Westmoreland: Opponents of Government Takeover Will Have Voices Heard

Today, Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats unveiled their final 2,000-page health care plan (HR 3962) after weeks of Democrat-only, closed-door negotiations.

“Apparently, because this is health care legislation, the House Democrats thought doctor-patient confidentiality rules should apply to their secret negotiations,” U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland said. “The voices of those opposed to a government takeover of health care have been shut out of this debate. We got a taste of how strongly people feel on this issue during the August town halls, and I think those voices that Pelosi ignored will be heard loudly in the coming days.”

Westmoreland took issue with House Majority Leader’s Steny Hoyer’s assertion that the legislation meets an “urgent” need.

“Republicans and Democrats agree that we have too many uninsured Americans and too many family tragedies related to health care costs,” Westmoreland said. “But let’s be clear: This legislation won’t meet those needs urgently. In fact, benefits don’t take affect for three more years. The only thing that the Democrats think is ‘urgent’ enough to enact immediately are the tax hikes and mandates that will kill off even more jobs in this ailing economy.”

Westmoreland cites several tenets of the bill as problematic:

· $500 billion in cuts to Medicare, which Westmoreland sees as either ‘phantom cuts’ that will never take place or catastrophic for seniors’ health care coverage.

· Bill contains the word “shall” 3,425 times – that’s a lot of government mandates.

· Expanding eligibility for Medicaid, which will hike costs for budget-strapped state governments.

· Tax hikes on small business owners, whom we’re relying on to create new jobs in this economy.

· Mandates on business to provide coverage to all employees or face penalties, creating a “tax on jobs” that will lead to fewer jobs.

· A government-run ‘public option’ that will eventually crowd out private plans, causing many Americans to lose their current coverage.

· The legislation’s financing will cost much more than advertised, placing yet another burden on our national debt. The legislation comes in below $1 trillion over 10 years only because 1) Democrats moved the cost of paying Medicare fees to doctors (more than $200 billion) into another bill and 2) they count 10 years of revenues but only seven years of expenses.

Westmoreland points out that, contrary to Democratic claims that the Republicans are simply the “Party of No,” the GOP has offered an alternative called the Empowering Patients First Act. This legislation, HR 3400, would 1) make access to coverage affordable for all Americans; 2) make coverage truly owned and controlled by the patient; 3) improve the healthcare delivery structure; and 4) rein in out-of-control costs, including through robust liability reform.
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South Fulton: Christian City to Host Candidates’ Forum

Event to be Held at Christian City on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 4 PM

Robert L. Crutchfield, President/CEO of Christian City, announced today that there will be a candidates’ forum on Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 4 PM in Christian City’s Sparks Inn Auditorium. All residents of Christian City and Union City are welcome to attend.

The agenda will feature candidates for the following offices:
· Union City Mayor
· Union City council
· State Senate District 35

The meeting will begin promptly at 4 PM.

The forum will take place in Christian City's Sparks Inn Auditorium at 7290 Lester Road, Union City, Georgia 30291. The Sparks Inn Auditorium is the assisted living facility located in the heart of the Christian City campus.

Christian City is a non-profit, non-denominational organization. On our 500+ acre complex we help meet the needs of approximately 1,100 people in our Children’s Village, Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Friendship Place (Alzheimer's Care), Sparks Inn Assisted Living/Personal Care facility, and Retirement Homes and Apartments.

Christian City invites the public to this event.

For more information on the event or Christian City, please contact
770-703-2636 or via e-mail at ccity@christian-city.org. Visit Christian City’s website at www.christiancity.org.
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Chambliss, Isakson Urge the Government Accountability Office to Launch Investigation into ACORN

U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., and Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., along with 18 other Republican senators, sent a letter requesting the Government Accountability Office to launch an investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities conducted by the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, known as ACORN.

The full text of the letter:

The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro
Acting Comptroller General
U.S. Government Accountability Office

Dear Mr. Dodaro,

I am writing to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) undertake a review of ACORN, otherwise known as the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now. For purposes of this letter, the term ACORN shall mean the organization itself, its subsidiaries, its affiliates, and the employees of all such organizations.

Any such investigation should:

(1) Analyze the business structure and organizational management of ACORN.
(2) Analyze ACORN’s compliance with state, local and federal law.
(3) Examine ACORN’s tax structure focusing on a delineation of what activities fall under their 501(c)3 umbrella and what, if any, do not.
(4) Compile a comprehensive list of all federal funding that ACORN has received since its inception; including, but not limited to, contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, appropriations and emergency funding.
(5) Examine grants or payments for services made by ACORN, its subsidiaries or affiliates.
(6) Examine grants or payments for services received by ACORN, its subsidiaries or affiliates.

Current voter fraud investigations in several states, prior fraud convictions, and new video showing apparent illegal activity by ACORN employees suggest that at the very least the organization warrants a top to bottom investigation on behalf of the taxpayer. Taxpayers deserve nothing less than a thorough and transparent accounting of ACORN’s activities.
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Illinois: Adam Andrzejewski Wins First Republican Straw Poll of 2010 Gov Race

We're going to be keeping up with an assortment of key races across the country. You're invited to check out our "Republican Candidate" blog for more election coverage. We're hearing that this race is one to watch. We've also rec'd some suggestions from across the state of Illinois and other areas that 39-year old Adam Andrzejewski is someone to watch. Read that polls showed Andrzejewski winning against current Governor Quinn by a fairly high margin. It's early and there are quite a few announced candidates in this race.

