Georgia Politics, Campaigns & Elections for April 17, 2013

Election Results

Yet another example where a runoff election reverses the result of the election, in Hart County’s election for Chief Magistrate, Thomas Jordan took 1,547 votes (55.73%) to Todd C. Townsend with 1,229 (44.27%). Townsend led the special election last month.

Robert “Bo” or “Beau” Sweatt was elected Camden County Probate Judge with 1955 votes (62%) to Martin Turner’s 1188 (38%).

2014 Senate Contenders

First quarter and cash-on-hand for the usual suspects. Only Broun and Gingrey have announced, but unconfirmed rumor has it that Congressman Jack Kingston will announce for the Senate in the first week of May.

Politics Across Georgia

Former Loganville Mayor Ray Nunley died of cancer yesterday, after resigning to fight the disease last month.

Councilman Mark Kiddoo called it a sad day for Loganville, and that people would remember Nunley’s dedication to the city.

“He always had the city at heart, a lot of great ideas,” Kiddoo said. “His vision for Loganville will help move the city forward for years to come.”

He was first elected mayor in 2008 and re-elected in 2010 after he served as a councilman from 2005 to 2008. Nunley and his wife, Joyce, have three children and two grandchildren.

Councilwoman Michelle Lynch said Nunley was a wonderful mentor for her and she was thankful for the opportunity Nunley gave her to be a volunteer with the city five years ago.

“He was incredibly respected and a very impressive visionary,” Lynch said. “Outstanding in hard economic times to maintain a strong community.”

Yesterday was not a good day for educators facing indictments as three employees of the DeKalb County School System were indicted for fraud in a mini cheating scandal involving CRCT scores and records. Former University of Georgia football coach Jim Donnan and a business partner were indicted on 85 counts alleging a Ponzi scheme that cost investors nearly $23 million.

Former Wilcox County Sheriff Stacey Bloodworth was arrested for violating the conditions of his release. Bloodworth was awaiting sentencing on federal charges of beating inmates; after pleading guilty, Bloodworth was ordered to resign as Sheriff.

Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials Executive Director Jerry Gonzales spoke to the Gainesville City Council about GALEO’s contention that the city’s at-large elections violate the Voting Rights Act.

Gonzalez also repeatedly said his group’s patience was wearing thin and that a lawsuit that would prove costly to Gainesville taxpayers was a definite option.
Mayor Danny Dunagan said the city’s attorneys would review GALEO’s data and then respond.

“As soon as they receive it and they get a chance to let their experts look at it, we’ll get back to you,” Dunagan replied. “You’re going to have to have some patience.”

Dunagan said at-large voting has been upheld in court, pointing out that the council members represent every voter in the city, not just one ward.

Gonzalez was assured that the elections issue was a top priority but he told council members that GALEO was preparing a case they expect to win and would be ready to respond quickly.

“You’re threats are heard,” Dunagan responded, and Gonzalez replied that he resented his remarks being characterized as threats.

The Board of Regents voted to increase tuition by 2.5 percent for students in University System colleges and universities. But students at the state’s flagship universities will see larger hikes.

The system’s Board of Regents Tuesday approved a 7 percent tuition increase this fall at Georgia Tech. Georgia Techrecently ranked among the top schools for post-grad salaries.

Tuition will be going up by 5 percent at The University of Georgia and 3.5 percent atGeorgia State University and Georgia Regents University.

A joint board comprising port officials from South Carolina and Georgia met to discuss building a Jasper Ocean Terminal on the South Carolina side of the Savannah River.

The first analysis estimated the terminal would be needed around 2027 when current port capacity in Savannah and Charleston is used up, he said. The new analysis found that, taking into account the recent economic slowdown, that date has been pushed back to 2031.

However, Kemmsies said ports don’t want to wait until their capacity is entirely gone and said the new port will be needed by 2025 when Charleston and Savannah will likely be operating at about 80 percent capacity.

The analysis estimates it will take 13 years from applying for the needed permits until the terminal opens. That means the board is already late in applying for the needed construction permits because the terminal would not be open until 2026.

Georgia Republican Party

BJ VanGundy’s campaign for Chairman of the GaGOP sent an email message to delegates and alternates yesterday.

Modern politics is defined by the interconnected world we live in.  We must have a chairman who understands this and how it translates into fundraising opportunities.  It means focusing on:

• Giving the business community in Georgia an opportunity to invest in sound governing principles.  They must know the Republican Party they contribute to will protect them from overbearing government by electing conservatives committed to the free market;

• Broadening and diversifying our donor base across the state.  At our party’s peril, we miss an opportunity to give the grassroots something to invest in if we only consider big donations important.  Everyone’s important, and thousands of small dollar donors will build a party people can take pride in;

• Demonstrating the value that the Great Opportunity Party brings to all Georgians.  This means demonstrating that, whatever your issue with government is, the GOP stands for protecting every individual’s opportunity build a better life.