April 2008

Insider Exclusive: New Dome Fees A Back-Door Ticket Increase For Falcons; 4/30/08
Dome officials tell top lawmaker "escalator" for premium tickets designed to pump money into football team

Oxendine: Massive Auto Rate Hikes Would Follow Governor's Signature On Bill; 4/30/08
Some could see spikes of more than 60 percent, regulator says

Cardwell Enters Senate Race With Jabs At Martin, Jones; 4/30/08
He's third Dem in race for chance to take on Sen. Saxby Cambliss

Guest Column - Sen. Chip Rogers: Don't Gloss Over '08 Session's Achievements; 4/30/08
Thankfully, the naysayers do not write history

Dick Yarbrough: Never Underestimate Grassroots Groups; 4/30/08
Take Jekyll Island group seriously

Perdue Numbers Remain High; State Lawmakers Could Face Some Volatility At Polls; 4/29/08
The latest Georgia Political Survey from InsiderAdvantage / Majority Opinion Research

Matt Towery: Congress Center And Falcons Pull A Fast One; 4/29/08
Suckers stuck on "escalator" at the Dome

Vernon Jones Enters Senate Race With Smackdown Of Jim Martin; 4/29/08
Martin a liberal loser, he says

Insider Polling: Georgians Pan Delta Exec's Pay; 4/29/08
68 percent disapprove

Will Candidates' Military Records Be Issue In Senate Race? 4/29/08
Georgia's premier political contest of this election year is underway

Qualifying Odds And Ends - And Robocalls; 4/28/08
Incumbents, challengers race to Capitol on first day to sign up for elections

Walter C. Jones: Scandals Need To Be Kept In Perspective; 4/28/08
They get the public's interest but they aren't all created equal

Bubba McDonald Will Run For Old Seat On PSC; 4/28/08
Lost post six years ago to Angela Speir, Who Is Not Seeking Re-Election

Who Might Replace Speir On PSC? A Look At Some Names; 4/25/08
Commissioner announced Thursday she won't seek re-election

Watch For Potential Shockers As Qualifying Begins; 4/25/08
Will key House leaders face primary opposition?

Merger Proposal Takes Beating In D.C.; 4/25/08
Politicians sharpen their knives

Is Delta Blind To Possible Merger Risks For Political Allies? 4/24/08
For political leaders to suffer because of airline's ignorance would be a shame

James Magazine Honors Georgians Of The Year; 4/24/08
Johnny Isakson, Eric Johnson, Earl Ehrhart among honorees

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Biased Media Stung Again By Clinton Win; 4/24/08
Now that rose-colored glasses have been temporarily knocked off, let's get some facts straight

Insider Polls A Winner This Election Season; 4/23/08
Just check the stats at RealClearPolitics

Guest Column - Eric Johnson: Why T-SPLOST Failed In The Senate; 4/23/08
Contrary to reports, governor's opposition wasn't a factor with some, Senate leader says

Dick Yarbrough: The Man From Plains Has Outdone Himself This Time; 4/23/08
What are we going to do with Jimmy Carter, columnist asks

Abraham: No Wrongdoing In DOT Shortfall; 4/23/08
She meets with lawmakers after dizzying week of developments

Final IA Poll Of Pennsylvania Shows Clinton Holding The Lead With Margin Narrowing; 4/22/08
Clinton 49, Obama 42 in overnight results

Abraham Keeps DOT Post With Written Reprimand From Board; 4/22/08
Says she's ready to move forward

Insider Editorial: Gena Abraham Should Remain At DOT Post; 4/21/08
State can't afford to stop the reform process she's started

ACVB Posts 'Questionable' Survey; 4/21/08
Might be correct but scientifically worthless, says Insider's Towery

On Background: Was It Too Much, Too Soon For GOP? 4/21/08
Disasters just keep on keeping on for majority party

Walter C. Jones: Warning, Guys, The Voters 'Get' It; 4/21/08
Secretary of State Karen Handel speaks out

AJC: Somebody's Doing A Push-Poll On Glenn Richardson In His Legislative District; 4/21/08
Paulding County voters got calls last week

Perdue, Cagle Want Abraham To Stay; 4/18/08
"I do still have confidence," Perdue says of DOT Commissioner

New Turmoil At DOT Threatens Reforms; 4/17/08
Chairman Mike Evans resigns, citing relationship with DOT commissioner

Fur Flies Between Broun, Fleming In 10th District Race; 4/17/08
Broun wants to make Speaker Glenn Richardson an issue

On Background: The Ox And What It Means; 4/17/08
Deja vu all over again? Maybe. Maybe not

Ox Buzz: Who's Lining Up To Replace Oxendine, If He Runs? 4/17/08
Speculation has begun on candidates for insurance commissioner's job

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: End Withholding; Let Buffet, Gates Pay The Difference; 4/17/08
Musings during tax week

House, Senate Transportation Chairmen Will Try Again Next Year For New Transportation Funding; 4/16/08
Meanwhile, Georgia Chamber isn't on board with effort to dump lawmakers who voted against tax

Sen. David Shafer From The Scene On The Pope's Visit To D.C.; 4/16/08
Shafer was among several elected officials at the White House for historic visit

Eric Johnson Will Seek Another Term; 4/16/08
Announces decision in his Savannah district

Insider Ahead: Oxendine Gearing-Up For 2010 Gubernatorial Bid; 4/16/08
Insider readers got the first word

College Tuition Will Rise 8% For Entering Freshmen This Fall; 4/16/08
Hike set by Board of Regents

Dick Yarbrough: Atlanta Doctor Gives Back To A Country That Has Given Him Much; 4/16/08
What did you do on 9/11/2001? Here's what Randy Rizor did

