DPG Chair Jane Kidd calls on Karen Handel to extend Advance Voting period

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd sent the below letter to Secretary of State Karen Handel, expressing her concerns about problems with the advance voting process. With the long lines we have seen here in Bibb County and across the State, Karen Handel should do the right thing and work to extend voting hours so that all Georgians have the opportunity to vote.

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October 28, 2008

The Honorable Karen C. Handel
Secretary of State
214 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Dear Secretary Handel:

I am writing to share my concerns about the early voting process with you. I am sure that you've seen the widespread reports about long lines, six to eight hour wait times, and other major problems at the polls yesterday. As you can imagine, these shortcomings raise serious concerns for the Democratic Party, as I am sure they will for Republicans, Libertarians, and independent voters as well.

We have known for months, since before Georgia's record-setting Presidential primary in February, that turnout would be extremely high. We have known that both the Democratic and Republican parties, their candidates, and even your office itself are encouraging voters to avail themselves of advance and early voting. And, we have known since advance voting began that large numbers of voters are doing just that. I am just mystified that your elections division is seemingly so unprepared for the wave of voters we all knew was coming.

Since the voting process began, our office has received numerous reports indicating that a major source of the problem is that, in many precincts, only two computers are allotted for checking in voters and verifying their identification and eligibility. Beyond the widely-reported problems yesterday with your statewide database, we believe that the number of check-in computers is inadequate. There is simply no reason for voters to wait in line, often outside a polling place with no place for seniors or disabled persons to sit and rest, because the Elections Division failed to provide the necessary resources for a turnout that has been predicted by both the Republican and Democratic Parties, the media, outside groups, and your office itself, to be extremely heavy.

I would also like to commend those county Boards of Elections which showed leadership and initiative by moving to keep early and advance voting locations open later, and opening additional voting locations. But their leadership and initiative is not enough.

No one wants to see Georgia's failed processes become a national news story. But today, it is clear that we are in a crisis, and it is unclear even if there is enough time for the remaining four million-plus Georgia voters to cast their votes in an efficient and timely manner. With that in mind, and on behalf of the Democratic Party of Georgia, I urge you to contact the Department of Justice immediately and request clearance to keep the polls open longer during the week and over the weekend, as well as on Monday, November 3.

In closing, I am certain that you understand that the right to vote is not a partisan issue. Long lines at polling locations affect all voters, regardless of their party. I hope you will act immediately and on behalf of all of Georgia's voters to ease the strain at the polls.

With kindest regards,

Jane V. Kidd
Chair, Democratic Party of Georgia

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Voter Suppression

PAY ATTENTION. The election could turn on this single issue.

Just call this WWKHD? (What Would Katherine Harris Do?) installment #gadzillion. Karen Handel is at it again. If you read ONE article this political season, read this piece in today's AJC by Aaron Gould Sheinin. More than two million Georgia voters were referred to the Social Security Administration to check identity. That compares to three such referrals from Colorado and is about a million more voters than have registered in the state since 2004, and 25% of the national total for such requests. Turns out, in September, Karen Handel-who has been asked by feds to investigate-sent a letter to all local boards of election directing them to submit all new registrations to Social Security for verification. Ahem. Isn't that like asking a suspect to investigate a crime? Next thing you know, there will be threats of citizenship checks at polling places.

You will probably not be shocked to learn that the other states on the list of frequent fliers include Ohio, North Carolina, Indiana and Nevada-all swing states in this election.

This much is clear: Karen Handel will shamelessly continue use the Secretary of State's office like a campaign headquarters for Republicans and will work to suppress the votes of likely Democrats (though they're getting tougher to identify by the minute). We are going to have to fight for ballot access for our candidates and our voters.

And, in 2010, there is no more important office for Georgia Democrats to take back than hers. We must replace her with someone who is willing to serve the public and the law before serving her party.

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McCain's "Emergency"

I get email. Today the one from the McCain campaign dropped into my Blackberry with only one word of the subject line visible; "Emergency." While that pretty much summarizes the desperate posture of his campaign right now, I thought, incorrectly, that the email might be about the financial precipice where our nation struggles to find a foothold, but I should've know better. The sinking economy is last thing John McCain wants to discuss. The email, about the RNC's "emergency" voter registration drive, is just the latest example of the too little, too late politics of yesterday that have become the hallmark of the McCain team. In key swing states like North Carolina (who'd have thought it?!), Deus Lo Vult says:

Democrats have added 184,113 new voters, while the Republicans have only brought in a new 24,614 voters. Right now, after checking the N.C. State Board of Elections website, the current registration levels sit at 2,698,293 for the Democrats, 1,945,086 for the Republicans, for a difference of 753,207.

