McKinney Rammed

Awesome.

Just Awesome. Thats what you get when you are some crazy peacenik getting involved in the middle of a war. Good to see McKinney was shipped off to join her other crazy brethren in Lebanon.

The 2010 Line

The 2010 race for the Governor's seat has already begun to take shape in Georgia with a slew of announcements. And what better time than this holiday season to award the frontrunners and underdogs of the race for each party's nomination. The list comes from least likely to win to most likely.

For The Democrats:

3. Gen. David Poythress
The former Secretary of State (yeah, in 1979) declared at the end of summer that he would be a candidate for Governor in 2010. Poythress stands as good a chance at winning the nomination as Vernon Jones does at convincing us he's not a womanizer: theres a chance, but only if the electorate is very very drunk.

2. DuBose Porter
While not an officially announced candidate for Governor, Porter would have a good shot at winning the nomination. He is reportedly considering a run, and likely lining up financial support. Porter likely would be able to raise more money than Poythress and make it respectable in general. Still, he is clearly a tier two candidate to...

1. Former Gov. Roy Barnes
To be honest, I'll believe it when I see it. Even though Erick over at Peach Pundit thinks Barnes is lining up a run I don't know how likely this really is. Does Barnes really want to run through a primary and general election? He will certainly face primary opposition and the general will be no walk in the park. Still, I believe Barnes represents the only threat from the Democratic Party to win this race. And he's not even an announced candidate. There is time though.

------------------------------------------------------
The Republicans:

5. Ray McBerry
Do I really even have to include him on the list?

4. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland
I don't think Lynn is willing to leave the comfort of his Congressional seat to run for this office but in case he does he starts out with limited statewide appeal. He has also been mocked for his comments describing the Obama family as "uppity." Now to be fair I don't think Westmoreland is a racist, or even incompetent, just careless in one instance. But I do think that kind of carelessness won't win him any followers.

3. Karen Handel
Handel should be a stronger candidate. She's got all the right credentials: held statewide office, has strong support in metro Atlanta, has a record of reform and a conservatism. She nearly has the whole package. The only reason I rank her this low is that I don't think she is going to run. This is clearly her best shot at the Governor's house, but I just have not seen any indications that she's contemplating a run. Disappointing.

2. John Oxendine
If I could rank him lower I would, but theres only two declared candidates at this point and the other I have above him. Oxendine is one of the most incompetent politicans I have ever seen. His stump speeches are boring and his demeanor is unsettling. At one campaign stop he offered a Democratic tracker his card in case he ever need a little personal attention with his insurance. At another he sent a staffer to get him a latte. YES! A LATTE! Apparently this latte craze is not just a one time thing for the Ox. Oxendine's support of the FairTax is also disengenuous. I truly believe he has jumped on the FairTax bandwagon to try to distinguish himself from other conservative candidates and does not really believe or probably understand the proposal. All in all, this man must be defeated because he is the one Republican who could lose in a landslide.

1. Casey Cagle
Cagle has the best shot to win the GOP primary for Governor for several reasons. He is a conservative, he can run a statewide race and win as an underdog, and has statewide name recognition. Cagle also has the all important first name that Georgia politicians relish from Sonny, Saxby, Johnny, and now Casey. I'm just saying they all happen to end in "y"s. Coincidence?

At this point in the race I'd probably vote for Cagle and maybe that colors my judgement a bit, but I just cannot see Oxendine winning people over. I saw his initial list of supporters yesterday and was shocked at how many people he had duped into believing he was a leader. Maybe he's just offering them kickbacks like he did to insurance companies though.

It Ends With A Whimper

And so the 2008 cycle has come to a close as incumbent Senator Saxby Chambliss has won re-election today on December 2. Though it took him an extra month and a runoff to do it, Chambliss emerged victorious tonight with what looks like to hold as a double digit margin of victory over former state legislator Jim Martin.

With only Minnesota left to be decided the 60 seat fillibuster proof Democrat Congress has been averted. Still a 58 or 59 seat majority is nothing to be scoffed at.

This cycle has been a huge hit on Republicans nationwide though less so here in Georgia.

With a Big Three Automotive Bailout on the blocks and another "economic stimulus" looking to follow that, we'll see what happens between now and inauguration day.

Either way, January 20 will be a day that does not see Georgia represented by a Democrat in the U.S. Senate.

Palin to Georgia

Ask and ye shall receive. After many non-answers from the Saxby campaign on whether or not Gov. Sarah Palin would rally the base in Georgia we finally have an answer: she'll be here.

Monday, December 1^st – Times and Venues TBD

Augusta Rally

Savannah Rally

Middle Georgia Rally

Atlanta Rally

Vernon Jones Redux

The U.S. Senate race in Georgia would at least be more interesting if Vernon Jones was in it.

Need proof? See Vernon talking today to the AJC:

“He [Martin] could not come to grips with voting for an African-American for president,” Jones said. “And he couldn’t come to grips with voting for a woman [Hillary Clinton]. So he voted for a man who was not even running for president.

“He voted for a man who had an affair and not an African-American who is married with two beautiful children,” Jones said.

Vernon how I love you. And Andre, wheres your former love for Vernon? You've gone way too lovey dovey on Martin.

Big Guns to Georgia

Since the runoff campaign has begun we've seen the NRSC and DSCC get involved on television spots, more money being dumped in from outside groups like Freedom's Watch and other groups, and Sen. John McCain and former Gov. Mike Huckabee make stops in the state.

Now we get word that former Gov. Mitt Romney will be stumping for Saxby this Friday in Atlanta and then Savannah. This will complete the trifecta of the last three remaining GOP contenders for the Presidential nomination.

Not to leave Jim Martin out, Bill Clinton will be returning to Georgia for the second time this cycle on this Wednesday at Clark University in Atlanta. And one of his former campaign managers Donna Brazille will also be lending her hand to the Martin campaign.

Before the runoff is done I'd expect to see several more big names come to Georgia, though Obama will most likely stay away. He won't want to pull a repeat of Bill Clinton in 1992 who came to stump for the Democrat in the runoff only to have pie on his face when he went down in flames.

UPDATE: The AFL-CIO is also poised to send out a large mailing in Georgia. Lets not forget though, this is the same group that endorsed Rand Knight in the primary. Great thinking of that move.

Huckabee Too!

Well most people have heard about how Sen. John McCain will be campaigning with Saxby Chambliss this Thursday in Cobb, but now there's news that former Governor Mike Huckabee will join the campaign this Sunday at 2:30pm over at the Gwinnett Center.

