On April 4, 1776, General George Washington began marching his troops from Cambridge, Massachusetts to New York, in anticipation of an invasion by the British.
President William Henry Harrison died in office on April 4, 1841, a month after his inauguration.
At the inauguration of America’s first Whig president, on March 4, 1841, a bitterly cold day, Harrison declined to wear a jacket or hat, made a two-hour speech, and attended three inauguration balls. Soon afterward, he developed pneumonia. On April 4, President Harrison died in Washington, and Vice President John Tyler ascended to the presidency, becoming the first individual in U.S. history to reach the office through the death of a president.
On April 4, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln toured Richmond, Virginia the day after the Confederate Capitol fell to Union forces.
On April 4, 1968 Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot in Memphis. James Earl Ray would later be arrested and plead guilty to the assassination.
On April 4, 1974, Hank Aaron hit home run 714, tying Babe Ruth’s record.
On April 4, 1988, the Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly was recognized as the official state butterfly of Georgia.
The Atlanta Braves played their first game in Turner Field on April 4, 1997, defeating the Chicago Cubs 5-4. Denny Neagle started on the mound for the Braves and Mark Wohlers earned a save. Atlanta’s Michael Tucker hit the first homerun in the new stadium.
Presidential Cars
Love him or not, Donald Trump does have great taste in sports cars. After the 2015 offering of a 1997 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster formerly owned by now-President Trump, the latest ex-Trumpmobile to hit the auction circuit is a 2007 Ferrari F430 F1 coupe. From the auction listing:
The Ferrari F430 on offer was purchased new by President Donald Trump in 2007. The car was titled as a personal vehicle, proven by a copy of the title, which is included in the sale. The title included President Trump’s Trump Tower, New York address and his distinctive, bold signature. President Trump owned the car for a little over four years during which time the car accrued a little over 2,400 miles.
It’s well known that President Trump appreciates the finer things in life and this Ferrari F430 is no exception. At the time of its release, it was one of the most technologically advanced performance cars on the market. Already a low production vehicle, its provenance is significantly increased by President Trump’s ownership. To see a former or current President’s personal vehicle offered for sale is extremely rare. It’s highly likely Donald Trump is the only United States President to ever own a Supercar. This Ferrari F430 is very special and is sure to make an excellent addition to any collection.
FWIW, the former-Trump Lambo eventually sold for $460k on ebay.
If you’re the other cars and politics nerd, you can check out some more of President Trump’s rides.
If you’re working on a collection of Presidential cars, you might also consider the 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch Super Crew formerly owned by President George W. Bush, which will be auctioned this Saturday.
Former President George W. Bush used this stunning white 2009 F-150 4×4 pickup at his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, TX, from shortly after leaving the White house in 2009.
Former President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush used the truck to work around their ranch and to entertain friends, family and dignitaries visiting their Crawford property. This is a unique opportunity to own a piece of presidential automotive history.
The original title to the truck reflects Former President Bush’s signature as its first owner, and that title will be transferred to the buyer by the current owner. Additionally, the right airbag panel features President Bush’s signature.
The sale of the truck will benefit the Community Foundation of Cleveland and Bradley County, TN – a community-based 501(c)(3) qualified charity – for the further designated purpose of supporting the Higher Calling Kids Wrestling Club, Inc., located in Cleveland, TN; supporting the Dan Gable Museum in Waterloo, IA; and the related National Wrestling Hall of Fame in Stillwater, OK. The Higher Calling Kids Club promotes development of kids’ wrestling skills and competitions from kindergarten through eighth grade. **100 PERCENT OF HAMMER PRICE TO BENEFIT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF CLEVELAND & BRADLEY COUNTY, TENNESSEE** **WILL BE SOLD AT APPROXIMATELY 3:30 P.M. ON SATURDAY, APRIL 8, 2017**
Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections
Check the list of 2017 legislation signed by Governor Deal.
Governor Nathan Deal and Georgia DOT yesterday provided an update on repairs to the section of I-85 that collapsed last week.
“I want to extend a sincere thank you to our first responders and other state and local employees who have worked tirelessly since Thursday night,” said Deal. “I’d also like to thank our citizens, especially those near the I-85 site, motorists and private organizations for their patience, understanding and willingness to work together during this time. We encourage everyone to continue using caution and exercising good judgment on the roads going forward. We have undertaken several initiatives to safely and expeditiously move traffic and will continue working with state, federal and local authorities to ensure timely repairs, safe alternative routes for motorists and access to mass transit systems.”
