Gainesville State College Republicans

Oconee GOP Meets Thursday Evening

2006-06-14T17:30:00.000-04:00

The Oconee County Republican Party meets TOMORROW, Thursday, June 15 at 7 p.m. at the Oconee County Government Annex, 1291 Greensboro Highway, Watkinsville. Bill Cowsert, candidate for State Senate is the featured speaker. Secretary Jay Hanley will also present a preview of the July 18 primary election.

For more information, please contact Larry Davison, party Chairman, at (770) 725-2609 (e-mail: ltdpreach@msn.com) or Jay Hanley, party Secretary, at (706) 202-7690 (e-mail: jayhanley@charter.net).

Secretary of State Candidates Endorse Paper Trail for Voting Machines

2006-06-14T17:26:00.000-04:00

Paper trail for voting wins praise
GOP secretary of state hopefuls tackle issues

By CARLOS CAMPOS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 06/06/06

Perdue May Call Special Session If Marriage Appeal is Delayed

2006-05-17T14:12:00.000-04:00

Perdue vows special session on gay marriage if appeal slowed

The Associated Press

Liberal Activist Judge Ignores Will of the Voters and Strikes Down Gay Marriage Ban

2006-05-16T22:14:00.000-04:00

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Constance Russell has ignored the opinion of 76 percent of Georgia voters in striking down the constitutional amendment banning homosexual marriage. More to come as this story continues to develop...

Georgia's gay marriage ban voided
Unconstitutional in state, county judge rules

By SONJI JACOBS

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Governor Perdue Issues Statement on the Striking Down of Georgia ’s Same Sex Marriage Amendment

Smith Draws Last Minute Opposition

2006-05-06T22:04:00.000-04:00

Unfortunately, Becky Vaughn, the Bogart Democrat, who challenged state Sen. Brian Kemp (R-Athens) in 2004 qualified minutes before Friday's noon deadline to run against state Rep. Bob Smith (R-Watkinsville) in the Nov. 7 election.

The Kemp-Vaughn contest was close, but the race was kept close only because of Democrat-dominated Clarke County. Smith's 113th House District is heavily Republican. District 113 includes all of Republican-ripe Oconee County, and parts of Clarke County (precincts 1A, 1C, 1D, 6A, and 6D), Morgan County (Apalachee and Bostwick precincts, both rural, conservative farming communities), and Oglethorpe County (Beaverdam, Crawford, and Wolfskin precincts, all rural, conservative and agriculturally based).

In the 2004 Senate race, Vaughn carried the 113th district precincts in Clarke County, but lost all of the other precincts that encompassed both the 46th Senate District and 113th House Districts).

Rep. Smith is a tireless and skilled campaigner and should defeat Ms. Vaughn by a comfortable margin.

The Athens Banner-Herald published an article today about the end of legislative qualifying in Northeast Georgia.

Extended qualifying sends hopefuls off to the races
2006 elections

By Blake Aued
blake.aued@onlineathens.com

Local Legislative Redistricting Stands After Court Hearing

2006-05-02T22:24:00.000-04:00

Judges uphold new legislative districts

By NANCY BADERTSCHER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 05/02/06

Zell Miller Announces Support for Perdue Re-Election

2006-05-02T00:09:00.000-04:00

Former Governor and U.S. Senator Zell Miller, a Democrat, is the voice-over in Gov. Sonny Perdue's first campaign ad released Monday.

Miller endorses Perdue's bid for re-election

By JAMES SALZER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 05/02/06

Georgia Republican Party Qualifying Report

2006-04-29T23:32:00.000-04:00

The following candidates qualified with the Georgia Republican Party for the July 18, 2006 General Primary.

U.S. Congress, District 10: Charlie Norwood (incumbent)
Governor: Ray "States Rights" McBerry, Sonny Perdue (incumbent)
Lt. Governor: Casey Cagle, Ralph Reed
Secretary of State: Charlie Bailey, Karen Handel, Eric Martin, Bill Stephens
Attorney General: Perry McGuire
State School Superintendent: Danny J. Carter, Kathy Cox (incumbent)
Commissioner of Insurance: John W. Oxendine (incumbent)
Commissioner of Agriculture: Gary Black, Bob Greer, Brian Kemp, Deanna Strickland
Commissioner of Labor: Brent Brown, Chuck Scheid
Public Service Commissioner, District 3: Chuck Eaton, Mark Parkman
Public Service Commissioner, District 5: Newt Nickell, Stan Wise (incumbent)
State Senate, District 46: Bill Cowsert
State House, District 113: Bob Smith (incumbent)

Due to a federal court order, qualifying for State Senate Districts 46, 47, and 49, as well as 13 included House districts has been extended until noon on Friday, May 5.