Another race of interest is going to be the New York gubernatorial race. Speculation is that Rudy Giuliani (R) is going to run and that Patterson (D) is being told by President Obama that he needs to bow out. What may be unusual about the President's intervention is that typically those kind of open moves come from the DNC (or RNC) and/or is done on a quieter basis. The news was leaked, according to the NY Times, by two Democrats.

Gubernatorial Candidate Places First in URF’s Conservative Summit Straw Poll

Illinois – Conservative values, solid financial policy, and a break from the same old political baggage and retribution that has shaped Illinois has landed Adam Andrzejewski exactly where he should be – at the head of the line. The results of a straw poll, hosted by the United Republican Fund and WIND radio, reveal Andrzejewski as the clear frontrunner among all six Republican gubernatorial candidates – prevailing over even the most politically experienced candidates. “The biggest surprise, perhaps, is that Andrzejewski was so organized at that event,” states Rich Miller on his blog post for Capitol Fax (1).

Andrzejewski has poised himself to be exactly the type of Governor that Illinois needs. "This race is a battle for the heart and soul of our party. Real reform, cut spending, create efficiencies, shared sacrifice that defends the tax payer. We are just on the verge of the economic spiral of Michigan and we need reform that will halt that. I have no political baggage. I am an outsider without Springfield experience," declared Andrzejewski in his closing statement for the Conservative Summit.

Andrzejewski has obtained strong support through grassroots efforts and his message of reform. And while some campaigns talk about grassroots, the Andrzejewski campaign is a good example of a strong grassroots initiative that has been effective.

Andrzejewski polled a 116 among a group of conservative activists that included Peter Roskam – U.S. Congressman from the 6th District; Tom Cross – House GOP leader; Steve Rauschenberger – former State Senator; Chris Lauzen – State Senator; Demetra DeMonte – Rep. Nat’l Committeewoman for Ill.; Eric Wallace- candidate for U.S. Senate; Jim Oberweis – candidate for U.S. House of Representative; and Fran Eaton – blogger, columnist and pundit of IllinoisReview.com. The summit took place Friday at Carlucci’s in Downer’s Grove.
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Sen. Tarver Nominated by President Obama to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia

State Senator Ed Tarver (D-Augusta) was nominated by President Barack Obama to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Sen. Tarver will be the first black man to hold the position if confirmed by the Senate.

“I am extremely honored by the nomination and the potential opportunity for further service to our nation, subject to confirmation by the United States Senate. I look forward to completing the confirmation process and I am grateful for the support I have received from Georgia’s legislative delegation in Washington.”

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Georgia is one of 93 such offices in the United States. The office represents the United States in 43 counties and is divided into six divisions: Savannah, Augusta, Brunswick, Waycross, Dublin and Statesboro. The United States Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement officer of the United States within his or her jurisdiction.

Sen. Tarver currently serves on the Attorney Advisory Committee for the U.S. District Court for the southern district of Georgia, and is an active member of the State Bar of Georgia. Recently he received the 2008 Augusta NAACP President’s Award. Sen. Tarver was elected to the Senate in 2005. He serves as the Secretary of the Banking and Financial Institutions committee. He sits on Appropriations, Economic Development, Special Judiciary, and Government Oversight committees and the following Appropriations subcommittees: Judicial, Public Safety, and Criminal Justice. Over the 2008 interim, Sen. Tarver was named by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle as Chairman of the Senate Bankruptcy Homestead Exemption Study Committee.

Sen. Ed Tarver is a partner with the Augusta law firm of Hull, Towill, Norman, Barrett & Salley, P.C. He resides in Augusta with his wife Beverly (the former Beverly Myers). Sen. Tarver and his wife are the parents of two children – Edward Jr. (“Eddie”) and Beverly Elizabeth.
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President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to key administration posts:

· Elizabeth “Beth” Robinson, Chief Financial Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
· Michael F. Mundaca, Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy, Department of the Treasury

President Obama also appointed three individuals to serve on the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Their names and bios are below.

President Obama said, “My administration is committed to economic recovery, pushing the boundaries of science and space exploration and investing in the future of arts and the humanities, and these individuals will serve my team well as we work to accomplish these goals. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals today:

Elizabeth “Beth” Robinson, Nominee for Chief Financial Officer, National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationBeth Robinson is currently the Assistant Director for Budget at the Office of Management and Budget, where she leads the Budget Review Division to oversee the development, enactment and execution of the President's budget. From 2003 to 2005, she was the Deputy Director for the Congressional Budget Office, where she guided the development of cost estimates for legislation and reports on legislative options. She previously worked at OMB from 1998 to 2003, where she began as a Program Examiner on energy issues and ended as the Deputy Assistant Director for Budget Review and Concepts. Prior to that, Dr. Robinson worked on Capitol Hill for several years as a Professional Staff Member on the Committee on Science, Space and Technology, where she crafted legislation on various science and energy policy issues. She received a Ph.D. in Geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Reed College.

Michael F. Mundaca, Nominee for Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy, Department of the TreasuryMichael F. Mundaca currently is Senior Advisor for Policy within the Treasury Department's Office of Tax Policy and the Acting Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy. Mr. Mundaca served in the Treasury Department during the Clinton Administration and returned to the Treasury Department in 2007, as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Tax Affairs. Before that appointment, he was a partner for five years in the International Tax Services group of Ernst & Young's National Tax Department, in Washington, D.C. His practice focused on cross-border planning and structuring, including especially tax treaty issues, and on international legislative and regulatory monitoring and consulting. Before joining Ernst & Young, Mr. Mundaca served for over five years in Treasury's Office of the International Tax Counsel, leaving as the Deputy International Tax Counsel. He was also Treasury's Senior Advisor on Electronic Commerce. Prior to that first stint in Treasury, he was an associate at Sullivan & Cromwell, a law firm in New York. Mr. Mundaca has been an adjunct professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, teaching a seminar on tax treaties. Mr. Mundaca received a B.A. in philosophy and in physics from Columbia University, in 1986, and an M.A.in philosophy from the University of Chicago, in 1988. He received a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (Boalt Hall), in 1992, where he was Senior Executive Editor of The California Law Review and a member of the Order of the Coif. He also has an LL.M., in taxation (international tax specialization), from the University of Miami.