Here in Georgia alone, since 2004 nearly 577K new voters have registered and as many as 300K registrations are currently in the pipeline. And, polling indicates that those new voters overwhelmingly favor Barack Obama and Jim Martin. Some polls show Martin leading Chambliss by as much as 25 points among those newly registered voters.

The bottom line? Our senate race in Georgia is up for grabs. Expect Chambliss to now begin to employee the same desperate politics of personal destruction that McCain has telegraphed will be his October strategy (or is that a tactic?). Jim Martin needs money, he needs volunteers and he needs your support. And, Obama? The race is his to lose, but lose it he can. Time for all hands on deck!

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Martin Martinis

There are lots of opportunities to help Jim Martin these days! Here's a fun one in Atlanta:


Come mingle with your fellow Atlanta progressives, meet Jim Martin, and enjoy special $6 "Martin Martinis", $2 Premium beer pints and hors deouvres.

When: Tuesday September 30th from 630PM to 830PM

Where: Amsterdam Bar and Cafe Outdoor Patio, Amsterdam Walk Shopping Area, 502A Amsterdam Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30306

Cost: Minimum donation of $25 per person

Consider participation as a host of this event:

Absolut Level Host: $250
Smirnoff Level Host $100

Current Absolut Level Hosts: Kyle Bailey,Tim Cairl,Andy McKinnon,Dean Surbey,

Current Smirnoff Level Hosts: Ann Rose, Nick Germanotta, Jane Bradshaw, Harry Harkins, Floyd Taylor, Jeremy Faulkner, Steve Shea

IMPORTANT: This event is for persons over the age of 21 only. For those who wish to have dinner before or after the event, the venue is offering 2 for 1 entree specials.

Venue Information and directions: This venue provides plenty of free parking and serves food from an expansive menu up to 10PM with a full service bar.

Amsterdam Bar and Cafe is located in the Amsterdam Walk Shopping Area adjacent to Piedmont Park in the Morningside/Midtown/Virginia Highland area near downtown Atlanta. Take Monroe Drive to Amsterdam Avenue, turn west onto Amsterdam Avenue until it dead ends at the rear of the shopping complex. Turn right and park. Amsterdam Bar and Cafe is located at the far north end of the rear side of the building. It can be identified by a large patio which juts out from the main building. This is one of the very few venues in the Midtown area which has more-than-ample free parking.

Recent polling data indicates that this race is winnable, with Martin trailing Chambliss by only 6-7 points. The key to a win, however, is having the funds that will enable Jim Martin to get his message to the public. You can help Jim Martin fund his progressive message to all Georgians by participating in this event. Please put this on your calendars today!

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Powell Wins

How many judges will have to tell Karen Handel that Jim Powell belongs on the ballot? And how many more of your tax dollars will she spend waging this partisan fight? Today, Jim Powell had his day in court-and he won. Today, in the Athens Banner Herald, Handel was forced to defend herself against a growing chorus of allegations that she is using her office for partisan gain. She repeatedly argued that she was just (helplessly and innocently) following the law. Yet, now, despite two judges telling her that Powell belongs on the ballot, Handel says that she may appeal. I guess she's got to check her WWKHD (What Would Katherine Harris Do) bracelet for inspiration. Need to cut the budget, Sonny? I suggest we start with cutting out the frivolous litigation from the SOS office.

Here's Powell's press release:

Great News!! A judge has ruled against Karen Handel and the Secretary of State's office and has declared that Jim Powell will remain on the ballot in November! From the Fort Mill Times:
Judge Wendy Shoob's ruling Thursday reversed the decision by Georgia's top elections official to disqualify Powell from the election. Secretary of State Karen Handel's office said it "strongly disagreed" with the decision and that it may appeal.
Over the past week, we all helped call in to support Jim Powell against the partisan attempts of Karen Handel. Luckily, now a second judge has ruled against her. However, Handel continues to keep her political threats to derail Jim's campaign on the table.

Jim just won yet another victory, but he still needs our help right now!

Whether you join his email list, sign up to volunteer, or contribute to his campaign, our joined support now will send a clear signal to Karen Handel and the Republican Party!

We have the chance to put an experienced leader on the Public Service Commission and we hope everyone will continue to support Jim as he attempts to gear up and run an effective campaign in just about 75 days!

