Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections for October 24, 2014

On October 24, 1775, British naval forces sailed up the James River and attacked Norfolk, Virginia, while some troops went ashore to engage the patriot militia.

John Wesley wrote the last entry in his journal, which spanned 55 years, on October 24, 1790.

On October 24, 1861, Western Union completed the first transcontinental telegraph line, allowing communication between Washington, DC and San Francisco, California.

Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke in Atlanta on October 24, 1932, decrying what he called “destruction, delay, deceit, and despair – the four horsemen of the G.O.P.” and lambasting President Herbert Hoover for the great depression.

The Charter for the United Nations became effective on October 24, 1945.

Jimmy Carter found himself with a comfortable lead, with polls showing him ahead in states representing more than 300 electoral college votes, on October 24, 1976.

The Concorde made its last flight on October 24, 2003.

Georgia Politics, Campaigns, and Elections

That happened. I expect you’ll be hearing about it in robocalls, TV ads, and on the radio for the next couple of weeks, and perhaps into January.

Here’s a partial transcription of President Obama:

And these last two years I want a Congress that does work, and the only way I can do that, even though I’m not on the ballot, is to make sure that our people turn out to vote, that young people and black folks and latinos and progressives and people who share a vision of making sure that this economy works for everybody and not just a few people, that those folks turn out and when we do, we win, and no place is a better example than in Georgia.

Michelle Nunn will win the Senate if there is high turnout among Democrats. And if there is low turnout or just ordinary turnout, then she won’t win. And if Michelle Nunn wins, that means that Democrats keep control of the Senate, and that means that we can keep on doing some good work.

From the AJC Political Insider, David Perdue’s response:

“I’m running against a woman who now the president said is his. He said his policies are on the ballot in this race, it’s pretty clear. And this week he even said he needs Michelle Obama — Michelle Nunn, I’m sorry. He needs Michelle Nunn to go to Washington — you’d think one would be enough. He wants Michelle Nunn to go to Washington to help him continue these policies. The arrogance.

“However you want to look at this thing — foreign policy, immigration, health care, education, debt and the economy — we’re not going in the right direction. And he wants Michelle Nunn to go with him to Washington to help him continue to do good things. I’m sorry, I don’t see it that way.”

Three takes on the School Superintendent election

John Wood has a take on incumbent State School Superintendent John Barge’s endorsement of Democrat Valarie Wilson, originally published at zpolitics.com, excerpted with his permission:

Barge shows his true political ineptness. He cannot get along with the Governor’s office and the General Assembly and continues to spout the mantra of “staying the course”. “Staying the course” is nothing more than a clear acceptance of the Obama Administration’s education agenda by imposing more excessive testing measures and unrealistic mandates on our students and teachers. Barge’s endorsement is a clear example of his self-serving attitude for his own gain. What does he hope to gain from this? A job? His turncoat switching strategy looks to create more fissures in education by “grant dancing” for more federal dollars. “Staying the course” means more unrealistic lesson plan audits on our teachers, a failed testing model which has been inconsistent and incoherent. Teachers were not even given testing descriptors for the new GMAP testing to help students prepare. The scores will not be available until after the summer.

So by “staying the course” this will cost Georgia taxpayers money for a test that is not even ready for our students but will be used to evaluate teachers with a weight of 50% off of a test that is not even been created successfully.  It is expected to be implemented starting this December for some grade levels. “Staying the course” is a ploy to take away time from helping our students achieve and burden teachers with an oppressive amount of paperwork for future Race to the Top dollars.

Barge’s leadership has been a failure by accepting these funds and has not upheld the constitutionality of the office. Wilson has also been endorsed by Planned Parenthood and GAWinlist. This association is confirmation that Barge is not a principled conservative and has pushed a progressive agenda while lying to voters about his principles. Richard Woods is clearly the leader we should have elected the first time when he ran against Barge in 2010. We need a leader that is willing to uphold the office and listen to the voters.

Georgia Republican Party Chairman John Padgett released the following statement on the race:

With less than two weeks until Election Day, Georgia Republican Party Chairman John Padgett released the following statement of support for Richard Woods, the Republican nominee for State School Superintendent:

“When it comes to voting in the November 4 election, it’s important for Georgians to know that every race on the ballot – from Governor down to city council – is important.

“In the race to be Georgia’s leading voice in education, Richard Woods is the right fit for State School Superintendent. An accomplished teacher, trusted administrator, and inspiring visionary, Richard will work to strengthen our schools and enhance educational opportunities for our children and grandchildren.

“I encourage Georgia voters to join me in backing Richard Woods for State School Superintendent. He will work tirelessly with Governor Deal and leadership in the Georgia General Assembly to ensure that our state’s best and brightest days are always ahead.”

Finally, Joe Dendy, Chairman of the Cobb County Republican Party issued the following via email:

The race for State School Superintendent is so far down ballot it probably receives the least attention of all the statewide races; yet, it is one of the most important races since it affects the lives and education of future generations.  There are stark differences of philosophy between Richard Woods and his democrat opponent. Yet, our current State School Superintendent, John Barge, endorsed Richard’s democrat opponent today. What does that tell you?  It’s time we send a message to School Superintendent Barge that Republicans totally disagree with his decision.

 

I have gotten to know Richard well over the past several years and find him to be not only strong in his faith, but also strong in his desire for every child in Georgia to receive the very best education available.  He has extensive classroom and administrative experience in the field of education. Richard is also someone who may challenge the executive and legislative branches with different ideas, but will work with them as a team member implementing their decisions.

I ask you to show your support for Richard and the Republican principles that have proven to strengthen education.  Down ballot races do not raise the big bucks, so I ask you to write Richard a check and bring it with you this Sunday afternoon to the event honoring him.