President Obama also announced that he has appointed the following individuals today to serve on the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities:

Margo Lion, Co-Chairman, President's Committee on the Arts and HumanitiesMargo Lion’s career has spanned theatre, politics, and education. Starting out as an intern on Capitol Hill for Senator Daniel B. Brewster (D-Maryland) and then as a special cultural projects coordinator in Senator Robert F. Kennedy’s New York office, Lion shifted her career to teaching elementary school in the years following Senator Kennedy’s death. In 1977, Lion began producing theater for the not-for-profit company, Music-Theater Group/Lenox Arts Center, and in 1982 began her work as a commercial theatre producer. Lion has worked with the pre-eminent theater writers of our time including: Tony Kushner, David Mamet, Arthur Miller, August Wilson and George C. Wolfe. Her shows on Broadway include: HAIRSPRAY; CAROLINE, OR CHANGE; and ANGELS IN AMERICA. Lion’s productions have garnered 20 Tony Awards, 4 Olivier Awards and 1 Pulitzer Prize. Lion is an adjunct professor and a member of the Dean's Council at the NYU-Tisch School of the Arts. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the LAByrinth Theatre and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, and on the advisory boards of the Baltimore Young Women’s Leadership School, the Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts and PUBLICOLOR.

George Stevens, Jr., Co-Chairman, President's Committee on the Arts and HumanitiesIn a career spanning fifty years George Stevens, Jr. has created a legacy of distinguished work as a writer, director, producer of motion pictures and television. In 1962 he became the head of the Motion Picture Service of the U.S. Information Agency under Edward R. Murrow, and in 1967 founded the American Film Institute. He continues to serve on the AFI Board. As a writer and producer Stevens has earned 11 Emmys, two George Foster Peabody Awards for Meritorious Service to Broadcasting and nine awards from the Writers Guild of America. Among his honored productions are The Kennedy Center Honors which he launched in 1978; the mini-series Separate But Equal and The Murder of Mary Phagan; George Stevens: A Filmmaker’s Journey; We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration from the Lincoln Memorial; and the feature film The Thin Red Line which was nominated for seven Academy Awards including Best Picture. In 2008 he made his debut as a playwright on Broadway with Thurgood which earned a Tony nomination for its star Laurence Fishburne. He is also a successful author. Conversations with the Great Moviemakers of Hollywood’s Golden Age was published in 2005. Currently, Stevens is producing the thirty-second annual Kennedy Center Honors, a feature length documentary on the famed political cartoonist Herb Block, and writing a new book on film for Knopf.

Mary Schmidt Campbell, Vice Chairman, President's Committee on the Arts and HumanitiesMary Schmidt Campbell has been dean of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts since 1991. Dean Campbell began her career in New York as the executive director of the Studio Museum in Harlem. Under her leadership, the Studio Museum in Harlem emerged as a major national and international cultural institution and a lynchpin of the economic revival of Harlem. In 1987, Mayor Edward I. Koch invited Dr. Campbell to serve as Commissioner of Cultural Affairs of the City of New York. Dean Campbell holds a B.A. degree in English literature from Swarthmore College, an M.A. in art history from Syracuse University, and a Ph.D. in humanities, also from Syracuse. She is co-author of Harlem Renaissance: Art of Black America (New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1987) and Memory and Metaphor: The Art of Romare Bearden, 1940-1987 (New York: Oxford University Press & The Studio Museum in Harlem, 1991). She is the co-editor of Artistic Citizenship: A Public Voice for the Arts (New York: Routledge, 2006.) She is currently working on a book on Romare Bearden for Oxford University Press, (2011 expected publication date). She sits on the board of The American Academy in Rome and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. In the fall of 2001 she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She served in the voluntary position of Chair of the New York State Council on the Arts from 2007-2009. She also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Tisch Asia, the Tisch School of the Arts Singapore campus.
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Rep. Marin Calls for Passage of Legislation to End Racial Profiling in Georgia

Rep. Pedro Marin (D-Duluth), the only Latino democrat in the Georgia General Assembly, is calling for passage of legislation to end racial profiling in Georgia. After attending a forum in Gwinnett County on August 1, 2009, hosted by the ACLU of Georgia and ABLE (Atlantans Building Leadership for Empowerment), where attendees shared stories of verbal abuse, harassment and alleged civil rights violations, his resolve for ending such practices intensified.

"In a country where our President is African American and the newest Supreme Court Justice is Latina, we can no longer tolerate practices such as Driving While Black or Driving While Brown. I understand the challenges law enforcement officials face to protect and serve citizens, but racial profiling is not a solution to fighting crime. It only creates more resentment and mistrust," stated Rep. Marin.

According to attendees of the forum and a report authored by the ACLU and the Rights Working Group, "there are serious allegations of racial profiling . . ., especially in the context of traffic stops." With Latinos and immigrants being consistently targeted, Rep. Marin hopes President Obama will soon begin steps to reform federal immigration law. "If we continue to rely on state and local governments to establish policy specific to immigrants, the challenges we now face will continue to escalate and worsen. Immigrants are not our enemies and should not be treated as such. Federal immigration reform must become a priority for the Administration," offered Rep. Marin.