Sunday, November 16^th – FairTax Rally with Mike Huckabee – 2:30PM Gwinnett Center

Its an exciting time for Georgia politics.

Senate Exit Polls

Some interesting data from CNN's Georgia Senate exit polls:

White voters made up 68% of the vote and Chambliss won them 70-26%.
African Americans made up 28% and Martin won by a landslide 93-4%.

The Economy was said to be the most important issue by 61% of voters and Martin won thats section 49-47%. Chambliss won landslides among those who cited energy policy and terrorism.

Moderates made up the largest group at 47% and Martin won 57-40%.
Conservatives made up the next highest at 39%, but Chambliss only won them 77-19%. 4% went for Buckley. 5% of liberals also ended up going for Buckley strangely enough.

Finally Chambliss won 92% of Republicans and 54% of Independents. These two groups combined make up 64% of the electorate.

All of these signs point to Saxby winning the runoff comfortably in the runoff.

Whats Ahead

With 96% of precincts reporting, Senator Saxby Chambliss holds a 49.9% to 46.7% lead over Jim Martin. Strangely Georgia requires a statewide candidate to win at least 50% +1 of the vote to win their office.

What does this mean? Saxby is likely headed for a runoff versus Martin to be held on December 2.

National Republicans have already promised "hefty financial support." I wouldn't be surprised if we saw Obama make a swing through Georgia along with McCain, Palin, or other big name Republicans.

These next four weeks, if it does indeed go to a runoff, will be both exciting and bizarre. We will see a significant cut in the African American and youth vote, as well as an overall drop in turnout.

I see Chambliss winning a runoff comfortably.

Election Day

And so the long and tiresome road to election day has ended. Polls close at 7pm, and we'll see how long after that before we know our statewide officials, and then probably much longer when we know our next President.

This is going to be a long night.

Saxby Tells Him

Tonight was the last Senate debate of the 2008 cycle, and what a debate it was!

The most heated back and forth came when Jim Martin and Sen. Saxby Chambliss debated the recent Wall Street bailout. Key quote: "Jim, you need to get your facts straight, as usual.”

Even Jim Tharpe noted how Martin dodged questions including one about the role the national Democratic Party has taken in this race:

"A veteran former state lawmaker, Martin dodged a question about the avalanche of Democratic Party-funded attack ads that blast Chambliss for backing the $700 billion bail out. Most of the Democrats on the committee sponsoring the ads also voted for the financial package.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) “is dictating to Jim what he is to say and when he is to say it,” Chambliss said. Schumer chairs the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which has funded the anti-Chambliss ads."

Great debate, great smackdown. Check back tomorrow for the official Georgia Premium election predictions.

Martin Retro

The NRSC has topped my expectations with this ad. It's probably just a web ad, but wow, this is funny. Look at Martin clap! HA!

Martin Below 40%

Well, the latest poll is out and this time its a Mason-Dixon survey for NBC News puts Sen. Saxby Chambliss up 45-39 on his Democratic opponent Jim Martin.

Saxby spent yesterday campaigning while Martin spent two hours in line waiting to vote in Fulton County.

Chambliss spends today continuing on his bus tour ending in Atlanta this evening before moving onto South Georgia while Martin also is using his bus tour to head out on the road.

The race is close, but 39% for Martin won't get him close to winning the race outright and thats why all the Democrats can hope for is a runoff.

New Campaign Ad

This ad is probably the best produced one of the Senate race in Georgia yet. And it comes from an outside group, not even one of the campaigns.

Saxby Hits Back

Chambliss will be running ads from now until election day statewide. Martin on the other hand is in debt according to his FEC reports.

Martin is in a Middle Class State of Mind

Wow.

Just wow. Jim Martin, who continuously has touted his campaign as one for the middle class, can't even define what constitutes the middle class.

But not only that, he thinks there is no economic guidelines for what is the middle class.

Its just a state of mind.

The video puts it best: How can Jim Martin stand up for the middle class when he doesn't know what it is?

Someone ought to ask him that at his town hall tonight.

Martin Goes Gay Again

I never knew the gay vote in Georgia was so important. At least that's what it appears like Jim Martin believes.

Martin has scheduled yet another campaign stop targetted at Atlanta's gay community, this one to celebrate the founding of Navigation, a gay party planning group.

The group was founded "in response to what Reyes views as a recent drop in choices for gay dance enthusiasts in Atlanta’s nightlife scene."

You. Can't. Make. This. Stuff. Up.

Next up for the Martin campaign: Jim speaks at the opening of a massage parlor.

Martin Can't Find Support In Mid-Georgia

Wow, the Perry debate sure lived up to its reputation as a wild one.

The best run down of what happened can be seen over at the AJC.

But as far as the chaos that went down, it all started out fine enough. Martin brought in his union thugs from Atlanta which is expected since he can't get any support in Middle Georgia. Blog for Democracy has their own account of what happened and admit that their only supporters had to be bussed in.

Soon enough into the debate though Martin's goons started booing and hissing. It seemed like some of those who were bussed in had been drinking on their ride from the union hq in Atlanta. Seriously, who goes to a debate drunk? I guess Martin supporters have to have their inhibitions loosened to support a guy like Jim.

Its funny though, they were relegated to the back rows because the Saxby supporters, numbering several hundred, took up all the front sections.

Now the Perry debate is very different from any of the other debates: its not televised, its big on crowd participation, and its wild. No real game changers emerged from the debate, except we now have confirmation that Martin has no support outside of Atlanta.

Rasmussen: Chambliss Lead Still Secure

That's the news today after a lot of hand wringing following several Democrat sponsored polls showed the U.S. Senate race tightening significantly on the heels of the economic bailout package vote.

Chambliss is still above 50% according to Rasmussen, a clear and significant lead.

Palin vs. Biden

Well tonight everyone is going to get what they've been clamoring for since Gov. Palin was first announced as McCain's running mate: a vice presidential debate.

I don't really expect much to happen, but I'm sure Biden will try his whole smile and charm routine and try to throw in a couple zingers about Palin's inexperience. Maybe Palin should throw in a couple of zingers about Biden's hair plugs, or his many documented mishaps on the campaign trail.

Honestly, all the media is expecting for a Palin meltdown and I just don't see that happening. More likely is that Biden makes a misstep and directly contradicts the Messiah Obama on some issue or worse insults a key demographic. Palin likely will play it safe.

And speaking of vetting, how did we get Gwen Ifill as a moderator with her upcoming book that hails Obama as ushering in a new age? Whatever, typical media I guess.

Jim Martin Loves Harry Reid

Jim Martin is a liberal. Case in point: his buddy Harry Reid will be hosting a luncheon in Washington D.C. next week to raise funds for him.


