Like a toddler who isn't getting enough attention, Andre's is flipping over the furniture again-posting his frustrations with the DPG on Peach Pundit, a republican blog. This is like complaining about your husband to his ex-lover. Except I'm not sure that Andre' and Erick were ever officially dating, given that Erick's been busy condemning an entire denomination.
There certainly are things that need to improve with the DPG, candidate recruitment being at the top of the list, so complain about the party. Fine. I don't mind criticism, especially constructive criticism, but it does sort of send me to the edge when someone who once worked for the party consistently behaves in a distracting and destructive manner rather than constructively attempting to become a part of the solution(s). It also send me over the edge when folks go over to republican-land to vent their spleen-especially when that criticism is devoid of a single constructive suggestion.
Amazing, really, that Andre' doesn't want anyone to brag about the seats we picked up in the House. I happily spent hours-for free-helping Bubber Epps who finally defeated Allen Freeman after two previous close calls. I have friends in the blogosphere who freely gave their time and talent to get commercials cut for him, as well. And, he won in a tough district, by less than 100 votes. That may not matter to Andre', but to us in Middle Georgia who genuinely believe we will be better represented, it does matter. And, I happily turned over every rock I could find to help Pat Dooley get the resources she needed to win her race, as did many other democrats and democratic groups. I'm curious about what Andre', who is a member of the state committee, did to help recruit candidates or get the ones we had in the field elected? Maybe he should write about his own efforts and in those we might find some solutions. One point of interest-he praises Rep. Winfred Dukes for calling for an investigation into the party's dealings in a school board race, but fails to mention that Dukes is Vice Chair of Candidate Recruitment for the DPG, presumably responsible for, oh, I don't know? Candidate recruitment? But, there is not a word of criticism for Dukes, just Jane Kidd. Maybe Jane spirited Dukes away to some undisclosed location. Clearly, it is ALL her fault.
Now, Andre is attempting to use the results of the Martin and Powell campaigns as support for his ongoing campaign to attack Jane Kidd. Perhaps Andre's thinks we'll elect him. Or maybe Vernon Jones. There clearly is a long line of people who want to work for free at a job guaranteed to award a permanent spot on the dunking booth perch so Andre' and others can gleefully hurl their softballs.
But, let's take a breath and look realistically at what the results of the runoff do, and do not mean. Of the 35 U.S. Senate seats up for re-election this cycle, exactly four incumbents, all republicans, were defeated. Three of those seats are in states with democratic governors-North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Oregon, and all three of those states went for Obama in the presidential election. Only Alaska, where Mark Begich barely defeated convicted felon Ted Stevens, had a republican governor (you might've heard of her) and voted for McCain in the presidential election. Oh, and, by the way, in these four races, only the two women, Kay Hagan of North Carolina and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, got more than 50% of the vote in the general election. Shaheen had the advantage of high statewide name recognition because she was a former governor. Think Barnes v. Chambliss. And, then in one of the stupidest political moves in my memory, Liddy Dole called Kay Hagan "godless" and that race was all over-probably the presidential, too in N.C. So, except for the narrow defeat of Ted Stevens (did I mention that he was a convicted felon?), there was no state in the whole county that McCain carried in the presidential that ousted an incumbent republican senator. But, obviously, Georgia should be cutting edge.
So what do the Georgia results mean? We do need a more coordinated, pro-active approach to candidate recruitment. We do have enough democrats in Georgia to win statewide elections, if we can figure out how to get them to the polls. And, we do need to raise money-not easy to do as the opposition party, but it will be easier with a democratic president, U.S. House and U.S. Senate. And, by the way, would you rather the party have money in the bank after an election or rather that they spent all they had, and more to help candidates? And, fyi, the 40K for the space for the inaugural party will be reimbursed in full to the party by another organization.
The bottom line? Saxby was bad, really bad. But he was not a convicted felon. The time to win that senate race was in the general, and if the DSCC had spent in the general like they did in the runoff, there might've been a chance. Everyone with two neurons to make a synapse knew that Martin and Powell winning the runoff was a Hail Mary. We hoped for the miracle. We gave, we phoned, volunteers came in droves, but it just wasn't happening. And, that's not Jane Kidd's fault.