Currently, there are two bills in the Georgia General Assembly which target racial profiling, HB 110 sponsored by Rep. Marin and HB 53 sponsored by Rep. Tyrone Brooks (D-Atlanta) of Atlanta. The bills would prohibit law enforcement officers from impermissibly using race or ethnicity in determining whether or not to stop a motorist.
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Secretary Handel Sets Dates for Qualifying for Special Elections in House Districts 58, 129 and 141

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel announced today receipt of Governor Sonny Perdue’s Writ of Election setting Tuesday, November 3, 2009 as the date for special elections to fill the unexpired terms of State Representative Robbin Shipp (HD 58), State Representative Vance Smith, Jr. (HD 129) and State Representative Bobby Parham (HD 141).

Secretary Handel set candidate qualifying for Monday, August 31 through Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Qualifying on Monday will run from 9:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.; on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.; and on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Candidates will qualify in the Elections Division of the Office of Secretary of State, 1104 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30334-1505. The qualifying fee is $400.

The election for House District 58 will occur in portions of DeKalb and Fulton Counties. The election for House District 129 will occur in portions of Harris, Muscogee and Troup Counties. The election for House District 141 will occur in Baldwin County and in a portion of Putnam County. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 3, 2009.

Voters can request an absentee ballot from their county registrar’s office through the close of business on Friday, October 30, 2009. Absentee ballots must be returned to the county registrar by the close of polls on Election Day. Photo identification is not required when voting by mail. To download an absentee ballot request form, please visit: www.sos.ga.gov/elections.

Citizens must be registered to vote by Monday, October 5, 2009 to participate in the November 3, 2009 election. Voter registration forms can be obtained at any county registrar’s office or from the Secretary of State’s website: http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/voter_registration/voter_reg_app.htm.

Karen Handel was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2007. The Secretary of State's office offers important services to our citizens and our business community. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

Cagle: Lt. Governor and Senators will be Furloughed

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle announced Thursday that he along with all state Senators will begin furloughs starting August 1. The Lt. Governor and Senators will be furloughed for one day of their monthly pay period through the end of calendar year 2009.

“With the Senate been forced to make difficult state budget cuts and place financial burdens on our hard-working state employees and their families, we realize that all of us are in this dismal economic situation together and no single person is immune from feeling the effects of continued revenue shortfalls,” said Lt. Gov. Cagle. “As elected leaders we are called upon to lead by example for the greater good of our state and I am certain the commitment the Senate has shown to fiscally responsible policy will help lead us through these tough economic times to future growth and prosperity.”

Cagle said that the Senate will address whether such furloughs will continue for the remainder of the fiscal year at the beginning of the 2010 Legislative Session. Members of the House of Representatives will also be taking monthly furloughs.

“The Speaker and I have consulted each other on legislative furloughs and are both committed to doing all we can to see our economy gets back on track,” added Cagle.
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Lt. Governor Cagle Appoints Richard Smith to New Aviation Authority

The office of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle announced today Richard Smith has been appointed to serve on the new Georgia Aviation Authority. The Authority will serve as the governing body for all state aviation assets, providing aviation services for the entire state and overseeing all state aviation operations.

“Richard’s proven leadership ability and 30 years of piloting experience give the Authority a truly capable member who will do a tremendous job as we begin this new era in Georgia aviation,” said Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. “His service will be an invaluable asset to the state and I am truly honored to have him represent my office in this capacity.”

Smith, an Atlanta-area attorney, is the co-founder and managing partner of the law firm Smith, Ronick & Corbin, LLC, which specializes in transactional law. Smith started his firm in 1981 after beginning his law career at Hansell, Post, Brandon & Dorsey in Atlanta. He is a member of the Real Property Law and Aviation Law Sections of the State Bar of Georgia and a past President of the Real Property Section of the Atlanta Bar Association.

Smith holds an extensive aviation background beginning his aircraft piloting in 1983. He became involved with Angel Flight of Georgia and Mercy Flight Southeast as a volunteer pilot, primarily flying patients in need of organ transplants and often coordinating with the Georgia Transplant Foundation.

An Atlanta native, Smith graduated from Georgia State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earned his law degree from the Emory University School of Law. He currently lives in Sandy Springs with his wife Sherri. They have three children, two of which currently practice law with Smith at his firm.

Smith recently started his two-year term on the Authority which began its operations July 1. The Authority was enacted by the General Assembly passing Senate Bill 85 during the 2009 Legislative Session. SB 85 consolidated Georgia’s aircraft into the new Aviation Authority through which all of the state’s aircraft can be managed with the goal to gain the maximum safety and efficiency.

Specifically, the purpose of the Authority will be to:

Acquire, operate, maintain, house, and dispose of all state aviation assets
Provide aviation services and oversight of state aircraft and aviation operations to ensure the safety of state air travelers and aviation property
Provide for the efficient operation of state aircraft

Supporters of the bill say the new Authority will provide greater resources across the state for agencies such as the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) and the Departments of Transportation (DOT), Natural Resources, Forestry Commission and the Board of Regents. The Georgia Sheriffs Association is in full support of this legislation to help streamline and provide greater efficiency to their search-and-rescue operations throughout the sate.
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Finalists for Supreme Court

From Landmark Communications via Facebook:

The Atlanta Journal's Jim Galloway is reporting the nine finalists today for the open Supreme Court seat being vacted by Leah Sears.

