August 2008

Georgia Republican Leaders React To McCain's VP Pick; 8/29/08
Chambliss, Isakson, others weigh-in

Zell's Backing Saxby For Re-Election To Senate; 8/29/08
Former Democratic governor gives Republican Chambliss the nod

DEMS IN DENVER
Dems Dazzle With Stagecraft; 8/29/08
How are Republicans going to top this? They can't

FROM THE SCREENING ROOM
Obama Brought It Home; 8/29/08
He kicked it into preacher mode

DEMS IN DENVER
Before A Long-Awaited Night, A Hymn Of Thanks; 8/29/08
Don't underestimate the power of a dream unleashed

First Ad Of The 2010 Gubernatorial Race Makes Its Debut; 8/28/08
Pay attention to the man behind the curtain - the race has begun

DEMS IN DENVER
A Big Night In Denver As A Storm Rises In The Gulf; 8/28/08
Clinton, Biden give convention its most focused night, and other items from Denver

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Dems Should Have Skipped Convention; 8/28/08
No bounce? No mystery

Perdue: America's Not Ready For Obama; 8/28/08
Even Dems having buyer's remorse, governor says

Clayton Schools Lose Accreditation; 8/28/08
Perdue orders four school board members removed from office

DNR Board Looks To Get Out Of Golf Business, Close Parks; 8/28/08
Part of agency's effort to shed expense to help state offset shortfall

Guest Column - Jared Thomas: A Certified Need For Competition; 8/28/08
Healthcare providers hamstrung by Certificate of Need

DEMS IN DENVER
A Man On A Mission In Denver; 8/28/08
Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman has some unfinished business

DEMS IN DENVER
Reporter's Notebook: Tough Speaking Gigs, Sweet Party Spots; 8/27/08
Alabamans party at "Sweet Home ALObama"

FROM THE SCREENING ROOM
Now Obama Has A Second Running Mate, Like It Or Not; 8/27/08
Hillary blows them away, sets high bar for Obama

Shakeup In Massive Health Agency Will Put New Focus On Mental Health Care; 8/27/08
Follows blistering reports of unnecessary deaths in state facilities; nobody is getting the ax

Dick Yarbrough: Pining For The Old AT&T; 8/27/08
Getting phone lines fixed now definitely no piece of cake, he says

DEMS IN DENVER
Barnes Delivers Stemwinder To Georgia Delegation; 8/26/08
Rips Republican "stench" in statehouse and says budget was mismanaged

FROM THE SCREENING ROOM
Carter Gets Short Shrift While Teddy Steals The Show; 8/26/08
Just as in 1980, Massachusetts senator upstages former president from Georgia

SAT Scores Down For Second Year In A Row; 8/26/08
Georgia slips a notch from 46th to 47th

Poythress: Georgia Not A Red State Through-And-Through; 8/26/08
Will seek governorship in 2010 as Democrat

DEMS IN DENVER
The Scene In Denver: Funny Hats Give Way To High Tech; 8/26/08
And a cautionary word from veteran Democrat who's seen high hopes fade after conventions

DEMS IN DENVER
Southerners Will Matter This Year - - Just Not On The Ticket; 8/25/08
This is likely to be the first presidential election in 36 years without a Southerner on either of the major parties’ tickets

Are Profs Proselytizing In Classrooms? Survey Has Some Answers; 8/25/08
Lawmakers have been worried that some push liberal agenda

Poythress To Announce For Governor Monday; 8/22/08
He'll be first Democrat to enter 2010 race

Merit System Issues Guidelines For State Layoffs, Furloughs; 8/22/08
It's a how-to manual for agencies trying to comply with governor's order to cut

Letter To The Editor - Sam Olens: Attacking Local Government Finances 'Wholly Inappropriate;' 8/22/08
Cobb chairman and possible 2010 gubernatorial candidate offers some suggestions for state

Here's Why Republicans Aren't Buying Plan To Ax Homestead Relief; 8/22/08
Dems finally get around to raising it as campaign issue, as GOP expected

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: A Word Of Thanks For Newt; 8/21/08
He set the stage for "Drill Here, Drill Now" message

Pierre Howard, Mike Egan Will Co-Chair Meyer von Bremen Campaign For Court; 8/21/08
Howard was a top Democrat in Georgia, Egan a top Republican

On Background By Dick Pettys: Perdue's Right, But He's Not Right, Right Now; 8/21/08
He's right on the issue but wrong on the timing, some key Republicans believe

Guest Column - John A. Tures: VP Picks And Realignment Politics; 8/21/08
Decisions may alter party dynamics for three or four decades

Fixed For Four No More? 8/21/08
Fixed tuition plan for colleges could fall to budget knife

Regents Will Look At Budget-Cutting Plans Today; 8/20/08
Cuts to high-end health programs, auditing on the drawing board

Tom Baxter: Bi-State Scandal Shows Bipartisan Work Still Gets Done; 8/20/08
A lot of bipartisan work still gets done at certain levels

Dick Yarbrough: Keeping Up With Current Events From Across The Pond; 8/20/08
... And learning that Bigfoot has been found in Georgia

House GOP Session Hailed By Some As Watershed; 8/19/08
"Glenn won re-election Saturday," one lawmaker says after lengthy gathering