Chairman Packer, Vice Chairman Leigh and Special Advisor Hanley Attend Phyllis Schlafly Lecture in Decatur

2006-04-29T23:28:00.000-04:00

Phyllis Schlafly (File photo)

Last Thursday evening, Chairman Nathan Packer, Vice Chairman Matt Leigh, and Special Advisor Jay Hanley traveled to Agnes Scott College in Decatur a Thursday to hear a lecture on “The Failure of Feminism” by conservative icon Phyllis Schlafly.

The appearance was sponsored by the Agnes Scott College Chapter of College Republicans. We were joined by Georgia Association of College Republicans Chairman Chris Dempsey, GACR Vice Chairwoman Esther Clark, and GACR Executive Director Ruth Maholtra. Mrs. Schlafly faced a mostly hostile crowd at the all-female college, but there was also a good contingent of conservative supporters.

Mrs. Schlafly began the lecture by reminding that American woman were among the most fortunate in the world. Basically, feminists were out to “correct God’s mistake of making men physically stronger than women.” She led the fight in the 1970’s to defeat the Equal Rights Amendment. She said feminists did not believe that the Equal Rights Amendment could fail, as it was supported by Presidents Nixon, Ford, and Carter, but grassroots support from conservative women all over the country helped the effort to defeat the amendment.

It was noted that men traditionally have 60 percent more body strength than women and that men are more suited to fighting in wars. Feminists wanted women to be drafted. Mrs. Schlafly said that most women cannot throw a hand grenade far enough to keep from killing themselves!

Mrs. Schlafly gave a brief background of herself: Her family had no money for her to attend college, so she worked 48 hours per week as a gunner in an ammunition plant. She graduated in three years. Politics was a hobby. She became actively involved in the 1964 presidential campaign of Barry Goldwater. She wrote the book, “Choice Not an Echo,” selling over 3 million copies. In 1967, she began publishing the monthly, “Phyllis Schlafly Report.” For additional details, see http://www.eagleforum.org/.

Numerous questions were taken from liberal students and professors. Mrs. Schlafly answered each question with a clear, concise response and brought out the ignorance of many questioners.

Following the lecture and question and answer session, we met Catherine Davis, Republican candidate for the Fourth District Congressional seat now held by “Miss Controversy” Cynthia McKinney. We wished Ms. Davis luck and offered to help on her campaign. For more information, see http://www.catherinedavis.org/.

Republicans add another House member: Floyd Changes to the GOP

2006-04-26T12:47:00.000-04:00

State Rep. Johnny Floyd of Cordele qualified for re-election on Wednesday as a Republican. Floyd joins rural representatives Mickey Channell, Richard Royal, and Butch Parrish in making the switching to the Republican Party. Floyd's party change makes him the 104th member of the House Republican Caucus.

The Cordele Dispatch landed an exclusive interview with Rep. Floyd on his party switch.

Published: April 26, 2006

Johnny Floyd a Democrat no more

By John Jimenez

Cowsert, Kidd Qualify for Senate Race; Smith, Norwood Unopposed So Far

2006-04-25T22:52:00.000-04:00

Republican Bill Cowsert qualified for the 46th District State Senate seat on Monday. Democrat Jane Kidd qualified for State Senate on Tuesday afternoon ending weeks of speculation that she might instead run for re-election to the State House seat that she has held for one term.

State Rep. Bob Smith (R-Watkinsville) signed up Monday to seek another term representing District 113. As of the end of the day Tuesday, he is unopposed. No candidate has previously announced an intention to run against him. Congressman Charlie Norwood (R-Evans) qualified for re-election on Tuesday and as of this writing is unopposed with no announced opposition.

Qualifying Candidate Database

The database is maintained and updated several times per hour by the office of the Secretary of State based on information provided by the state political parties. Qualifying for the July 18 primaries ends at noon Friday.

State Reps. Royal and Parrish to Switch to the GOP

2006-04-22T01:20:00.000-04:00

State Reps. Richard Royal of Camilla and Butch Parrish of Swainsboro confirmed Friday that they will qualify for re-election as Republicans, a move that had been expected for several weeks.

Royal and Parrish join Rep. Mickey Channell of Greensboro, who announced last week that he was changing parties.