Text below here is Galloway's:

"Your next Supreme Court justice can be found here"
1:53 pm July 1, 2009, by Jim Galloway

The Judicial Nominating Commission just handed to Gov. Sonny Perdue its list of nominations for candidates to fill the state Supreme Court seat vacated by Leah Sears."

"Our money is on David Nahmias, currently the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District."

"Here’s the entire list:

• Stephen Louis A. Dillard – Of Counsel, James, Bates, Pope & Spivey; Macon;
• James P. Kelly III – Managing partner of Kelly Law Firm; Atlanta;
• David E. Nahmias – U.S. Attorney; Northern District of Georgia;
• Samuel D. Ozburn –Superior Court Judge; Alcovy Judicial Circuit;
• William M. Ray II – Superior Court Judge; Gwinnett County;
• Craig L. Schwall Sr. – Superior Court Judge; Fulton County;
• Mary E. Staley – Superior Court Judge; Cobb County;
• Benjamin W. Studdard III – State Court Chief Judge; Henry County;
• and Rocco E. Testani – Partner, Sutherland Asbill & Brennan; Atlanta."
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Ethics Violation Filed Against Commissioner Robert Horgan

6/15/09 Two Fayette County residents have filed a Code of Ethics complaint with the Board of Commissioners against Commissioner Robert Horgan. Additionally and independently, Fayette Citizens for Open Government has issued a press release stating they will initiate a recall petition if Horgan has not resigned prior to July 15th. (Click here to read release)

Horgan was arrested for possession of marijuana and cited for driving a vehicle with an expired tag on May 23. When pulled over he first denied having anything illegal in his truck, then gave permission for a search in which a pill bottle was discovered under his car seat containing marijuana (under one ounce). Horgan admitted to smoking marijuana while driving. After being arrested Horgan asked one of the Deputies "Is there anything that we could do to resolve this right here, right now?". (Click here to read arrest report)

David Cree and Patrick Hinchey filed the Ethics complaint earlier today. In the official complaint they focus on three areas: 1) Horgan violated Georgia State Law by being in possession of an unlawful substance, he used an unlawful substance and he lied to the Sheriff's Deputy; 2) he solicited treatment that would "place his personal interests ahead of the public's right to know" and 3) he breached the public trust by 'conducting himself in a manner that was unbecoming to an official of the County".

After receiving the complaint the County should appoint a county attorney from outside Fayette County to investigate the facts. If he / she deems that there are violations of the ethics ordinance he / she will recommend that the County Commission pursue it further. The Commission would then appoint three attorney's in the region to hear the case and determine appropriate punishment, if any. The hearing would be public. At most the Board of Commissioners may give a written reprimand or public censure and impose a fine not to exceed $1,000. Click here to read the Code of Ethics.

Ethics Complaint filed by Patrick Hinchey and David Cree:

Clerk of the Fayette County Board of Commissioners
140 Stonewall Avenue, Suite 100
Fayetteville, GA 30214
To: Carol Chandler:

We Patrick J. Hinchey and David W. Cree, residents of Fayette County, GA, do hereby submit a complaint that Fayette County Commissioner Robert E. Horgan did knowingly violate the Fayette County Code of Ethics.

Complaint 1. In that Robert E. Horgan did, on or about May 23, 2009, in Fayette County, GA, violate Article VIII, Section 2-209 (1) of the Code:

Specification 1: In that Robert E. Horgan did possess an unlawful substance, to wit: less than one ounce of marijuana, in violation of Georgia state law.
Specification 2: In that Robert E. Horgan did use an unlawful substance, to wit: smoke marijuana while operating a motor vehicle, in violation of Georgia State law.
Specification 3: In that Robert Horgan lied to Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Storm’s question if there was anthing illegal inside his (Horgan’s) vehicle, Horgan replied that there was not.

Complaint 2: In that Robert E. Horgan, on or about May 23, 2009, in Fayette County, GA, solicit treatment that would place his personal interests ahead of the public’s right to know, to wit: ask Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputies J. Davidson and Justin Storm “Is there anything that we could do to resolve this right here, right now?” or words to that effect. This is a violation of Article VIII, Section 2-209 (6).

Complaint 3: In that Robert E. Horgan did, on or about May 23, 2009, in Fayette County, GA, breach the public trust by conducting himself in a manner that was unbecoming to an official of the County, to wit: possess an unlawful substance, use an unlawful substance while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, lie to a law enforcement officer, and solicit special treatment that would place his personal situation ahead of the public’s right to know. This is a violation of Article VIII, Section 2-209 (8).


Patrick J. Hinchey David Cree

Enclosures

Fayette County Sheriff’s Department “Fayette County Supplemental Report, case number 0904859

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Isakson Co-Sponsors Legislation to Require Treasury to Distribute Stock in GM and Chrysler to Taxpayers

Also Prohibits Treasury from Spending More TARP Funds to Bailout Automakers

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., today announced that he is co-sponsoring legislation to require the Treasury Department to distribute to individual taxpayers all its stock in General Motors (GM) and Chrysler within one year following the companies’ emergence from bankruptcy proceedings.

“I believe it was obvious back in December 2008 that a structured bankruptcy was the correct path for GM and Chrysler to restructure their debt and contracts. By giving these companies taxpayer funds from TARP, the administration only delayed the inevitable, but worse created a situation where the government became a part owner of private business,” Isakson said. “This common-sense legislation I am co-sponsoring would get the government out of the American auto business and put this stock back in the hands of the American people.”

The Auto Stock for Every Taxpayer Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., would require Treasury to distribute its common stock holdings in both companies evenly to every American who paid taxes on April 15.

