Senator Jesse Stone has in fact decided to seek a judgeship, after telling folks the opposite earlier this week. His statement, on Facebook this evening is below the fold.
To be clear, I contacted the Senator personally before making the post earlier this week, to ensure I had an accurate story. I prefer going to the horse’s mouth before posting. In this event, it obviously did me no good.
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Qualifying for Republican and Democratic primaries has concluded for 2014 as of Noon today. Independent candidates will be able to qualify during the last week of June. You can view who has qualified for federal and state offices on the Secretary of State’s website. Local candidates, such as county commissioner or school board representatives should be listed at your county’s courthouse.
I have several observations about the field. First of all, the Democratic party was able to recruit candidates for almost all statewide offices. Beyond headline candidates Jason Carter for Governor and Michelle Nunn for Senate, Christopher Irvin, the grandson of former Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin is running to retake the seat his grandfather held for so long. Unless I missed something, the only statewide office that will not be contested in November is Doug Everett’s seat on the Public Service Commission, District 1. Everett doesn’t even have a primary challenger.
Only two of Georgia’s fourteen U.S. Representatives will not face either a primary or general election challenge this year. They would be John Lewis in District 5 and Austin Scott in District 8. Beyond the open seats in the 1st, 10th and 11th districts caused by the incumbent running for U.S. Senator, in District 2, Vivian Childs and Greg Duke will face off in a primary before the winner takes on Sanford Bishop. In the 3rd district, Lynn Westmoreland will face challenger Chip Flanegan in the GOP primary. Hank Johnson meets former DeKalb County Sheriff Tom Brown in the 4th district.
6th District Rep. Tom Price will have a challenge in November from Democrat Robert Montigel. In the 7th district, Rob Woodall goes up against Thomas Wight in the general election. Freshman Congressman Doug Collins faces Primary and General Election races, with Bernie Fontaine in the primary and David Vogel in the general. John Barrow’s 12th district seat is a tempting target for the GOP again this year, with five candidates in the GOP primary, including Rick Allen, Delvis Dutton, John Stone, Diane Vann and Eugene Yu.
If you’ve listened to WSB radio recently, you know that 13th district Representative David Scott has been pandering to primary voters in a radio commercial, as he goes up against Michael Owens. And in the 14th, Tom Graves faces Kenneth Herron in the primary.
There are several State Senate races of note. In Valdosta’s 8th district, three Republicans quickly lined up to run following Tim Golden’s last minute announcement that he would retire. They are Ellis Black, John Pager and David Raines. The primary winner will meet Bikram Mohanity in the general. In the 9th District, State Senator Don Balfour faces GOP challengers Mike Beaudreau and P.K. Martin in the primary, and the winner takes on Timothy Swiney in the general.
Senate District 42, the Decatur home of Jason Carter, will see Democrats Elena Parent and Kyle Williams face off in a primary. In November, Republican Greg Williams takes on the winner. Williams is well known in the GOP for his involvement in the Young Republicans and for his online radio show Gregslistlive. Finally, the “Good Luck Mr. Phelps” award goes to Democrat Rick Underwood, who will take on Senate Speaker Pro-Tem David Shafer in the Gwinnett / North Fulton 48th District.
I’m not going to get into the state house races, where 17 people qualified to run today alone. If you see anything interesting in a house race, or one of the races I’ve highlighted here, tell us about it in the comments.
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Editor’s Note: The following guest editorial in support of the Common Core Educational Standards was submitted by the Georgia Association of Educators.
As the premier education association in Georgia, the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE), has watched, and when appropriate, weighed in on Common Core Standards for Georgia. We value the concerns that people have around Common Core, but what GAE believes, is that the Common Core State Standards have already shown the potential to provide access to a complete and challenging education for all children in our state. The broad range of cooperation in developing these voluntary standards provides educators with effective curriculum goals and greater opportunities to use their professional judgment in ways that promote student success. That is what educators care about….student success. It is why we have chosen this profession.
Today’s students are entering a world that most of us would have found hard to contemplate just a few years ago. What today’s students need to know and be able to do in order to be successful both in college and in their careers was fundamental to the development of the Common Core Standards. Teachers have worked in collaboration with education and business leaders to develop a set of standards for students that are transparent, coherent, contextual and comprehensive.
