Democratic Party of Georgia

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DPG Statement on Price Confirmation

Release:  Friday, February 10, 2017                                                                       

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on the confirmation of Congressman Tom Price to serve as HHS Secretary.

“Republicans just doubled-down on their promise to privatize Medicare and dismantle the Affordable Care Act. This founding member of the Tea Party Caucus—who is also associated with one of the most fringe medical groups on record—co-sponsored legislation to ban stem cell research and outlaw abortion, voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and has used his office to undermine the wellbeing and economic security of persons with disabilities and the elderly.

“Price—just like Donald Trump—is always looking out for number one. He cashed in on a corrupt sweetheart deal, purchased stock in companies he would later draft beneficial legislation for, and wielded his influence for personal profit like it was a cheap side hustle.

“Democrats will continue champion policies that secure the right to affordable healthcare for everyone—including the expansion of Medicaid here in Georgia. And you can bet your bottom dollar that we will hold Price, Trump, and the rest of the Swamp Cabinet accountable.”

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DPG Statement on Trump’s SCOTUS Nominee

Release:  Tuesday, January 31, 2017           

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on Donald Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court.

“Hardworking Americans should be frightened by Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to serve on the Supreme Court. He has a well-documented history of favoring CEOs and corporations over the very people who drive our country’s economy. Georgia Democrats are more determined than ever to protect the rights of workers and organized labor unions.

“Trump has boldly stated that his pick would overturn Roe v. Wade. And true to form, Trump’s choice-Gorsuch—seems a likely candidate to do just that given his record of fighting for employers wanting to avoid the ACA requirements securing women access to contraception through their insurance.”

“Congressional Republicans stonewalled President Obama’s nominee for hundreds of days, leaving a vacancy on our nation’s highest court for absolutely no reason. The GOP’s naked obstructionism prevented our country from having a fully-functioning Supreme Court. Georgians are watching Senators Isakson and Perdue to see just how swiftly they roll over in submission to push Donald Trump’s pick through the confirmation process, proving they could have done their job during the Obama administration and just flat out chose not to.”

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DPG Statement on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Release:  Monday, January 16, 2017    

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

“Today we honor the legacy of one of the world’s greatest humanitarians, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His life’s work of combatting injustice and inequality inspired people around the globe to better develop our moral conscience and gave us the courage needed to stand up for what is right through nonviolent means.

“On this Day of Service, we must not only recommit ourselves to Dr. King’s mission of forging a more perfect union. We must stand together and use every ounce of our strength and fortitude to ensure that the moral arc of the universe does indeed bend toward justice.”

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Democratic Party Response to Governor’s State of the State Address

Release:  Wednesday, January 10, 2017                                                                  

Atlanta, GA – Today the Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, DuBose Porter, issued the following response to the State of the State Address delivered by Governor Nathan Deal:

“This morning, Governor Deal delivered his State of the State Address. While we heard plenty of promises, we did not hear any meaningful solutions to several of the most pressing issues we face as a state.

“More than 300,000 Georgians live without health insurance, we have one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates, and we rank 49th in Medicaid spending per enrollee. Since 2013, five rural hospitals have shuttered their doors due to lack of funding, and scores more operate under the threat of closure. Yet the governor and his Party not only refuse to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act—they now boast the formation of a ‘repeal Obamacare’ taskforce. All the while, states that have taken advantage of Obamacare’s lifeline have slashed uninsured rates, saved tax dollars and—more importantly—saved lives.

“Georgia has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, yet our state’s minimum wage remains at an embarrassingly low $5.15. Women comprise 51 percent of Georgia’s population, but we heard no plan to address the gender wage gap. We heard no plan to raise the minimum wage to a standard fitting for the year 2017. Too many workers hold two or more jobs while still living in poverty and are still left out in the cold when it comes to affordable child care, housing, access to health benefits and paid family leave.