The legislation also would prohibit the Treasury from using any more TARP funds to bailout GM or Chrysler and would require that the Secretary of the Treasury and his designee have a fiduciary responsibility to the American taxpayer to maximize the return on that investment as long as the government holds stock in the companies.
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Chambliss Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Detainees at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base from Entering the United States

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., yesterday introduced S. 1071, the Protecting America’s Communities Act, to prohibit President Barack Obama from bringing detainees at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base to the United States. Chambliss has also introduced the legislation as an amendment to the supplemental appropriations bill being debated on the Senate floor.

“People across America are very concerned that this administration has not developed a plan for what to do with these hard-core terrorists once the detention center at Guantanamo is shuttered,” said Chambliss. “Americans are concerned that they will be released into the United States. It is important to remember most detainees held at Guantanamo were captured on the battlefields in Afghanistan or Iraq and were determined to be a threat to our nation’s security. Whatever their ties to terrorists groups or activities, these individuals should never be given the privilege of crossing our borders, even if incarcerated. To do so would be nothing short of an invitation for al-Qa’ida to operate inside our homeland.”

Article I, Section 8, Clause 4 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to “establish a uniform rule of naturalization.” The power of Congress “to exclude aliens from the United States and to prescribe the terms and conditions on which they come in” is absolute. The Immigration and Nationality Act contains a list of 30-plus excludable classes of aliens, including those deemed inadmissible for security reasons, such as terrorist activities. Chambliss’ legislation adds “an alien who, as of January 1, 2009, was being detained by the Department of Defense at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base” to the list of classes of aliens ineligible for visas or admission to the United States. The bill does not grant the executive branch waiver authority (parole authority) over this exclusion.

If the president should rely on other authority, such as his constitutional Article II powers - which Chambliss believes does not grant him this ability - to bring these detainees to the United States, the legislation adds additional safeguards to our immigration laws to ensure that they will be held and not released until they can be deported to their home country or a third country.

Finally, the legislation reaffirms that the United States is in an armed conflict with al-Qa’ida, the Taliban and associated forces, and that the president has the authority to detain enemy combatants in connection with the continuing armed conflict, regardless of the place they are captured.
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President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

Today, President Barack Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals for key administration posts: Capricia Penavic Marshall, Chief of Protocol, with the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service, Department of State; Evan Segal, Chief Financial Officer, United States Department of Agriculture; and Rocco Landesman, Nominee for Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. The President also announced that he will be designating Gregory B. Jaczko, currently a Commissioner at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, as Chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

President Obama said, “This impressive group of people will add valued voices to my administration as we work to tackle the many challenges our nation faces. I am grateful for their decision to serve, and I am confident they will work hard as we put our country on a path towards prosperity and security.”

President Obama announced his intent to nominate the following individuals today:

Capricia Penavic Marshall, Nominee for Chief of Protocol, with the rank of Ambassador during her tenure of service, Department of State

Capricia Penavic Marshall has had an extensive career in public service. In 1992, after graduating from Case Western University School of Law, she joined Governor Bill Clinton’s Presidential campaign as Special Assistant to Hillary Rodham Clinton. Upon entering the White House in 1993, Marshall served as Special Assistant to the First Lady, traveling extensively and coordinating her agenda, meetings and public appearances. In October 1997, at the age of 32, Marshall was appointed Deputy Assistant to the President and Social Secretary to the White House, becoming the youngest Social Secretary in recent history. Marshall's official responsibilities included the planning and execution of all White House international and domestic events. Marshall continued working with President Clinton helping to advance his work in policy, politics and community initiatives. In 2001, she began working as a consultant to a number of nonprofit and private sector organizations. In 2006, Marshall joined the re-election efforts for Senator Hillary Clinton, and subsequently joined Senator Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign. As Senior Advisor, she led the Surrogate Speakers Program and helped coordinate women’s outreach. In 2008, Marshall became Executive Director of Hillpac and Friends of Hillary and is currently overseeing the closure of both committees. A first generation American and native of Cleveland, Ohio, Marshall graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies. She studied at the University of Madrid for a year and traveled extensively through Europe. Marshall holds a law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law.

Evan Segal, Nominee for Chief Financial Officer, United States Department of Agriculture

Evan Segal is the former President & Owner of Dormont Manufacturing Company, the leading manufacturer of flexible stainless steel gas appliance connectors. While there, he led a dramatic growth of the company increasing sales from $5 to $60 million and creating 250 new jobs. Segal is active in the philanthropic world as the Chairman of the Evan and Tracy Segal Family Foundation, which supports numerous civic and community organizations. Segal is a member of the UJF Pittsburgh Management Committee, a board member at the Community Day School and a member of the Board of Directors of Hillel: The Foundation for Campus Life. He also currently serves as an Executive-In-Residence at the CMU Tepper School of Business and as a mentor to start-up businesses. Segal graduated from the Carnegie Mellon University Tepper School of Business with a B.S. Administration & Management Science and an MBA.

Rocco Landesman, Nominee for Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts

Since 1987 Landesman has been President of Jujamcyn Theaters, a company that owns and operates five Broadway theaters and produces Broadway shows including the landmark productions: “Angels in America,” “Proof,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “The Grapes of Wrath” and “Caroline, Or Change.” Landesman was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, got his undergraduate education at Colby College and the University of Wisconsin, and earned a doctorate in Dramatic Literature at the Yale School of Drama. At the completion of his course work he stayed at Yale for four years as an Assistant Professor. He was appointed President of Jujamcyn in 1987 and purchased the company in 2005. Before and after joining Jujamcyn, Landesman has produced a number of successful Broadway shows, the most notable of which are "Big River," "The Producers" and six plays by August Wilson. Landesman was trained at a not-for-profit performing arts conservatory. His career has been a hybrid of commercial, philanthropic, and purely artistic engagements. He has continued his relationship with the Yale School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre, returning to teach over the years. He has been active on numerous boards, including the Municipal Arts Society, an advocacy organization concerned with New York City's public spaces and preservation, the Times Square Alliance, which has changed the heart of the city by improving its safety, sanitation and aesthetic, and the Educational Foundation of America. Landesman has also participated in the debate about arts policy, speaking at forums and writing numerous articles focusing on the relationship between the commercial and not-for-profit sectors of the American theater.

