Georgia Women Vote

I think that the office of Insurance Commissioner is one of the best gigs in state government., and it's an open seat for 2010. If a body had a mind to, they could really use that position for the good of Georgians and have a great "bully pulpit" all at the same time. We already have one candidate in that race, Mary Squires, and there has been speculation about others. The problem is that conventional wisdom has been that the successful candidate must have the backing of the insurance industry. I'd like to see that change, and ask you this:

What if our nominee for Insurance Commissioner ran a well-financed campaign promoting advocacy for consumers, but did not take insurance company money?

I wonder what would happen then?

See, I think it's a good question because in the age of AIG, and in the reality of everyday life, I don't think folks have warm feelings about insurance companies.

So, who's willing to say "no" to Big Insurance? Who fits the bill?

I think Rep. Rob Teilhet is one of the brightest and best public servants in Georgia politics, and I am glad to see him step forward to run for statewide office. I do not yet know what other Democrats, if any, might offer themselves for the AG post, but Teilhet would represent us well in that race. Best of luck,  Rob!

I haven't decided who I will back for Governor.  I like Baker,  and over the last few weeks some folks have been calling me touting Baker as a candidate. Here's the argument:

"Democrats are not going to elect a Governor in 2010, but Baker would be a good candidate. He wouldn't win, but he would poll at 47-48% and would not be a drag on the ticket, so he needs to be our nominee."

I'm not making this up, and I have to tell you, it's about as exciting as a trip to the dentist. (Sorry Dr. Kalish.)  It's planning to lose.

So, let's assume that the people who called me are idiots. They don't know what they're talking about-Baker can win the race-not the primary-the Governorship.

I'm open. Draw me a picture. Tell me how Baker wins in November of 2010.

Which Georgians who voted for McCain in 2008 will vote for Baker in 2010?

While we've been busy talking about the Governor's race in 2010, those sneaky so-and-so's at the Capitol have been busy with something else: playing slight of hand to gut public school funding.

You really, really need to get on the phone or email, and let your Reps know that you oppose this:

In the waning hours of the session, the House has gutted SR1 and inserted language from HR1 to establish property tax caps. This is the same bill that was defeated earlier in the session and required a 2/3 majority to pass the House-so get on the phone to your Democratic Reps. This can't happen without their votes, and here's why it's a problem:

1. Many school systems are already at or near the millage cap, and this legislation would more severely impact those districts.

2. Assessment limitation benefits go to those whose property increases in value greater than the allowed limit while providing no benefit to the thousands of Georgians whose property values are stagnant or in decline.

3. The tax burden does not go away-it is merely shifted from protected to non-protected properties and /or from fast appreciating properties to declining or stable properties. (Read: those getting screwed in this economy would be impacted most.)

4. Fast growth areas, where property is appreciating in value, have the greatest the need for more spaces for students, but under this resolution, will have the most difficult time raising needed funds.

This is just another attempt to pass a flawed piece of legislation that put Georgia students further behind the nation. And, it is a first step to shifting the tax burden to those who have the least by replacing property taxes with sales taxes. You do remember the GREAT Tax, don't you???

So, call and, while your at it, tell you reps that HB480 and HB483 are bad medicine for public schools, too.

 

To Pezdispenser and others who question what Gov. Roy Barnes has been up to since leaving office:

I don't know whether Roy Barnes will run for Governor, certainly have not made a decision about who I will support,  and am quite sure he does not need me to defend him, but....

If there is a statesman in the Democratic Party of Georgia, his name is Roy Barnes. After Gov. Barnes was defeated in 2002, he was not the most popular Democrat in the state, but since that time he has voluntarily taken on a powerful role that is seldom acknowledged. As a former Governor and a lawyer, fresh from the 2002 election, when he probably could've had his pick of plum "of counsel" positions with prestigious firms, instead he chose to offer his services pro bono to needy clients who otherwise could not have afforded an attorney. In that role he led the fight against the predatory lending industry. He has also been at the tip of the spear in the fight to overturn Georgia's Voter ID law. Through his opinion pieces, he has arguably been the most articulate advocate for Georgia's public schools. In 2003, he won the prestigious Kennedy Profile in Courage Award-apparently someone appreciates his efforts.

From his actions, it is clear that being a Democrat means something to Governor Barnes. Since leaving office, he has continued his fight to make government work for everybody, not just for the rich, the powerful and the well-connected. And, he enlists others in that fight by helping Democrats who are running for office, get elected. To deserving candidates at all levels, he has frequently offered counsel and financial support. His endorsement means something-just ask newly elected Reps. Bubber Epps and Pat Dooley. I have personally sat in the room with him as he has offered good counsel to excellent candidates considering entering the fray. So, the idea that he has done nothing to help elect Democrats is just ridiculous. He has not only helped elect Democrats in particular races, through his deeds and public commentary he has improved the Democratic "brand."