“Georgia ranks 38th in per-student spending, investing $1800 less per student than the national average. State budget cuts to education have forced school districts to shorten their calendar year and furlough teachers. Even though voters overwhelmingly rejected Governor Deal’s school takeover plan at the ballot box just months ago, he is pushing another top-down proposal that leaves parents and teachers out of the discussion and does nothing to fully fund our public schools. All this talk about failing schools and still no real discussion about the causes that led to their struggles. Where is the proposal for universal Pre-K? Smaller classrooms? More spending for additional teachers and professionals in the classrooms? When a quality education is the single most power tool given to a child to rise above the economic or class barriers, our state must invest the resources needed to allow educators to equip students for a 21st Century economy.

“The costs to attain a college or technical school degree continue to skyrocket, yet we heard no indication that the governor will work with Democrats to guarantee hardworking students a HOPE scholarship that covers full tuition and the basic necessities on a needs-based system.

“Governor Deal discussed the threat of cybercrimes, but failed to acknowledge the recent attacks on our democracy by a foreign government. And he certainly didn’t mention cyberthreats much closer to home, like we saw just a little over a year ago when the Office of Georgia’s Secretary of State gave out the Social Security numbers and private data of more than six million Georgians, putting our own economic security at risk.

“In his inaugural State of the State Address six years ago, Governor Deal declared that we were ‘entering a new era of smaller government and greater personal responsibility’ and that ‘government must pull back.’ Six years later, we’ve learned that the governor and his Party didn’t just pull back—they pulled the rug out from underneath Georgia families.

“Government certainly isn’t the solution to everything. But it can be a powerful force for good, giving a voice to the voiceless, ladders of opportunity to those who need it most, and safety nets for those who fall. It is the Democratic Party’s mission to ensure that everyone willing to do their part is able to get a well-paying job, buy a home, have affordable healthcare, send their kids to college, and retire with dignity. Democrats in the Senate and House have put forward measures to make these promises a reality, but need willing partners on the other side of the aisle who are committed to working together for what is best for all Georgians.

“As President Obama said last night, we rise or fall as one. We are a community, and our successes and failures are shared. So it is our hope that Republicans work with Democrats to push Georgia down the path of progress.”

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DPG Statement on First Presidential Debate

Release:  Monday, September 26, 2016                                                                  

Atlanta, GA – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on tonight’s presidential debate.

“Tonight was a tale of two visions for our country. The Republican candidate offered to take us down a path paved with fear and division and hate to a truly dark and dangerous destination. A place where lies and insults are used to divide communities and tear people down.

“Hillary Clinton challenged the American people to take a higher road tonight. A road that we travel together, leaving no one behind. Her vision for our great country is based on the simple yet powerful belief that we are stronger together when we lift each other up.

“There was only one Commander-in-Chief on that debate stage, and Georgia will join the rest of the nation in sending her to the White House.”

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Georgia GOP’s Silence Becomes Seal of Approval for Trump’s Lies and Insults

Release:  Thursday, September 8, 2016    

Atlanta, GA – Donald Trump not only failed last night’s Commander-in-Chief test—he doubled down on his reckless foreign policy ideas and offensive rhetoric. Among the lowlights of the evening…

On his plan to defeat Isis:  “If we’re going to get out, take the oil.”

On Vladimir Putin: “If he says great things about me, I’m going to say great things about him. I’ve already said, he is really very much of a leader. I mean, you can say, oh, isn’t that a terrible thing — the man has very strong control over a country. Now, it’s a very different system, and I don’t happen to like the system. But certainly, in that system, he’s been a leader, far more than our president has been a leader.”

On American generals: “I think under the leadership of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, the generals have been reduced to rubble. They have been reduced to a point where it’s embarrassing for our country.”

On his offensive tweet about rape in the military: “It’s a correct tweet.”

At a press conference this morning, Hillary Clinton called on all Republicans to respond to Donald Trump’s offensive remarks.

Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter echoed Clinton’s challenge, calling on Georgia Republicans—including Senator Johnny Isakson—to either support or disavow Trump’s lies and insults.

“The Georgia GOP can’t keep straddling the fence. Their silence has become a seal of approval. If the top of your ticket praises foreign dictators yet insults our own military, push politics aside and do the right thing. They should denounce Donald Trump now.” – DuBose Porter, Chair

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GAGOP to Trump – Let’s B BFFLS 4ever

GAGOP Trump Logo copy

 

Now that Donald Trump is the GOP’s presumptive nominee, Georgia Republicans are lining up to embrace a candidate who has proposed horrifying foreign policies—including the refusal to rule out the use of nuclear weapons on European territory. A candidate that labels Mexican immigrants as “rapists” and “criminals.” A candidate that has been endorsed by former KKK leader David Duke. And a candidate that has condoned and defended violence at his own campaign events.

 

The AJC reports that “Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, House Speaker David Ralston and Attorney General Sam Olens all sent word they would support the party’s nominee despite backing his rivals in the primary. So did Sens. Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, and Secretary of State Brian Kemp, who each stayed out of the race for president…”

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on the shocking embrace of Donald Trump by Republican leaders.

 

“Donald Trump may be the most dangerous presidential candidate of our lifetime and the ruling class of the Georgia GOP seems perfectly fine with the impending chaos of a potential—yet improbable—Trump presidency. How on Earth could Johnny Isakson, David Perdue and the rest of that crew trust a volatile, divisive figure to lead the greatest armed forces in the World? How can they sleep at night with the looming prospect of Donald Trump being in possession of nuclear codes? It’s just beyond comprehension, and voters will hold Republicans accountable up and down the ballot in November. There is no doubt in my mind that Georgia will send another Democrat to the White House, with the temperament and judgement to keep our great country prosperous, safe and secure.”

 

Department of Justice Looking in to SoS Kemp’s Elections Failures

Release:  Thursday, May 5, 2016                                                                                         

 

Department of Justice Looking in to SoS Kemp’s Elections Failures

 

Atlanta, GA – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp just attracted the interest of the Department of Justice for his pattern of failure to properly administer Georgia’s voter registration system. On May 4, The United State Department of Justice filed a “Statement of Interest of the United States” with the Federal Court to probe Kemp’s purges of legitimate voters from Georgia voter rolls. The Department of Justice pointed to specific violations of the National Voter Registration Act and the Help America Vote Act. NVRA governs voter registration and the maintenance of voter lists used in federal elections. HAVA establishes minimum standards to be used in federal elections.

“Time and again, Brian Kemp has proven to be unqualified to run a six foot extension cord, much less Georgia’s elections,” said Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter in statement. “This year, Georgia—and the rest of the country—will cast their ballots in the first major election since the gutting of the Voting Rights Act. There’s just too much at stake to trust a sloppy partisan like Kemp to administer our electoral process.”

Over the course of his career, Kemp has attracted attention for his partisan gimmicks to undermine the integrity of Georgia’s elections. The Secretary of State’s website has a well-documented history of inadequacy. Just last year, Kemp’s office violated and undermined the economic security of Georgia voters by publishing private information—including Social Security numbers—of registered voters. Last year’s data breach forced him to spend our tax dollars to recover the disks and provide security services for voters whose privacy was violated.

This year, Kemp admitted to inaccuracies in his own voter registration database that forced an unknown number of voters to vote in districts other than where they actually lived. Kemp has thus far refused to reopen qualifying House District 151, while allowing the Georgia Republic Party to open qualifying in state house primary three times.

 

Find the DOJ Statement of Interest at this link.

 

DPG Statement on Gov. Deal’s State of the State Address

Release:  Wednesday, January 13, 2016                                                                                         

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on Governor Deal’s State of the State Address

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on Governor Nathan Deal’s State of the State address.