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Congratulations to Jim Martin

Good job, Jim. Now, let's get Saxby.

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From Jim Powell: What's Handel Afraid Of?

This dropped in my email box this evening, and I have to say, I agree with Jim Powell, more and more Karen Handel acts like the Secretary of the Republican Party, not the Secretary of State. Even the AJC is chronicling her partisan acts, and over at Tondee's Tavern, there are reports of monkey business with refusal to provide absentee ballots to democrats. While there are numerous examples of her partisan acts, her behavior in Jim Powell's race was egregious. Ineffective (he won easily), but egregious none the less. Below is Powell's email. She is forcing him to fight a legal battle to stay in the race for Public Service Commissioner. Her action appears designed to make his race more costly, to eliminate our strongest candidate from the race and to prevent Powell from focusing on the general election. In short, he needs cash. So, how about a few bucks for the race no one-except the big utility companies-ever thinks about? There may be no office that more directly impacts your pocketbook.


Dear Friends and Family

What is Karen Handel afraid of?

This past Friday, the Atlanta Journal Constitution published a feature editorial about the partisan political actions on the part of Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel. As you know, Ms. Handel has been working overtime to try to remove me as a candidate for the Public Service Commission.

The editorial addresses Ms. Handel’s repeated efforts to “clear the ballot to bolster the chances of [Republican Lauren] McDonald, who is seeking to reclaim the PSC seat that he lost to reform candidate Angela Speir in 2002”. It is obvious that Ms. Handel is not concerned about the voices and votes of the citizens of Georgia, but instead the political gain of her party’s candidates. What she should be concerned about is making sure that Georgia has fair and efficient elections where the candidates can debate the issues and be elected on their own merits. She has proven that, given an opportunity, she will stop at nothing to put a candidate from her party on the Commission that is beholden to the utilities and their lobbyists.

I have never run for public office before and I am amazed what some veteran politicians such as Ms. Handel will do promote their partisan agenda. However, I am encouraged that many Georgia citizens, including 85% of Democratic primary voters, continue to stand by me as I fight for my campaign in the Fulton County Superior Court. My legal expenses are mounting and I need your help to continue this legal fight and to advance my campaign. Please consider a donation. Even a $100, $75, $50 or a $25 donation will go along way to advance the cause. You can contribute on my website or mail a check to:

Jim Powell for GA PSC
P. O. Box 273
Hiawassee, GA 30546

Thank you for your support. Jim.

Checkout the AJC editorial here.

Checkout Handel’s response here.

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DPG Has Standing to Challenge Voter ID Law

Today, the Democratic Party of Georgia was found to have standing to bring the Voter ID lawsuit, and Judge Campbell also found that the Plaintiff's petition was not subject to dismissal for failure to provide verification. While the press may be focused on the fact that Judge Campbell declined to grant the requested TRO for the primary, it is the finding on the issue of standing that should give hope to all those in Georgia who want to protect the fundamental right to vote. Past suits on this matter in Georgia have ultimately failed because the plaintiff(s)were found not to have standing. You can read the decision here.

Martin Matheny, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Georgia, said:

"We are pleased that the issue of standing is now settled. The ruling on the request for the temporary restraining order is disappointing but not totally unexpected. We knew this was a short time frame to bring this action. We look forward to the court's full consideration of this matter as the lawsuit moves forward. The Democratic Party of Georgia will continue to fight to protect the Georgia Constitution and to make sure that every Georgia voter has the a chance to vote in November."

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Can We Talk?

Should the Democratic Party of Georgia be involved in candidate recruitment efforts, or not? There has been a lot of buzz on the blogs, on the ground and among donors about the need for the DPG to do a better job of candidate recruitment. (I agree, by the way, that the effort needs to be better organized and ongoing.) There has also been a lot of complaining about the perception that the DPG actively recruited a candidate into the senate race, and the Party was left in the position of defending allegations-that proved to be false-about their advocacy for a particular candidate in that contested primary. I'm not trying to re-ignite that fight, but this opens up a serious question.

If the Party actively recruits candidates, how do we do that and then say, "well, sorry, if you have primary opposition, you are on your own?" It's not a piece of cake to run for office, and in case no one noticed, there is not a long line of qualified candidates banging down the doors. How do we get folks to run and then abandon them when someone else qualifies?

The question is, how does the Party balance the need to recruit with the need to remain neutral in primaries? Is that even possible?

Talk among yourselves...

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