Friday, December 05, 2008
I've Had Just About Enough of This Nonsense
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
Friday, October 24, 2008
Coming Full Circle
In the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, John Kennedy was elected President in 1960. When Kennedy took office, the Governor of Georgia was Ernest Vandier, father of current Democratic Party of Georgia Chair, Jane Kidd. The Lt. Governor was Garland Byrd, the father of Democratic Party of Georgia Parliamentarian, Chuck Byrd. Now both Jane Kidd and Chuck Byrd are outspoken supporters of Barack Obama whose candidacy would not have been possible except for that fight for equality and suffrage for all Americans. And, on election day - and all days between now and then - both Jane and Chuck will be fighting to protect that hard-won right for every Georgian to cast a ballot and to have their vote counted.
Last night, Chuck Byrd addressed the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce as a surrogate for Barack Obama- not exactly friendly Democratic territory. His remarks below are well worth the read:
Remarks of Chuck Byrd
Obama Surrogate
Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce
October 23, 2008
Yesterday in Richmond, Virginia Barack Obama held two events -- one a campaign rally – the other a meeting with his advisors on national security and foreign policy. After that meeting these advisors stood with Barack Obama before the American public and the world.Standing with Barack Obama was a great American - a great Georgian – a son of middle Georgia – a son of Houston county. Standing by Barack Obama was Sam Nunn.
Sam Nunn said when endorsing Sen. Obama that he “will have the sound judgment to put together an outstanding governing team, bringing people across old boundaries.” Sen. Obama doesn’t just show sound judgment in taking counsel from Sam Nunn – he shows great and wise judgment. Sen. Obama continues to cross old boundaries. Colin Powell, a Republican Secretary of State, a former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a war hero, when endorsing Barack Obama said that Sen. Obama was “a transformational figure.” He went on to say that Sen. Obama “is a new generation coming into the world, onto the world stage.”
Sam Nunn and Colin Powell know both candidates for President. They have known Sen. McCain for many, many years. Their respective judgments in this race speak volumes ---- most importantly they speak for and too our children and grandchildren.
I both respect and admire Sen. McCain. While I may disagree with him on many issues I never question his love of country and his patriotism. – my respect for Sen. McCain grew even more when he publicly stated that he has never questioned or doubted Barack Obama’s love of country and his patriotism.
We live in perilous times – two wars – economic bad times we have not seen since the great depression – hardworking people in this state and all over the country losing their jobs – losing their pensions – our international standing is in tatters. The way we respond to these challenges will forever set the direction of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives. Listen to the words of Barack Obama spoken yesterday at the campaign rally in Richmond, Virginia:
With the challenges and crises we face right now, we cannot afford to divide this country by race or class or region; by who we are or what policies we support. There are no real or fake parts of this country. We are not separated by the pro-America and anti-America parts of this nation - we all love this country, no matter where we live or where we come from.
I ask you ----- how will the United States of America respond to these great challenges?
We need change. We need change.
As Sam Nunn said Barack Obama will cross old boundaries.
As Colin Powell said Barack Obama is a transformational figure.
As Barack Obama crosses these old boundaries he will forever change this country in a positive way for our children and grandchildren.
I thank the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce for bringing us together. Five minutes is not enough time to address all of the issues but it is a good start -- now is the time for us to come together not only to discuss our differences but also too reason together. It is biblical. We only have twelve days until election day -- now more than ever --- we need positive discussions – we – and certainly our children and grandchildren – should not be exposed to scurrilous e-mails and campaign flyers. Certainly we have passed those old boundaries of lies and hate.
Join with us on this Campaign for Change. Vote for Barack Obama.