 

“Governor Deal’s take on the State of our State is misleading. His administration has turned down a myriad of opportunities to share in our nation’s prosperity—from Medicaid expansion to investments in transportation and infrastructure. The Republican leadership’s stonewalling of smart policy has crushed the backbone of Georgia’s economy—the middle class.

 

“If Deal truly wants what is best for our state, and ensure that the State of our State is strong, he’ll work with Democrats to address the serious problems that plague the wellbeing of Georgia families. Together, we can work to increase stagnant wages and close the pay gap between women and men. We can work together to provide affordable healthcare to hundreds of thousands of the uninsured. We can reach across party lines to build an economy that’s meant to last and leaves no one behind.

 

“Perhaps most importantly, we can fully fund public education, making a smart investment in our children—our future—and provide our educators with the tools and support they deserve.

 

“It is past time for Georgia to live up to its promise. We can do better, and we can shape a better future. But there must be a willingness from the Deal administration to work with Democrats and forge a better tomorrow from the center out.”

 

DPG Statement on President Obama’s Final State of the Union Address

Release:  Tuesday, January 12, 2016                                                                                              

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on President Barack Obama’s Final State of the Union Address

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address.

 

“Tonight, we heard that the State of our Union is strong, due in large part to the leadership of President Barack Obama. Since the President took office in 2009, our country has seen 70 consecutive months of job growth—an extraordinary accomplishment for an administration that inherited a financial crisis of apocalyptic proportions.

 

“The Obama Administration has given our country record economic growth, the lowest uninsured rate in history, taken commonsense action on immigration that keeps families together—the accomplishments are countless.

 

“As the President said, there’s still much to be done. Our country must commit to building an economy that truly works for everyone, guided by our values of hope and opportunity for the middle class and those aspiring to join it. We need to do more as a community to ensure that every single American has a fair shot—a guiding principle that the President and our Party fight for every single day. A principle that the Georgia Republican Party has neglected and rejected.

 

“Georgia Democrats continue to support the ambitious and forward-thinking agenda President Obama laid out tonight. Looking ahead, our nation cannot afford what the GOP is offering—the same failed policies that got us in a mess in the first place. Georgia Democrats are more committed than ever to sending another Democrat to the White House to build on this administration’s extraordinary progress and continue to pursue the immeasurable promise of our shared future.

 

“This is President Barack Obama’s last State of the Union address and we are grateful for his service and his leadership. He has lit a path forward, and together we will elect a Democratic President later this year who will honor his legacy while building one of her or his own.”

Chairman DuBose Porter: The Right to Be Represented

Last week, the United States Supreme Court heard oral argument in Evenwel v. Abbott. Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter gave his take on the case that threatens the democratic principle of “one person, one vote.”

 

DuBose Porter: The right to be represented

Savannah Morning News // DuBose Porter

 

Fifty years ago, Georgia’s own John Lewis stood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., with young activists demanding a voice at the ballot box. Congress passed and President Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965 —a landmark piece of legislation that extended the franchise to countless Americans whose participation in our democracy was denied. While we have made much progress since 1965, recently we’ve witnessed a coordinated attack from the right to limit who has access to our democracy.

Republicans around the nation are gunning for more restrictions on voters — because when large groups of targeted populations are disenfranchised, they have a better chance of winning. This ‘change the rules of the game to ensure a win’ effort is demonstrated through restrictive voter ID laws, curtailing early voting, and other egregious attempts to limit access to the necessary documents needed to register to vote.

But now we face another fundamental challenge to our democracy. On Dec. 8, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Evenwel v. Abbott. On its face, it’s just a redistricting case. But a closer look reveals just how insidious this right-wing attack on democracy truly is.

The plaintiff, Sue Evenwel, is an executive member of the Texas Republican Party. If she wins in court and has her way, states would be forced to leave out entire swaths of their populations when drawing legislative districts simply because they are not voters. Children, legal permanent residents, and others currently unable to vote would not be counted and would be invisible for purposes of representation. In other words, districts would be drawn on the number of eligible voters — not on the actual population of an area.