The '08 Session: Nobody Looked Good; 4/15/08
The bad reviews just keep on a-coming

Democratic Presidential Primary Was Majority-Black For First Time; 4/15/08
In historic first, 55 percent of Democratic voters in February sweepstakes were black

Georgia State Lawmaker Invited To D.C. To Greet Pope; 4/15/08
Rep. Calvin Smyre, president of National Black Caucus of State Legislators, was invited by President Bush

Jim Martin Reports Raising $350,000 For Senate Bid In Two Weeks; 4/15/08
Latest Democratic challenger to Chambliss announced just two weeks before reporting period ended

Campaigning Begins For Judgeship In Troubled Circuit; 4/15/08
Cook County attorney will try for seat held by embattled Judge Brooks Blitch

On Background: Trends, Glenn Richardson And More; 4/14/08
Odds and ends from the '08 session

Walter C. Jones: To Some, The '08 Glass Was Half Full; 4/14/08
Some got what they wanted

T-SPLOST Opponents May Face Business Backlash; 4/14/08
Angry business community ready to bankroll challengers this year

State Your Point - An Online Debate: Was It A Do-Little Session? 4/14/08
Yes, says Albany Herald editorial board; No, says Rep. Richard Royal

Corruption Probe Widening Under Dome? 4/11/08
As many as 15 federal agents assigned to probe, Insider has learned

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Rino Rage; 4/11/08
A test for all 'real Republicans'

Former Sen. Randy Hall Confirmed As Federal Judge; 4/11/08
Will replace B. Avant Edenfield on Southern District bench

Schaefer Out Of 10th District Congressional Race; 4/11/08
Press release cites her husband's health

Perdue: A Bad Smell At Dot, Problem In Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars; 4/10/08
Governor wants "forensic" audit of agency

Perdue, With Richardson And Cagle In Tow, Attempts To Put A Better Spin On '08 Session; 4/10/08
Despite the fights and name-calling, key policy decisions were made, he says

Honeycutt Will Reprise Challenge To Scott In 13th District; 4/9/08
Republican doctor battled Democratic incumbent two years ago

A Tradition Falls By The Wayside On Final, Fitful Night; 4/9/08
House goes home while Senate soldiers on

Dick Yarbrough: Republicans Proving To Be More Cantankerous Than Junkyard Dogs; 4/9/08
Dems were never this much fun to write about

On Background: Courtesy Not Entirely A Lost Art Under Gold Dome; 4/8/08
If you think it's all table-pounding and name-calling, that's not entirely the case

One More Appeal For Former Senate Majority Leader? 4/8/08
Charles Walker has until Friday to make a final plea

Johnson: 'Inexcusable' Some Form Of Tax Relief Didn't Pass; 4/8/08
But failure of T-SPLOST may prove blessing in disguise

Guest Column - Eric Johnson: There Actually Were Some Winners in '08 Session; 4/8/08
Despite the sine die headlines, there were some positive results

What Passed And What Didn't; 4/7/08
Final status of some of the key measures before the 2008 Legislature

On Background: Deja Vu All Over Again; 4/7/08
'08 session ends with rancor, same as '07

Walter C. Jones: Who's The Real Conservative? 4/7/08
Was it Richardson, Cagle or Perdue?

Insider Editorial: How To Fix A Broken Government; 4/5/08
Maybe there are a few things they can do

A Ragged Ending For A Session That Promised Much And Didn't Deliver; 4/5/08
Major initiatives go down the tubes, top leaders point finger of blame at each other

Richardson: Tax Reform Dead; Georgians Should Blame Cagle; 4/4/08
With sound clip and Cagle response

Road Tax Dies In Final Minutes; 4/4/08
Constitutional amendment clears House, fails in Senate

Expanded Parking Lot Guns Bill A Done Deal; 4/4/08
Now headed to governor

Lawmakers Complete Work On '09 Budget, Now Headed To Governor; 4/4/08
Compromise easily clears both chambers

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Pennsylvania Could Be Straw That Breaks Clinton's Back; 4/3/08
National commentary on the latest InsiderAdvantage poll

Johnson: Road Tax May Fail If Tax Relief Can't Be Settled; 4/3/08
Cagle limits options in efforts to resolve tax question

State Tax Collections Down $20 Million In March; 4/3/08
Word comes as lawmakers try to wrap up budget work ahead of Friday's sine die

House Leaders: Cagle Thwarting Tax Relief; 4/3/08
Cagle spokeswoman: angry press conferences don't move the ball forward

More Twists For Gun Bill Than Spiraling Bullet; 4/3/08
True to its extensive history, nothing is easy as gun bill proxy hits Senate floor

Legislative Summary: Day 39; 4/2/08
Summary of key action on the Georgia Legislature's next-to-last day

Road Block For Transportation Tax Effort? 4/2/08
Maybe not. Advocates see progress.

Jekyll Developer Bows To Public Pressure; 4/2/08
Half-mile stretch of beach will be greenspace

What's Germane And What Isn't Depends On Who's Presiding; 4/2/08
Lingering controversy - mainly in House - over Cagle's call on House tax bill Tuesday night

Dick Yarbrough: Don't Blame Hillary Or Me - We Just Need Our Sleep; 4/2/08
Columnist: My story makes more sense than the one about dodging bullets in Bosnia

Legislative Summary: Day 38; 4/1/08
Summary of some major action Tuesday in the Georgia Legislature

Transportation Tax Effort Takes a New Bounce; 4/1/08
Several weeks ago they said they were close to agreement; now it's clear they're not

Former Gov. Roy Barnes Figures In House Debate Over Lending Procedures; 4/1/08
But Democrat gets no love in Republican-controlled House

