Reminder that tonight’s the night!  Come join us for tonight’s Peach Pundit Roadshow, the 2012 Wild Hog Supper Edition.

The Roadshow is Pundit’s occasional social event in which people who almost never agree with each other get together and have a beer. It’s also the place where pseudonyms become faces, thus making the declaration Godwin’s Law less necessary.   (Wikipedia: Godwin’s Law)

Everyone’s invited — and you too!  And bring a friend if you have one.

Where:  Max Lager’s, 320 Peachtree Street Atlanta, probably upstairs

When:  Tonight — Sunday, January 8th,  7 PM until it’s over

Parking:  SunTrust Plaza parking is across Peachtree Street, as well as a surface lot.

Charlie picking up Buzz on the way to speak to the Cobb YRs

Nevertheless, if you’re in the area come and join us at the House of Lu in Marietta beginning at 6:30 PM tonight as we try to impart wisdom to the young skulls full of mush. We promise it will be entertaining.

Come out for the Cobb YR’s monthly meeting on August 2nd at the original House of Lu just behind the historic Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta.

This month’s meeting will feature a guest panel of prominent Georgia political bloggers. Charlie Harper and State Rep. Buzz Brockway have confirmed they will participate. This will be a great opportunity to hear a discussion on blogging and its impact on the political process!

Rep. Eric Cantor / Photo by David Goldman AP

Rep. Cantor exhibited his usual frankness during Q&A while discussing the hyper-partisanship of DC, entitlements, the lack of a Senate budget, Medicare, Medicaid, the targeting of specific companies/industries by the current administration, gas prices, the debt ceiling, immigration reform, states passing immigration laws because the federal government is purposefully derelict in border control, regulatory overreach, the Arab Spring, Israel, President Obama’s “unworkable” ideas about Israel and Palestine and even the Paul Clement / King & Spalding debacle.

Helping small businesses gives the greatest return in job numbers in this “recovering” economy. Cantor cited a study by the Kauffman Foundation that 3-5 year old small businesses create the most jobs. He also noted that while visiting Home Depot, he was told that Arthur and Bernie wouldn’t have started their company in the current oppressively regulated small business environment. America does innovation the best. Stop killing it in the name of big government.

Jobs and the economy.

Jobs and the economy.

Jobs and the economy. Remember that.

On a curious note, none of the local news channels were to be seen. But a search on the event shows local AP journalists reporting only on his Middle East comments, which constituted less than 1% of the press conference. Interesting.

Being in the Legislature sometimes means you miss stories like the pandemonium that has erupted in Wisconsin . New Governor Scott Walker, realizing his State is broke and has put forward a plan to eliminate State employees collective bargaining rights on benefits and require them to pay 12.6% of their health care benefits (see dueling editorials here and here). The average private sector employee pays 20% of their health care benefits.

What does this have to do with Georgia? Well, a group called “The Bail Out The People Movement” has called for an emergency rally at the State Capitol in Atlanta tomorrow in support of Wisconsin’s unionized State employees (hat tip: SpaceyG). Since no left-wing gathering can focus on a single message…

The purpose of this event in Atlanta is two-fold: one is to show the residents of Wisconsin that we stand with them in solidarity in their fight for workers rights and two, to send a message to Georgia’s government that there is a contingent of Georgia citizens who are watching and will push back against any attempts to erode workers rights here in Georgia should any attempts to bring similar legislation to our state.

Correct me if I’m wrong but State Employees here in Georgia don’t have collective bargaining rights, and only 10% of State and Local Government employees in Georgia are even members of a union. Governor Deal’s FY2012 budget doesn’t call for teacher furloughs, and Georgia’s pension plans are in pretty good shape.

Why again are these folks protesting?

The eyes of the nation will be upon us Monday.  Probably not so much because we’ll be swearing in a new Governor to swear at, but because it will be another video example of how cars and ice covered roads don’t mix well.   National media will, as usual, miss the fact that most in guardrails will be Yankees whose words on the way out the door were “I’m from Michigan, I know how to drive in the snow.”

A half inch of ice on top of several inches of snow will make driving interesting Monday.  And, if the weathermen are anywhere near correct, will most likely postpone the Innagural gala and possibly even a public swearing in of Governor-elect Deal.

A press conference is scheduled for 1pm Sunday to update changes in plans.  Unless the storm system moves in faster, I do not see the Wild Hog Supper, or more importantly, The Peach Pundit Road Show at Max Lager’s being affected.