Let everyone within the sound of my voice understand that on the night of November the fourth when we elect a new President that the enemies of freedom will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are not divided as a country and that we are the United States of America.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Let's Pray-and Pay-for our Troops
SAVANNAH, Ga. - Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Jane Kidd and candidate for U.S. House of Representatives Bill Gillespie today called on Republican John McCain to stand up for veterans by supporting the 21st Century G.I. Bill of Rights, introduced in the U.S. Senate by Democrat Jim Webb (D-Va.) The 21st Century GI Bill, if passed, would continue the legacy of the GI Bill by helping returning veterans obtain higher education in preparation for success in the private sector."Democrats believe in supporting our troops," Kidd said, "and that means sending them to war only when we have no other option, bringing them home when they've finished the job, and taking care of them and their families when they return. The 21st Century GI Bill helps the the newest generation of combat veterans obtain the education, prosperity and security that is such an important part of the American dream.""I'm running for Congress as a Democrat because I know our party has the commitment to take care of our veterans," Gillespie, who is running for U.S. House in the 1st District, said. "It's time for John McCain and Jack Kingston to stop playing politics with the future and well being of our veterans and their families. I know from experience that the GI Bill is one of the greatest achievements of our government, helping hundreds of thousands of veterans build a life after their military service. Now it's time to reinforce our commitment to the veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan."McCain is visiting Savannah today, in hopes of raising almost half a million dollars for his presidential campaign. Democrats are calling on the Senator from Arizona to take advantage of his visit to take on a greater cause - standing up for veterans' benefits. The state of Georgia is home to a dozen active military bases, and has a large and thriving community of active-duty soldiers, reservists, National Guard personnel, and veterans. More than 50,000 veterans and active-duty personnel live in the 1st congressional district."Today, we're calling on Senator McCain to do right by our servicemen and women and take advantage of his appearance in Georgia to tell America that he supports the 21st Century GI Bill of Rights, and that he will be its biggest champion on the Senate floor," Kidd said. Sphere: Related Content
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Join Jane Kidd In Macon On Thursday!
315 College Street, Suite 150Macon, GA, 31201
Please Join
Chair Jane Kidd, Congressman Jim Marshall, Senator Robert Brown, Rep. Nikki Randall, Sheriff Jerry and Mary Modena, Councilwoman Lauren Benedict, Bibb County Chair Steve Allen, Amy and Daryl Morton, Duke Groover, Thomas W. Herman, Marc Treadwell, Dwan Packnett, and Nancy Terrill
The Democratic Party of Georgia
Thursday, May 15, 20085:30 pm – 7:00 pm
At the offices of Amy and Daryl Morton
Host Committee & VIP dinner - $1,000 Host Committee - $500 State Party Sponsor - $250State Party Supporter - $100 -Young Professional - $75
Contributions may also be mailed to: Democratic Party of Georgia
Thursday, March 06, 2008
McCain Supporter Endorsed "Slave Sale"?
DPG Chair Jane Kidd and Rev. Joseph Lowrey have called on Sen. John McCain to walk the talk and repudiate the statements of one of his Atlanta supporters. I think that the biggest challenge for McCain this cycle is figuring out who he is. Which John McCain is it that he would like us to elect. Read more below:
ATLANTA - Religious, community, and political leaders are calling for Republican Presidential candidate John McCain to denounce comments made by one of his most prominent supporters. McCain, who visits Atlanta this evening for a high-dollar fundraiser, has been endorsed by Pastor John Hagee.
While McCain was effusive in his excitement about the right-wing pastor's endorsement, he has been strangely silent when it comes to disavowing Hagee's extremist, hate-filled rhetoric. Hagee has endorsed a "slave sale" at his church, and advertised that, "Slavery in America is returning to Cornerstone [Church]."
Dr. Joseph Lowery, of the Coalition for the People's Agenda, said, "It's a shameful display of racism and bigotry, and I just can't imagine Senator McCain, who wants to be President of the people, not repudiating these comments."
"Atlanta is the city too busy to hate, and the cradle of the civil rights movement," said Jane Kidd, Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia. "With our history, there is no better place to denounce Mr. Hagee's hate speech than here in Atlanta. It's time for John McCain keep to his promise to run a 'respectful' campaign and tell America once and for all whether he endorses Mr. Hagee's divisive rhetoric."
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Kidd Endorses Obama
Another Georgia Super Delegate made up her mind today. Jane Kidd has endorsed Barack Obama. Here's the article. She's right about the Obama-effect on down ballot races in Georgia.
Sphere: Related Content
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