Merlot To Go Has Gone - To The Governor; 4/1/08
Restaurant patrons could get open bottles re-corked, take them home

Transparency Bill Clears House - Again; 4/1/08
Was vetoed last year by the governor

Hope For Jekyll Bills Fading; 4/1/08
Cagle swats down latest effort to protect beach

March 2008

Informal Tax Relief Offer Rejected By Senate Leaders; 3/31/08
Proposal included House tag tax cut and Senate spending limits for government, but no income tax reduction

Legislative Summary: Day 37; 3/31/08
Some key developments Monday in the Georgia Legislature

Senate Keeps $10 Tag Fee for Trauma Care On Front Burner; 3/31/08
Was part of Speaker's tax reform proposal; now, Senate has put it on a separate bill headed back to House

CON Revision Back Before Legislature With 4 Days Remaining In Session; 3/31/08
Cancer hospital bill is amended to incorporate broader changes to CON law

Linder Picks Up Democratic Challenger; 3/31/08
West Pointer, former Green Beret announces challenge for the 7th District seat

On Background: Suddenly, Democrats Are Relevant Again Under Gold Dome; 3/31/08
Their votes were key to success for Republican majority on two major tax measures

Walter C. Jones: With The Legislature Ending, Governor Is 12 Time Zones Away; 3/31/08
First time in memory governor's been out of town - let alone out of country - for curtain-closing struggles

State Your Point - An Online Debate: Tax Incentives For High-Deductible Health Policies; 3/31/08
Should lawmakers approve HB 977? Here are some of the yeas and the nays

Guest Editorial - Sen. Eric Johnson: Time To Help Children In Failing Schools; 3/31/08
Clayton County schools situation is a disaster the state must help fix

Guest Editorial - Rep. Roger Williams: Let Georgia Join The Nation On Sunday Sales; 3/31/08
House chairman offers the other side in answer to governor's editorial against Sunday sales

Before Heading To China, Perdue Signs Bill Broadening Legislative Checks Over Agency Rules; 3/31/08
Challenged rules would have to be suspended until next session of General Assembly

Voucher Bill Touches Off Avalance Of E-Mails, Calls; Johnson Says Furor Is Based On Misunderstanding; 3/28/08
Schools could turn away students trying to transfer from systems which lose accreditation, he says

Conference Team On Road Tax Includes Two Democrats; 3/28/08
Smyre: "I've served on many a conference committee - but not in quite a while"

Senate OKs Alternate Plan To Cut Income Tax; Sets Stage For Session-Ending Policy Clash; 3/28/08
National Taxpayers Union, Americans for Tax Reform put support behind Cagle tax package

Legislative Summary: Day 36; 3/28/08
Summary of some key action Friday in the Georgia Legislature

Local Option Sales Tax For Roads Clears House; 3/28/08
Issue now goes to House-Senate conference committee

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Will McCain Be Given The Bob Dole Treatment? 3/28/08
One potential obstacle: will he be 'helped' as Dole was?

Perdue Pens Editorial Against Sunday Sales; 3/28/08
Will do more harm than good, he argues

Special Election Set For May 13 For Former Rep. Sailor's Seat; 3/27/08
Perdue issues election writ

Legislature Will Shut The Doors On 08 Session On Friday, April 4; 3/27/08
Adjournment resolution approved in both chambers

Legislative Summary: Day 35; 3/27/08
Summary of some key action in the Georgia Legislature Thursday

Perdue Pitches Budget Restraint To Senate In Private Meeting; 3/27/08
Cagle agrees with governor's view of House budget, but not on same page with him on tax cut

Analysis: Parsing The Polls On Transportation Tax Hike; 3/27/08
Matt Towery on what the polls do - and do not - mean

Guest Editorial - George Israel: Georgia Needs Action Now On Transportation Improvements Tax; 3/27/08
Georgia Chamber president says action needed now to do what should have been done a decade ago

Key Tax Question: Whose Plan Does More?; 3/27/08
A central point of debate between House and Senate

Voucher Bill For Kids In Schools That Lose Accreditation Clears House Committee; 3/27/08
Amendment allows other school systems to reject them if they lack space

Former Rep. Kil Townsend, Georgia GOP Pioneer, Dead At 89; 3/26/08
Elected to House in 1965, served until 1992

Dick Yarbrough: In Water Wars, No Good Deed Goes Unpunished; 3/26/08
Alas, we have ungrateful neighbors, columnist writes

President Pro Tem Says He's Confident Some Tax Relief Will Pass; 3/26/08
Not so sure about transportation tax

Perdue Signs Bill To Allow Vote On Cityhood For Dunwoody; 3/25/08
Balloting expected to be set for July 15

On Background: Leaner Budget a Result Of Last Year's House-Senate Fight? 3/25/08
Some think big blow-up may have played a role

Matt Towery: CBS Obama Poll Misleading, Flawed, Biased; 3/25/08
Methodology produced desired outcome

Profile In Courage Award This Year Skips Two Georgia Nominees; 3/25/08
Goes, instead, to Secretaries of State in California, Ohio

On Background: Is There An End Game? 3/24/08
With so much still hanging, does anybody have a strategy for the Legislature's wind up?