Here's the email Reid sent out:

"This race is winnable, but Martin needs the funds necessary to win. I hope you will join Senator Harry Reid and Senator Max Cleland for a luncheon to benefit the campaign of Jim Martin on Wednesday, September 24th at 12:00 PM at the Hotel George - 15 E Street, NW."

The luncheon is being sponsored by Reid's PAC. I wonder what Dale Cardwell would have to say about Jim now...


We cannot afford Harry Reid running politics in Georgia, and that is exactly what we'll get with Jim Martin. A liberal Democrat of the highest order.

"Commanding Lead"

So says SurveyUSA who report in a new poll that John McCain is now enjoying a 16-point lead over Barack Obama.

Additionally they report that Saxby Chambliss has climbed to a 17-point lead over pipsqueak Jim Martin. Chambliss is once again over the 50% threshold in this poll.

Looks like lights out for Obama and Martin,

Saxby Pulls Ahead

Well it appears another faulty poll has been corrected.

Saxby Chambliss now holds a comfortable 54-36% lead over challenger Jim Martin. Saxby is well over the 50% hump and looks to be sitting pretty. Martin has just gotten back on tv with a pretty bland commercial that relies heavily on Max Cleland. Martin must realize again that even though he ran for statewide office, he holds very little name recognition.

Reason #427261 To Vote For Saxby

...Because these clowns were protesting him:

Above are former Georgia Democratic Party Field Director Mike Cantone, and current Sierra Club organizer Erin Glynn.

Barrel costumes aren't very flattering ladies...

Martin Just "Background Noise"

Jim Wooten hits the nail on the head today in a piece about the Democrats:

Even Jim Martin, the Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in Georgia, can’t resist the temptation to say stupid things. Opponent Saxby Chambliss has “been part of a system that’s been broken in Washington” and “I hold him accountable for the financial crisis we’re in,” said Martin. May-lar-kee. Chambliss has been there one term — of course, all this just started 8 years ago, as the left sees it — and during that time he’s been part of some problems, excessive spending among them. But on this Martin’s just background noise.

Clearly Martin's campaign is just on life support. Time to pack it away Jim, your time is up.

Georgia Still Safe

Its weird how Insider Advantage can call the presidential race in Georgia a two-point spread and then on their next poll have it be an 18-point spread.

What is up with that? I think its probably somewhere towards a 12-point spread right now, but still, this just shows how flakey these polls are.

Obama Abandons Georgia

That news coming unsurprisingly as Obama has failed to make a dent in the polls here despite his much touted opening of more shrines to the savior himself across the peach state. I guess his "grassroots domination" isn't as powerful as the media would have you believe.

McCain will win Georgia comfortably, and Obama has realized that and pulled his ads here. Its about time.

Palin It Is

Surprising pick from the McCain campaign but what a great one I think. Palin adds executive experience, a pro-life record, an NRA favorite, a woman, taking a safe Republican state back into that very safe category, and her speech today was great.

Dem's have already been heckling me saying that she has no experience. Well she certainly has more than Barack Obama. They say she has no foreign policy positions either, well neither does Obama. If you lined up their resumes and asked who was running for President it'd be tough to say. Anyways, I'd rather have the experience at the top of the ticket than having to boost it at the bottom as Obama did with Biden.

Great pick, a bit risky, but definitely a game changer.

McCain Veep Countdown

Apparently, John McCain has decided who his running mate will be and the announcement will be coming tomorrow.

Drudge has reported that it may in fact leak tonight at 6pm with a confirmation of some sort at 8pm. We'll have to wait and see...

Saxby Debut's TV Ad

Nunn Out, Bayh In?

Well it seems that Sam Nunn is no longer in the running for the VP spot on the Obama/Messiah ticket.

Does this mean that Obama is Bayh-curious?


Bayh the way, how awful was Obama during Saddleback? I've said it before and I'll say it again, at some point during this campaign, we'll get to see the two candidates together side by side having to answer questions, and its clear to me who will prevail in that setting.

Tim Kaine Ruled Out For VP Slot

Kaine clearly doesn't meet the cool factor in having a vice president.

Jackson Browne Is Running On Empty

Jackson Browne can feast his eyes on the video below. And I'll play it as much as I want!

DSCC Poll Can't Bring Martin Above 36%

Well Schumer and Martin are up to it again, this time with their good friend the Mellman group involved.

They have cooked the books and released a poll suggesting Jim Martin is within striking distance of Republican incumbent Sen. Saxby Chambliss.

This is funny for several reasons:

1. This poll was paid for by the DSCC and to the Mellman Group, a polling agency that was used extensively by the Clintons back in the day to boost their own numbers publicly.
2. The poll likely used a set of likely voters that is completely unrealistic. Something like 90% African American turnout and 20% White male turnout.
3. Even with this manipulation of the numbers they could not legitimately bring Jim Martin above 36% of "likely voters."
4. Even with this manipulation they couldn't bring Saxby below 42%.

If they are going to be honest about this poll and claim it has any credibility I'd call on the Mellman Group to release its demographic breakdown of what it claims are likely voters used in this poll.

These polls are used to to and drive donors to the campaign so now they can say "hey look we're within striking distance." What Martin doesn't realize is it can backfire so the Chambliss campaign can say "hey look, we've got a target on our back."

Both will likely happen, and Martin has already used the line to get new money out of Senate leaders adding to his PAC money with a donation from Sen. Byron Dorgan's PAC.

Congrats Jim Martin on being the status quo.

Peach Pundit's Independence Day

Today over at PeachPundit, SpaceyGracey, who writes the Mostly Media blog and contributes at Peach Pundit, was removed from her front page posting privileges by founder Erick Erickson.

Grayson had frequently posted inane things completely unrelated to Georgia and this move was a long time coming. This is the second high-profile removal after Andre Walker was removed following his outting as a campaign operative.

Spacey commented in the thread with her usual class:

FU, Erick. You can have your little (small) swinging d*ck party all to yourself now. Go ahead, post about spanking your little two-year old kid ’til the cows come home to roost with the chickens and the mixed metaphors. She lives in Georgia after all, with her real classic jerk of a dad. If she never speaks to you as a teen, don’t say I didn’t warn ‘ya. (BoyReporter too.)

Congrats to Erick and to echo the words of one commenter and President Thomas Whitmore let me say: "We will not go quietly into the night!" We will not vanish without a fight! We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day!"