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Representative Tyrone Brooks took to the House well this morning to address a letter sent by the King Family to the governor, asserting their right to approve any statue to honor the late Martin Luther King. The matter was covered here by Jim Galloway.
Representative Brooks spoke of the timeline when the legislation was conceived, consensus built, and legislation passed. He specifically noted support from Martin Luther King III and Bernice King along the way, along with Rev. Joseph Lowery.
I was in the House Chamber the morning the legislation passed. The speakers, Black and White, Republican and Democrat, represented what Rev. Lowery told Rep. Brooks. This is a new day in Georgia.
It is incredibly disappointing to see the King family interject themselves in a way that could create hesitancy in a Senate vote. Rep. Brooks understands that, and conveyed a strong message to the Senate to ignore the noise and pass the bill.
On this one, he’s absolutely right.
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This Monday, the House passed HB 885 authorizing use of cannabis oil for limited use in treatment of children with seizures. Rep Allen Peake moved the bill through the House, which ultimately passed 171-4.
One of the issues that still needs to be worked out is how the marijuana plants and/or seeds will be procured, and how the substance will be distributed. With that, Rep Peake is back with some answers, courtesy of Maggie Lee of the Macon Telegraph.
The federal barriers between Georgians and an epilepsy medicine made from cannabis are so insurmountable that the Macon representative who is championing the cause plans to propose licensing nonprofit dispensaries in Georgia.
“I’m going to provide that as an option to include in our next draft of the bill,” said state Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, if a Senate committee hears his House Bill 885 by a key legislative deadline Wednesday.
Peake won nearly universal House support for his original bill, which said that Georgia’s medical research universities could grow a type of cannabis that’s high in cannabidiol, or CBD, and make liquid epilepsy medicine from it. Such CBD-rich liquids are nonhallucinogenic and are already used in Britain and Colorado to treat children who have intractable, severe epilepsy disorders.
But he and other bill supporters admitted that they do not have a clear path for getting Georgians something the federal government says is forbidden.
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Here:
- That’s gonna leave a mark. Remember, all politics are local, sooner or later. And we all know how to end our sentences with prepositions. Unity!
- Now tell us again what school is for…
- Old lawyers. New lawyers. As much fun as watching an empty carousel.
- Rumors in Rome. If Cook Out does open a store in Rome there will be lines for the lines. Just sayin’…
- The Democrat Death Star Election Machine is moving to Georgia because of Wendy Davis’ primary loss in Texas. Wait. What?
There:
- Oh, so sad. So, so sad. (World’s tiniest violin serenades…)
- You just think it won’t cost anything.
- Since when is “Southern Democrats” a pejorative? When NPR edits it out, that’s when. It’s the “Southern” part that sticks in their craw.
- Well, duh. Tell us something we don’t know.
- CPAC is happening, now.
Random Everywhere:
- Free pix for everybody!
- Relax. The avocados are safe from the tree-huggers. For now.
- Good vs Evil.
- I’ll see your cheeseburger and raise you another.
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Despite predicting a bleak year for congressional Democrats, political pundit Charlie Cook says Georgia’s U.S. Senate seat is “vulnerable.
“The state leans Republican, but an exotic GOP nominee could make things very interesting, and Michelle Nunn, the CEO of Points of Light and the daughter of former Democratic Sen. Sam Nunn, is proving to be one of the party’s strongest recruits this cycle, and she is running without a paper trail of votes,” Cook writes in a recent National Journal article.
Overall, Cook says Republicans will most likely keep a majority in the House. ”It would take a cataclysmic event for Democrats to score the net gain of the 17 seats they need to take the majority,” he says.
Cook also says that President Obama’s approval ratings are at the same low level as George W. Bush’s were in 2006, before his own disastrous mid-terms, thus making the Senate possibly ripe for a GOP takeover.
“There are now at least 10, and potentially as many as 13, Democratic-held seats in jeopardy,” Cook says. “At this point, it sure looks to be a very ugly year for Democrats on Capitol Hill.”
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Some things are more important than party politics. The Savannah Harbor Expansion project, which did not receive funding in President Obama’s FY 2015 budget, appears to be one of those things.
The state’s fourteen congressmen and two senators sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Sylvia Burwell today, reiterating the delegation’s support for the project, the support for the project previously given by the president and vice-president, and Congress’s support via the 2014 omnibus spending bill.
They also note that the project will create jobs and grow the economy. The text of the letter is below the fold.