Walter C. Jones: Senate Race Getting Crowded on Dem Side; 3/24/08
Experts say Saxby's almost a lock, but Democrats seem to think there's an opportunity there

Short Stops: Our Own Dick Pettys Honored ... Who's Wearing A Wire? ... Isakson Hailed In High Places; 3/24/08
Quick hits on some items of note from the past week

'Choice' A Watchword Of Republicans During '07-'08 Term; 3/24/08
A look at key education measures that passed or are pending as term winds down

One Slick Move Begets Another In Budget Skirmishing; 3/21/08
Not waiting even 24 hours, Perdue signs midyear budget

Close Committee Vote May Put Jekyll Protections Back On Agenda; 3/21/08
Amended measure still faces significant hurdles

Transportation Tax Proposal Under Fire From Governor; 3/20/08
For lawmakers to consider tax cut and tax increase is silly, he says

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: It's Not About Gender Anymore; 3/20/08
Race trumps gender in this year's campaign

Legislative Summary: Day 34; 3/20/08
Developments Thursday in the Georgia Legislature

Perdue Warns Lawmakers: Time To Stop Playing Politics With Tax Cuts; 3/20/08
Meanwhile, Senate moves its income tax cut proposal forward

Chambliss Draws Crowd At Capitol For Re-Elect Announcement Tour - And Picks Up New Dem Challenger; 3/19/08
Former Rep. Jim Martin throws hat in ring

Legislative Summary: Day 33; 3/19/08
Summary of major action in the Legislature Wednesday

Budget Negotiators Reach Compromise On Midyear Budget; 3/19/08
Deals struck on low-wealth school funding, public defenders

Source: A Lawmaker Wore A Wire For The Past Year; 3/19/08
Corruption probe brought to light by Sailor case may be wider than supposed

Insider Poll: 80% Of Georgians Oppose Bill To Cut Insurance Commissioner Out Of Auto Rate Picture; 3/19/08
Survey of over 400 Georgians shows only 8 percent favor proposal, now before the governor

Dick Yarbrough: We All Lose When Media And Politicians Get Cozy; 3/19/08
Information is currency and media and politicians trade it out of sight of the public

Cagle Rolls Out Alternate Plan For Tax Cut: Reduce Income Tax Rates Percent; 3/19/08
House leader brands it "poison pill" that could scuttle tax relief for the session

Regents Got Unauthorized Reimbursements; 3/19/08
Board members were reimbursed for hotel stays and drew separate per diem intended to help cover those costs

NRA Launches Postcard Campaign Against Senate In Bid To Force Gun Bill Vote; 3/18/08
80,000 pieces in the mail for what gun group says is most important reform in 20 years

Legislative Summary: Day 32; 3/18/08
Summary of key developments Tuesday in the Georgia Legislature

Rising Fuel Costs Spark Delta Cuts; 3/18/08
Company offering voluntary buyouts, initiating other steps

Another Sign Things Are Getting Testy Under Gold Dome; 3/18/08
Ehrhart sends "subtle" message to Cagle: get moving on veto overrides

Transportation Funding Measure Too Much An Atlanta Bill? 3/18/08
May have tough time without a fix, some argue

On Background By Dick Pettys: There They Go Again; 3/17/08
Bickering under Gold Dome looks like 2007 all over again

Walter C. Jones: Intrigue Over The Sunday Suds Bill; 3/17/08
It's sort of like watching a baseball game

Storm Damage To Downtown Could Complicate State Finances; 3/15/08
May throw new complication into budget debate

Tornado Hits Downtown Atlanta; 3/14/08
Thousands attending events but no reports of fatalities

Speaker Questions Governor's Stand On Sunday Sales; 3/14/08
Says House will seek to override if it should pass and if governor vetoes it

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Federal Cash Cow Out Of Milk; 3/14/08
Quick bipartisan work needed to save the American economy

Meltdown Ahead Under Gold Dome? 3/14/08
Governor, lieutenant governor throw one-two punch at House-passed plan to ax the tag tax

Perdue: Buy Your Alcohol Any Day But Sunday; 3/14/08
Opposes Sunday sales measure, chastizes House committee for amendment

House Committee Moves The Ball Forward On Possible Transportation Funding Compromise; 3/13/08
Proposed constitutional amendment wins approval after 3 hour-plus session

Sunday Sales Bill Loose In The General Assembly; 3/13/08
Measure is amended onto Gwinnett County stadium bill

Legislative Summary: Day 31; 3/12/08
A little dust-up in the Senate, a little smack-talk from the House

House Gearing Up To Use Weekend GOP Conventions To Push Senate To Pass Tax Plan; 3/12/08
House majority leader says lieutenant governor's comment on measure reminds him of Clinton administration language

Short Stops By Gary Reese: Poll Shows Georgians Wary Of Insurance Change That Sped Through Legislature; 3/12/08
Also, here's how Bush/Cheney can help with the Georgia media next time - - stay away

Its Comeback Story Of The Session As Richardson's Tax Relief Plan Clears House; 3/12/08
Ball now in Senate's court after sailing through House with bipartisan support

Dick Yarbrough: Where Have All The Reliable Targets Gone? 3/12/08
The current crop of newsmakers just isn't as much fun, columnist says

Perdue: Not The Best Time To Ax The Tag Tax; 3/11/08
"Easy to pass legislation ...(but) I have to make the budget balance"

BRIDGE Plan Clears House; 3/11/08
Measure aims at dropouts by encouraging systems to offer mix of academics and job training

Eric Johnson: Budget Problems May Delay Close Of Session; 3/11/08
Now no earlier than Saturday, April 5, but it's possible to go into following week, he says

Legislative Summary: Day 30; 3/11/08
Summary of some key developments on "Crossover Day" as of 6 p.m.