Instead of representing all of the people, our elected officials would effectively ignore millions of people living under their jurisdiction simply because they can’t vote. These are children who go to our schools. They’re hardworking women and men who pay the taxes that pave our roads and build our infrastructure. They’re the DREAMers who will one day become homeowners, business owners, and employers.

To ignore them when creating legislative districts is to disenfranchise the very people we’ve fought so hard to include in our democracy over the past five decades. Young people, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans all disproportionately suffer if Sue Evenwel gets her way.

In Georgia, an estimated 2,490,299 young people under 18 could be disenfranchised if Sue Evenwel has her way — including 49 percent who are young women; 833,690 of African Americans; and 314,438 of Hispanics.

Republican lawmakers in Georgia have already mounted a concerted effort to restrict access to the ballots. This offensive move began few a years ago with new Georgia voter ID laws — some of the strictest in the nation. And it continues with Republicans pushing to hack away at early voting days and a Secretary of State who regularly purges our voter rolls.

And just last year, after several counties decided to expand early voting opportunities to a few Sundays in October, Republicans vowed to “eliminate this election law loophole.”

Ballot access is not a loophole, it’s a guaranteed right. As Americans, we are directed to protect this sacred right and no effort to restrict or intimidate its exercise should be tolerated.

This is a cause that all fair-minded Americans can rally behind. After all, the defendant in the case is Texas’ own Republican Governor, Greg Abbot who is advocating for districting by population.

In 2015, we must remain as vigilant as ever in the face of such egregious attacks on our democracy. We’ve come too far to silently sit back and let those with an extreme agenda erase our progress. Anything less would dishonor the legacy of heroes like John Lewis and the countless others that gave their all — in some cases their lives — to ensure that every American has a voice.

DuBose Porter of Dublin is chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia.

DPG Chair Statement on Evenwel v. Abbott

Release:  Tuesday, December 8, 2015                                                                                             

 

DPG Chair Statement on Upcoming Oral Argument in Evenwel v. Abbott

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Evenwel v. Abbot, a Texas redistricting case that would deny representation to anyone who is not a voter, including every child and minor under 18, by changing how state legislative districts are drawn. Evenwel would also leave minority communities underrepresented, in large part because they tend to be younger. If Evenwel wins, legal permanent residents who have spent years in their communities—and are able to contribute to political candidates—would be left uncounted and denied representation.

 

In Georgia, an estimated 2,490,299 young people under 18 could be disenfranchised if Sue Evenwel has her way—including 49% who are young women; 833,690 of African Americans; and 314,438 of Hispanics.

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement today on how this case could lead to a loss of political representation for millions of young people and minority communities across the country.

 

“Every single person living in America deserves equal representation and deserves to be counted in our democracy, and that’s why the Constitution requires it in congressional districts.  Sue Evenwel’s egregious attempt to deny millions of people representation in state legislative districts is an attack on our democracy and threatens the ability of elected officials to adequately represent and serve their communities.  Our children and everyone living in our communities deserve a voice even if they are not able to cast a ballot.

 

“Republicans around the nation are gunning for more restrictions on voters—because when large groups of targeted populations are disenfranchised, they have a better chance of winning. This ‘change the rules of the game to ensure a win’ effort is demonstrated through restrictive voter ID laws, curtailing early voting, and other egregious attempts to limit access to the necessary documents needed to register to vote.

 

“If we are serious about the integrity of our democracy, we cannot allow anyone to be disenfranchised. This case threatens to exclude far too many including every person under the age of 18, and far too many hardworking taxpayers across Georgia and the rest of the country.

 

“We must remain as vigilant as ever in the face of such egregious attacks on our democracy. We’ve come too far to silently sit back and let those with an extreme agenda erase our progress. Anything less would dishonor the legacy of our civil rights activists and heroes who gave their all—in some cases their lives—to ensure that every American has a voice.”