Tom Baxter: Reed Wasn't There, But He Helped Start The Party; 8/19/08
Every presidential campaign needs a little theater

Struggling Economy Won't Slow Push For Transportation Fix; 8/18/08
Economy will rebound, transportation problem will get worse if not addressed, advocates say

Rep. Wendell Willard's Only Grandchild Killed In Auto Accident; 8/18/08
Memorial service will be held Tuesday in Missouri

Joselyn Butler Named PR Chief For Georgia Chamber; 8/18/08
She was press secretary for Roy Barnes, voice of MARTA

Georgia Briefing
Media Has It Wrong On McCain-Reed Connection; 8/18/08
"This is Ralph trying to get back in the tent, not McCain wanting a new teepee"

Georgia Briefing
Insider's Report Last Week On Nunn Has Legs; 8/18/08
Pick may show if Obama makes it, or joins others in history's dustbin

Georgia Briefing
Rating The Dome; 8/18/08
Still some flaws, but, overall, not too bad

Candidates Lining Up To Run For Eric Johnson's Senate Seat; 8/15/08
Incumbent will run in 2010 for lieutenant governor

A Late-Breaking Rally For Sam Nunn As Obama's Veep? 8/15/08
Russian conflict puts new focus on "experience" question

More Bad News For Georgia Economy: Unemployment Rate Highest In 15 Years; 8/14/08
Hit 6.2 percent in July; highest since March, 1993

Packed Fundraiser Brings Out Business, Political Elite For Richardson; 8/13/08
And it produces an unexpected "confession" from Speaker of the House

Ehrhart Slaps Ruling By Non-Elected Judge That Could Cost State Millions; 8/13/08
Retired judge lets school funding lawsuit move forward

Business Community Putting Money, Clout Behind Speaker; 8/12/08
Major names are on host committee for fundraiser Wednesday evening

What Others Are Saying: Congressional Quarterly On Georgia Politics; 8/13/08
Chambliss "heavy favorite," McCain "favored"

Dick Yarbrough: Telling It Like It Is; 8/13/08
It never fails when he writes something good about Georgia, columnist says

State Loses Bid To Derail School Funding Suit; 8/13/08
Judge turns down state's motion for summary judgment

DSCC Poll: Martin Begins Race Against Chambliss A Mere 6 Points Down; 8/12/08
Partisan poll puts race at Chambliss, 42%, Martin, 36%, if election were held today

State Rings Up Negative Growth Numbers In First Month Of New Budget Year; 8/12/08
Don't hit panic button just yet, legislative budget writers say

Hastings Wyman: John Edwards' Fall From Grace; 8/12/08
It would be nice if great leaders had good morals, but they don't always come in same package

On Background: The Numbers Behind Martin's Win; 8/11/08
Half his margin came in three counties with major African American voting populations

Walter C. Jones: Policy Differences Separate Senate Candidates; 8/11/08
It's on to November for Chambliss, Martin and Libertarian Allen Buckley

Burkhalter Will Head A Platform Subcommittee For GOP National Convention; 8/11/08
His panel deals with reforming government and the budget

Tom Baxter: Oil, Gas And The Back Story; 8/8/08
When Boone Pickens is involved, you know there is one

Dooley Tribute Will Cost More; 8/8/08
Price tag has doubled for coach's honors

Ralston: A Big Difference In Current Challenge To Speaker Compared To Failed Attempts In The Past; 8/8/08
The public is tuned in on this one, he says in radio interview

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Newsweek Article Paints A Picture Of A South That Doesn't Exist; 8/7/08
Selective cultural observation hits wide of the mark

Dick Yarbrough: Don't Know Georgia-Born Benny Fowler Yet? You Should; 8/7/08
Top Ford exec is genuine role model for today's young

Homeowners' Tax Relief Program Likely Safe From Budget Knife; 8/7/08
But keeping it means deeper cuts elsewhere in state budget

Sources: People Involved In Obama Campaign Torpedoed Jones Bid For Senate; 8/7/08
Democratic Party, Obama spokeswoman insist it didn't happen

Chambliss Ready To Rumble With Martin; 8/6/08
Democratic nominee's legislative voting record will be an issue, Chambliss declares

Martin Wins Runoff, Will Face Chambliss In November; 8/5/08
Jones loses in DeKalb, Fulton; two sheriffs, two lawmakers defeated

Decision '08: Insider's Runoff Election Blog; 8/5/08
Dick Pettys, Tom Baxter and guests report, take questions and comment on election night

On Background: Lieutenant Governor's Race Will Be One To Watch; 8/5/08
So far, it's Eric Johnson vs. David Shafer in a fight where no holds will be barred

State Employee Raises Deferred; Layoffs Not Ruled Out; 8/4/08
New hiring to stop, non-essential travel barred

Chip Rogers Makes Run For Senate Majority Leader Official; 8/4/08
Confident of support after consultations with Cagle, other senators, he says

Attorney General Opens Probe Into Teacher-Coaching Program; 8/4/08
Step follows auditor's findings of fraud, waste and nepotism

Dr. Charles Bullock: Runoffs Then And Now; 8/4/08
These things weren't always sleepy affairs