Gen. Election Begins: Saxby hits hard and Martin lags with Outsider Groups

Via the Political Insider we get news of the opening ceremonies if you will of the general election race with dueling press conferences. Senator Saxby Chambliss was able to tout his recent bipartisan work with the "Gang of Ten" that has worked out an energy plan in the Senate that seeks to provide solutions for the current energy crisis.

Sen. Chambliss also previewed his campaign strategy against Democrat Jim Martin who was chosen by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to run this race. Martin will be cast as a liberal and a tool of Chuck Schumer.

Martin has already had outside negative groups started on his behalf like "Take Back Georgia Inc." which is run by Mike Cantone and Beth Hand out of Hand's mediation company office in Cumming.

You remember Cantone right? He used to work at the state party as field director and was one of the "confirmations" that the Democratic Party of Georgia was pressuring unions to retract their endorsements of Rand Knight.

Cantone wrote: ""I simply picked up the phone this morning and got it confirmed to me as well after making a few calls by more than one person that the meeting did take place, in Matt Weyandt's office at the DPG (Andre is not one of the sources either). The fact is, the DPG just got caught, not once, not twice, but all over the place. They tried to meddle in HD55 siding with their own staffer Rashad and got caught. Also, they have alienated the campaigns of Vernon Jones, Rand Knight, and I can't imagine Dale Cardwell or Josh Lanier being too happy with the state party either, so how in any way is that a good thing for our party? Also, I had two people that work at the DNC tell me they are aware of the growing number of grumblings coming from GA and none are too impressed with what's going on.""

That story was later retracted by Andre over at Georgia Politics Unfiltered and Cantone made out to basically be off his rocker.

Cantone has also admitted being paid for work on behalf of Vernon Jones' campaign. Looks like he didn't do his job well enough then, so what makes me think he'll do anything different this time around.

I guess theres a reason why they've only raised $420.

Newt Compliments Johnny and Saxby

"We saw five Democratic Senators on Friday join with Senator Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isaakson and others to form a bipartisan energy caucus in the Senate..."

Tonight Tonight

7:33 P.M. : The returns have begun to come in and so far its relatively neck and neck. With 2% of precincts reporting Jim Martin holds a 164-vote lead over Vernon Jones. The returns so far have been from a variety of counties, but nothing concrete so far. I'll keep you updated up to a certain point, but I have more important things to do, like research my fantasy football team.

7:38 P.M. : Wow how five minutes change things. With new reports in Martin leads Jones 59%-41% in a lead about 1,500 votes. Will keep watching even though this is more boring than watching Martin campaign.

7:48 P.M. : With 4% of votes in Martin has extended his lead over Vernon "Snuggles" Jones and now leads by over 2,000 votes. Still early, but trending isn't looking good for ole' Vernon.

7:58 P.M. : With about 9% of precincts in there has been a little bit of narrowing as Vernon has come back from a 20-pt deficit to now what is a 13-point deficit. It's still early folks.

8:08 P.M. : Martin's lead is stagnant at a 57%-43% lead with only 16% of precincts in. None of Fulton nor DeKalb has reported yet.

8:18 P.M. : Narrow narrow narrow. Martin's lead is now barely over 10% with DeKalb and Fulton yet to come in. Those counties could be surprises either way though as Martin won DeKalb in the first primary but now Jones has put a lot more effort in there.

8:28 P.M. : So much for narrowing. With 37% of the vote in Martin re-extends his lead to 59%-41%. I don't see Vernon winning this one. I'll update more sparingly now.

8:52 P.M. : It's all but over for Jones. Jim Martin is your Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.

Martin Stoops to New Low

Jim Martin's campaign has stooped to a new low in their desperate attempt to win the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. This report from the AJC confirms that the Martin campaign has resorted to a "racially tinged" robo-call in an attempt to drive white voters to the polls tomorrow and connect his opponent Vernon Jones with the infamous (or famous depending on your outlook) Cynthia McKinney.

This comes merely days after Martin had announced the endorsement of Rev. Joe Lowery, a black minister. Martin had been criticized for not being able to draw legitimate African American support until the endorsement of Lowery, but now it looks like the Martin campaign has lapsed into politics as usual.

So much for unity.

R.I.P. Skip Caray

Roundup over at Awful Announcing.

The Final Weekend (this time its final)

Tuesday night we will know Georgia's Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate. It will be Vernon Jones or Jim Martin. And this weekend Martin actually decided to get out there and meet those voters!



Can't you just feel the enthusiasm? I mean I get that Martin is maybe just a reserved guy, but to win not only the nomination but a general election matchup versus an incumbent you're gonna need a little (make that a lot) more pizzazz. Jim Martin just is an unappealing politician.

Forget his scandal at DHR for a second, this is just someone I can't feel enthusiastic about going to vote for. People like to talk about the "enthusiasm gap" between Obama and McCain voters, but Jim Martin's "enthusiasm" number must be rock bottom.

All the blogs are talking about how Martin's win is inevitable. Well, I'd like to throw off the conventional wisdom and I will make my own prediction.

Vernon Jones: 53%
Jim Martin : 47%

Count it.

Over in Congress...

Madness has taken over the House floor. Speaker Pelosi has adjourned the House for their 5-week vacation but Republicans have refused to leave.

So Pelosi had the microphones, cameras, and even the lights of the House chamber shut off. Yet the Republicans refused to leave.

Highlights so far:

• Rep. Devin Nunes parading around the floor pretending to be a Democrat with their idea of an energy plan-- a VW Bug with sails attached.
• Rep. John Shadegg randomly entering codes into the PA system and lucking into the right code turning the lights and microphones on. Shortly after the Democrats had them turned off again.
• And finally Republican House members embracing in hugs on the floor of the chamber. You don't see this everyday.

Change You Can Believe In

Sports Break

Oh well, so much for Manny heading to Green Bay. Looks like he's headed to the west coast.

In today's other top sports stories:

• A former New England Patriots employee suggests there may be a Bill Bellichek sex tape floating around. Please for humanity's sake let this rumor be false.
• Ron Artest let's Yao Ming know that he's "still ghetto." Thanks for letting us know Ron, I had almost forgotten.
• And finally, Gilbert Arenas has built a $1 million pool in his backyard. Please invite me to your pool party Gilbert. Please.
  

Yes We Can?

Vernon Jones out with another questionable flyer...


Oh well, can't argue with success from the first go around.

Andre Walker Owned

Wow.

Atlanta Progressive News just completely destroyed Andre Walker, the author of Georgia Politics Unfiltered. Now while I don't know anyone who really takes Andre seriously anymore, its still amusing to see him get outed as a complete operative and unfair source.

The article deserves quoting at length:

Political blogger Andre Walker wrote dozens of blog items in favor of US Rep. David Scott (D-GA) this year but did not disclose to readers he was on Scott’s payroll.

