies. This put a burden on him, but he did the right thing.

I’m sure you now feel much better and because you like David so much, will want to add him back to your short list of potential Georgia House Speakers.

Feel better? I know I do.

By: Ken in Eastman

Ken in Eastman — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:29:43 +0000

Since you posted this in multiple locations, I hope you don’t mind if I reply to it in multiple places, as well.

Why would anyone, Diana Ross, lump David Ralston in with Mark Burkhalter? David Ralston stood AGAINST Glenn Richardson and his excesses when Mark Burkhalter was snuggled up closer to the former speaker than a couple of teenagers in the back seat of a parked car.

A problem employee embezzling from his firm is not a personal problem for David Ralston nor a “scandal.” In fact, Ralston’s firm’s tax problem was not a “scandal” in any honest person’s imagination.

I want the best Georgia House Speaker available. Attempting to eliminate David Ralston from consideration with sly innuendo, is not in the best interests of this state.

Georgia needs good leadership. Let’s do this right; hold elections for the speakership as soon as is practical and go forward.

By: Silent Outrage

Silent Outrage — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:59:10 +0000

Amen LongTimeListener – you make so many good points.

I really like David Ralston, but it’s impossible to have a Speaker with so many tax problems. And while Burkhalter may be a legislative and ideas person, his own scandals will not do well given the sunshine that will be on the legislature. Same said for Jerry Keen. We really do need someone who is serious about setting things right and moving forward in a new direction.

The best thing that can happen is for the legislature to hold an election for Speaker, and yes, Pro-Tem and Leader as well. We need a new crop of leaders.

Folks like Wendell Willard, Allen Peake, Jon Burns, Donna Sheldon, Melvin Everson, Jan Jones, Ed Lindsey, Jay Roberts would make great leaders of the House. These are people who aren’t going to Atlanta to party and cheat on their spouses or get rich. It’s time to put the Richardson – Burkhalter – Keen years of corruption and scandal in the past.

By: LoyaltyIsMyHonor

LoyaltyIsMyHonor — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 20:37:07 +0000

LOL
Somewhere in GA, Bill Simon’s head is on fire.

By: ByteMe

ByteMe — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:53:01 +0000

Is the Jimmy Carter tonic to Watergate the model the Republicans really want to follow?

By: LongTimeListener

LongTimeListener — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:51:13 +0000

The next Speaker must be pure as the driven snow. There are just too many rumors about Burkhalter for my comfort, in addition to the bad judgment shown at Daufuskie. Other names mentioned (Williard, Graves, etc) are fine choices, but they have already announced their runs for other offices. Leaving those races now opens charges of opportunism. David Ralston is a wonderful man, but his history of tax problems would give folks another reason to attack the Republicans. There are members who are without scandal, but have at least been Chairmen or have some experience who we can turn to right now… it is time to think outside the box and start to look forward. Burkhalter and Ralston have had their chances to lead. Let’s find someone with the proper mix of experience and fresh ideas.

By: ByteMe

ByteMe — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 19:11:59 +0000

You think he might use his new-found powers to horsetrade some legislation (and your tax money) for some support?

Hmmm…..

By: South Fulton Guy

South Fulton Guy — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 18:10:08 +0000

Ditto!

By: John Konop

John Konop — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 17:03:28 +0000

Doug

Great point!!!

By: What does $8,256.91 in tax dollars from hard working Georgians get you these days? — Peach Pundit

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:43:20 +0000

[...] holding an election on who should be Speaker. The grumbling on that issue has already been noted here and [...]

By: AthensRepublican

AthensRepublican — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 16:36:14 +0000

There appear to be way too many questions that will not fully be answered. The caucus should bring in new leadership immediately and let’s get moving on with the business of Georgia.

The report that Mark Burkhalter won’t call an election for 12o days leads me to believe he does not have the support to win. Getting through the session, he can negotiate to get the votes after the 120 days. Maybe the rumors that he is negotiating with Democrats is true? He needs to call an election for Speaker ASAP!

By: ByteMe

ByteMe — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:55:53 +0000

Byte me, “Truthteller”, who is also hiding behind a pseudonym.

By: SouthPeach

SouthPeach — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:55:40 +0000

Doug, well said. The speaker pro-tem knew ALL about the speaker and his corruptness because birds of a feather flock together. I agree that the entire leadership should go! Why do you think it took a week to get him out?? They were all plotting to try and save their own power! This didn’t just happen….

By: Doug Deal

Doug Deal — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 15:10:35 +0000

Count me as one who initially thought that it didn’t matter much that the resignation was post dated, like a check from a deadbeat. Although I thought it was silly, at first I did not think it really mattered as long as he was out for the next session.

Now, after learning more of the details, it is abundantly clear that it is yet another petty manipulation for the corruption enablers disguised as Republican “leaders” in the House.

It is imperative that these people be turned out as none of our current leadership in the House are fit to lead. If they do not do the right thing and have an election, my love for my state is much greater than the love of for my party, and I would hope the voters teach them a lesson in 2010. We have had enough of the corruption, manipulation and just plain moral bankruptcy that has taken hold in the Georgia House.