'Interlopers' Bush and Edwards Continue To Dog Democrats' Senate Debate Series; 8/4/08
Martin, Jones will face off Tuesday for right to challenge Sen. Saxby Chambliss

PollPosition: Fans Want Favre; 8/2/08
New PollPosition survey

Perdue Orders 6% Budget Holdbacks, More Steps To Follow; 8/1/08
No special session in offing for state's financial problems

Johnson Will Run For LG If Casey Runs For Governor; 8/1/08
Williams to move to pro-tem, Chip Rogers to majority leader

NRA Says It Has Not Endorsed Nancy Schaefer, Despite Claims In Brochure; 8/1/08
It's second time in her runoff campaign an endorsement claim has been challenged

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: McCain and Obama - What Were They Thinking? 8/1/08
A silly ad, followed by charges of a "mean campaign," followed by charges of playing the race card

July 2008

Johnson Unveils Likely Theme Of LG Race: Universal School Choice; 7/31/08
Georgia would be first state in the country to put choice in the hands of parents

Dick Yarbrough: 10 Years Of Making People Laugh, Cry, Rant And Sputter; 7/31/08
Columnist looks back on second career that's been, he says, "a blast"

Martin Scores Endorsements Of Labor, Rev. Joseph Lowery; 7/31/08
Lowery terms Vernon Jones a "zig-zag, so-called conservative"

Group Warns Special Session May Be Needed To Meet State's Budget Problems; 7/29/08
Steps proposed by governor so far won't be enough, it says

Rand Knight's Fire Sale; 7/29/08
Cell phones, air conditioners must go

Martin, Jones Trade Jabs In TV Debate; 7/29/08
Jones won't say if he'll support Martin if he's the Dem nominee

Walter C. Jones: Late Summer Brings Out A Different Side Of Politics; 7/29/08
For once, there's plenty to talk about as the dog days near

Speaker Richardson Names A New Press Secretary; 7/28/08
Marshall Guest will move from governor's press shop to Capitol's 3rd floor

Democratic PSC Candidate Gets His Day In Court; 7/28/08
Jim Powell appealing Karen Handel's decision to bump him from primary ballot

On Background: Tough Financial Choices Ahead; 7/28/08
Already some talk that homeowners' tax relief program could be scrapped

Trouble In The Senate; 7/28/08
Coup talk isn't limited just to House

Former Aides To Isakson, Perdue, Cagle Form Public Affairs Group; 7/25/08
Principals are Heath Garrett, Jud Turner, Brad Alexander

Fewer Schools Reach Threshold For Adequate Yearly Progress; 7/25/08
More than half the state's high schools fall short

Another Name To Add To 2010 Governor Talk; 7/25/08
Democratic Sen. Tim Golden testing the waters

A New Wrinkle In Nancy Schaefer Runoff Scramble; 7/25/08
Governor says that contrary to the implications in a pamphlet, he didn't endorse her

A Soldier's Letter; 7/25/08
From Master Sgt. Mitch Young, whose memorial service is today

Big Fundraiser Will Send Democrats To National Convention 'In Style;' 7/24/08
Barnes, Franklin will headline July 31 event

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Obama Needs Steak, McCain Needs Sizzle; 7/24/08
Shame on the media; shame on McCain advisers

A Week After Smashing Victory, Unwelcome Headlines For Broun; 7/24/08
Annual office allowance almost blown in first six months

Remembering A Brave Soldier: A Request To Our Media Friends; 7/24/08
Publish his letter to the editor on Friday, as his memorial service is held at Fort Bragg

Dick Yarbrough: Georgia At The Epicenter Of The Political World; 7/23/08
But don't start holding your breath just yet

Ehrhart: Conduct Vote For Speaker Out In The Open, Not In Secret; 7/23/08
Rules chairman says lawmakers shouldn't hide their votes in battle for the gavel

State Asks Judge To Throw Out Education Funding Lawsuit; 7/22/08
Plantiffs can't prove more spending would improve results, lawyer argues

Make No Mistake - There's Deep Concern Over State Budget; 7/22/08
One budget writer wondering if special session isn't needed

Pending Battle For Speaker's Gavel Already A November Issue In One Legislative Race; 7/22/08
Democrat challenging GOP incumbent James Mills wants to make Richardson an issue

On Background: 'Nothing Like A Speaker's Race To Make Things Interesting;' 7/21/08
Former Rep. Ken Poston tells what it was like to take a shot at the Speaker and miss

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Will Barr Fly Or Flop? 7/18/08
In many ways, it's in Barr's own hands

Ralston Confirms He Will Challenge Richardson For House Gavel; 7/18/08
First inter-party challenge to a sitting Speaker in 16 years

Was Cleland Dissed By Obama Campaign? 7/18/08
First he was invited, then he was dis-invited from Atlanta event

Senate Names New Director For Its Press Office; 7/17/08
Raegan Weber will take position Aug. 1

Perdue Taps Reserves For $600 Million To Keep State Out Of The Red; 7/16/08
Will manage spending surgically, he says

Cagle Gets A New Chief Of Staff As Brad Alexander Returns To Electoral Engineering; 7/16/08
A sign Cagle's gubernatorial announcement is near?