"He [Walker] long ago made himself a little unpopular in the progressive world by blogging at Peach Pundit and working for people and not disclosing it," Juliana Illari, blogger at Blog for Democracy, told APN. "He was working for Vernon at one point."

No one is more shocked to learn Walker is being paid by Scott than Scott’s opponent, former State Sen. Donzella James; Andre used to volunteer for James.

Now, James is wondering whether Walker was an undercover operative for Scott.

"Someone told me before I hired him, do not allow him in your office, he is with David Scott. They told me he had campaigned in the first campaign for Scott," James said.

Andre has really played all allegations against him over the years as if he is the victim. Its good to see proof that his readers are the real victims of an opportunist and ego-driven blogger.

Confirmation

Lucid Idiocy has now confirmed my previous post that Jim Martin DID NOT receive Tommy Irvin's endorsement despite publicly claiming that he had.

Martin adds to a growing history of deceptions in the endorsement category with this, his latest flub. Sloppy work by the Martin campaign.

Fabricated Endorsements: Martin Strikes Again!

The whispers have persisted for weeks that the coveted endorsement of our State Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin was never in fact given to Jim Martin as he claims. Numerous sources have confirmed that Jim Martin never actually received the endorsement of Commissioner Irvin when he entered the race a few months ago as he claimed in his press release (March 19, 2008):

Martin has already received endorsements from numerous political, civic, and business leaders across Georgia, including: former First Lady Rosalynn Carter; former Governor Roy Barnes; Commissioner of Agriculture Tommy Irvin; House Minority Leader DuBose Porter; Representative Bob Holmes; principal advisor to former U.S. Senator Max Cleland, Stephen R. Leeds; civic leader Hattie Dorsey; business leader Rear Admiral Paul Rosser (Retired); and civic leader Elaine B. Alexander. “I am honored to have earned the trust of these distinguished Georgians, and I am pleased to be able to count on their support in getting my message out to all the voters in this state,” Martin said.

After last week’s flap over the claimed endorsement of former Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Josh Lanier (which the Associated Press called him out on), suspicions surrounding the claim of Irvin’s endorsement have intensified.

Given the uncertainty surrounding this important issue, I call upon the Martin Campaign to either confirm or deny that Commissioner Tommy Irvin has in fact endorsed Jim Martin for U.S. Senate.

Martin FEC Lies

So here is the proof now of Jim Martin's campaign lying once again about their FEC report violation. The due date was July 3rd, even as Ellery Gould admits.

But below is the actual document received by the Senate that shows the document was not received until July 7th!

And the reason is even funnier than Jim Martin's hairpiece. The Martin campaign sent the packet via UPS, which is not allowed in the Senate office buildings! It has to be sent earlier to an off-site building to then be checked for anthrax and the like. Thus you have to build in time to the shipping of this document. Even Rand "Haircut" Knight got this one right, but where was your report Ellery and Jim?

Amateur move guys, amateur move.

He's A Sooouuullll Man

Vernon Jones, supporter of the arts. HA!

Jones calls Martin a liar

More or less. This is not only noteworthy for Jones going after Martin but that Jones has been traveling the state fairly extensively and no real news out of the Martin camp. Speculate away...

Associated Press Picks Up On Martin Failure

The Associated Press --

---

"ATLANTA --

In a July 17 story about endorsements in the Georgia's Democratic runoff for U.S. Senate, The Associated Press, relying on a campaign announcement, reported erroneously that Josh Lanier endorsed Jim Martin.

Lanier will remain neutral in the runoff between Martin and DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones. The erroneous information was contained in a news release sent out by Martin's campaign."

Ellery Gould: Campaign (Mis)Manager

Fresh on the heels of finishing second place in the Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate, Jim Martin's campaign manager Ellery Gould hailed the "unanimous support of the opponents [he] faces Tuesday."

But wait a second. First the obvious: Vernon Jones, who beat him on Tuesday has certainly not endorsed his opponent in the runoff election.

And now the other fact: Josh Lanier has refused to endorse Jim Martin.

Ellery Gould didn't just jump the gun, he completely misfired.

It's already been a campaign full of mistakes and disappointments for Gould who first missed an FEC deadline, then touted the endorsement of a candidate who personally loathes Jim Martin, and now announces an endorsement that doesn't even exist!

Before leading the hopeless Martin effort, Gould's most important experience was serving as an underling at the ultra-liberal Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

But his "experience" hasn't exactly helped the Martin campaign make due on its early boasting of being able to bring in $2.5 million for the primary fight and another $5 million for its general election war chest. And don't expect to see it anytime soon. Lets hope Gould figures out he's just not cut out for the campaign trail and retires back to where he came from.

Dale Cardwell - Then and Now

Dale Cardwell: "The state whistle blowers - two of Martin's top lieutenants- told me Commissioner Jim Martin was intentionally ignoring the problem, choosing not to fix the computers. They called it a "back door plan" to cut expenses and help Martin's new boss Governor Sonny Perdue cut the budget, without anyone suffering the political cost of the public finding out."

Dale Cardwell: Jim Martin is a “‘convenient-crat,’ who found the courage to enter the race only after a handful of political ‘insiders’ promised they’d deliver him bucketfuls of special interest ‘PAC’ contributions; contributions Dale Cardwell and Barack Obama have refused because special interests have paralyzed Washington and control most of our elected officials.”

Dale Cardwell: "I ask: Did Jim Martin not have a responsibility to speak up and fight for struggling parents and their children during the time they needed him most? Indeed he did, but the record shows Jim Martin chose not to act."

Dale Cardwell: "Jim what I've told people like you and what I've told others taking PAC money is people want you to work for them, they don't want you to work for the special interests and I'd encourage you to give your PAC money back."

Dale Cardwell: "Jim back in 2003, a couple of your top lieutenants called me and they were very worried. They worked for you under the Department of Human Resources when you were the commissioner, and they said 'Dale we have a computer program that is broken down, its called the 'Success' program ironically. And what it does is it allows poor people to sign up for medicaid and for PeachCare and for foodstamps and Mr. Martin is not fixing this computer. He's allowing it to remain broken down so people come to the DFACS office and they sit in our lobby for hours and hours. Sometimes they have to come back day after day and we tell them fill out this paper form but the fact is we cannot enter you into the computer. And what those lieutenants told me is that this was a back door plan...they told me it was a backdoor way to help Sonny Perdue cut the budget without having to suffer the political consequences. What do you say about that?

