PeachyPolitics

Savannah Morning News, Larry Peterson: U.S. Rep. Johnny Isakson, also seeking the GOP nomination to the seat Democrat Zell Miller is giving up, has skipped most of the candidates' debates held so far.

Contrasting styles in Republican Senate race

Mainstays of the debate circuit, the Republican U.S. Senate candidates are staunch conservatives.

Mac Collins and Herman Cain have become the Republican Odd Couple of the U.S. Senate race.

Debate after debate, Collins, a middle Georgia congressman, and Cain, a McDonough businessman, have been the fixtures, usually without Isakson.

So it was Monday, when 200 people showed up to hear them at Skidaway Island Methodist Church.

Both are about as conservative as they can get.

They spoke out for free enterprise, against abortion, for President Bush's policies in Iraq, against federal involvement in education, for tax reform and against the "liberal media."

But there the similarity ends.

Cain wants to go to Washington to shake things up.

Collins says he's been shaping them up. And he wants to do it some more.

Collins said he's proud of the Republican revolution that began with the GOP takeover of the House in 1994 and led to tax cuts and welfare reform.

While Cain confidently speaks of the need for "bold leadership," Collins talks more humbly of serving constituents and "respecting their requests."

Their contrasting styles and leadership approaches could be worth watching.

"The proof is in the pudding," he (Collins) says. "There's a lot to government that you learn from experience. It's different from running a business.

You can't... replace experience with good sound bites. ... It's no time ... to send someone without the experience."

Collins, a high school graduate and long-time small businessman who likes to quip that he attended "UHK" or the "University of Hard Knocks," had a zinger of his own.

When asked how he'd like to serve in the Senate if Democratic candidate John Kerry is elected president, Collins grimaced, then quipped, "This is a house of worship."

After the laughter faded, he added. "We all have to pray that it doesn't happen."

For Mac Collins's Website: "iBackMac" (Click Here)

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:

Collins Endorsed by National Right to Life PAC

Georgia Right to Life PAC Censures Johnny Isakson for "Pro-Choice" Vote

Isakson Spells “Doom”; Cain Has “No Traction”

Another Conservative Endorsement for Mac Collins

The Guardian award is presented to Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate who vote "senior friendly."

The honorary award is also given to candidates who score 60 or above on a 100 point scale. This test indicates how the candidates would have voted had he or she been an actual member of Congress.

Martin said he was pleased to honor Clay who has pledged to:

1. Protect Social Security and Medicare.

2. Support prescription drug benefits for seniors.

3. Favor repeal of the tax on Social Security benefits.

4. Support long term care tax incentives.

Martin also noted that Clay "will work hard to abolish the estate or so-called 'death tax, a 55 % confiscatory tax levided on your assets before they pass on to your beneficiaries."

Previous recipients of the Guardian of Seniors' Rights Award from the Peach State include Senator Zell Miller and Senator Saxby Chambliss as well as Republican Reps. Mac Collins, John Linder, and Jack Kingston.

Calder Clay for U.S. Congress Website (Click Here)

Georgia Right to Life PAC Director Dan Becker: We commend Congressman Mac Collins, Max Burns, Nathan Deal, Phil Gingrey, and John Linder...who upheld the current government policy restricting the use of taxpayer funded facilities to allow abortions.

Georgia Senate Candidate (Mac Collins) Gets Pro-Life Endorsement, Isakson Criticized

Steven Ertelt-LifeNews.com Editor: Georgia Congressman Mac Collins has garnered the endorsement of the National Right to Life Committee, in a move his campaign says shows he is the most pro-life candidate running for the Republican Senate nomination.

Isakson's frequent votes backing abortion has earned him support from the pro-abortion group Republicans for Choice.

Isakson, who has been saying he is pro-life in campaign speeches, was wrong to have voted for a Congressional measure this week that would have allowed abortions at hospitals on taxpayer-funded U.S. military bases.

In addition to the military abortion vote, Isakson voted against President Bush's Mexico City policy and for the use of taxpayer funding to research abortion drugs such as RU-486.

IBackMac: Isakson voted 14 times in favor of pro-abortion legislation (Click Here)

The Concerned Women of America's PAC has also endorsed Collins.