 

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Thank you

Friends,

 

As our families and friends gather together, I wanted to send you a quick note to share what I am thankful for—you.

 

Over the years, you—our Democratic supporters—have given the Democratic Party of Georgia your time, resources, and heart to help us build a better Party and a better future for our state.

 

The DPG is proud of what we have accomplished together. And while there is still much work to do, we have made huge strides largely in part to your phone calls, door knocks, email chains, and your generous contributions.

 

When we gather around our respective tables to count our blessings, the officers and staff of the DPG and I will be sure to count you as one of them.

 

Happy Thanksgiving,

 

Dubose Porter Signature

GA Secretary of State Brian Kemp Compromises Privacy and Security of Millions of Georgians

Release:  Wednesday, November 18, 2015                                                                                      

 

GA Secretary of State Brian Kemp Compromises Privacy and Security of Millions of Georgians

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, the Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that two Georgia voters have filed a class action lawsuit alleging “a massive data breach by Secretary of State Brian Kemp involving the Social Security numbers and other private information of more than six million voters statewide.”

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement in response to this news.

 

“This wasn’t hacking. This is a government official—Brian Kemp—distributing the personal identification information of over six million Georgians. My privacy has been compromised, and yours probably has as well. It’s been over a month, and not a single voter has been notified—it took a lawsuit for Georgians to learn that their information has been compromised.

 

“All we’ve heard from Republican leaders is a deafening silence. Not a word from Brian Kemp, not a word from Gov. Nathan Deal or Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. Attorney General Sam Olens has been silent. Nathan Deal should have already ordered a full investigation by the Inspector General.

 

“Brian Kemp’s incompetence has now put all Georgians on Red Alert.”

 

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Marco Rubio Brings Amateur Hour Road Show to Georgia, with Failed Policies in Tow

Release:  Thursday, November 12, 2015                                                                                         

 

Marco Rubio Brings Amateur Hour Road Show to Georgia, with Failed Policies in Tow

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Hot off the heels of a lackluster debate performance and several days of bad news, Marco Rubio heads to Atlanta today to grab checks at a fundraising event. After Tuesday’s debate, Rubio has proved that he is more concerned with building a hefty campaign coffer than building the middle class. He also proved to Georgians—and the rest of America—that he is not ready for prime time.

 

“Mark this one down for the record books—Nathan Deal and I agree on something. Neither of us is impressed with Marco Rubio. It really is absurd that someone like No-show Rubio who doesn’t show up to work is asking for a promotion.

 

“Rubio paints himself as a candidate for the future, but his recycled GOP agenda for the middle class and foreign affairs has already been rejected by the American people time and again. Marco Rubio trying to act as though there’s daylight between his policies and those of Trump and Carson is laughable. Instituting any of his ‘solutions’ for Georgia families would be like trying put out a dumpster fire with a leaf blower.” – Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter

 

Marco Rubio isn’t fooling anyone. He’s pushing the same failed policies that have proven to be disastrous for America.

 

Rubio said raising the minimum wage is a “disaster.”  [MSNBC, 11-11-15]

 

Rubio called policies that benefit the middle class—like paid family leave, affordable healthcare, and a quality education—“giveaways.”  [NY Mag, 11-11-15]

 

Rubio reiterated his intention to repeal Obamacare.  [TIME, 11-11-15]

 

Rubio couldn’t even articulate his tax plan to cut taxes for the rich while leaving the middle class behind, saying “I am proud that I have a pro-family tax code, because the pro-family tax plan that I have will strengthen the most important institution in the family—in the country, the family.” Huh?  [YOUTUBE, 11-11-15]

 

The main beneficiary of Rubio’s tax plan…wait for it…the top 0.0003 percent.  [Washington Post, 11-5-15]

 

There are still unanswered questions regarding Rubio’s ongoing credit card controversy.  [Tampa Bay Times, 11-5-15]

 

Rubio touts the same outdated Cold War-era policies that put America at risk under the Bush Administration.  [Business Insider, 6-4-15]

 

Rubio has trouble showing up to his current job, missing key hearings on ISIS, Iran, and Osama bin Laden.  [Politico, 7-27-15]

 

Plain and simple, Marco Rubio is unfit to serve as President of the United States.