The Moultrie Observer provides an in-depth report on Royal's decision.

Royal chooses change
Veteran Democrat to seek re-election as Republican

By Lori Glenn

The Georgia Republican Party issued a release welcoming its 102nd and 103rd House caucus members.

State Representatives Richard Royal and Butch Parrish Join Georgia Republican Party

Kidd Files Suit Against Redistricting Plan

2006-04-20T16:48:00.000-04:00

Let's hope that the federal court upholds the map.

Athens representative sues to block Republican map change

The Associated Press - ATLANTA

Channell Switches to the GOP

2006-04-12T16:28:00.000-04:00

As expected, State Rep. Mickey Channell of Greensboro announced today that he will qualify for re-election as a Republican. Channell becomes the 101st member of the House Republican Caucus and the 14th Democrat to change parties since Gov. Sonny Perdue was elected in 2002.

Access NorthGa.com published an Associated Press story on the announcement.

Democratic lawmaker joins GOP

The Associated Press - ATLANTA

The Georgia Republican Party issued a press release welcoming Rep. Channell to the party.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006
12:00 PM

State Representative Mickey Channell Joins Georgia Republican Party

Kidd Trails Cowsert in Senate Campaign Funds; May Jump Back in House Race

2006-04-10T01:25:00.000-04:00

Kidd still unsure where to run
Democrat nearly $70K behind possible Senate opponent in campaign funds

By Blake Aued
blake.aued@onlineathens.com
Athens Banner-Herald
04/09/06

UGA CRs Host Secretary of State Candidate Debate Next Week

2006-04-06T23:03:00.000-04:00

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

Thursday, April 6, 2006

UGACRPress@gmail.com

UGA College Republicans hosting debate between Secretary of State candidates Karen Handel, Bill Stephens

The University of Georgia College Republicans will be hosting a debate between Secretary of State candidates Karen Handel and Bill Stephens. The April 12 debate between the GOP primary rivals, which is open to the public, will be held in the University Chapel at 7:00pm, and a reception will immediately follow on the Chapel steps.

Fulton County Chairman Karen Handel is the first female Chief Executive of the state's largest and most populous county, and she has been widely recognized as one of the most effective and influential public service and the private sector leaders in the State of Georgia today. Her renowned career in business and in government has led her to be named: 'One of the 100 Most Influential Political Leaders in Georgia' by Georgia Trend; 'Georgia Diva' -- an award recognizing the state's leading business women by B2B Magazine; One of 'Georgia's Most Influential Political Leaders' by James Magazine ; One of the 'Most Influential Atlantans' by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Before running for public office in 2002, she served as the President and CEO of the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

State Senate Majority Leader Bill Stephens, a graduate of UGA, served as Director of Communications and spokesperson for Governor Zell Miller from 1989 to 1991. He was first elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1998, and has served as Majority Leader since 2003.

For more information, please see the full story at this link, or contact UGACR PR Director Jeff Emanuel at (678)492-8228 or via email at UGACRPress@gmail.com.

Governor Perdue Scores Legislative Successes

2006-04-05T01:32:00.000-04:00

Gov. Sonny Perdue's office issued a press release last Friday detailing the Governor's successes from the 2006 legislative session.

Press Release

Friday, March 31, 2006

Governor Perdue Highlights Legislative Accomplishments

GOP Readies for Upcoming Elections

2006-04-01T21:58:00.000-05:00

GOP gains momentum for elections

By JIM THARPE, JAMES SALZER

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/02/06

Fate of Key Bills from the 2006 Session of the Georgia General Assembly

2006-04-01T21:33:00.000-05:00

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution provides a summary of the fate of key bills from this year's legislative session.

Legislature wrapup: What passed, what didn't

Staff report

Summary of Thursday's Actions of the Georgia General Assembly

2006-03-31T23:06:00.000-05:00

Thursday was the 40th and final day of the 2006 session of the Georgia General Assembly.

Highlights:

"The House and Senate reached a deal Thursday on the $18.6 billion state budget as lawmakers grappled with a host of high-profile issues on the final day of the legislative session. The final deal, which must still be adopted by both chambers, boosts pay for teachers, law enforcement and other state employees..."

Other action included final approval of eminent domain legislation, recalculation of the state's child support formula and a bill to permit local governments to display the Ten Commandments and other historical documents.

Further details on the 2006 session will come in future entries.

Below is the summary as published on AccessNorthGa.com.