We’ll update you as we know on any changes to the above.  In the mean time, Quik Trip still had a few loaves of bread as of an hour ago.  Shop fast.

1.) In defense of the “loyalty oath” reported in Political Insider yesterday: As stated in the report:

When the Legislature convenes next week, with the Senate in disarray and a new governor in the midst of establishing himself, House Speaker David Ralston will be the man in the catbird’s seat.

Now, what exactly did Majority Leader O’Neil say, and what were the intentions behind it?

”I suggest that each of us, prior to opening day, write a short letter to both Speaker Ralston and Speaker Pro Tem [Jan] Jones pledging our vote, loyalty and support for their respective elections by the whole House on opening day.”

What’s the big deal about this? Exactly. A simple statement pledging a unanimous vote on opening day is a symbolic show of unity in the midst of the grueling session to follow. What inside information tells me this? It’s typically known as common sense.

2.) As speculated upon by our acquaintances at GA Politico, there is a decent list of potential challengers to new Republican Representative Doug McKillip waiting in the wings for 2012.  This should serve as a reminder to Athens Republicans to not attempt to primary McKillip come 2012. Not a good idea. At all.

3.) The demographic turnout numbers for the 2010 primaries in Georgia have been released. The full report is here. Interesting stuff.

Lastly, come to the Road Show following the Wild Hog on Sunday. Feel free to blast me for (God forbid) defending the House GOP caucus.

Sincerely,

But Don’t Talk to Me About Georgia Football

This past weekend was one that Columbus, Georgia takes in stride each November. As thousands of protesters from all over the country head our way every year to show their displeasure for the School of the Americas-which, by the way, goes by the name Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation (WHINSEC)- Columbus business owners look for the little boost to local economy and our local law enforcement officers prepare for a few more folks to spend the night in the county jail. While many view this as a bunch of long-haired, hippie type, pinko Commies, we here in the Chattahoochee Valley also see dollar signs, not just in court fees, but in motel (not HOTEL) rooms, restaurants, gas, and their favorite spot-and mine- Ruth Ann’s.

Columbus Police Officer, Kenny Herring.

This year, 21 people were arrested with fines varying from $200 to over $1000, and 2 people were sentenced to six months in prison, the maximum the Judge could give.  The two protesters sentenced to prison time, Father Louis John Vitale, 78, and Michael Omondi, 24, scaled the fence onto Post. After Omondi’s attorney told Judge Hyles that his client decided to climb to fence at the last minute, Omondi said:

“With all due respect to my attorney, I came from Los Angeles with the specific intention of climbing that fence.”

While most of folks protesting would argue that it is a “peaceful” protest, many come with the intention of breaking the law and trespassing on to Ft. Benning from Columbus. And that is why I have to brag on our local Police Department, Sheriff and Marshall Offices. With efficiency, authority, and the safety of Columbus citizens in mind, the three departments come together to enforce the law and keep general order. Yes, it is these protesters’ right to voice their opinion, but when they break the law, our men and women in blue and tan are there to restore the peace and make sure the proper consequences are put into place.

So, as the Hippies ride off into the night, we here in Muscogee County say “See ya next year…and don’t forget to bring your cash.”

From a press release:

Event: Senator Johnny Isakson to speak at UGA
When: Wednesday, November 10th @ 2:00pm
Where: UGA Chapel

The UGA College Republicans, Pi Sigma Alpha Chapter, and Dawgs for Israel are co-sponsoring an event with Senator Johnny Isakson. Senator Isakson will be speaking briefly and then opening the floor for questions. So, it is a great opportunity for students to get a chance to ask a sitting senator a question. The event is open to the public.

Reminder that the Georgia Chapter of the College Republicans will meet tonight from 7:00 to 9:30 PM at Max Lager’s in downtown Atlanta.  Come and join with them in celebrating their hard work this cycle.  Details here.

And you’re invited. Or at least I am, and the people who were born when I graduated are now legal to drink. But I digress.

The Georgia Association Of College Republicans invites you to attend a post-election victory party this Friday evening, November 5th, at Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill and Brewery. The event is 7:00pm to 9:30pm, with full bar (to those with proper ID) and limited menu items available upstairs.

I will have to say that I’ve gotten to know quite of few of the CR’s this cycle, and they have put quite a massive amount of volunteer time into campaigns from the national to local levels and everywhere in between.  They have logged over 6,000 hours of volunteer time during this election cycle, which is roughly twice the number of hours of the next highest state organization of CRs.