“I am honored to earn the endorsement of the National Right to Life PAC,” commented Collins. “The pro-life issue is very serious and provides another example of how liberals and moderates are assaulting our moral values.

Mark Crutcher-WorldNetDaily: The problem is the belief that the unborn child is a living human being is a biological fact. That means they have as much right to live their life as anyone else.

There is no basis for being opposed to abortion other than the belief that it takes the life of an innocent and helpless baby.

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:

CCCs: Counterfeit Christians In Congress

The Great Ping-Pong Scam

Collins Endorsed by National Right to Life PAC

Georgia Right to Life PAC Censures Johnny Isakson for "Pro-Choice" Vote

Calder Clay is the Republican candidate running against Democrat Rep. Jim Marshall for Georgia’s Third Congressional District seat.

National Republican Congressional Committee Website (Click Here)

The National Republican Congressional Committee spotlighted Calder Clay for Congress on its website this week. The national committee lists the Clay campaign as a prime-pick up opportunity for the GOP this year.

Citing the support Clay has received from Governor Perdue, Senator Chambliss, and Georgia's eight Republican Congressmen, the NRCC focused on Clay's strong conservative message and his desire to bring common sense represntation to middle Georgia.

"I am excited to be the spotlight candidate for the NRCC this week." stated Clay. "The leaders of the Republican Party in Congress have seen how strong my campaign is and how we are gaining momentum throughout the 3rd district.

Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert Campaigns in Macon for Calder Clay

Calder Clay: I am honored that the GOP leadership believes in my efforts, and I look forward to be a Congressman who has access to Speaker Hastert and the leadership in the House of Representatives."

Calder Clay for U.S. Congress Website (Click Here)

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:

Jim Marshall No Friend to Taxpayer

Speaker of the House, J. Dennis Hastert Campaigns in Macon for Calder Clay

Congressman Charlie Norwood Endorses Calder Clay for U.S. Congress

Calder Clay Qualifies for 3rd Congressional District Seat

Government Is Not God PAC (GING-PAC) Endorses Collins, Says: Isakson Spells “Doom”; Cain Has “No Traction”

Another Conservative Endorsement for Mac Collins

ATLANTA— Today, Rep. Mac Collins, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, received the endorsement of the Government Is Not God PAC (GING-PAC).

This marks the seventh endorsement Collins has earned from conservative groups.

GING-PAC, Government Is Not God Website (Click Here) released the following statement:

Virtually the only old fashioned "blue dog" conservative Democrat in the Senate, Zell Miller, is retiring. Georgia has trended Republican for some time, and two years ago social conservative Saxby Chambliss defeated a Democrat incumbent in the Senate race.

With Zell Miller’s seat now open, at first glance it would appear easy for a Republican to win. Unfortunately, Republican Congressman Johnny Isakson, who has consistently voted pro-abortion, entered the race early and as a result took the lead.

There are two social conservatives running in the primary. One is Herman Cain, a businessman who was the CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, and the other is an experienced legislator, Congressman Michael "Mac" Collins.

GING-PAC normally does not become involved in expensive primary races; however, a victory in the primary by Isakson would spell doom in November.

The pro-life movement is the heart of the Republican Party in Georgia. Should Isakson win the primary, social-conservatives will not work for or vote for him in the fall.

Not only would a Democrat win the seat, but lower voter turnout could endanger the vote count for George W. Bush in that state.

Herman Cain would be a viable candidate if he had some prior experience in elected office, which he does not.

Unfortunately, his campaign has no traction in Georgia other than to take votes from the viable social conservative in the race, Congressman Mac Collins.

A runoff is probable. GING-PAC believes it is imperative that Congressman Collins wins the Republican primary and for that reason he has our endorsement and our financial support.

Collins has also earned the support of numerous conservative leaders from across the state including many long-time sheriffs, state legislators and local business leaders.

For Mac Collins's Website: "iBackMac" (Click Here)

POOLER — Vice President Dick Cheney brought political muscle and a flurry of fat checks to the re-election campaign of 12th District U.S. Rep. Max Burns at a fund-raising luncheon Monday.