More Workforce Cuts At AJC; 7/16/08
News and advertising staffs hit

Jones, Martin In Runoff For Senate Nomination; Three Congressmen Fend Off Challenges; 7/16/08
Roundup of results in key races in Tuesday's primary

A Mixed Bag In Legislative Races; 7/16/08
Richardson beats Cagle in one House race but a House chairman falls in another

Election Glance; 7/16/08
Key races in Tuesday's primary

Dick Yarbrough: On Funny Writers, Bad Writing And Other Things; 7/16/08
Random thoughts on random topics

Do Voters Know There's An Election Today? 7/15/08
Turnout looks spotty in some metro Atlanta precincts

Audit: Perdue-Backed Program Marred By Fraud, Nepotism; 7/15/08
Cox calls for investigation

Insider Editorial: Shirley Franklin Shows Guts In Tough Times; 7/15/08
City faces tough times and rather than run away from problems, she faces them head-on

A Tuesday Primer: Surprises On The Way? 7/14/08
Matt Towery previews some of the key races

PSC Candidate Is Back On Ballot After Handel Attempts To Disqualify Him; 7/14/08
A day of ups and downs for Democrat Jim Powell in PSC race

GOP Hierarchy In Georgia United Behind McCain; 7/14/08
But they're assuming race will be close, says Perdue

Former Gov. Joe Frank Harris: Be Very Concerned About Lawsuit On School Funding; 7/14/08
Father of QBE says formula hasn't been kept up to date and cost to state could be huge

No Runs, No Hits, No Sizzle In Final Senate Debate; 7/14/08
A few jabs, but mostly candidates play nice in final encounter

Chuck Clay: When 'Bad' Things Happen To Good Republican Families; 7/11/08
A promise to a 9-year-old yields a whole new way of viewing Obama

Religion Comes Into Play In Bitter 10th District Primary Battle; 7/10/08
Broun says Fleming "doesn't understand redemption and salvation"

Perdue Back On VP List As Georgia Comes Into Play; 7/10/08
Strong sources say Georgia governor is in top four

DOT Board Gets A New Member; 7/10/08
Only question at caucus meeting was whether they could get a quorum

Legislative Primary Roundup; 7/10/08
John Douglas gets Perdue backing in battle with Mike Crotts

Entering The 'Silly Seaon;' 7/10/08
All bets are off for the primary; anybody and everything is at risk

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: A Recipe For GOP Disaster; 7/10/08
Old-line Bush-Cheney operatives gaining influence in McCain campaign

Jekyll An Issue In Brunswick Senate Campaign; 7/10/08
A look at primary battle for SD 3 seat

Tom Baxter: What Constitutes The Middle In Presidential Campaign? 7/9/08
Obama's visit to Powder Springs gives rise to that question

Dick Yarbrough: A Salute To Two Good Men; 7/9/08
The Vince Dooley many people don't know

Wife Of Journalist Bill Shipp Dies; 7/8/08
Insider extends condolences to journalistic icon and founder of this publication

A Look At The 12th Congressional District Race; 7/8/08
Barrow against the field

House Watch - HD 22
A Strange Battle In Cherokee; 7/7/08
GREAT Plan still topic du jour in incumbent's primary battle

Dr. Charles Bullock: Could Obama Win Georgia? Maybe; 7/7/08
If events unfold just right, Democrat could carry Peach State

Sen. Vincent Fort Considering Bid For Atlanta Council Presidency; 7/7/08
Democrat would have to resign from Legislature after next year's session

Chambliss, Isakson 'Welcome' Obama To Georgia; 7/7/08
State's not in play, Republican senators argue

House Watch Update
The Fur Flies In HD 9 Primary Race; 7/7/08
In one sense, it's proxy fight between Richardson, Cagle

PollPosition Survey
Insider Polling: McCain Holds Small Lead In Georgia; 7/4/08
But Nunn on ticket could tip state to Obama

6th District DOT Caucus Set For July 10 To Replace Pinholster; 7/3/08
Brandon Beach said to be gaining strength and is seen by many as frontrunner

Fleming Presses Attack On Broun's Past In 10th District Debate; 7/2/08
History of bad judgment, challenger says; incumbent says charges are "despicable"

Everett Springs Surprise After Coming Under Attack From Younger Challenger; 7/2/08
PSC commissioner announces in debate he's been endorsed by Perdue, Cagle and Richardson

Perdue Names Freshman Sen. Bill Cowsert To His Team Of Senate Floor Leaders; 7/2/08
He will replace Joseph Carter, who is running for a judgeship

Perdue Names Replacement For Judge Blitch; 7/2/08
Adel attorney will take bench in troubled circuit

13th District Debate: Who Called Who What? 7/2/08
David Scott meets old nemesis Donzella James

12th District Debate: Barrow Meets The Whirlwind That Is Regina Thomas; 7/2/08
Dems meet in Press Club debate

Dick Yarbrough: Tough Questions To Ponder Over The Fourth; 7/2/08
Can a white immigrant from South Africa be called an African American ... and other questions

Audit: Georgia Governments Lag In Fixing Deficient Bridges; 7/1/08
Some bridges aren't fixed for years after problems are identified

Tougher DUI Measures Among New Laws Taking Effect; 7/1/08
Much-criticized session was actually productive on some front, advocates say