Actions taken by the governor include:
- A letter requesting financial assistance for increased use of MARTA, Georgia Regional Transit Authority (GRTA), Gwinnett and Cobb transit was sent to U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao. The letter also asked to waive all rules and regulations for contract bids allowing the state to expedite the repair/reconstruction process.
- A letter was also sent to MARTA and GRTA to reassure the agencies that the state will provide funding to cover costs associated with increased ridership using the Amended Fiscal Year 18 budget.
- The governor announced financial incentives for private contractors and GDOT, GRTA and other state agencies. While no specific approach has been determined, GDOT will work with private contractors and the Office of Planning and Budget to work on solutions for state employees working directly on the reconstruction/repair project.
- The governor outlined the work policy for state employees, encouraging those at agencies in the Metro Atlanta area to telecommute if they are able to do so and encouraging those unable to telecommute to use mass transit, including MARTA, GRTA, and Gwinnett and Cobb transit. The governor encouraged private sector employers to follow suit and allow employees working in the Metro Atlanta area to telecommute if they are able to do so.
From the Marietta Daily Journal:
[Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell] McMurry said everyone involved in the project is working to solve the problem as fast as possible, including opening more lanes of nearby streets Monday.
“It has been one catastrophe we have been dealing with since Thursday, but I’m (here) to tell you today that I feel very confident that we’ve hit our marks thus far,” he said. “Also we’ve worked tirelessly along with the members of the Department of Public Safety, Georgia State Patrol and Atlanta (Police Department) to ease restrictions where they exist. One example of that was to add the HOV (human-occupancy vehicle) on-ramp on Lindbergh going north on 85 so you can use that even if you’re not a HOV driver.
“Again, we are trying to provide local relief to local roads. This morning we made significant progress as well by completing the demolition of the (Piedmont Road) lanes closed for several hours. Those lanes were open just before 7 a.m. So that was a real test, if you will. I can say we have fared OK. Thanks to the public for their continued dedication for seeking other routes, other forms of transportation as the governor mentioned, and the ability to telecommute.”
During a Q&A following the news conference, a reporter asked Deal if the bridge repair job has an estimated cost yet.
“We don’t have the amount of that yet,” he said. “I think we will not know until we get some of the prices in for materials and labor costs.”
Georgia Department of Public Safety Col. Mark McDonough urged commuters to use caution when using the sections of I-85 that had been reopened, as well as other roads in the area.
“My message is very clear: caution, caution, caution,” McDonough said. “It’s great that the (Buford Springs) connector is open, but it’s two lanes and it essentially will handle that local traffic at Monroe Drive and up through the north points there. It’s not meant to be a bypass in itself for through traffic.
“What I experienced today when I went up there to check it out was folks almost stopping in the roadway at the site to take pictures, and that’s not cautious behavior, and it just slows things down through there. So resist the temptation to take that video from your car or that picture and keep traffic moving. It will help everybody.”
Georgia DOT will also reconsider storing materials under bridges.
At the press conference, GDOT Commissioner Russell McMurry said the agency is re-evaluating its practice of storing construction materials underneath state bridges. Authorities say a homeless man set a chair on fire under the I-85 bridge, sparking the blaze that was fed by construction material GDOT stored there.
McMurry has said it’s a common practice for transportation departments across the country to store material under highway bridges. But he said Monday that he has informed other departments about the I-85 event so they can review their own policies.
“We certainly will be looking at all things to make sure we never have a catastrophic event like this again,” he said.
The AJC called the 2017 General Assembly a “do little” session because it lacked marquee legislation.
When the confetti flew early Friday in the ornate chambers of Georgia’s House and Senate to mark the end of another legislative session, the celebratory atmosphere masked an unspoken sentiment: Not a whole lot got done this year.
To be fair, dozens of bills passed and made their way to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk. Among them: the annual state budget. A plan to expand the state’s medical marijuana program also overcame obstacles to pass on Thursday’s final day. And lawmakers adopted rules to allow firearms on college campuses.
Where were the big, bold initiatives that typically define legislative sessions in odd-numbered years, when lawmakers don’t face voters and often tackle major policy changes? Think transportation funding in 2015, ethics in 2013, immigration in 2011, transportation governance in 2009.
“Sometimes you’ve got to try, and we tried,” Ralston told reporters moments after he gaveled the House to adjournment early Friday. “I think we’ve had a good session. It had a disappointing finish, obviously.”