 

 

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DPG Chair Endorses Rep. Tonya Anderson for Senate District 43 Seat

Tonya Anderson

Release:  Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement of support for Rep. Tonya Anderson, who is running to represent Georgia’s 43rd Senate District.

“Rep. Tonya Anderson has a proven record of fighting for Georgia’s families, championing the principles and values that ensure that no Georgian is ever left behind. For years, Tonya has demonstrated a deep commitment to her community with hard work and an unwavering advocacy for the people she represents. She is driven by a sense of duty, exemplified by her military service. Tonya is the serious, proven public servant that SD 43 deserves, and I am proud to give her my endorsement and full support.”

The runoff election for Senate District 43 will be held December 1, 2015. Early voting for the runoff begins November 16, 2015.

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DPG Statement on First Democratic Presidential Debate

Release:  Tuesday, October 13, 2015                                                                                              

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on First Democratic Presidential Debate

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement after the first Democratic presidential debate.

 

“Tonight, all of our candidates laid out a clear, forward-thinking vision for America. And regardless of who emerges as our nominee, our party is united around our basic values.

 

“Democratic candidates not only addressed the concerns of the middle class, but proved that they will fight for the middle class. We saw candidates who will fight for pay equity, access to affordable healthcare, meaningful immigration reform that brings families together instead of tearing them apart, the strengthening of voting rights, and an even playing field for all Americans where everyone has the opportunity to get ahead.

 

“Contrast that with what we’ve seen from the GOP. For months, the Republican field has been playing a tasteless game of follow the leader—with Donald Trump delivering their marching orders. Given the opportunity to explain their plan to help hardworking Americans, the GOP has instead attacked women, bragged about taking away healthcare from the sick, waxed poetic about starting new wars, and took their offensive rhetoric on immigration to a disturbing new level.

 

“What is unequivocal more than ever is that Georgians will have a clear choice in next year’s general election. We can regress back to the failed policies of previous Republican administrations. Or we can elect a Democrat, and continue to build on the progress of the past seven years.”

 

 

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DPG Statement on Jeb Bush’s Voting Rights Act Comments

Release:  Friday, October 9, 2015   

                                                                                     

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on Jeb Bush’s Voting Rights Act Comments

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement in response to Jeb Bush’s comments on ballot access in Georgia.

 

“Next time, Jeb Bush should brush up on the state of voter access in Georgia before he opens his mouth. Coming from a governor whose state purged thousands of eligible voters, Jeb Bush is the last person anybody should be taking advice from on voting rights.

 

“Here are the facts in Georgia: A combination of Republican malfeasance and ineptitude in the legislature and the Secretary of State’s office continue to jeopardize ballot access for Georgia’s voters. Under Secretary of State Brian Kemp, we’ve seen our elections system basically drown in dysfunction. Republicans wasted taxpayer money and resources on a fruitless three year witch-hunt of the Quitman 12—accomplishing nothing more than the harassment of people of color. They found nothing.

 

“It seems that every week, we hear of another county pushing for the consolidation of precincts, adversely impacting the elderly, people of color, and those struggling to make ends meet.

 

“Recently, one of Kemp’s senior elections officials illegally purged thousands and thousands of Georgians from the voter rolls.
“And let’s not forget that—in response to a historic move to hold Sunday voting—Sen. Fran Millar, John Kasich’s man in Georgia, called expanded access to voting a ‘loophole’ and made reprehensible remarks about the Georgians who would benefit from expanded early voting opportunities.