June 2008

Eye On The Senate: SD 50
Out of The Hills Of Habersham, The Din Of Battle For A Senate Seat; 6/30/08
Nancy Schaefer faces two GOP challengers in July 15 primary

Was Cardwell, As A Reporter, Fair And Balanced? Two Rivals Don't Think So; 6/30/08
Former TV reporter on hot seat in latest debate among Senate Democratic candidates

Gen. Lucius Clay, Director Of Berlin Airlift, Remembered Better In Germany Than At Home; 6/30/08
Marietta native still honored abroad for his role in first toe-to-toe confrontation of Cold War

House Chairman Says In Radio Debate He Wants An Option For Speaker In November; 6/27/08
Rep. Jeff Lewis comments during debate with primary challenger

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: The Unfair Attack On Charlie Black; 6/27/08
Black was merely repeating the conventional wisdom that Democrats have already acknowledge

No Supreme Court Races This Year But Lots Of Interest In Open Court Of Appeals Post; 6/27/08
Benham, Hines unopposed as judicial qualifying ends

Bob Barr: Too Early To Say He'll Be McCain Spoiler; 6/27/08
Comment comes as he puts name on Georgia ballot for November

Hastings Wyman: Obama Targets A Swath Of Dixie; 6/26/08
If they abandon the Solid (Republican) South, it would be all but impossible for McCain to win

Ruling Against D.C. Handgun Ban Wins Applause Nationally And At Home; 6/26/08
Eric Johnson, Chip Rogers, John McCain, Bob Barr and Casey Cagle on what decision means

State Calling Special Primary For Joseph Carter's Senate Seat; 6/26/08
Republican primary will coincide with runoff elections

Rumor Mill Working Overtime In DOT Board Race; 6/25/08
But scratch one who'd been encouraged to run

Crotts' Residency At Issue Again? 6/25/08
Newspaper report report raises question in SD 17 race

Campaign Spat Turns Physical; 6/25/08
War of words between rival campaigns apparently boils over

Dick Yarbrough: Saxby And Energy; 6/25/08
Columnist gets earful on issue from state's senior senator

School Choice Group Honors Eric Johnson With National Award; 6/24/08
Alliance for School Choice names him legislator of the year

Rand Knight Gets GAE Endorsement In Race For Dem Senate Nomination; 6/24/08
Group is second-largest teacher's union in state

Retiring Senator Goes From Guaranteed Seat To Contested Bench Race; 6/24/08
Joseph Carter withdraws from Senate contest to run for judge, but how to fill the Senate seat still uncertain

House Watch: HD 15
Key House Chairman Facing Primary Fight; 6/23/08
A senior House member faces first-time candidate in a race seen as potentially close

Former Senate Republican Leader Asked To Consider DOT Bid; 6/23/08
Considering it, but no decision yet, says Bill Stephens

Walter C. Jones: Running On The Cheap Isn't Easy; 6/23/08
Those who eschew PAC money or public financing have a tough row to hoe

Chuck Clay To Germany For 60th Anniversary Of Berlin Airlift; 6/23/08
His grandfather, Gen. L.D. Clay, was architect of daring operation

Busted! A Tale Of Two Speeches; 6/23/08
It's not easy coming up with original material for graduation speeches

GMA Gives Cagle Its Key Citizen Award; 6/23/08
View state's relationship with cities as partner, not parent, city group says

McCain, Obama Tied In Georgia; 6/20/08
New PollPosition survey from InsiderAdvantage, with crosstabs

Tom Baxter: How Georgia Is In Play; 6/20/08
There are things no poll can measure, but right now it's a dead heat

Garland Pinholster Resigns From DOT Board; 6/20/08
It's second resignation from board this year

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: John McCain And Airline Politics; 6/19/08
He's a stronger candidate than many in the media realize, but watch out for "jet lag"

DOT Deficit Put At $1.2 Billion As Board Takes Corrective Steps; 6/19/08
Opinions differ whether it's a "real" problem or an accounting one

Election Board: Camden Bungled Getting Absentee Ballots To Military; 6/18/08
Handel rips registrar for going on vacation six days before mailing deadline

No Bad In Controversial Statesboro Election; 6/18/08
Election board says students weren't intimidated

Dick Yarbrough: Score One For The Geriatric Gang; 6/18/08
As the song says, it's time to show older Americans a little r-e-s-p-e-c-t

Rep. Ron Stephens Hospitalized After Suffering Dizzy Spell; 6/17/08
"Just exhausted," he says after returning from trade trip

Democrats Call For Probe of How DOE Managed New School Tests; 6/17/08
"What did Kathy Cox know and when did she know it?