The President also made the following announcement today:

Gregory B. Jaczko, designating as Chairman, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The Honorable Gregory B. Jaczko was sworn in as a Commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) on Jan. 21, 2005. During his tenure on the Commission, Jaczko has worked to ensure the agency clearly communicates with the public and its licensees. He believes that to best accomplish its mission of protecting public health and safety and the environment, the NRC should be as open with information as possible and transparent in explaining the processes the Commission uses to make decisions. Because he believes public involvement strengthens the formulation of public policy, Jaczko has encouraged all stakeholders – including licensees, vendors, state and local governments, interest groups, and the general public – to participate in NRC policy-making efforts. Jaczko has also worked to achieve a common safety and security culture. He has specifically focused his attention on the security of nuclear power plants, emergency preparedness, and the safe use of radioactive sources. Jaczko's professional career has been devoted to science and its use and impact in the public policy arena. Immediately prior to assuming the post of Commissioner, Jaczko served as appropriations director for United States Senator Harry Reid and had also served as the Senator's science policy advisor. Previously, he advised members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on nuclear policy and other scientific matters, and worked as a congressional science fellow in the office of United States Representative Edward Markey. In addition, he has been an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, teaching science and policy. Originally from upstate New York, Jaczko earned a bachelor's degree in physics and philosophy from Cornell University and a doctorate in physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Karen Handel's Statement on Governor's Decision to Veto the “JOBS Bill”

I am disappointed in Governor Perdue’s decision to veto HB 481.

While I appreciate the Governor’s position that the tax cuts included in the bill would have made balancing our state budget even more difficult, I believe that the economic benefits to our state would have outweighed these concerns. Now is the time for us to cut taxes in order to help grow jobs and ignite our economy.

The capital gains tax cut seemed particularly problematic for the Governor, and I do share some of his concerns about the timing and lack of immediate relief it will offer. That being said, cutting the capital gains tax has been a cornerstone of Republican economic policy for decades, and I believe we must seize on any opportunity to cut these job-killing taxes.

I supported this legislation, worked with its sponsors to develop it, and would have signed it. The Governor does, however, make a very valid point that a comprehensive tax-cutting policy – rather than piecemeal legislation – is very much needed. Had a comprehensive plan, developed with input from county and city officials, been presented this year, I believe the Governor would have been more likely to sign such legislation.

As Governor, I will work closely and collaboratively with our county and city elected officials, as well as the Legislature, to develop and enact a comprehensive overhaul of Georgia’s tax structure.
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Secretary Hilda L. Solis Unveils U.S. Department of Labor’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2010

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today, through a national online discussion with stakeholder groups, the general public and the news media, will outline the president’s fiscal year (FY) 2010 budget for the U.S. Department of Labor, which begins to restore worker protection programs and revitalize employment opportunities for the American workforce.

“The president’s budget launches new and innovative ways to promote economic recovery and the competitiveness of our nation’s workers,” said Secretary Solis. “At the same time, the budget reflects our effort to invest in what works and cut or reduce programs that do not. The budget is transparent, and we are accountable to the American public.”

The budget, for instance, ends the Work Incentive Grants program, saving $17 million. This demonstration program has accomplished its mission, and the lessons learned are being incorporated into other programs. Building on the best practices developed under the Work Incentive Grants, the budget boosts funding for the department’s Office of Disability Employment Policy to facilitate the employment and advancement of individuals with disabilities.

It is with this fiscally responsible approach that the Labor Department’s FY 2010 budget builds on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), restoring worker protection programs; promoting an inclusive, green recovery; and ensuring accountability and transparency.

The budget requests $104.5 billion, with the majority to be used for unemployment insurance benefits for displaced workers and federal workers’ compensation. The discretionary request of $13.3 billion allocates $1.7 billion for worker protection programs, a 10 percent increase over the prior year’s budget.

Under this budget, the Labor Department expects to hire nearly 1,000 new employees, including about 670 investigators, restoring worker protection staffing to FY 2001 levels. For example, the FY 2010 budget asks for $564 million for the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which is $51 million (10 percent) more than that agency received in FY 2009. With this funding, the Labor Department plans to hire 160 new enforcement staff, many of whom will be bilingual to communicate with staff in the changing workplace. Also, the department’s Wage and Hour Division will receive $228 million, an increase of $35 million from the prior year, including funding to hire 200 new investigators. With these increases, Labor’s worker protection agencies will be able to vigorously protect wages and working conditions of the 135 million workers in more than 7.3 million workplaces.

The Labor Department is receiving $38.3 billion under the Recovery Act to assist unemployed workers and provide more training and employment opportunities to seniors, the unemployed and underserved populations.

For employment and training programs, the budget provides $9 billion, including $50 million for green jobs training initiatives. The Department of Labor will use $500 million from the Recovery Act for competitive grants to train workers for green jobs.