Cheney stumps for Georgia congressman

By SONJI JACOBS -The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The vice president also used the opportunity to campaign for the Bush-Cheney 2004 ticket and took a few shots at the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts.

While most political watchers consider Georgia to be solidly Republican in the presidential race, both national parties are watching the 12th District election closely. Four Democrats are campaigning to challenge Burns in the general election.

"We knew going in this was a district created for the Democrats," Burns said. "We knew it was going to be a hard re-election. But we're going to be ready. I wouldn't want to run against me."

Cheney declared to a standing ovation..."The United States will never seek a permission slip to defend the security of our nation."

Three-hour stopover nets $3.2 million from some of biggest names in business.

Bush goes to Buckhead

By TOM BAXTER, MICHAEL PEARSON-The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

President George W. Bush breezed in and out of Atlanta on Monday in a four-hour, drive-time visit that netted $3.2 million from some of Georgia's biggest names in business.

To attend a dinner in Nardelli's private gym ran $15,000. To sit at the same table with the president cost $25,000 per person, the limit for donations to a Republican National Committee fund — or $50,000 per couple, according to those attending.

For the price of a small economy sedan, some 300 attendees were treated to steak, potatoes, and — according to one donor — "a medley of greens."

State GOP chairman Alec Poitevint called the event in Atlanta "perhaps the largest private fund-raiser in the history of the state of Georgia."

"Bush is here! Bush is here!" screamed 9-year-old Rachel Filsoof as she ran down the street in front of her house wearing a hat in the shape and colors of an American flag.

"Republicans are just so strong and so right," Rachel shouted before she, her brother, and their mother, Teresa, headed up the street for a closer look.

Today, Rep. Mac Collins, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, announced 107 Veterans have joined the coalition dubbed "100+ Veterans for Mac."

Members include, Honorary Chairmen: Former Congressman and Secretary of the Army, Howard "Bo" Callaway and Ron Young, former Iraqi War POW, Chairman: General William Livsey (Ret.) and Vice-Chairman: CSM Eddie Roberts (Ret.).

"We are supporting Mac because we believe he is the best man for the job," the group said in a letter sent to Veterans across the State. "A seat in the U.S. Senate is a position of high honor and responsibility and we need individuals of strong character and integrity."

"Mac Collins fits that description. With the challenges facing our nation, we need Mac Collins in the U.S. Senate now, more than ever."

"I am humbled by the support of these fine men and women," said Collins.

This is just another example of the extensive grassroots support Mac Collins has.

As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, Collins led delegations to Iraq and Afghanistan in 2003. In 2004, Collins traveled to Vietnam to research and find additional information on missing POWs.

Bush mines rich vein in Buckhead

Presidential visit to Home Depot CEO Robert Nardelli's home expected to raise $2 million-plus for Bush campaign.

AJC-BEN SMITH & TOM BAXTER: The Buckhead ZIP code that has given more campaign money to President Bush than any other in Georgia will host the commander-in-chief for a fund-raiser today.

Nardelli's ZIP code, 30327, has donated a larger share of the $5.5 million given by Georgians to Bush than any other address in the state.

Robert Nardelli, chief executive officer of Home Depot, will host the president and his supporters at his mansion just north of Mount Paran Road.

If it goes well for the president, he will leave Atlanta with at least $2.25 million in new donations for his campaign war chest, which surpassed the $200 million mark in April. That's if the 300 people who are expected for the $15,000-a-couple dinner actually attend.

The sum, cited by state Republican officials, doesn't include a $4,000-a-couple reception and the additional $50,000 supporters must cough up to his campaign or his party to sit at the president's table.

"Bob Nardelli is a very strong and respected businessman, and he and Mike Eskew, [CEO] of UPS, have been very much involved in putting this thing together," said U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.).

"It's a shot in the arm when you have the president of the United States come down. It bodes well for all of our candidates around the state."

Earlier in the day, Vice President Dick Cheney is scheduled to appear at a fund-raising event outside Savannah on behalf of U.S. Rep. Max Burns (R-Ga.).