Perdue Pitches Curve To Legislative Budget Writers; 3/11/08
Cuts revenue estimates in anticipation of softening economy

Tom Baxter: Cheney Can Still Pack A House, But Even Among Loyalists There Are Signs Of Fatigue; 3/11/08
Vice President helps Georgia Republicans raise $1 million at annual President's Day

Dick Yarbrough: Jekyll Redevelopment Should Be Of Interest To All; 3/11/08
No question this crown jewell needs a facelift; stopping development not the answer, columnist says

Supreme Court Upholds Expert Witness Provision Of 2005 Tort Reform Law; 3/11/08
Overturns Cobb County decision which held it was unconstitutional

House Sets Meeting On Gun Bill; Question Is, Will Senate Show Up? 3/10/08
Time to get moving, House sponsor says

Matt Towery: Florida And Michigan Delegate Selection Problem May Be Headed For Solution; 3/10/08
But will it benefit Clinton as much as some assume?

A Preview Of Crossover Day: This May Be Last Chance For Some Measures; 3/10/08
Tuesday is a critical day in the Georgia Legislature

On Background By Dick Pettys: Winning and Losing and Glenn Richardson; 3/10/08
How's his grip on the gavel following defeat of tax reform plan?

Walter C. Jones: Business Finding Partners With Intersecting Interests; 3/10/08
Republican control, alone, wasn't the key for business success

Watch For Gun Bill To Move Back Into The News Next Week; 3/7/08
Advocates ready to mount new push

A Preview Of James Magazine's Upcoming Hospital Reputation Poll; 3/7/08
The Insider polling unit gets turned loose to gauge opinion of key sectors of the Georgia economy

Transportation Coalition Ramps Up Effort To Get Something Moving On Funding Source; 3/7/08
Compromise is near, key committee chairmen say

Oxendine Rips 'Back-Room Deal' On Insurance Bill; 3/7/08
Backers say it modernizes rate structure

Failure Of Tax Reform Plan Leaves Trauma System Funding In Limbo; 3/7/08
Speaker's reform measure was best chance to fix it, Republicans say; Dems disagree

Obama Backers Want McCain To Repudiate Pastor's Endorsement; 3/6/08
Dems issue call as GOP nominee comes to Atlanta

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: McCain Must Seize Economic Issue While Dems Fight On; 3/6/08
He shouldn't take a holiday while Clinton, Obama continue to lock horns

10 Votes Short ... Let The Fall Campaigns Begin! 3/6/08
Speaker's tax reform plan falls short in party-line vote

Eric Johnson's Voucher Bill Switched To An Unusual Track In The House; 3/6/08
Mischief afoot? Just the opposite, House sources say

House Gives Unanimous OK To Timber Tax Bill; 3/6/08
Measure would tax timber on current use, not on development potential

Legislative Summary: Day 29; 3/6/08
A summary of some key developments in the Georgia Legislature Thursday

Governor's Budget Would Eliminate Augusta Project And House Budget Writers Want To Know Why; 3/6/08
Budget chairman says he's looking for ways to restore Fort Discovery money

Tax Debate Play-By-Play; 3/5/08
A real-time blog of developments as they happened

Legislative Summary: Day 28; 3/5/08
Some of the major developments in the Georgia Legislature Wednesday

Hillary Bounces Back; Insider Poll Was First To Show Texas Race Tightening; 3/5/08
Florida remains ultimate issue for Democrats

Tax Reform Bill Heads For House Showdown; 3/5/08
Big question is, what will Democrats do?

House OKs Bill To Rein-In Public Defender Program; 3/4/08
Measure was largely prompted by outrage over Brian Nichols case

Immigration Protest To Greet McCain At Atlanta Rally; 3/4/08
Anti-illegal immigration activist D.A. King organizing demonstration for Thursday event

Legislative Summary: Day 27; 3/4/08
Summary of key action Tuesday in the Georgia Legislature

Schaefer Makes It Official: She's Running For Congress; 3/4/08
State senator will seek post now held by Congressman Paul Broun; House Whip Barry Fleming also seeking job

Insider Polling: Clinton May Be Stronger In Texas Than Her Own Campaign Realizes; 3/4/08
Our latest poll puts her in the lead in Lone Star State

Gary Reese: We Smell A Possible Arrangement In Proposed Florida Re-Vote For Dems; 3/3/08
What's Charlie Crist up to? Does it help his veep chances?

Georgia Gets A Top Grade In Latest Survey Of How State's Are Managed; 3/3/08
Only three states score higher, none in Southeast

Vance Smith: Statewide Tax Hike For Transportation Won't Fly; 3/3/08
Says he's now working on regional, local option approach

Sonny Neutral No Longer, Now In McCain Camp; 3/3/08
Joins five other governors in endorsing presumptive GOP nominee

Sen. Kasim Reed Cranks Up Operation For '09 Atlanta Mayoral Race; 3/3/08
He managed both of Mayor Shirley Franklin's campaigns

On Background: Odds & Ends From A Session That Hasn't Followed The Script; 3/3/08
The Legislature's own Will Rogers, the GREAT plan, and the gun bill

Walter C. Jones: The Fight To Pass - And Block - Tax Reform; 3/3/08
Watch for serious logrolling over next few days as showdown vote nears

Cardwell Wants To Debate Jones; 3/3/08
Issues to include why Jones twice voted for Bush rather than his own party's candidate

February 2008

Democrats Smack Speaker's Tax Reform Plan; 2/29/08
It's a heavy blow, but he says he's not giving up

DOT Said To Be Halting Work On 150 Projects; 2/29/08
Fast Foward program getting scaled-back?

Legislature: Budget's At An Impasse And Schedule's Up In The Air; 2/29/08
What else would we expect at this time of year?