I once heard Barnes tell a candidate that "politics is a bloodsport." He's right, but when he got tackled, he stood up, and we are all better off for it. So, for a variety of reasons, one may or may not choose to support Barnes should he again decide to run for Governor, but maligning his service to the Party and the public since leaving office is just way off base.

There are two days left until the Georgia legislature must adjourn. Forty days is all they're allowed-thank God. No offense to my Democratic brothers and sisters in the legislature but, most folks I talk with close their eyes for most of the forty days because they're afraid to look at the mess being created in Atlanta.

Why? Because the special interests who pay the bills for the party in power continue to rule in Atlanta while the rest of us are left to pick up the tab. If you want to know who runs Georgia, all you have to do is look at what got done and what lingers under the dome.

What got done?

1) Georgia Power got permission to charge Georgians now for a service they won't provide for years.

2) Big corporations in Georgia are about to be relieved of having to pay certain taxes, as were those who buy really expensive cars. (So, what's the best gig in Georgia?  A Georgia Power shareholder who drives a Hummer.)

3) People who want to give money to private schools will be able to take a tax deduction-a back door way of directing tax dollars to private schools where there is ZERO accountability to the taxpayers.

4) Via the bill to limit embryonic stem cell research, we made sure that the cure for juvenile diabetes will not be found in Georgia.

5) Georgia legislators who do not pay their taxes will be held accountable-a little.

6) With much fanfare,  President Obama was NOT made a member of the Black Caucus while Speaker Richardson declared him "your President." (Yeah, Speaker, "my" President made sure you had stimulus money to make "your" budget cuts a little less painful.)

So, who runs Georgia? Big utilities, big business (including big insurance), the extreme right wing of the GOP, and  entrenched legislators in "safe" districts who can serve for as long as they want because we have no term limits. (That's the only way you get to say some of the stuff that gets said in the well.)

What is not yet done?

1) The budget (the only thing they HAD to do)

2) Transportation (It took me an hour to get from Macon to Warner Robins yesterday.)

3) Jobs (And don't try to tell me that's what the corporate tax break was about. We've already put that one to bed. We face double digit unemployment with no plan in sight.)

4) Public schools. (Teachers are being laid off all over the state, and I'm trying to figure out who gives a damn.)

5) Trauma care has been left at the mercy of "Super Speeders," but not really funded, really.

I know change is tough, so if you're good with these priorities, then Democrats should definitely rip one another limb from limb in contested primaries next year, and we should never, ever consider term limits for Georgia legislators. Oh, and we should be sure that in the 2012 redistricting, legislators are allowed to draw as many "safe" districts as possible. That way, not much will change.

Alas, I no longer lead in the bracket challenge. I've done the math (I know you're shocked), and, thanks to Memphis, I cannot actually win this game now. But, at least my Heels are still in the hunt. Actually, again looking at the math, Flack's looking pretty strong even though his Jay Hawks lost a tough one tonight. Sorry about that one, Jon.

So, where are the jobs all those corporate "tax gifts" were supposed to produce? That's the question Tom Crawford asks in today's Gainesville Times. His question is especially timely as we wrap up a legislative session where yet another "tax gift" was pushed-besides the one Georgia Power got-despite the fact that 87 Georgia counties now have double-digit unemployment, per the AJC.

Again, what's the definition of insanity?

These economic policies that pad the pockets of wealthy corporations on the backs of the middle class don't work.

Did anyone notice that in the Bracket Challenge, I managed to pick 15 of the 16 teams in the "Sweet 16?" Obama got 14 of the 16. I think that probably means girls can be President, too.

For the record, I am bragging about this now because I am so sure that once play begins again, my luck will end!!

There's good news for Democrats in Georgia. In 2010, we are in a position to put more good candidates in key races and could well elect a Governor-if we don't punt the opportunity the Georgia GOP leadership has gift wrapped for us. Indeed, by the time the election rolls around, the public-weary of an ever-tightening job market, increasing difficulty getting to a job if you have one and corporate tax cuts financed from worker's paychecks-could very well be experiencing a heavy case of TBO: Throw the Bums Out.

But

If good Democrats run against other good Democrats for constitutional offices and for key legislative seats, we will pass up the best opportunity to regain power that has come our way since Gov. Perdue was elected. Especially in this economy, there are finite resources to elect these candidates-resources that are consumed in contested, bitter primaries. So, to all my friends thinking of running, I beg you-get in a room and work it out, and please, don't walk out telling us that somehow the primary will be good for the Party. It won't be. With redistricting looming in 2012, we cannot afford the battles. But I, for one, am increasing concerned that we will, in fact, have battles. Please prove me wrong.