Join me if you can and toast those (who have proper ID) who have worked hard at the grass roots level this election cycle.

Received via email:

The UGA College Republicans will be hosting a campaign rally on campus. The speakers will include Chairwoman of the Georgia Republican Party, Sue Everhart and Representative Paul Broun. The event will be at the MLC room 214 at 7:00pm on Wednesday, October 20th.

All are welcome.

If anyone needs a Carol Porter for LG T-Shirt like the one I wore to the joint Peach Pundit/UGA CR event last week, please let me know.

Just getting word that there was a somewhat of an eventful finish to today’s Governor forum held by the 6th District GOP. Karen Handel closed by saying that she would no longer accept debate invitation for panels which include Ray McBerry. Handel, who made her feelings toward McBerry publicly known earlier, said the GOP was a party of ethics and she did not feel it was appropriate to condone McBerry past actions by continuting to appear with him.

Deal, following in his closing remarks, reacted to Handel’s mention of ethics by charging that Handel only read what her staff told her, and noted that Governor Perdue had been labled a “worst Governor” by CREW, the same organization that labled him a corrupt Congressman. He then questioned how Handel could support Perdue after Crew’s allegation.

Given that Deal wasn’t mentioned by Handel at all during the close or in an earlier answer on ethics (I’m now told that Handel did mention Deal by name. I still think he’s too touchy on the subject), you’ve just got to think that Deal has a thin skin, guilty conscience, inability to stay on message, and/or is obsessed with Handel as he believes her to be the architect of the witch hunt that forced him to take a no-bid “arrangement” with the state and then have his chief of staff use his Congressional office to protect the cash flow.

I’ve been quite amazed at Deal’s ability to shoot himself in the foot throughout this campaign. Now bringing up ethics problems by a still popular Sonny Perdue that had previously gone unnoticed in the Georgia press is sure to make him many new friends. Genius I say, pure genius.

Meanwhile, the guy over in the corner smiling is Eric Johnson. He’s been content to let Handel and Scott rail against the unethical, and let Ox and Deal bleed to death over their ethics problems. With Austin Scott now running for Congress, Johnson now has the first tangible sign that he, in fact, is the beneficiary of the reduced number of contestants. Johnson won today’s straw poll, and we’ll give him his own post about that in a few.

Jim Galloway was the moderator of today’s event. Hopefully he’ll decide to share with us more details of the weird finale. Suffice it to say, things are starting to get interesting.

Where: Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery in Downtown Atlanta.

320 Peachtree Street, Atlanta GA 30308 404-525-4400

Located at the corner of Peachtree and West Peachtree one block north of the Hyatt Regency. (Directions)

When: TODAY, April 29, 2010 @ 6:30PM

Parking is available across the street at the SunTrust parking garage for $3 if you have your ticket validated in Max’s.

We’re having a limited appetizers menu at our private room upstairs with a full cash bar. We’ll have a TV set up for Sine Die. Party is separate checks. Bring your friends, punditeers, and whoever feels like celebrating and/or drinking away the final night of the 2010 Georgia General Assembly.

We look forward to seeing most of you. Others, not so much.

Many of you are aware of and/or attend the annual Wild Hog Supper, which is a BBQ for legislators, lobbyists, and the occasional common folk held at The Depot the evening before the session of the General Assembly begins.

We’ve decided to call a meeting of the Peach Pundit Road Show to be held around 8ish Sunday night, so that those around the Capitol will have somewhere to go to stay out of trouble after the evening event.

Save the date, we’ll be back soon with actual details.

Update [Clayton]: Come hell-r-high-water I’ll be there, so you better be there too. First round is on PeachPundit.

From A Press Release:

ATLANTA, Georgia – On Saturday, December 5 the Metro Veterans Coalition of the Fulton County Republican Party will host a Veterans Town Hall: The State of Veterans Health Care & Benefits featuring former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, who sits on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, and Lee Ellis, a Medal of Honor recipient from Georgia, at the Lefont Theater 5920 Roswell Rd Sandy Springs, GA from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Following the speakers will be a movie screening of the HBO film based on a true story, ‘Taking Chance: When one falls, another brings him home.’

“The men and women who serve in the U.S. military deserve our unwavering support when they are in uniform and, unquestionably, when they return home,” said Shawn Hanley, Chairman of the Fulton County Republican Party and U.S. Marine Corps Veteran. “Obama’s dithering on implementing General McChrystal’s plan in Afghanistan is a display of the Democratic Party’s inability to suppress its Left wing base which seeks the dismantling of the military.”