Also among the invited is an A-list of Atlanta business leaders including Georgia-Pacific Co. Chief Executive A.D. "Pete" Correll, Coca-Cola Co. board member Don Keough, Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus, SunTrust CEO Phil Humann and Reynolds Plantation co-developer Jamie Reynolds.

By DICK PETTYS, AP Political Writer

Georgia Republicans opened their annual convention Friday with an unusual tribute to a Democrat.

U.S. Sen. Zell Miller.. drew a standing ovation from delegates before the convention was even an hour old when Republican National Committee Chairman Ed Gillespie paid him tribute.

Gillespie told reporters he has "a great deal of respect" for Miller and declared the party "would not be competitive for that Senate seat had Senator Miller decided to seek re-election."

The race for Miller's seat will top the Georgia ballot this fall and a three-way battle for the Republican nomination was in full view as delegates checked in.

A small group called NPAC - Network of Politically Active Christians - distributed bumper stickers and T-shirts calling the presumed front-runner, U.S. Rep. Johnny Isakson, a "certified moderate."

"If Johnny would say that he's a moderate, I wouldn't be standing out here. But he's portraying himself as a conservative," said Tim Echols, a religious broadcaster from Athens who supports Isakson's rival, U.S. Rep. Mac Collins, in the Senate race.

Collins leveled the same charge when he qualified for the election, and continued in a similar vein Friday while greeting delegates at the convention.

With a war on terrorism underway and "an assault on our moral values from the courts, people just don't feel like it's time to send a moderate to Washington to be a part of the most powerful legislative body in the world," he said.

Gillespie...brought the audience to its feet with applause when he slammed Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy for likening the U.S. treatment of prisoners in Iraq to that of the former regime.

Most American troops in Iraq and Afghanistan "serve honorably every single day," he said. "They are brave. They deserve our respect and appreciation, not slander from the floor of the Senate."

Dick Pettys has covered Georgia government and politics since 1970.

Johnny Grant III of Milledgeville Georgia is running for the 25th District Senate Seat. He is our Political Rising Star.

He is the Baldwin County Republican Party Chairman, 3rd Congressional District Republican Party Vice Chairman, a Georgia Republican Party State Committee member, and a newly elected delegate to the 2004 National Republican Party Convention.

He was chosen, as part of a group of eight Republican candidates, to greet President Bush at the Greene County Airport.

JOHNNY: "I welcomed him to the 25th Senate District and told him I was running for this Senate Seat. He thanked me for running and wished me "Good Luck." It was tremendously exciting to meet the most powerful man in the world!"

Tom Baxter with the AJC: Bush thanks supporters on Georgia visit

Johnny Grant III has a great news story to tell.

Johnny remembers..."Baldwin County Republican Party could meet in the front seat of a pickup truck."

He remembers..."Running for a county commission seat in the 80's as a Democrat. We all decided that, given the makeup of the district, I had no choice but to run as a Democrat, if I wanted to have a shot"

The Georgia Political landscape has changed. For the first time in 130 years we have a Republican Governor, and a Republican Senate.

Now Johnny is looking forward...Of having more Southern Democrats join the Republican Party.

We are all looking forward...Of having a Republican House.

We are all proud of Johnny Grant and will support him 100%

From CBlountBlogs 4/3/2004

President Bush- I'm Johnny Grant and I'm Running for the Senate

Johnny Grant of Milledgeville Georgia is running for the 25th District Senate Seat.

A group of about eight Republican candidates for the General Assembly were chosen to be the greet team at the Greene County Airport.

JOHNNY: "I welcomed him to the 25th Senate District and told him I was running for this Senate Seat. He thanked me for running and wished me "Good Luck." It was tremendously exciting to meet the most powerful man in the world!"

Tom Baxter with the AJC: Bush thanks supporters on Georgia visit

"Rep. Glen Richardson, the House minority leader, and Rep. Rich Golick, Gov. Sonny Perdue's floor leader, were on hand to greet Bush at the airport."