 

“This is the first presidential election cycle we’ve had without preclearance, and the need for the strengthening of the Voting Rights Act is greater than ever. Thankfully Georgia Democrats are at the forefront of the fight to restore the VRA. But instead of expanding ballot access and making it easier to vote, Brian Kemp seems to prefer palling around with Republican presidential candidates and making a name for himself with the SEC primary. To have Jeb Bush make such dismissive remarks about Georgians’ right to vote is severely misguided and downright foolish.

 

“Georgia Democrats will continue to fight against the GOP’s voter suppression tactics, and fight even harder to ensure every eligible citizen is able to register, every registered voter is able to vote, and every vote is accurately counted.”

 

 

###

 

 

 

Background

 

TIME – Exclusive: Jeb Bush Explains Why He Opposes Voting Rights Act Provision

 

“They want to reauthorize the Article 5 portion of this, and it’s time to move on,” Bush said. “Look, in—I think Georgia is the example that people use, African-American turn-out is higher than it is amongst white voters. There’s early voting, there’s all sorts of access. Percentage of vote is higher.”

“There is a point to say that whatever was done to create that environment, we should hail it as a success, and assume that states have the capability to do what’s right,” Bush added.

…Bush said he was unfamiliar with the ongoing controversy in Alabama, in which the state is closing driver’s license centers in many poor and minority communities due to budget cuts. The state’s voter identification law requires that voters posses identification to vote. Combined, critics argue, it is an effort to depress minority turnout in the state. Bush said he thought the current law allowed officials enough authority to investigate the claims.

“I don’t know the case of Alabama,” Bush told TIME. “Typically when you close DMVs it’s because of budget considerations. I can’t comment on that. But the existing law allows for some ability to inquire about that and look into it.”

 

Think Progress [9-9-14]

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on Tuesday that Georgia state Senator Fran Millar (R) penned an angry response to DeKalb County’s announcement that early voting will be available on Sunday, October 26, and that an early-voting location will be opened at The Gallery at South DeKalb Mall. Millar represents part of the county and is Senior Deputy Whip for the Georgia Senate Republicans.

Millar wrote:

Now we are to have Sunday voting at South DeKalb Mall just prior to the election. Per Jim Galloway of the AJC, this location is dominated by African American shoppers and it is near several large African American mega churches such as New Birth Missionary Baptist.

…UPDATE 

On his Facebook page Tuesday, Millar stood by his comments, writing: “I would prefer more educated voters than a greater increase in the number of voters.

 

Huffington Post [6-25-15] – Florida Voter Purge Fiasco May Complicate Jeb Bush’s Appeal To Minorities

 

As the 2016 campaign heats up, an episode from his tenure as Florida governor reveals why Bush’s image as a “uniter, not a divider,” as his older brother used to put it, may not stand up. The state’s deeply flawed purge of felons from its voting rolls in advance of the 2000 presidential election remains a scar that still has not healed for many in the state.

…Since Florida did not track its voters by Social Security number, the company was instructed to engage in a subjective process that attempted to match felon names and dates of birth with voter records, allowing for “near matches” that were close, but not exact.

After Jeb Bush took office in 1999, this process continued. In the months leading up to the 2000 presidential election, local election supervisors began receiving lists from state officials of people DBT had identified as convicted felons and thus needed to be eliminated from the voting rolls.

It became immediately clear that the effort was generating a slew of false positives. Voters in good standing, who happened to share names with convicted felons, but had never been in trouble with the law, were being taken off the voting rolls.

 

 

11 Alive [4-3-15]

 

Kemp said Friday that the resignation was due to 7,690 voters being moved from inactive to cancelled status within 90 days of an election. The change, which occurred in February 2014 under Ford’s supervision, happened six days after more than 312,000 Georgia voters were changed from inactive to cancelled during a standard update process required by law.