Cox: Start Schools Later In The Year; 6/17/08
State school superintendent reverses previous stand; says better-looking test scores may result

Race For Open Seat On Court Of Appeals Growing Crowded; 6/17/08
At least six now believed to be in race to succeed Judge Ruffin

EYE ON THE SENATE: SD 46
Athens Incumbent Favored, But No One's Taking This Race For Granted; 6/16/08
A look at the battleground in Senate District 46

Walter C. Jones: When Boards Overreach, There's A Reason; 6/16/08
Micro-managing soon becomes interference

Guest Column - D.A. King: Many Local Governments Ignoring State's Immigration Law; 6/16/08
Many counties, at least half of the cities aren't following the law

Governor Will Ask Agencies To Look For Budget Cuts Of 3% To 4% In Upcoming Budget; 6/13/08
May have to tap reserves by $525 million to avoid red ink when current year ends June 30

Perdue Ready To Pitch In To Find Transportation Solutions; 6/13/08
Business leaders pleased he's ready to put muscle behind effort

Cagle, Perdue Snipe; 6/13/08
Allies split over mental health policy

Three More Systems Become Charter Systems; 6/12/08
Decatur, Gainesville, Marietta given go-ahead by state board

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Does Any Of This Sound Familiar? 6/12/08
Here's a new book you should "Reed"

Tom Baxter: Somewhere, Maynard Jackson Must Be Smiling; 6/12/08
Former mayor was advocate of registering black voters in Red States

Dick Yarbrough: Troops Need To Believe We Are Worth The Effort; 6/11/08
Will those of us who've been apathetic or lazy in the past care enough to vote this time?

Clayton's Not The Only School System That's Had Problems; 6/11/08
One in five has had an issue that could have affected accreditation

Elections Board Tells Court That Dem Suit Challenging Voter ID Is Frivolous; 6/11/08
Challengers might have to pay defense costs if they lose

Battle Over Tax Relief May Be Over For The Year, But There's Some Fight Still Left In The Combatants; 6/10/08
In this ring, it's Ehrhart versus Essig on whether a tax cut would have worsened state's condition

Former Senate P.R. Chief Now With Nurses' Association; 6/10/08
Merri Brantley was head of Senate press office for five years

State Tax Collections Running Behind Last Year With One Month Left In Fiscal Year; 6/10/08
Development likely to force the governor to tap the emergency fund

Dems Take Differing Approaches To Black Vote In Senate Debate; 6/9/08
Jones distancing himself from notion he's depending on black vote; others lining themselves up with Obama

Eye On The Senate: SD 17
It's Incumbent Vs. Ex-Incumbent In Eastern Suburbs; 6/9/08
Another in our series of legislative primary previews

Print And Save: Here's Primary Debate Schedule; 6/9/08
Some will be streamed online only, others will be broadcast

Perdue Reveals No Details But Offers A Name For Transportation Plan He'll Be Developing; 6/9/08
Here's the latest catch phrase from the governor

Retailers Honor Seven Lawmakers For '08 Session Work; 6/9/08
Legislators are lauded for advancing free-market policies

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: "Once Stupid, Always Stupid;" 6/6/08
We can't know yet if Dems are brilliant or deluded in choosing Obama

Obituary: Elizabeth Kelly Dobbs, Mother Of Former First Lady, Marie Barnes; 6/5/08
Services Saturday in Marietta, family will receive friends on Friday

Republican Governors Association Blows Out Of Town, Leaving Angry Press Corps Behind; 6/5/08
Reporters blind-sided as governors make a get-away

Georgia Chamber Honors Eight Lawmakers At Spring Council Meeting; 6/5/08
Five honored as legislators of the year, three honored with lifetime achievement awards

Where GOP Governors Gather, There is Veep Speculation; 6/5/08
And some of them were in Atlanta

Dick Yarbrough: Beware The Killer B's; 6/4/08
Barr, Bubba, Barnes, Bowers

Tom Baxter: A Night Like No Other; 6/4/08
When have we seen a night like this before in American politics?

Senate Majority Leader Hopes To Winnow Field For Lieutenant Governor; 6/4/08
Tommie Williams wants his caucus to unify behind one candidate

The View From D.C. On Saxby, Obama and Bob Barr; 6/3/08
Senatorial Committee chairman says Saxby wins handily, Obama may trigger backlash, Barr won't impact outcome

Get Georgia Moving Coalition Names Executive Director; 6/3/08
A signal group intends to keep issue at the forefront

Guest Column - Rep. Rob Teilhet: Time For Progress, Not Excuses, In Georgia Schools; 6/3/08
"If excuses were well-educated children, Georgia would be the envy of the nation"

Perdue Halts Scheduled Gas Tax Hike; 6/3/08
No time for a government windfall, he says

Perdue Taps Rep. Jimmy Pruett As New Assistant Floor Leader; 6/2/08
He replaces Rep. Vance Smith, who stepped down

On Background By Dick Pettys: Some Yarns From The State Senate; 6/2/08
Some memorable moments for columnist on the floor and off

Walter C. Jones: Challenge To Voter ID Law Back In Court; 6/2/08
If you thought U.S. Supreme Court settled the issue, you might want to think about it some more

Guest Column - Rep. Jan Jones: GOP Is Fixing Education Problems; 6/2/08
Democrats dug a hole in public education for decades

May 2008

No Fireworks This Time In DOT Board Election; 5/30/08
Former Sen. Steve Farrow will take Mike Evans' seat

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: There's More Than One Kind Of Discrimination; 5/29/08
Why can't GOP figure out the one way to stay in a race that Obama could win?