An angry House began to stall Senate leaders’ top priorities and then actually voted down one, Senate Bill 1, Senate Majority Leader Bill Cowsert’s attempt to strengthen and broaden state domestic terrorism laws. (A different version of SB 1 later passed.)
Cagle accused the House of making Georgia less safe. Ralston accused the Senate of throwing a “hissy fit.”
The Marietta Daily Journal called 2017 “more ho-hum than happening.”
This year’s legislative session gaveled to a close around 1 a.m. Friday, and what an underwhelming session it was.
But overall, legislators had precious little to show for the last couple of months they’ve spent horse trading under the Gold Dome, and we can all be grateful that greater damage, while attempted, wasn’t successful.
New York Magazine reports that White House senior strategist Steve Bannon is watching the Georgia Sixth District Congressional Special Election.
Republicans are watching, including rather powerful ones.
“Ossoff running smart campaign,” Steve Bannon, the president’s chief strategist, told [NYMAg’s reporter] in a text.
A White House official close to him said he’s preoccupied with what’s happening some 600 miles south of Pennsylvania Avenue. “It’s something that I’m tracking specifically for Bannon,” the official said, “and keeping an eye on, following all the polls, following the kind of narrative out there — so it’s definitely something we’re paying attention to and the political department’s paying attention to as well.”
Still, the White House is optimistic that some Republican or other will keep the seat from Ossoff, a real possibility if he falls short on April 18 and is forced into the runoff. “I think that buzz translated into higher poll numbers than he’ll get on Election Day,” the official said. “It’s really easy for Ossoff to run against the shadow of Trump, the specter of Trump, this bogeyman — because there’s no official candidate. But once we have a candidate who can make a case for themselves, I think the polling will change pretty quickly.”
The Washington Post, meanwhile, dinged Democrat Jon Ossoff for being “misleading enough to merit a Pinocchio” over claims about his work for Rep. Hank Johnson (D-DeKalb).
Emory College Republicans (both of them) are hosting a debate for some of the 6th District candidates on April 13, 2017 from 7:30 to 10 PM.
Renowned Ed Lee of the Barkley Forum will moderate this discussion-based format debate, which will include topics such as health care, the economy, college campuses, and much more.
Doors will open at 7:15pm, with the debate beginning at 8pm, and we suggest you arrive early for the event.
State Senator Hunter Hill (R-Buckhead) told colleagues he will not run for re-election in 2018 and might be considering a run for statewide office.
Hill represents a Buckhead district that could give him access to a wealth of campaign contributions. He also sports a resume that could hold great appeal in a GOP primary.
Just in the last week, we have picked up two new tire-kickers – Hill and state Rep. Stacey Evans, a Smyrna Democrat – in the race for governor. Both would be challenging presumptive favorites.
One theory: On both the Democratic and Republican sides, Donald Trump’s presidency is shaking up politics as usual in Georgia.
Dick Yarbrough announced he is not running for anything.
My fellow Americans, it is with heavy heart that I inform you today that I am not now nor will I become a candidate for public office.
Had I chosen to run, my campaign pledges would have included building a wall around the Golden Isles to keep out undesirables (anybody from north of Ringgold or south of Jakin.) I would have declared sainthood for Ray Charles Robinson, of Albany, Georgia (although I think he is already a saint.) Broccoli would be labeled a psychedelic drug, meaning that anybody who eats the stuff would have to be out of their mind. And, yes, I would reappoint Cynthia McKinney as Ambassador to Outer Space. If something is working, you don’t mess with it.
So, why have I come to this decision not to run for public office? For one thing, the dry cleaners misplaced my clown suit. What is politics without a bunch of clowns?
So, my fellow Americans, while I say thank you for the pledges of support, after consulting with the fearsome Woman Who Shares My Name, I must decline what would no doubt have been a stellar political career.
Former Congressman Lynn Westmoreland (R-Senoia) spoke to GPB’s Political Rewind about a possible 2018 Gubernatorial run.
But the real question, of course, is whether Westmoreland has come down with a case of gubernatorialitus or any of its symptoms, which include the formation of a 2018 campaign for governor. Secretary of State Brian Kemp came down with the fever last Friday. Said Westmoreland:
“I don’t have it right now. I’m not going to say I’m immune to it. The one thing I’ve learned, especially in politics – you can’t let somebody else’s decision influence your decision. When Brian Kemp came out, everybody hit the panic button. I mean, my phone lit up.