Dale Cardwell: "I’m calling on Vernon Jones and Jim Martin to return their special interest PAC contributions and trust the people of Georgia to judge them on the merits of their positions, not the TV commercials their special interest contributors are about to buy for them."

The Macon Telegraph: "Voters in this election have a real choice. Albert Einstein once said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." While Martin has the most experience in a governmental setting - with the direction our government is headed - that's not a plus for him. And while his name recognition and experience may lead him to the nomination, we have to go with our gut feeling and try a different path...we endorse Dale Cardwell for the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate."

NOW:

Dale Cardwell: Jim Martin “is an honorable man who has a lengthy record of serving Georgians.”

Dale's words speak volumes for his character.

Dale Cardwell Is A Liar

Dale Cardwell has just proven himself to be no different than any other politician in endorsing Jim Martin. I simply cannot believe why he has done it for several reasons.

Dale Cardwell has a whole section of his website entitled "Jim Martin's Secret." This will probably be scrubbed soon but will be available still as I have saved it. How can you have an entire release attacking a man and his character and then endorse him? What a two-face Dale is! On one hand he will attack the man, and then somehow forget what he previously has said? Stay tuned for Youtube links of Dale attacking Martin...REPEATEDLY!

Dale Cardwell is no better than the insiders he claimed to oppose!

Someone ought to call Clark Howard to do an investigation into Georgia's biggest scam artist: Dale Cardwell

The AJC weighs in:

Cardwell’s choice of Martin, however, is also sure to raise questions. During the primary campaign, Cardwell was often critical of Martin’s tenure as director of the state Department of Human Affairs and slammed Martin’s willingness to accept campaign contributions from special-interest groups.

On his campaign Web site, Cardwell calls Martin a “‘convenient-crat,’ who found the courage to enter the race only after a handful of political ‘insiders’ promised they’d deliver him bucketfuls of special interest ‘PAC’ contributions; contributions Dale Cardwell and Barack Obama have refused because special interests have paralyzed Washington and control most of our elected officials.”

Runoff: Martin vs. Jones

Round 1:

Who are you "proud" to support?

Martin Camp Responds

Jim Martin's resident chief idiot, campaign manager Ellery Gould has responded to my report of his FEC violation on his blog. He claims that Jim sent in his report on time by the July 3rd deadline.

How come Dale Cardwell, Rand Knight, Josh Lanier, and Saxby Chambliss didn't seem to get caught in the same mess you did?

Well, keep up the good work Mr. Gould. I'm still surprised how Martin made the runoff and no doubt it had nothing to do with your work on the campaign. Maybe you ought to go back to Washington...
Gould on right: "Aww shucks, I'm a lowly press officer for a nobody Congressman, maybe I can run a Senate campaign!"

Dale Cardwell's Campaign R.I.P.

Well, also Lanier and Haircut Knight are out, but it was Cardwell who was the closest to making the runoff and making my previous rankings now moot.

My prediction is Jones over Martin in the August 5th runoff but stay tuned for a full blown rundown of the fight over the right to lose to Saxby Chambliss.

Polls Have Closed

It is way too early to call but the most exciting news so far (at nearly 9PM) is that Rand Knight currently sits in last place! There is hope for Lanier yet!

This really goes to show the power of unions. And yes, I know DeKalb hasn't reported yet, but let me relish this small victory.

Tonight's Results

Check here for your ongoing results. Refresh repeatedly.

And good luck

D-Day Zero Hour

On the eve of Primary Day we have plenty of fun news of Democrats who really mismanaged their campaigns. First theres the case of three (maybe two) candidates being removed from the ballot due to mainly residency concerns. This includes the ending of the long saga of Keith Gross and will he won't he make it onto the ballot despite living in Maryland and Florida and having a weapons charge against him.

The far more interesting case is of Cecillia Hailley running for the 81st district state house seat and is in a tough primary battle versus Chris Huttman. Enter the most damning mailer piece I have ever seen:

Oh man this is awesome. I almost hope that Cecillia makes it through her primary so I can hear more about this fight in the general election. What kind of idiot is she? Seriously? And then to "guest blog" over at Andre's and get destroyed in the comments section makes it even more comical. Hats off the the Georgia Democratic Party for candidate recruitment this cycle.

Oh and yeah theres this little Senate primary going on tomorrow also. I'm sticking with a Dale/Vernon runoff though it appears more likely Martin will make it. But theres always hope.

Two Years Ago

The Final Weekend (for some)

Entering this final weekend of the Georgia Primary season (pre-runoffs) I figure I'd do another power rankings to reflect the new poll by Insider Advantage.

First things first, I don't really trust the poll numbers for three major reasons:

1. Its InsiderAdvantage
2. Nobody can really accurately predict turnout in this race for Senate.
3. Its InsiderAdvantage
   

Sure there are things we do know about. Rand Knight is has about 25 paid staffers making phone calls to get out the vote for him. Most likely these are the union types that endorsed him, which surprises me that they would actually come out and have "feet on the ground" for a candidate polling in the middle single digits.

Second, Dale Cardwell is airing a limited (and by limited I mean very limited) television spot this weekend. The spot will air in Atlanta and Macon but with only $20k cash on hand and refusing to go into debt, Dale can probably afford the bare minimum.

Third, the new poll puts Jim Martin into his first lead of the race. This is attributed by Jim Galloway to his presence on tv that PACs and the Dem. national party have paid for.

Yet here goes nothing with the latest and perhaps last power rankings before the primary:

5. Josh Lanier - Will finish 5th in the polls guaranteed. If Maggie Martinez was still in it they would have probably fought for this spot but I would think that there are better odds in getting Michael Vick as a PETA sponsor than Lanier breaking out of the last place spot.

4. Rand Knight - You may be thinking "but he has all that union and netroots support!" I know I know! But as I've previously detailed, the netroots don't mean squat. Especially in this race. Rand may have the hairstyle for the job, but he just doesn't have the experience, demeanor, or votes to get there. Knight will finish with about 10 percent of the vote. I'd be surprised if he breaks out of the 4th place spot.

3. Jim Martin - I've really got to go with my gut here. Well that and Strategic Vision. I just cannot see supporters of the blandest candidate in this race turning out to vote for this man. Martin's campaign is only mentioned as a contender because he was able to raise the most money of the Democrats (which still wasn't even on Saxby Chambliss' radar). Martin's campaign has faced repeated bumps in the road from missed endorsements to attacks from his rivals. If Martin makes this runoff, its in no part to the campaign run by his staff and him, and only due to voters discontent with the other candidates. He will miss the runoff, though not by much.