Legislative Summary: Day 26; 2/29/08
Summary of key developments in the Georgia Legislature Friday

Nancy Schaefer Ready To Throw Hat In Ring For 10th District Race? 2/28/08
Could split portion of religious vote away from incumbent Paul Broun

'Dirt And Politics' Report Still Stirring Buzz Under Gold dome; 2/28/08
Report questions whether DOT chairman got a break for supporting governor's choice in DOT commissioner race

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: A Cautionary Note For Obama, McCain; 2/28/08
The real vetting will come sooner or later, and Jimmy Carter's a classic example of how harsh it gets

Legislative Summary: Day 25; 2/28/08
Tax plan hits roadblock, immigrant car-seizure bill clears House, more

Georgia Economy Won't Slide Into Recession; 2/28/08
But look for s-l-o-w growth

An Emotional Debate In A Hushed Chamber Carries Day For Cancer Hospital Bill; 2/27/08
Sen. Eric Johnson: a rare case where fight was won on the floor.

WSB-TV: Now It's Official - Lewis Is Switching To Obama; 2/27/08
Congressman confirms switch to anchor during meeting in D.C.

Legislative Summary: Day 24; 2/27/08
Summary of key action in the Georgia Legislature Wednesday

Tax Reform Opponents Flood Capitol; 2/27/08
Dems nix idea their caucus will support Speaker's plan

Twin Girls For Rob And Heather Teilhet; 2/26/08
Mom and babies health and resting

Alcohol Bills Clear Senate Amid Predictions One Will Return As Full-Blown Sunday Sales Measure; 2/26/08
Amendment isn't offered in Senate but there are broad hints bill will be expanded before it returns

Legislative Summary: Day 23; 2/26/08
English language amendment misses mark in House, voucher bill clears Senate committee

Campaign News: Fleming Names County Chairs; Habersham Commissioner Announces Legislative Bid; 2/26/08
Political news from around Georgia Tuesday

Budget Negotiations Underway In Legislature Lack Last Year's Fireworks; 2/25/08
Fewer differences, but negotiations may be no less tricky

Order In The Court -- Or Maybe Not; 2/26/08
Georgia Supreme Court ruling may alter contempt findings

Backers Of Sunday Alcohol Sales Launch Website To Urge Legislative Vote; 2/25/08
Related bills in Senate on Tuesday are potential vehicles

Half-Way Home But A Long Way To Go For Georgia Lawmakers; 2/25/08
For the first half of the session, the past was prologue

GOP Senators Divided Over Whether Competition Is Good For Health Care Industry; 2/25/08
A seemingly simple question has put Republican senators in conflict with one another

An Alarmed Gov. Perdue Outlines Steps State Will Take To Avert Clayton Schools Accreditation Loss; 2/22/08
"It's not something that we can allow to happen"

Here's How Georgia's Democratic Delegates To Convention Are Apportioned; 2/22/08
Obama 60, Clinton 27

Legislative Summary: Day 22; 2/22/08
Some key events Friday in the Georgia Legislature

Richardson Confident Tax Plan Will Pass And Dems Will Help; 2/22/08
But House Dems say they're not on board at this point

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers; 2/22/08
What Some Might Not Know About The McCain Story

Legislative Summary: Day 21; 2/21/08
Summary of key developments Thursday in the Georgia Legislature

2nd UPDATE
Grady Measures Sail Through Senate; 2/21/08
One picks up amendment aimed at prominent Atlanta business leader

UPDATED
Former Dems Chairman Bobby Kahn Files Ethics Complaint Against Perdue PAC; 2/21/08
Governor's political action committee didn't file year-end report, he says

DOT Board Declines To Investigate Itself; 2/21/08
Board member who proposed the probe asks, "Ain't nobody else got guts?"

Speaker's Tax Plan Clears Subcommittee; 2/21/08
Question remains: can he muster 120 votes for it on the House floor?

Tabled! Human Life Amendment Halted In Committee; 2/21/08
And separate bill to outlaw abortions gets a "do not pass"

Legislative Summary: Day 20; 2/20/08
Major action Wednesday in the Georgia General Assembly

2nd UPDATE
Local Option Sales Tax For Transportation Backlog Easily Clears Senate; 2/20/08
Separate House plan for statewide tax hike clears committee in lower chamber

Proposed Legislation Would Prevent Senior Judges From Hearing Death Penalty Cases; 2/20/08
Recommended by special committee investigating handling of Brian Nichols case

John Lewis Getting Primary Challenge; 2/2/0/08
Atlanta minister half Lewis' age says he'll challenge Civil Rights icon

We're Not At War With Tennessee Yet, But Both Houses Assert Claim To River Water; 2/20/08
Resolutions urging new survey of boundary easily clear both chambers

Dick Yarbrough: The Insider's Guide To What Georgia Olympics Had That China's Won't; 2/20/08
Flaggers, gay rights issues ... and wood storks

An Old 'Gotcha' Tactic: Life-At-Conception Issue Briefly Hits House Floor; 2/20/08
Speaker rules it not germane to issue at hand

Senate Panel Nixes Effort To Give Lawmakers More Say On Which Road Projects Get Funded; 2/19/08
Panel fears it could add a whole new dimension to DOT politics

Legislative Summary: Day 19; 2/19/08
Summary of key developments in the Georgia Legislature Tuesday

Senate Stakes Out Midyear Budget Differences With House; 2/19/08
Measure would defer education equalization change until '09 budget talks

Politically-Volatile Human Life Amendment Gets Committee Airing; 2/19/08
Pro-life forces divided over timing, GOP leaders don't want it to reach the floor

The Results Are In ... Here's How Georgia GOP Delegates Will Be Apportioned Among Candidates; 2/19/08
Huckabee, who won the state and seven congressional districts, gets lion's share

On Background By Dick Pettys: A Blurred Message On Taxes? 2/18/08
Measures to raise, lower taxes could make it to ballot this year

Perdue: Veep Speculation Premature; 2/18/08
Also says again he doesn't support tax increase for transportation

So ... Just Who Should Pay For Those Varsity Dogs? 2/15/08
A question - but answer eludes Senate for now