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Rumors have recently flown that Senator Jesse Stone, (R) of Waynesboro has been appointed as Judge by Governor Nathan Deal. Yesterday, Senator Stone released a statement stating to the contrary he will be seeking re-election for District 23 as planned. The statement is as follows:
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Below is a guest post from Rep. Delvis Dutton regarding Senate Bill 213. I anticipate having another guest post expressing support for the bill and when I do I will post it.
Agriculture is the economic engine of South Georgia, which is why throughout my time in the legislature, I’ve always worked hard to represent the farmers of our area. I’ve often fought along side Georgia agricultural groups to protect, preserve, and grow Georgia agriculture.
Recently, however, those of us who consider ourselves pro-Georgia agriculture have found ourselves on opposite sides of one piece of legislation.
Over the last two legislative sessions, Senate Bill 213 has caused a continuous stir among the agricultural committee. The bill, which seeks to address issues in the Flint River Basin and Spring Creek, has been surrounded by bouts of misinformation.
After careful study, it is clear to me this legislation has entirely too many unintended consequences. First and foremost, SB 213 transfers the Riparian water rights of private property owners to the EPD Director. This could allow the EPD Director to act as a water “czar” by having absolute authority to pump and maintain stream flows as well as cut off water from North Georgia, effectively causing a manmade drought. Further, granting the EPD Director absolute discretion over drought conditions and emergency situations in the Flint River Basin without any objective standard of measurement could hurt our farmers. The absence of checks and balances could have lasting effects on landowners south of Atlanta.
I recently introduced House Bill 1085 with 37 co-sponsors in an effort to contrast the issues of SB 213 to show there is a way to address the concerns without forfeiting the water rights of landowners. HB 1085 codifies and outlines best practices with strict and specific circumstances where the Environmental Protection Division Director would have necessary discretion in states of emergency. The bill also seeks to protect the endangered species that is so aggressively defended by proponents of SB 213.
Last Thursday, HB 1085 was heard in a rather contentious “hearing-only” Natural Resources committee meeting. We heard from the Director of the EPD and several lobbyists as well as proponents and sponsors of the bill. Currently, the sponsors of the HB 1085 are awaiting a promised formal statement on behalf of the EPD Director outlining the state’s current claim of ownership of private property water rights.
I have always, and will continue, to support Georgia’s farmers, but it is my duty to study legislation myself. SB 213 was recently returned to the House Agriculture Committee and unless the language of the bill is amended to preserve the private property water rights of landowners, I will maintain that SB 213 is not in the best interests of farmers or the State of Georgia.
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State Representative Buzz Brockway (R-Lawrenceville) Celebrates Passage of Convention of States Resolution. By a vote of 107-58, Georgia becomes first state to call for a Convention of States.
(Atlanta, GA) State Representative Buzz Brockway (R-Lawrenceville) celebrated the passage today of Senate Resolution 736 by Senator Cecil Staton (R- Macon) in the Georgia House of Representatives. SR736 calls for an Article V Convention of States for the purpose of proposing amendments to the United States Constitution. The Convention of States would be restricted to the topics of limiting the power and jurisdiction of the federal government and establishing term limits for federal officials
Brockway, the resolution’s primary sponsor in the Georgia House said, “I’m proud Georgia has taken the lead on the very important work of restoring our Republic. An Article V Convention of States would provide an opportunity for the citizens of this great nation to restore the balance of power between the States and the Federal government. I urge Legislators in the other 49 states to join Georgia and call for a Convention of States for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. constitution.”
By a vote of 107-58, Georgia becomes the first state in the country to pass this historic resolution which is being promoted nationwide by the Convention of States Project (“COS”), a grassroots, non-profit organization founded this past August by constitutional attorney, Dr. Michael Farris, of Virginia, and Mark Meckler, founder of the political think tank, Citizens for Self-Governance. The same resolution has been introduced into 13 different state legislatures in 2014 with more to come. COS hopes to gain passage in 34 states in time for a convention to be held in 2016.
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Qualifying ends tomorrow and there will be a lot of newcomers seeking office. Are you one of those newcomers (or have a favorite “non-establishment” candidate) who is running for office in the Republican primary going “now what?” Then you might want to take note of what’s going on this Saturday.