Georgia Legislative Diary for Thursday, March 30

The Associated Press

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=73382

Oconee Senior Citizen Tax Relief Approved

2006-03-29T23:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks to Rep. Smith and Sen. Kemp for shepherding these much needed tax relief bills through the legislature. Let's support our senior citizens by voting "yes" on the two questions in November.

The Athens Banner-Herald posted the Morris News Service article on its Web site this evening.

Senate OKs tax breaks for Oconee

By Audrey Goodson
Morris News Service

Summary of Tuesday's Actions of the Georgia General Assembly

2006-03-29T22:58:00.000-05:00

Tuesday was day 39 of the 40-day legislative session. One day remains.

Highlights:

"The House gave final approval to a sweeping bill that would deny some state services to adults living in the United States illegally, sending what would be some of the nation's toughest immigration rules to the governor.

The move, which passed by a 119-49 vote, came after the state's labor chief warned that the compromise brokered between House and Senate lawmakers may create a sort of amnesty for some undocumented workers."

Representatives agreed to compromise to toughen penalties on sex offenders. House members also approved a bill to require sheriffs to draft plans for county courthouse security.

House and Senate conferees had several heated exchanges over the $18.6 billion dollar budget, but an agreement was expected to be reached before the final legislative day on Thursday.

Below is a link to the summary as published in The Macon Telegraph. (Note: The summary from AccessNorthGa.com was unavailable.

LEGISLATIVE NOTEBOOK

The Macon Telegraph/The Associated Press

http://www.macon.com/mld/macon/news/politics/14208968.htm

Summary of Monday's Actions of the Georgia General Assembly

2006-03-28T01:43:00.000-05:00

Monday was day 38 of the 40-day legislative session. Two days remain.

Highlights:

"Georgia House and Senate members reached agreement on sweeping immigration legislation to crack down on adults living in the country illegally and the employers who knowingly hire them. The state Senate gave the bill final passage by a vote of 39 to 16. The House seemed unlikely to follow suit before adjourning, but still has two days to do so. If it is signed into law, Georgia will be the among the first states with legislation tackling such a broad range of immigration issues, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures."

The Senate, by a vote of 45-2, gave final approval to a bill allowing for Bible classes in the state's public schools. The measure now heads to Gov. Sonny Perdue for his signature.

The Senate signed off on a bill to permit hunters to use magnifying and laser scopes on muzzle loaders and muskets.

Below is a link to the summary as published on AccessNorthGa.com.

Georgia Legislative Diary for Monday, March 27

The Associated Press

Summary of Friday's Actions of the Georgia General Assembly

2006-03-28T01:26:00.000-05:00

Friday was day 37 of the 40-day legislative session.

Highlights:

The Senate approved a bill to toughen penalties on child molesters. Senators gave the nod to an eminent domain constitutional amendment that will be presented to state voters in November. The Senate also adopted a bill to reduce class sizes in public schools.

The House gave a green light to the Senate's "shoot first" bill. Representatives also signed off on SB 500-the bill to allow testing of a paper ballot receipt on electronic voting machines in three counties (Bibb, Camden, and Cobb). In addition, House members unanimously agreed to a bill to allow parental permission for a student to join a school club.

Below is a link to the summary as published on AccessNorthGa.com.

Georgia Legislative Diary for Friday, March 24

The Associated Press

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=73120

Summary of Today's Actions of the Georgia General Assembly

2006-03-23T23:53:00.000-05:00

Today was day 36 of the 40-day legislative session. Four days remain.

Highlights:

The House, with changes, passed a Senate bill denying some state services to illegal immigrants and adding a 5 percent surcharge to wire transfers from illegal immigrants. The vote was 123-51.

Representatives, by a 100-54 vote, rejected a measure that would have regulated all-terrain vehicles.

House Speaker Glenn Richardson shot down an attempt by Democrats to require passengers in pickup trucks to wear seat belts.

The Senate unanimously "approved a $18.6 billion spending plan which boosts salaries for police and teachers and would funnel money to more disabled Georgians for community-based care. The budget would also provide money for 4,300 more prison beds to handle the state's booming inmate population and add 1,000 more slots for pre-kindergarten."

Lawmakers honored retired Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, leader of the 1991 Persian Gulf War. Schwarzkopf urged continued support for military personnel.

Below is a link to the summary as published on AccessNorthGa.com.

Georgia Legislative Diary for Thursday, March 23

The Associated Press

http://www.accessnorthga.com/news/ap_newfullstory.asp?ID=73057