Not The GREAT Plan Anymore, But 2 Million Homeowners Would Benefit, Speaker Says; 2/15/08
Latest changes to tax reform plan outlined to House Ways & Means subcommittee

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Are Steroid Hearings The Best Congress Can Do?; 2/14/08
They just don't get it inside the Beltway

Failing Schools Would Have To Offer Vouchers Under New Senate Bill; 2/14/08
Eric Johnson says it's next logical step to last year's voucher bill for special-needs kids

Legislative Summary: Day 18; 2/14/08
Major action Thursday under the Gold Dome

From Reporter To Legislative Engineer In One Fell Swoop; 2/14/08
Atlanta Business Chronicle reporter Ryan Mahoney now working with Georgia Chamber

Local Option Tax Plan For Transportation Clears Senate Committee; 2/13/08
Measure sponsored by Senate transportation chairman, backed by lieutenant governor

Legislative Summary: Day 17; 2/13/08
Key developments Wednesday in the Georgia Legislature

Chief Justice, House Judiciary Chairman Condemn Trolling For Clients Following Savannah Blast; 2/13/08
"This is not the professional we honor as members," says Rep. Wendell Willard

Former Perdue Strategist Nick Ayers Getting Noticed In D.C.; 2/13/08
Politico.com names him one of 50 politicos to watch

Tax Reform Finally Takes Center Stage In '08 Legislature; 2/13/08
Measures to freeze assessments clear Senate; Speaker fine-tunes GREAT plan

You Can't Make This Stuff Up: Regents Clear Way To Take Your Team Loyalties Into Great Beyond; 2/13/08
Those dying to express eternal allegiance will get their wish

Proposal Floated In House, Senate Would Restrict Midyear Spending; 2/12/08
Surpluses would be restricted to education adjustment, filling reserves and cutting income taxes

Legislative Summary: Day 16; 2/12/08
Summary of key action Tuesday under the Gold Dome

Charity Group Will Roast Lieutenant Governor On Feb. 26; 2/12/08
But chances are he won't need an asbestos suit

Here Are Certified Results Of Georgia's Super Tuesday Voting; 2/12/08
As certified by Secretary of State

Dr. Charles Bullock: Electoral Change - Real Or Imagined? 2/12/08
Commentators say big turnout gives Dems hope, but they're overly optimistic

Tennessee, We Want That Water Back; 2/11/08
Senate committee approves resolution to seek revision of Georgia-Tennessee boundary

Gator Alums In Georgia May Not Have The Last Laugh; 2/11/08
Proposed legislation would require cross-state reciprocity in rules for prestige tags

Legislative Summary: Day 15; 2/11/08
Summary of some key action Monday in the Georgia Legislature

Guest Column: Rep. Jan Jones: More Options Needed For Parents; 2/11/08
Serious change needed for education system in which one size hardly fits anyone

On Background By Dick Pettys: Has Punishing House Members Hurt Richardson? 2/11/08
Probably not as much as his enemies would like to think

Lawmaker's Extraordinary Mileage Claims Raise Eyebrows Under Gold Dome; 2/11/08
Just doing her job, says Rep. Sharon Beasley-Teague

State Tax Collections Fall 7 Percent In January; 2/8/08
Time for caution but not panic, Perdue administration says

Midyear Budget Clears House - - But Is It Conservative Enough? 2/8/08
Republican dissidents say it's not; Speaker says it is

Insider Virginia Poll Shows Obama With Big Lead Over Clinton; 2/8/08
Poll of Dem voters conducted Thursday

Transportation Funding Bills Introduced In Legislature; 2/8/08
Local option proposal goes in Senate, statewide proposal goes in House

Legislative Summary: Day 14; 2/8/08
Summary of key legislative action Friday

Insider Instant Analysis: Pundits Declare McCain The Winner - What About Huck? 2/8/08
Huck's status remains of concern to McCain camp

House Budget Writers Stake Out Key Policy Difference With Perdue Over Education Funding; 2/7/08
Midyear budget approved by committee would restore $30 million for school equalization program

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: They Hate McCain - - Do You? 2/7/08
Don't worry about conservative pundits; they'll come around - they have to

Tom Baxter On Super Tuesday: Look What The Tsunami Washed in; 2/7/08
Historic developments tell us a lot about the future

Legislative Summary: Day 13; 2/7/08
Summary of major action Thursday in the Georgia Legislature

Cagle, Bipartisan Senate Group, Drop Transportation Reform Bills; 2/7/08
Will cement reforms underway at DOT under new Commissioner Gena Abraham, he says

Sen. Eric Johson: Warning, Will Robinson. Warning! 2/7/08
Thoughts on Super Tuesday from Senate president pro tem

Matt Towery: How Insider Polling Spotted The Huckabee Surge; 2/6/08
At first, we had difficulty believing our Monday night polling results

Long Lines = Record Turnout In Georgia On Super Tuesday; 2/6/08
Obama romps through state, Huckabee finishes atop the GOP field

Odds 'n Ends From Super Tuesday; 2/6/08
Want to guess who got the most votes of any candidate in Cobb? Here's a hint - it wasn't a Republican

Legislative Summary: Day 12; 2/6/08
Summary of key developments Wednesday in the Legislature

BULLETIN: Huckabee Wins
Insider Projects Huckabee As Winner In Georgia; 2/5/08
Obama sweeps Clinton on Dem side

DOT Fallout Stirring Undercurrent In House; 2/5/08
Discontent among some of the rank-and-file; solidarity among the leadership corps

Final Insider Super Tuesday Poll: Huck Pulls Even In Georgia 11; 2/5/08
Overnight poll shows him tied with McCain