"They brought with them several Republican legislative hopefuls, including State Sen. candidates Rusty Griffin of Valdosta, Johnny Grant of Milledgeville and Greg Goggans of Douglas. State house candidates Louise Shackelford of Dublin, Melvin Everson of Snellville, Jim Cole of Forsyth and David Knight of Griffin also were on the tarmac to shake the president's hand and have their pictures taken"

We are all proud of Johnny Grant and will support him 100%.

Isakson is a poor Senate choice

"Johnny Isakson, who is running for the U.S. Senate, has a problem saying one thing to the people of Georgia and then voting differently in Washington D.C."

"In other words, Republican U.S. Rep. Isakson has one eye on the presidency, and he votes accordingly."

"Mr. Isakson is a Ted Kennedy liberal who voted consistently with the likes of Democratic U.S. Reps. Dick Gephardt and Nancy Pelosi on many key issues."

"Mr. Isakson voted three times to use taxpayers' money to sue gun manufacturers."

"He tells Georgians that we need to be tough on criminals, but at the same time he voted for President Clinton's gun-control bill of 1999, with ultra-liberals Ted Kennedy, Barney Frank, Dick Gephardt and Nancy Pelosi."

"Mr. Isakson, true to form, also is two-faced on abortion. Pro-abortion or pro-life, he swings both ways to fit the occasion."

"For the first time in my lifetime I will not vote for the Republican candidate for the Senate, if that candidate is Johnny Isakson. We cannot trust him to be tough on terror when he is soft on crime."

"There are two other fine Republican candidates for the July primary. I will vote for Mac Collins."

Milton Gresham, Evans, Ga.

MDJOnline.com
East Cobb congressman (Johnny Isakson) criticized for missing hometown debate

"While three of Georgia's four Republican candidates for U.S. Senate debated in Marietta, one of the most high-profile candidates of the race was noticeably absent."

"My first question is, 'Where's Johnny?'" Cain said, in a tone similar to the opening line from The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. "I believe the people deserve to hear from all of us. That's my first question, and there is nobody here to answer it."

Rep Mac Collins: "I wish my opponent could be here to speak on his record."

Look at CBlountBlog Wed Apr 07, 07:42:39 AM (Click Here)

Mac Collins: Voting record speaks for itself

By David Burch-Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer

"In his campaign for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Rep. Michael "Mac" Collins says his record in Washington speaks for itself."

"During the course of the campaign, Isakson has been painted largely as a moderate Republican while Collins and Cain have been deemed the more conservative candidates headed into the primaries."

Collins said, "I had always voted Republican on the national ticket, but in Butts County, we didn't have enough Republicans to have a good meal together,"

"He was one of a number of members of Congress in Iraq when the president arrived to visit troops last Thanksgiving."

Look at Monday, April 05, 2004, CBlountBlog

Georgia Democrats have Johnny Isakson

Jeff Dickerson said: "Lots of folks say Democrats have no candidate in the Senate race. Wrong. They've got Johnny Isakson."

"Of course, Georgia voters don't know Denise Majette from Adam -- well, from Eve -- and they have no intention of giving her the nod over the likes of Johnny Isakson.... Doggonit, Denise! What were you thinking?"

Johnny Isakson is the Liberal Republican, running against Mac Collins for the U.S. Senate.

Isakson is not a "moderate"." He voted on opposite sides of most issues from Mac Collins and Saxby Chambliss.

Johnny Isakson voted on the same sides as Nancy Polosi and Dick Gephardt.

In a 1996 Senate race Guy Millner, said: "Isakson isn't conservative enough for Georgia."

Now, even Georgia Democrats think of Isakson as a Liberal Democrat.

Mac Collins's conservative philosophy won him a seat on the Ways and Means Committee, serving on the subcommittees for Social Security and Select Revenue Measures.

Mac is on the House permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and serves as Deputy Majority Whip and Regional Representative to the GOP Steering Committee in the Republican leadership. Mac is serving his sixth term in the United States Congress. (Click Here) For his new website- ibackmac.com.

Johnny Isakson's voting record will also speak for itself.

Johnny, you are not a "moderate", when you vote on the same sides as Nancy Polosi and opposite sides of most issues from President Bush and Saxby Chambliss.

By David Burch-Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer

"In his campaign for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Rep. Michael "Mac" Collins says his record in Washington speaks for itself."