The 14th District Republican Party of Georgia will be hosting candidate training, with a focus primarily on county and local elections, this Saturday, March 8th at the Cobb County GOP headquarters (yes, Cobb is not in the 14th Congressional District, but we are very grateful to be a guest there).
Here are the list of topics that will be covered and the presenters:
Election Law—Randy Evans, McKenna Long and Aldridge
Campaign Plan—Mark Rountree, Landmark Communications
Fundraising—John Garst, Rosetta Stone Communications
Yard Signs & Branding—Glenn Tablingson, Campaign Graphics
Volunteers and Door to Door—Paul Bennecke, ConnectSouth
Dealing with the Media—Virginia Galloway, Faith & Freedom Coalition
Advertising & Social Media—Jordan Fuchs, Landmark Communications
Early registration is $25 and ends today. Admission is $35 at the door. Thanks to Doug Grammer and the 14th District Republican Party for getting this organized.
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Gov. Deal says the state will step up to provide funding for the deepening of the Port of Savannah (POS). His announcement comes after the Obama administration failed to deliver on a promise to secure federal funding for the POS project.
In a statement released on Thursday, Gov. Deal said:
“The failure of the president’s budget recommendation to fund the Savannah Harbor deepening is another broken promise from the Obama administration. That’s why I am preparing the state to move forward on our own until the federal government lives up to its obligations in this partnership. The Obama administration has noted repeatedly the importance of projects such as this for economic development and job creation, and the state of Georgia, as always, stands ready to do its part.”
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The House Education Committee held a hearing Wednesday afternoon on Senate Bill 167, the Common Core bill sponsored by Sen. William Ligon. The AJC has the formal write up.
The hearing featured 68 witnesses giving their opinions on the bill, including Charlie Harper, the Executive Director of PolicyBEST. He was accompanied by Eric Harrison, PolicyBEST Research and Policy Director. They, along with a few others, live-tweeted the three hour long hearing. Here are some selected tweets.
Hour before House Ed Committee Hearing on SB167 “Common Core” bill. And perhaps 1 hour closer to defeating Sharia Law. Or something. #gapol
— Charlie Harper (@IcarusPundit) March 5, 2014
Going to be live tweeting the House Education Committee meeting in a few minutes. Topic of discussion will be SB 167. #gapol
— Eric H (@sr2ndblack) March 5, 2014
And the time for testimony on Common Core has arrived. Ga House Ed Committee. #gapol
— Charlie Harper (@IcarusPundit) March 5, 2014
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Morning Reads kicks off with an ode to Georgia state government from the most underrated band of the 70s.
Georgia:
President Obama’s budget didn’t include money for the Port of Savannah. Wonder if that will become an issue in any elections? (AJC for Senate, GPB for gubernatorial)
68 people testified in 3 hours on Common Core to the House Education Committee. Sources report all issues with Common Core have been solved (Marietta Daily Journal)
The Atlanta Film Festival will be graced by the presence of His Right Honorable Nicholas Cage (AJC)
The Redneck Games have been canceled again due to lack of sponsorship. Where’s a Duck Dynasty when you need one? (Telegraph)
The state’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.3% from 7.4%. The national unemployment rate is 6.6% (AJC)
Warner Robbins AFB scored a 48% on a key efficiency test. The Air Force’s other two maintenance depot scored a 97% and a 100% (Telegraph)
Spring training is not looking up for the Dawgs, especially some fella named Todd Gurley (SDS)
Believe it or not, the Southern Poverty Law Center gave Georgia an “A” for Civil Rights education. Apparently we can do some things right in their eyes (GPB)
National/International
Putin might be off his rocker according to Angela Merkel (The New Republic)
Obama’s appointment to the Civil Rights Division of the Justice Department was blocked by the Senate, the first such block since Harry Reid dropped the nuclear option. This is good or bad
Residents of the Crimea will vote on March 16 to decide if they should become a part of Russia. This is likely to be a free and fair election, and the thousands of Russian troops stationed in Crimea will not affect voting in any way (USA Today)
The Winklevii are going to space (Slate)
Thoughtful article from Ta-Nehisi Coates on black players in the NFL using a certain racial slur (The Atlantic)
New SAT tests no longer demand students read, write (The Atlantic)
Turns out that fears that Chipotle would stop serving guac due to global warming are bogus. Thanks, Al Gore (WaPo)
For those that listened all the way through, here’s an Alison Krauss cover of “Oh, Atlanta” you may like more than the original:
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