House Watch: HD 9
The Big Boys Battle In The Gold Belt; 5/29/08
First in an occasional series on legislative primary contests

Five GOP Senators Teaming Up For Coastal Fundraiser Next Week; 5/29/08
Event will coincide with a Georgia Chamber meeting

Perdue Staff Changes Announced; 5/28/08
Some turnover in the legal shop

Walter C. Jones: Only Topic Off Limits This Year - The Candidates' Mothers; 5/28/08
Otherwise, it's Katie bar the door

Dick Yarbrough: Jekyll - Solution Is On The Way If Everybody Will Lower The Rhetoric; 5/28/08
Muzzle the grandstanding politicians and develop some trust, columnist says

On Background: Sounds Of Silence? No, The Sounds Of Opportunity; 5/26/08
A lot of soul-searching and weighing of options for 2010

Cagle Going To Bat For House Challenger Against Incumbent In GOP Primary Battle; 5/23/08
House leaders none too thrilled, vow to keep Amerson in his seat

Memorial Service For Hamilton Jordan Draws Standing-Room-Only Crowd; 5/23/08
Carter, Mondale, key figures in administration gather to remember strategist

Former Rep. Curtis Jenkins Elected To NRA Board; 5/23/08
Will serve 3-year term for national gun rights group

Former Regent, Current Regent Get Hefty Ethics Fines; 5/22/08
Shelnut, Leebern sanctioned by State Ethics Commission

On Background By Dick Pettys: Ham And Jimmy And The Gold Dome Years; 5/22/08
A remarkable journey that left the state in awe three decades ago

Sixth- And Seventh-Grade Test Scores Junked; 5/21/08
State school superintendent says serious questions raised

Warren County Becomes First Charter System Under Law Pushed By Casey Cagle Last Year; 5/21/08
Step will make a difference in lives of students, he says

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Hamilton Jordan Taught Them Many Lessons; 5/21/08
He was tenacious and a brilliant strategist

New Insider Poll: Barr Could Create Presidential Toss-Up In Home State; 5/20/08
McCain over Obama 45% to 35% but Barr takes 8%

Dick Yarbrough: The Real Forrest Gump And Other Heroes; 5/21/08
Now columnist knows what heroes look like

Hamilton Jordan, Former Carter Strategist And Aide, Dies At 63; 5/20/08
Had waged a valiant battle against cancer for many years

DOT Election Set For May 29; 5/20/08
Crowded field for Mike Evans' seat?

Walter C. Jones: A Different Kind Of Highway Commissioner; 5/20/08
Gena Abraham has shaken things up

On Background By Dick Pettys: A Personal Glimpse Of Sonny ... And, The Speaker Plays It Cool; 5/19/08
Some revelations at the Georgia GOP convention

Oxendine: Make Transportation Tax A Top Priority Next Year; 5/19/08
"Get moving for Georgia," says declared candidate for governor in 2010

Supreme Court Rules For PSC's Bobby Baker In Residency Challenge; 5/19/08
Unanimous court turns down challenge brought by former rival

GOP Convention
Candidate-Watching At The GOP Convention; 5/19/08
Who was being seen, being heard, being talked about

GOP Convention
Oxendine Stirs 'Em Up With First Shot In Governor's Race; 5/17/08
Will push for Fair Tax, rips '08 session for failures

GOP Convention
Perdue, Westmoreland Caution Party: Get Back To Basics; 5/17/08
A pep rally with a splash of cold water

GOP Convention
Convention Ends On A Note Of Controversy, Bickering; 5/17/08
Floor fight over resolutions sees some delegates muttering complaints as they leave

GOP Convention
Statewide Delegate, Alternate List; 5/17/08
Here are statewide alternates, delegates

Rep. Calvin Smyre Facing Independent Challenger? 5/17/08
Youth pastor collecting signatures to get on the ballot

GOP Convention
For Saxby, What A Difference A Year Makes; 5/16/08
Only applause this time as he keynotes Friday session

GOP Convention
Sue Everhart: "Keep Fighting, Boys;" 5/17/08
Not everybody views '08 session as dysfunctional

GOP Convention
Talking Points; 5/16/08
Eric Johnson on GOP management of the Gold Dome

Roy Barnes: Hillary Should Exit The Race; 5/16/08
Obama is the nominee, he says

Lawsuit Coming Over Budget Disregards? 5/16/08
Legislative rumblings follow Perdue action on budget

An Old Capitol Hand Retiring; 5/16/08
Tom Lewis is senior vp at Georgia State, was Joe Frank Harris' top aide

Matt Towery's Inside The Numbers: Mississippi Burning; 5/15/08
GOP Should Heed Gingrich's Warning

Speaker A Big Target As Governor Wields Veto Pen; 5/15/08
Governor nixes airport funding for Richardson's district

Governor Nixes Judicial Pay Raise, 16 Other Measures; 5/15/08
Chief justice issues rebuke

Perdue OKs Law Taking Insurance Commissioner Out Of Picture In Auto Rate Hikes; 5/14/08
Warns policymakers will be watching to make sure law works as backers say; Oxendine disappointed

Governor Gives Approval To Controversial Gun Bill; 5/14/08
Many think it's headed for legal challenge

The War With Tennessee Is On! Perdue Signs Border Dispute Legislation; 5/14/08
Moving boundary would give state access to Tennessee River water