Click Here for A Complete List of Veterans Town Hall Co-Chairs & Hosts

Space is Limited & RSVP Is Required for Admission
To RSVP Email RSVP@FultonGOP.org
Please include your name and the name and email address of any additional guests.

I was pleased to interview Michael Medved this morning. Medved is a nationally known radio talk show host and best selling author in Washington state. I spoke with him about an upcoming event he will be moderating here in Atlanta called “Radical Islam and Rogue Regimes: Security Challenges for America and Israel.” The event takes place on Sunday October 25th, 7:30 PM at the Greenfield Hebrew Academy in Atlanta, and is sponsored by The Jewish Policy Center. I’ll be there on the 25th to live blog the event.

We spoke for about 18 minutes on two of the topics that will be covered at the panel discussion: Iran and terrorism. The interview picks up with his answer to my first question asking for a reaction to President Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize this morning.

Interview with Michael Medved.

Oh, I forgot to mention Medved is on 920 AM in Atlanta from 3 – 6 pm weekdays.

Sean Hannity is invading Gwinnett today. At around 3:00 pm he’ll be at the Marriot Hotel near Gwinnett Place Mall for a rally (RSVP required) and then he’ll have his Freedom Concert tonight at the Gwinnett Arena. I’m pretty sure the concert is sold out.

I’ll be at the rally and should have some video later but if any of you are attending one or both of the events, feel free to give us your report in the comments or send me pics and video at buzz-at-buzzbrockway-dot-com.

UPDATE: Here are some videos.

John Linder, Tom Price, Ralph Reed.

Oliver North

Sean Hannity

Jon Voight

Quick interview with Karen Handel

UPDATE #2: Courtesy of Kellie, here are a few photos of the Faith & Freedom Rally and one of the Freedom Concert.

Late Friday afternoon, the gubernatorial campaign of Karen Handel announced that she would be joining Erick Erickson and Texas Governor Rick Perry in the first (and hopefully last) RedState Republican riot against the Democrats’ tyrannical regime.

The day is expected to be filled with profanity-laden tirades about how the nation’s 44th president is not a natural-born citizen; why Texas should be allowed to leave the union, and a slew of other incendiary rhetoric designed to whip the mostly white male crowd into an uncontrollable frenzy.

Karen Handel is scheduled to deliver remarks tomorrow morning at 10:45AM right before President Obama is burned in effigy.

Barack Obama’s Brown Shirt Brigade, which more formally goes by the name “Organizing for America” is going to be meeting in City Council Chambers in Macon, GA on Friday, July 31, 2009, at 6:00 p.m.

This is the group Obama is using to bully member of congress into supporting the socialization of the American economy and healthcare.

Pitiful.

On July 3rd, 1889, members of the Georgia General Assembly marched as a body from the Kimball Opera House –which had served as their home nearly thirty years– at the corner of Marietta Street and Forsyth Street to the newly constructed state Capitol building. The next day, Governor John B. Gordon dedicated the new building with the following words:

“Built upon the crowning hill of her capital city, whose transformation from desolation and ashes to life, thrift and beauty, so aptly symbolizes the State’s resurrection, this proud structure will stand through the coming centuries a fit memorial of the indomitable will of this people.”

Jackson, Edwin L. “The Story Of Georgia’s Capitols And Capital Cities“. Georgia Info. Retrieved on 2009-7-1.

Although delayed by a few days, Governor Sonny Perdue, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle, Secretary of State Karen Handel and the Georgia Capitol Museum will mark the 120th anniversary of the state Capitol’s dedication July 8th with a special celebration in the Capitol Rotunda. The ceremony will feature a tour of the Capitol and birthday cake. Those attending the celebration can sign a birthday card to Miss Freedom, the statue that crowns the Capitol dome.

“It is my honor to celebrate the anniversary of the Georgia Capitol as secretary of state,” Secretary Handel said. “I encourage all Georgians to come celebrate our state’s history by visiting the Capitol.”

The state Capitol was built between 1884 and 1889, and when the books were finally closed on the project, $118.40 was returned to the state treasury from the one million dollars originally appropriated for the building’s construction. Gold was first added to the dome in 1958 and re-gilded in 1979. In 1971, the Georgia State Capitol was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

More information on the state Capitol building and its 120th anniversary celebration can be found by visiting www.sos.ga.gov/archives/state_capitol.