"During the course of the campaign, Isakson has been painted largely as a moderate Republican while Collins and Cain have been deemed the more conservative candidates headed into the primaries."

"He (Isakson) and I have a voting record, and whoever wants to, can look at that record and make a decision who they want to support," Collins said Monday.

"Collins' positions include opposition to abortion except when the life of the mother is threatened; support for an overhaul to the federal tax system, including the establishment of a national sales tax and elimination of the death tax and support for tougher enforcement of existing trade agreements by the U.S. Customs Service and the U.S. Trade Representative's Office."

"He also introduced the American Competition Enhancement Act, aimed at lessening "government regulations that hurt businesses and cause them to either downsize their workforce or relocate overseas."

"Collins - who now touts himself as a conservative Republican and strong supporter of President Bush - began his political career as a Democrat, not uncommon during the days of one-party rule in Southern states like Georgia."

Collins said, "I had always voted Republican on the national ticket, but in Butts County, we didn't have enough Republicans to have a good meal together,"

"He was one of a number of members of Congress in Iraq when the president arrived to visit troops last Thanksgiving."

Look at Monday, April 05, 2004, CBlountBlog

Georgia Democrats have Johnny Isakson

Jeff Dickerson said:"Lots of folks say Democrats have no candidate in the Senate race. Wrong. They've got Johnny Isakson."

"Of course, Georgia voters don't know Denise Majette from Adam -- well, from Eve -- and they have no intention of giving her the nod over the likes of Johnny Isakson.... Doggonit, Denise! What were you thinking?"

Johnny Isakson is the Liberal Republican, running against Mac Collins for the U.S. Senate.

Isakson is not a "moderate"." He voted on opposite sides of most issues from Mac Collins and Saxby Chambliss.

Johnny Isakson voted on the same sides as Nancy Polosi and Dick Gephardt.

In a 1996 Senate race Guy Millner, said: "Isakson isn't conservative enough for Georgia."

Now, even Georgia Democrats think of Isakson as a Liberal Democrat.

Mac Collins's conservative philosophy won him a seat on the Ways and Means Committee, serving on the subcommittees for Social Security and Select Revenue Measures.

Mac is on the House permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and serves as Deputy Majority Whip and Regional Representative to the GOP Steering Committee in the Republican leadership. Mac is serving his sixth term in the United States Congress. (Click Here) For his new website- ibackmac.com.

Johnny Isakson's voting record will also speak for itself.

Johnny, you are not a "moderate", when you vote on the same sides as Nancy Polosi and opposite sides of most issues from President Bush and Saxby Chambliss.

In the Atlanta Business Chronicle, April 2, 2004, Denise, what were you thinking? Jeff Dickerson said:

"Lots of folks say Democrats have no candidate in the Senate race. Wrong. They've got Johnny Isakson."

About the Democrat Denise Majette run for the U.S. Senate.

"I have seen many strange things in politics, but this ranks among the strangest."

"It is inexplicable why Denise Majette, against the sage advice of so many people, decided she would abandon those who had supported her in an outrageous run for the U.S. Senate."

"Of course, Georgia voters don't know Denise Majette from Adam -- well, from Eve -- and they have no intention of giving her the nod over the likes of Johnny Isakson.... Doggonit, Denise! What were you thinking?"

Johnny Isakson is the Liberal Republican, running against Mac Collins for the U.S. Senate.

Isakson is not a "moderate." He voted on opposite sides of most issues from Mac Collins and Saxby Chambliss.

Johnny Isakson voted on the same sides as Nancy Polosi and Dick Gephardt.

In a 1996 Senate race Guy Millner, said: "Isakson isn't conservative enough for Georgia."

Now, even Georgia Democrats think of Isakson as a Liberal Democrat.

Mac Collins's conservative philosophy won him a seat on the Ways and Means Committee, serving on the subcommittees for Social Security and Select Revenue Measures.

Mac is on the House permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; and serves as Deputy Majority Whip and Regional Representative to the GOP Steering Committee in the Republican leadership. Mac is serving his sixth term in the United States Congress. (Click Here) For his new website- ibackmac.com

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