Gov. Nathan Deal: Jason Carter and ‘A Gilded List of Hollywood-types’

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Deal: Jason Carter and ‘A Gilded List of Hollywood-types’

What they’re saying

AJC: Jason Carter’s out-of-state donors a ‘gilded list of Hollywood types’

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported today that nearly one-third of Senator Jason Carter’s donations came from out-of-state donors, including contributions from a “gilded list of connected Hollywood-types.”

“Senator Carter has a lot in common with his donors; they’re all very liberal and all out of step with Georgia values,” said Jen Talaber, Deal for Governor spokeswoman. “California donors comprise 10 percent of Carter’s donors. If any Georgia voters envy the high-tax, high-regulation model that’s driving businesses out of California, then they have a champion in Jason Carter. On the other hand, Georgia voters who wants a pro-jobs agenda that made our state the No. 1 state in the nation in which to do business have a champion in Gov. Nathan Deal.”

They include liberal mega-donors such as:

Famed director Steven Spielberg
George Soros, the liberal-leaning mega donor
Actors Ian Somerhalder and Kate Capshaw
TV writer Norman Lear
Film producer Jeffrey Katzenberg of DreamWorks studios

“I don’t think the rank-and-file Georgia voters have a lot in common with Steven Spielberg and George Soros,” said Jerry Keen, a former state House Republican leader who is now a Capitol lobbyist. [AJC, Sep. 2]

Fundraising off his famous family name

Carter also relies on his President Jimmy Carter, his “fundraiser-in-chief” to rake in out-of-state money, whether it’s fundraising off a church service or by sending a dubious “first” text message, all the while insisting this race isn’t about his last name.

Except when it is:

A Plains weekend with Jimmy Carter: Just $20,000 per couple:This private, unique opportunity features a tour of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site, dinner and reception with the Carters, tour of the Downtown Inn with Rosalynn Carter, church service with the Carters and a photo with the Carters.

‘Embarassment’ Jimmy Carter to stump for grandson in NYC: In recent years, Carter has become an embarrassment to the Democratic party for his anti-Americanism and his kowtowing to foreign despots. But party stalwarts, including Patricia Duff, Maurice Sonnenberg and Tonio Burgos, are lined up for the $1,000-and-up fund-raiser.

“When he’s not borrowing the Rolodex of his fundraiser-in-chief, President Jimmy Carter, Jason Carter relies on celebrities from Beverly Hills and billionaires from New York City to bankroll his campaign,” Talaber said, adding: “Hollywood stars and labor bosses may be impressed by Jimmy and Jason Carter, but Georgians are not.”