Legislative Summary: Day 11; 2/5/08
Summary of key developments in the Legislature Tuesday

Legislative Report Slams Public Defenders Council; 2/5/08
It's a system that's collapsing under its own weight, report says

Three More House Members Punished For Not Voting With Speaker On DOT Race; 2/5/08
Meadows, Collins, Scott lose committee assignments

Senate President Pro Tem Wonders If There Will Be Backlash In House Over Punishment Following DOT Vote; 2/4/08
Also says Senate will hold the line on gun bill and says joining Super Tuesday crowd may have been a mistake

Perdue Appoints Panel To Consider Busting-Up DHR; 2/4/08
Agency may have too many moving parts to be effective into the future, he says

Insider Georgia Poll: GOP Race Tightening But Obama Maintains His Lead On Dem Side; 2/4/08
The latest results from Saturday's polling in the Peach State

Walter C. Jones: Alternatives Could Scuttle Speaker's GREAT Plan; 2/4/08
While Speaker's plan sits in committee, other options are popping up all over

See Who Made The 'Most Beautiful' List Of Folks At The Georgia Statehouse; 2/4/08
Capitol staff and interns take credit for compiling

How Delegates Are Apportioned In Georgia Dem, GOP Primaries Tuesday; 2/4/08
The two parties have different mathematical formulas

Insider Super Bowl Poll: One-Third Undecided Or Don't Care Who Wins The Big Game; 2/3/08
But here's one thing you can put in the bank: they're watching for the action, not the ads

Matt Towery: On The Bus With John McCain; 2/3/08
A relaxed feeling as campaign rolls toward Super Tuesday

Tom Baxter: In Red Kennesaw, Bill Clinton Packs 'Em In; 2/3/08
Another sign of how energized Democrats have become this year

Tax Talk From Cagle On Transportation Funding And Blocking Back-Door Tax Hikes; 2/1/08
Still favors local option approach to transportation; rolls out tax plan

Perdue Wins Twin Victories In DOT Races; 2/1/08
His choices - Mike Evans and Raybon Anderson - win politically-volatile races

Speaker Banishes Lawmaker Who Voted Wrong In DOT Race To Siberia; 2/1/08
Tom Graves fired as House 'Hawk' and stripped of his Capitol office space

Some Personnel Changes, Appointments In The Perdue Administration; 2/1/08
Steve Stancil is new property officer; John Watson to the Lottery Corporation board

Speaker Richardson Endorses McCain; 2/1/08
Had been co-chairman of defunct Giuliani campaign

Legislative Summary: Day 10; 2/1/08
Key developments Friday in the Georgia Legislature

Dana Lemon Re-Elected In 13th District; 2/1/08
Board member was unopposed

Raybon Anderson Re-Elected In Tight 12th District Race; 2/1/08
Another victory for governor

Mike Evans Re-Elected 13-10 In Tight 9th District Race; 2/1/08
A victory for governor, another loss on DOT-related issues for Speaker

No Surprises Here: Emory McClinton re-elected to DOT board; 2/1/08
Seat was never in play

DOT 2nd District Election; 2/1/08
Rep. Johnny Floyd elected in uncontested race

Three Grady Bills Clear Senate Committee; 2/1/08
Measures would impose legislative oversight, address conflicts of interest, urge change in business model

January 2008

Legislative Gun Fight Isn't Over Yet; 1/31/08
House sends amended bill back to Senate

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: The Unmaking of the American Presidency; 1/31/08
The process has blown apart the political world we have known for decades

Look For Key Georgia 'Names' To Endorse McCain; 1/31/08
Isakson, Chambliss, others said to be ready to back his effort

Romney Pulls In More Legislative Endorsements ... But New Poll Shows McCain Leading In Georgia; 1/31/08
Former Attorney General Mike Bowers, Former Secretary of State Lewis Massey will endorse McCain this weekend

Legislative Summary: Day 9; 1/31/08
Summary of major action Thursday in the Georgia Legislature

Dems' J-J Dinner Morphs Into Hillary Clinton Rally; 1/31/08
Former Sen. Max Cleland says Dems will be in deep trouble if Obama, Clinton battle lingers on

Judge In Brian Nichols Case Steps Down; Legislative Panel Will Continue To Probe How Costs Escalated; 1/30/08
Panel will seek to ensure there's no repeat in future death penalty cases

Transportation Panel Unveils Long-Awaited Recommendations; 1/30/08
Doesn't choose between competing tax proposals; endorses both

Dems Roll Out Tax Plan; Republicans Brand It More Spending; 1/30/08
Plan calls for tax rebates using state surplus; would call for full funding of QBE formula

Dick Yarbrough: Guess Who'll Get The Golden Egg If Delta Merges; 1/30/08
If there's a pony in the merger pile, I'm still trying to find it, says columnist

Legislative Summary: Day 8; 1/30/08
Summary of action Wednesday in the Georgia Legislature

Time Will Tell If Mullis Picked The Winner, But He's Glad He Stuck With McCain Through Thick and Thin; 1/30/08
Senate transportation chairman was first elected official in Georgia to endorse Arizona senator

Insider Florida Poll: McCain By One As Voting Begins; 1/29/08
Our final overnight Florida poll: McCain, 31%, Romney, 30%

Legislative Summary For Day 7; 1/29/08
Key developments Tuesday in the Georgia Legislature

Keen: House GOP Not Backing Dem In DOT Race; 1/29/08
House majority leader says rumors are wrong

Shafer: Last Override Occurred During Last Republican Governor's Term - 130-Plus Years Ago; 1/29/08
An outgrowth of the turmoil as Reconstruction came to an end

Push For Sunday Alcohol Sales Coming Back For '08 Session; 1/29/08