------------------------------------------------------
The runoff point

2. Dale Cardwell - I've got to give it to Dale. He has run a very good campaign for the extremely limited resources he has. Sure the whole climbing up the poll stunt might be mocked now (and have cost him over $10,000 to pull off), but at least it got people's attention. Dale has a limited appeal statewide and really should only expect to pull numbers from the Atlanta area, but that will be enough. He is a ferocious campaigner and a fearless debater going after both Jim Martin and Vernon Jones repeatedly and with actual facts behind him. He does come across as fake at times and goes overboard a little too often, I think he will make it (narrowly) into the runoff.

1. Vernon Jones - I love Vernon Jones. He provides the best storylines of the political season. Who would think a man accused of rape, fined for illegal contributions, and hated by his police would be the leading contender to lose to Saxby Chambliss? Vernon has been milking the race card for his entire campaign now, and well, who can blame him. He is trying to ride Obama's coat tails into the Democratic nomination and it appears to be working amongst African American, Atlantan voters. Now here is the big question: will they come out to vote in a primary that doesn't have Obama's name on the ballot? Signs lean towards yes as the DeKalb County CEO's race is also up for grabs this year in a bitter primary fight. And maybe enough people were tricked by his campaigning into thinking Obama does support him. Who knows. But what is likely is that he will make the primary, before white voters turn against him and elect whoever makes that number 2 spot into the next Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate.

All in all, this has been an entertaining run. From that first debate in Forsyth County (where Maggie Martinez said she was running for the U.S. Congress of Senate) to the most previous debate (where Rand Knight arrived halfway through, most likely due to a hair appointment running long), it has been entertaining.

There is still one last weekend, and anything can happen as evidenced by Vernon Jones' existence and Jim Martin's hairpiece not falling off yet.

Rand! Has Expensive Tastes Pt. 2

The Knight for Senate campaign has responded saying they "accidentally" reported his hair cut as a campaign expense and that an amended version will be refiled.

Well I say poppycock. Knight is running a desperate 4th place campaign and should be using all of his money of personal effects like his 20 some odd trips to Chick-Fil-A and McDonalds on his FEC reports. I suspect Knight is using running for Senate as an excuse to add some weight before the long cold winter.

And now via JasonPye.com:

Now, I usually don't care about how people spend their money and I don't like class warfare. What bothers me is this guy said that Americans have "ignore[d] our own people who are in despair in our streets" during the Fox 5 Senate debate a couple weeks ago. Yes, we are facing some tough economic times, but "despair"? Tell that to the guy paying for the $50 haircut.

This guy wants to interfere with my life, increase my taxes and place tougher restrictions on businesses and preach to me about how others are living in despair? Ha! Take the altruistic rhetoric and shove it.

Well said Jason, well said.

Any ideas on the over/under for Knight's tuesday percentage? I'm putting my estimate at a solid 10%.

Rand's Hair Needs Some Loving

Below are copies of documentation of Rand Knight using campaign funds for a $50 haircut and loaning himself $45,200! I mean I knew Rand had pretty hair...but $50! And at a place called "Indulgence Salon?!"  And from his campaign money?! I mean come on!

Jim Martin and Rand Knight accumulate debt!

Well Jim Martin has been pressured by this blog (yes I'm taking all credit) into finally disclosing his fundraising and the numbers confirm what I suspected.

A pathetic fundraising period ending with Martin being $144,663.33 in debt!  Martin's donations are also dominated by Atlanta lawyers.  Martin loved to tout himself as the candidate who could bring in the money but this just proves again how lethargic his campaign has become.

But Martin isn't alone: Rand Knight continues to pile on his campaign debt which now totals $66,828!  But really heres the juicy details: Knight has loaned himself over $70,000! 

Martin and Knight's paltry pulls clearly confirm that their "endorsements" (if you can even call them that) don't mean squat!   They continue to run stagnant campaigns that draw little or no support.

Martin's FEC Page

Knight's FEC Page

Update: Rand Knight now has joined Jim Martin in taking PAC money.  This time $2000 from the Teamsters.  Congrats Rand! on selling your soul!

Tip O' The Hat and Jim Martin's Amnesty

Tip o' the hat to the kind Erick Erickson who has mentioned this blog over at Peach Pundit. Many thanks. (Update: My apologies to Tondee's Tavern for not mentioning them also I must have overlooked that post, but thank you Ed my favorite poster at Tondee's for the kind mention.)

Now onto some news. Over at the Political Insider (with Galloway finally off of vacation) news comes of Jim Martins success in gaining an endorsement. I know, this is very surprising considering Jim's utter lack of any organization up until this point.

But wait theres more!

The "big time endorsement" comes from none other than Emanuel Jones, the state Sen. from DeKalb County who is on Martin rival's "home turf." I think Galloway was really happy for the chance to use the word "turf" to build his street cred.

Anyways, the real news is that Emanuel Jones was one State Senator who voted against requiring public employers from verifying the legality of their new employees. No no no because making sure your workers are legally here is really too much to ask.

Thank you Jim Martin for once again proving how out of touch you are.

SENATE DEMOCRATIC FEC VIOLATION

Jim Martin has received a written notice from the FEC warning him of his campaign's failures to disclose financial contributions in their mid year reports.

The report, due 6/25, was not submitted to the Federal Election Commission.

Jim had embarrassing numbers in his fundraising and wanted to wait until after the primary to disclose his failures. It wouldn't look good to limp into and out of a primary with little cash-on-hand and total raised money.

Meanwhile, Senator Chambliss has disclosed that he raised over $800,000 in the same period, receiving no FEC violations.

This isn't the first we've heard of violations from Jim and it probably won't be the last.

Update: The rumor is also that Jim Martin is in the midst of a cover up. He said in his last debate he got less than 3% of his money from PACs but now it appears as though the numbers will say otherwise! So he'll eat the FEC fine and continue about his merry way. Jim Martin would rather break the law than come clean.

Letter to Jim Martin from FEC Scroll to bottom Notice of Failure to File

Obama to America: "Everyone must learn Spanish!

Today at Obama's event in Powder Springs, he commanded America's parents to make sure their children can speak Spanish.  He went on to tell how he was embarrassed about when Europeans come to America.

Yeah, thats going to really resound in America's heartland...

Quote comes at about the 25 second mark.

Dale gets a real endorsement, Rand! looks on

Dale Cardwell picked up an endorsement today from the Macon Telegraph marking a real endorsement since the AJC decided to toe the party line and endorse political flake Jim Martin.  You should remember Dale from his bizarre decision to climb a smokestack in Atlanta to gain attention.  Well it looks like someone noticed him as he has lead in several polls or at least is in the top 2 frequently.  Good luck to Dale, he would at least provide some entertaining one liners during the general campaign.