Because community colleges and educational institutions are often the basis for successful careers, the Labor Department will use $135 million for the Career Pathways Innovation Fund, which will help people to advance in the workplace. Another $50 million will be used to test transitional job programs, which help individuals with severe employment barriers gain the skills and experience they need to find unsubsidized jobs. Finally, $114 million is requested for Youth Build, which gives low-income and at-risk youth the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma or GED and learn construction job skills, while serving their communities by building affordable housing.

For veterans, the budget provides $255 million (a six percent increase) to reach an additional 7,200 homeless veterans, particularly women veterans; provide green jobs training; and expand access to employment workshops for service members and their families who are transitioning to the civilian workforce.

The budget provides $12 million for evaluation of job training programs, a 68 percent increase, and provides $5 million for a new department-wide evaluation initiative. The additional funding will support rigorous evaluations to determine which programs and interventions work and inform the department’s policy, management and resource allocation decisions.

For more information on the president’s 2010 budget for the Department of Labor, visit http://www.dol.gov.
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Chambliss Statement on Administration's Plan to Slash Key AG Programs

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Ranking Republican Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, today released the following statement regarding President Obama’s proposed fiscal year (FY) 2010 budget request, calling for additional cuts to key agriculture programs:

“When the Administration outlined its budget proposal earlier this year, I was greatly concerned, particularly with items pertaining to agriculture and our current farm safety net. It seems as if the extra time taken to put together a more detailed budget has been utterly wasted. The President’s proposed budget request still includes the same ill-advised cuts to the farm safety net without a serious attempt to trim back the bloated federal budget and reduce our national debt. While on the surface some of the proposed savings seem reasonable to those who don’t understand the economics of farming, most are simply misguided recycled gimmicks from previous years. This Administration promised change, and yet they offer the same agriculture proposals previously rejected. Time and time again, we have seen the Administration unfairly target agriculture programs to achieve savings and completely discount the hardworking men and woman that rely on these programs for their livelihood.

“Agriculture is not the problem in the budget. Agriculture spending represents less than one percent of the federal budget, yet we are constantly under attack. When we reauthorized the farm bill, we paid for it. This Administration recklessly spends billions to trillions of dollars, none of which are paid for, and then looks at the one area of the budget where we have been fiscally responsible to cut. I am not certain how this President can justify slashing agriculture one day to appear fiscally responsible, and then spew out billions of dollars to ‘distressed industries’ and programs the Administration views as more worthy the next. The American taxpayer deserves better.

“Americans are worried that this new level of massive debt will be passed down to their children and grandchildren. I simply cannot in good conscious support this President’s budget.”
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Three Strikes: Is Sebelius Out?

PAC Letter Shows Another Failure to Disclose Money Connections to George Tiller

Family Research Council (FRC) has obtained a copy of a 2002 fundraising letter from late-term abortionist George R. Tiller in which he claims that he personally contributed $200,000 to ProKanDo, a political action committee (PAC) dedicated to defeating Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius's pro-life opponent. Dr. Tiller's PAC receives funding not only from his own clinic but from other late-term abortionists from across the nation.

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins released the following statement responding to this latest revelation, which follows an admission of tax problems by the nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services and a failure to report more than $23,000 in direct campaign contributions from Dr. Tiller.

"The revelation that Gov. Sebelius owed back taxes and now the additional disclosure of her deep financial ties to the abortion industry invite a serious question about her integrity. What else has she not told us? What else remains in Gov. Sebelius's closet? What other alliances are there? What other political contributions may have influenced her decisions as governor?

"She pocketed money from one of the most infamous abortion clinics in the nation then shortly there after vetoed legislation that would require abortion clinics to meet minimal safety standards. This appears to be a deadly political payback, one that compromises her ability to carry out her duty to run the federal government's largest agency.

"HHS addresses every facet of Americans' health and well-being, from drug approvals and leading-edge medical research to food safety and disease prevention. If we can't trust Gov. Sebelius to be open and honest about her money connections, how we can trust her to administer and improve our health care system?

"We urge President Obama to withdraw this nomination and fulfill his campaign promises of establishing an ethical Administration and uniting citizens around common goals. We also urge the U.S. Senate to reject this nomination and make clear that the American people expect a nominee who upholds strong ethical standards and has a record of accountability.

"We will include the vote on Kathleen Sebelius's nomination in our annual Vote Scorecard which tracks votes in Congress critical to the family."
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Message from Casey Cagle

Cagle announced yesterday that he was dropping out of the race for Georgia Governor. He will be running for Lt. Governor. Here is one statement he made regarding the move:

As you may already know, last year I filed paperwork to run for governor. I have experienced pain in my back and neck for years, but during this past legislative session, the pain worsened. At times my arm was numb and the pain spread. Therefore, as part of preparing to run, I visited my physician. That doctor's appointment significantly changed the way my life will look for the next several months.

I've been diagnosed with serious muscle and bone problems and a degenerative spinal condition. It may be hereditary, or it may be the result of an old injury, but the unfortunate reality is that it requires immediate surgery to treat.

While I feel a deep obligation to Georgia's future, I also have a strong sense of duty to my family. Georgia needs a strong governor, but Nita and my three boys also need a dad who can provide for them well into the future.

The only way I can balance both obligations is to make the difficult decision to end our campaign for governor. I expect to make a full recovery by next year's legislative session and intend to campaign vigorously for reelection to the office of Lt. Governor at the appropriate time.

Together, we have accomplished great things, and it's an honor to have been considered for this opportunity by so many Georgians. I pledge to continue working with you to achieve our goals for Georgia, and hope I can count on your continued support.

For Georgia,

Casey Cagle
Lieutenant Governor
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