“I’m not ready to make that decision. It’s about 20 months until the election. And I understand that everybody wants to get out first. Everybody wants to get people committed. But at the same time, I’m not ready. The stars just haven’t aligned for me to be able to do that. I’m happy. I am really and truly happy.”
Former Democratic one-session State Rep. Taylor Bennett says he might be looking at a comeback in 2018 with a challenge to Republican Meagan Hanson, who won the seat in 2016.
Democrat Taylor Bennett, a former Georgia Tech quarterback, narrowly won a conservative-leaning Brookhaven-based district in a 2015 special election. But he was ousted in November by Republican Meagan Hanson, an attorney seen as a potential statewide candidate down the road.
Bennett has been rumbling about making a comeback bid since his razor-thin loss, but now it seems like a done deal.
His former chief of staff, Hayden Brooks, said Bennett is exploring another run because he’s disappointed “to see how poorly the district’s principles and interests have been represented.”
In a statement, Hanson did not reference those votes but said she looks forward to “vigorous debate” with Bennett.
“This time, though, we will both have legislative records to compare,” she said. “Voters were displeased with his lack of effort on their behalf the first time.”
“I’ve been doing the job voters elected me to do from day one,” she said, “and I have the record that reflects that.”
Candidates who want to be the “Donald Trump of Georgia” may find that mantle already taken.
Parker Petit, a GOP-friendly biotech executive, has a new nickname since the presidential election. His critics call him “the Trump of Georgia.”
Petit, who goes by “Pete,” was Trump’s 2016 Georgia finance chair and is a longtime political backer and friend of Georgia Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson, a leading voice on the Senate’s health committee. Petit also was a powerful top contributor to former Rep. Tom Price, now the Health and Human Services secretary. Federal campaign finance records show MiMedx, through its PAC, chief executive and his relatives, has contributed more than $40,000 to Price’s campaign and joint fundraising committees since 2014. As a result, the company was ranked as Price’s top contributor for 2015-16 by the nonpartisan Center for Responsive Politics.
Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp filed a lawsuit seeking election records from DeKalb County’s 2015 elections.
Kemp’s lawsuit requests vote counts, ballot recap sheets, voting machines and absentee ballots, saying they’re critical to the inquiry surrounding the election, which included the LaVista Hills cityhood vote.
DeKalb Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie last year declined to release the voting materials, saying they can’t be turned over without going through a court process.
Kemp’s lawsuit, filed by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr on March 13, names Superior Court Clerk Debra DeBerry as the defendant.
“To open sealed documents requires a court order. Filing a case is a first step,” DeBerry said in an emailed statement.
The investigation began when a former county elections employee said voters were turned away from polling places and voting materials weren’t properly secured.
Cobb County Commissioners passed a resolution calling for the state to retain control of 137 miles of Western & Atlanta Railroad right-of-way currently leased to CSX Transportation. Senate Resolution 228, passed by the General Assembly, authorizes the state to negotiate a 50-year lease renewal with CSX.
Senator Johnny Isakson will co-host with the Georgia Congressional delegation a U.S. Military Service Academy Day at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta on Saturday, April 29, from 10 to 11:30 AM.
The event is designed to provide students with information about attending the nation’s five military service academies, including the application, nomination and appointment process. The event is open to students in grades eight through 12 and their parents. Parents and attendees must register due to security restrictions at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, but there is no cost to attend. Photo identification will be required at the main entrance gate for admittance.
Along with Isakson, U.S. Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., and U.S. Reps. Barry Loudermilk and Rob Woodall are scheduled to participate.
Representatives from all five academies — the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy and the U.S. Military Academy — will deliver presentations regarding their requirements and expectations for admittance.
Hardie Davis moved the Augusta Mayor’s Masters Reception indoors due to thunderstorms.
Murray County Commissioner Greg Hogan will meet by himself (he’s the sole County Commissioner) at 9 AM today.
Former Hall County Sheriff Bob Vass died Monday at the age of 82.
“I had the pleasure of serving as an investigator specializing in homicides and crimes against persons during his tenure, and I fondly remember that he always made it a point to make his rounds through the building and speak to everyone,” Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch said.
“Our hearts are heavy at his loss, but our department and our community are better for having had him as a servant leader.”
WDUN discussed the opioid epidemic with several Hall County Sheriff’s deputies.
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