Meanwhile Rand! Knight and his union followers are madly stamping away.  I guess even in Macon they realize what a wannabe he is.

And yes, henceforth Franklin Randolph Knight Jr. shall be known as "Rand!"  I would have voted for him, but hes not on the ballot for dogcatcher.

Obama needs Vernon

That sounds like a bad romantic movie but its true!  Well at least according to Vernon.  

But really think about it.  Vernon Jones has more experience in government than Barack Obama does, and he's a centrist black Democrat which could appeal nationally.  Why isn't Vernon Jones running for President? 

Lets start the movement here: Vernon Jones '12!

T-Minus 8 Days

With the primary rapidly approaching, my inbox is rapidly filling up with "come volunteer" or "advance voting" messages.  Well, it just ain't gonna happen.  I mean does that look like a fun group of people?  

Proposed Caption: "Oh yay, Jim Martin inspires me sooo much"

Dale Cardwell - Underground Porn Actor

I mean seriously, look at that mustache...

If Blogs Ruled the World

Now don't get me wrong, I don't want to come across as bashing blogs. I love blogs, way way too much. But Georgia political blogs (left and right) have been getting the story wrong all along.

But lets have this post indulge what they have said already, as it amuses me sometimes far more than the truth.

First up Vernon "Snuggles/Threesome" Jones.
How I love thee Vernon, let me count the ways.

1. Vernon Jones blog for Senate: Yes I know this isn't by Vernon. In fact I believe its by a certain Tondee's contributor but thats besides the point. The point is that its excellent content. Really this is the new Onion of Georgia politics its that funny.
2. Vernon Jones Facts: Again a site run by unknown persons though I have heard its by former DeKalb County Police Officers. Once again this is a hitlist against Vernon Jones' illicit and sometimes overlooked past. Wasn't someone vetting this guy when he decided to run for office? Where is the media coverage? Vernon Jones should be politically taboo.
3. Vernon and the Constitution: Man this is just the gift that keeps on giving. Can we start a Sunday morning talk show where we just show Vernon Jones' clips?

Heres to hoping the next DeKalb CEO is as entertaining as this one was.

The Beginning of the End of the Internet

With the entrance of this blog into cyberspace I can only warn of the impending doom of the internet. This blog will speak volumes about the political underbelly that is Georgia politics yet hopefully won't regurgitate the same old material that already exists.

So to begin, the upcoming July 15th election day looms so lets get right to the odds for the winners of the race to be the United States Senator from Georgia.

Drumroll please...


Saxby Chambliss :
1-to-1 odds to capture the GOP nomination
Well this one should be a no brainer since he's running unopposed but we'll have new odds once the Senator faces his democratic opponent.

Vernon Jones:
3-to-1 odds to capture the Democratic nomination
Yes there is plenty of hate on ole' Vernon on the blogosphere but one thing is for certain: he has a high degree of support especially from the African American community. Say what you will but Vernon has consistently polled at the top of the Democratic class since announcing last year. These polls could of course be unreliable because well, who really knows who will turn out for this non-presidential primary. But if he picks up any support from voters who are voting in a contentious race to pick his successor as DeKalb County CEO, then Vernon will make it to the runoff and squeak by whoever his opponent is there. Jones won't be able to capture the 50% needed in the first round, but come runoff time I think he will pull it off.

Dale Cardwell:
9-to-2 odds to capture the Democratic nomination
Again the blogosphere gets it wrong on this one. Sure Dale's campaign has been struck by snafu's worse than McCain's use of a green screen as a backdrop prompting The "John McCain Green Screen Challenge" courtesy of Steven Colbert. I mean, who really thought climbing a tower in Atlanta (and paying more than $10,000 to do it) would really attract anything more than skepticism. Dale is a showman but really has come across as very fake throughout his campaign, sounding like a reporter but not in a good way. His lines are rehearsed, his communication not appealing to the brunt of Georgians. Yet still he enjoys relatively good polling results. This is due to his name recognition and general trustworthiness. Dale isn't a real known commodity, but what people know they like. The blogs will point to his flip flops on immigration and use of his one issue campaign against PAC money as a reason not to take him seriously. But surely Jim Martin has taken notice after Dale's excellent use of online media and repeated hammering at Martin's and Jones' records. Dale will make the runoff before falling short for the nomination.

Jim Martin:
5-to-1 odds of capturing the Democratic nomination
This one will probably be my favorite to describe. What has become of Jim Martin, a man who's campaign really did give the Democrats a respectable shot at Saxby Chambliss' seat. The campaign has completely and utterly floundered. After a big opening salvo with the release of a huge first 2 week fundraising effort, the support of national bigwigs like the DSCC, the Mehlman Group pollsters, and fundraising guru Scott Gale (who incidentally first worked for Cardwell), the Martin campaign has failed on nearly every level.

Martin has failed to put together a good on the ground campaign. Hiring campaign manager Ellery Gould who's previous "experience" was in working as a press secretary, was probably at the urging of the national party who wanted to give a D.C. worker of theirs some field experience. Gould really hasn't done much except get himself mentioned in a recent profile of Martin for listening in on the interview phone call to make sure Martin "stayed on message." Martin's few public events have been poorly attended and publicized and his supporters seem as lacadaisical as Martin himself.

Its clear Martin joined the race only at the behest of party insiders who wanted a "respectable loss" to Chambliss and his effort thus far is at best disappointing and at worst shameful.

Franklin Randolph Knight Jr. (Rand Knight):
8-to-1 odds to capture the Democratic nomination
Waiting for the onslaught of Knight supporters...Still waiting...Ok I guess I'm safe
Rand Knight is a joke. A complete and utter caricature of himself. Now that he's lost the suspenders he's gained some undeserved view of self-worth. His inexperience at first was kind of cute. Theres the bumbling and youthful Knight speaking faster than he can think at a candidates forum focusing every answer (whether the question was related or not) to environmental policy and why he was the best qualified for that. Well maybe Knight does have a better understanding of ecological matters, but he certainly doesn't have a firm grip of government. Knight clearly is trying to appeal to the left most part of the party and his recent endorsements by unions should only be seen as his probably pandering to them in private meetings. This guy couldn't get anything done for them even if he is elected. He wouldn't know the first thing to do. I do like his "its Knight time" line, as silly as it was. Knight gives us nothing in ideas or action in this election, but he certainly gives us something (or someone) to laugh at.

Josh Lanier
10000000-to-1 odds
Do I really need to explain this?

Maggy Martinez
Oh right, she dropped out. Well she endorsed Martin so that should count against him.