Perdue Signs Bill Increasing Penalties For Driving Without A Valid License; 5/14/08
He vetoed similar effort last year, saying he was in sympathy but felt measure had unintended consequences

One Less Seat For GOP Incumbents To Defend In Senate Come November; 5/14/08
Sen. Johnny Grant's opponent withdraws; he lives outside the district

Medical PAC Endorses Lawyer Over Doctor In 10th District Race; 5/14/08
Barry Fleming gets nod over incumbent Paul Broun from GAMPAC

Dick Yarbrough: Watching Baseball ... Eating Hotdogs - Life Doesn't Get Any Better; 5/14/08
Doubly so with grandson at your side

Perdue OKs Sunday Alcohol Sales In Gwinnett Stadium, OKs Alcohol Sales In Limos; 5/13/08
Laundry list of signings includes bill to stiffen DUI penalties for repeat offenders

Clelia Davis Will Become Speaker's Chief Of Staff; 5/13/08
Communications Director will succeed Chris Cummiskey

Dr. Charles Bullock Previews '08 Georgia Congressional Races; 5/13/08
Georgia's next congressional delegation will look much like the current one

Perdue Signs Credit Freeze Legislation, Charter Schools Bill; 5/13/08
It's next-to-last day for him to sign or veto measures

Perdue Suspends Gas Tax For Off-Road Diesel Until January; 5/12/08
Step is designed to help farmers; on-road diesel not affected

On Background By Dick Pettys: The Lesson of Guy Millner; 5/12/08
Why it's tough for newbie candidates from the business world to succeed in politics

State Tax Collections Up 34.5% For April, But ... 5/9/08
Governor warns it's just a blip on the radar screen

Inside The Numbers: Florida House Of Cards Starts To Collapse; 5/9/08
Howard Dean and the Dems were determined to put Bill and Hillary in rear-view mirror

Isakson Turns 2010 Race Upside Down; 5/9/08
His decision to forego governor's race touches off a scramble

Eric Johnson, Chip Rogers, Others Eyeing 2010 Bid For Lieutenant Governor; 5/9/08
... If Cagle runs for top spot

Matt Towery: Putting The Hay Down Where The Goats Can Get To It; 5/9/08
The governor we might have had and some problems our current governor faces

Could Houston Lose Prized Position On Budget Panel? 5/8/08
A James Magazine preview

Letter To The Editor: John Oxendine; 5/8/08
Insurance commissioner says confusion persists over auto rate legislation, takes issue with Chamber

Business, Education Coalition Will Probe Local School Board Operations; 5/8/08
Comprehensive review planned

Perdue, Gingrich Hail New Health Insurance Legislation As Model; 5/7/08
Measures provide incentives for low-cost, high-deductible policies coupled with health savings accounts

The Latest Bill Signings From The Governor; 5/7/08
He's got just one week left, and here's the first big batch

Matt Towery: Why Obama Won And Hillary Probably Is Finished; 5/7/08
Barring some new big issue or event, Clinton campaign can't be sustained

Rep. Tom Graves Set For D.C. Honors; 5/7/08
One of six state, national lawmakers to receive awards from Dick Armey's group

Dick Yarbrough: Let's Do A Good Deed For The Guys And Gals In The Field; 5/7/08
Want to help our soldiers abroad? Here's a list of "luxuries" they need

Perdue's Signature Puts Bite On Dogfighting; 5/7/08
Four-year effort to outlaw dog fights culminates in new law

Will He Or Won't He Sign The Gun Bill? Governor Says He's Still Deliberating; 5/6/08
Here's the transcript of what he told reporters

Governor Will Host Formal State Luncheon This Week For UN Secretary-General; 5/6/08
Here are details and the guest list

Insider Polling: A Tight Battle In North Carolina; 5/6/08
Final poll suggests race is tighter than most experts believe

Speaker's Chief of Staff, Chris Cummiskey, Leaving For UGA Post; 5/5/08
He'll be government liaison person for his alma mater

Clip And Save: Who's Opposed, Who Isn't In Legislative Elections; 5/5/08
Charts show who's running, who isn't, who's got opposition, who's home free

On Background: Taxes, A Royal Farewell And A Kamikaze Bird; 5/5/08
Years ago, Democrats had a different way of doing the heavy lifting on controversial issues

Walter C. Jones: Democrats And The Military Banner; 5/5/08
A reflection of who Democrats are, or a campaign stunt?

Op-Ed: Georgia Chamber Says SB 276 Will Boost Competition, Reduce Auto Rates; 5/5/08
File-and-use system would replace prior-approval in auto rate-making process

Insider Polling: Obama Inching Closer In Indiana; 5/5/08
Clinton ahead, but within margin of error

An Underwhelming End To Qualifying; 5/2/08
Fewer legislative seats will be fought over than in 2006

Harbin In An Unusual League - He's Opposed; 5/2/08
Most lawmakers don't have opposition

Matt Towery: Move Commerce Club But Preserve Its Heritage; 5/1/08
Club has unique history in Atlanta

Inside The Numbers: Delta Deal Not Running So High In Its Own Hometown; 5/1/08
Stage set for political nightmare that could run all the way to the presidential election

Freddi Hagin, Lobbyist For Health Organizations, Dead At 65; 5/1/08
Services set for Saturday