Democratic Party of Georgia

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Georgia Democrats Reflect on the Legacy of Senator Robert Brown

Georgia –   Georgia Democrats are remembering the strong leadership of former Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown, who passed away at his Macon home.

A graduate from Mercer University, Brown began his political career on the local school board. His political skill was solidified in a close victory for his State Senate seat in 1991. “He was one of the brightest people I’ve ever worked with,” said former House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter. “One of the most loyal political friends you could ever have, a true believer.”

Senator Brown served as one of Governor Zell Miller’s floor leaders while working on a variety of issues for his constituents. His legislative accomplishments included the expansion of Macon’s Tubman Museum and saving the famed Douglass Theatre from demolition. He protected Peachcare for Georgia’s children, and recently fought against changes to the HOPE scholarship that he believed made the program unfair to middle-class students.

“Senator Brown held his caucus together during some legendary political battles,” said Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman Mike Berlon. “He was a valiant fighter for education and opportunity for everyone.”

Senator Brown was also known for his fire-and-brimstone speeches, often spicing up a sedate Senate with his quick wit and intellect. “Whether you agreed with Robert Brown or not, you respected him,” said Berlon. “Many of his political opponents made the mistake of underestimating him. They rarely made that same mistake twice.”

Behind the scenes, Brown had friends on both sides of the political aisle. He was a bright and loyal leader who offered a smile and handshake to even his biggest rivals.

“He will be missed,” concluded Porter. “Georgia lost a good man.”

Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman Mike Berlon Statement on Filibuster of Wall Street Watchdog

Atlanta, GA – Today, both Republican Senators in Georgia filibustered the confirmation of former Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray as head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a Wall Street watchdog created because of the Wall Street reform law signed by President Obama that would help protect American consumers. In response, Georgia Democratic Party Chair Mike Berlon issued the following statement:

“Today’s Republican filibuster of Richard Cordray to head up the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is an affront to middle-class Georgia families that are trying to play by the rules.   This is a make or break moment for the middle class, and we should be making sure that this Wall Street watchdog is firing at all cylinders to advocate for American consumers.

“President Obama signed Wall Street reform into law last year because he believes that the rules should be fair for everyone.  But too often it feels like the odds are stacked against middle class families.

“With this vote, Republicans had the opportunity to join President Obama to protect consumers by confirming Richard Cordray.  Instead, Republicans turned their backs on Georgia and refused to stop unscrupulous financial institutions. The latest Republican politically-motivated block on President Obama’s priorities confirms once again that Republicans are more interested in blocking the President’s initiatives than standing up for consumers and Georgia’s families.”

 

Democratic victories in Albany and Waynesboro

While Republicans were napping yesterday, we racked up more Democratic victories for women throughout the state.

Albany elected its first female mayor, Dorothy Hubbard, as did Waynesboro, Pauline Jenkins. Both of these victories continue to prove that our plan is working. These victories cap off a successful year for Georgia Democrats, as we picked up mayoral races and city council races repeatedly in 2011. Just ask new Snellville Mayor Kelly Kautz.

These successes demonstrate one thing- we can win in Georgia. These are not isolated incidents but the result of our new methods, smarter voter targeting, and an attention to detail that is second-to-none.

Our task is just starting. Next year, we will have races for the State General Assembly and one for the President’s re-election. We know that hard work lies ahead, but I’m ready to take on this challenge. Are you?

Sincerely,

 

Mike Berlon
Chairman
Democratic Party of Georgia

P.S. – Congratulations to new Savannah Mayor and former union-member Edna Jackson and her strong Democratic opponent Jeff Felser. I am pleased to see such a strong campaign in Savannah, and look forward to great things from both the Mayor-Elect and her worthy opponent. Congrats to new Savannah City Councilman and former State House member Tom Bordeaux as well.

Chairman Mike Berlon Calls on Mitt Romney to Prioritize Economic Policies that Help Georgia’s Middle-Class Families

Georgia – On the heels of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s fundraising visit to Georgia today, Chairman Mike Berlon called on Romney to reverse his misguided support for economic policies that attempt to balance our economic recovery solely on the backs of the middle class without asking the wealthiest and special interests to pitch in and pay their fair share – including his opposition to a payroll tax cut that will put more money in the pockets of Georgia’s middle-class families.

“Mitt Romney has been inconsistent on many issues, but one thing he has continued to support wholeheartedly is more tax cuts for millionaires, billionaires and large corporations at the expense of the middle class, students and seniors.  Mr. Romney’s economic plans would be a disaster for Georgia’s working families.  His opposition to the President’s American Jobs Act, which would cut taxes for 180,000 Georgia small businesses and give the typical Georgia household a tax cut of $1,330 – economic relief that Romney callously referred to as “temporary little band-aids” – is appalling

“The President’s jobs plan would put folks back to work in Georgia by supporting roughly 13,600 jobs rebuilding the state’s infrastructure and 11,800 jobs modernizing Georgia’s classrooms, in addition to saving the jobs of up to 12,800 educators across the state.

“Mitt Romney’s policies are wrong for Georgia and wrong for America.  Moreover, his inability to support one consistent position for longer than a day – except, of course, his longstanding advocacy for policies that give more handouts to millionaires, billionaires, special interests and large corporations – is not the type of leadership Americans want or need.  So, while Mr. Romney is here today collecting large checks from his core constituency, the ultra-wealthy, I encourage Georgia voters to remember where Mitt Romney’s priorities truly lie – with his rich donors.”

Veterans Day

President Lincoln wrote this letter expressing condolences to Mrs. Bixby, a widow who it was believed had lost five sons in the Civil War.

May all of our Veterans be remembered for the sacrifices that they have made for our country. We should hold dear the courage that these brave men and women have shown in service to our United States.

 

Executive Mansion, Washington, Nov. 21, 1864

Dear Madam,

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts, that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle.

I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering to you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save.

I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours, to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of Freedom.

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

Abraham Lincoln

Morrow Mayor-Elect J.B. Burke Wins by One Vote

Morrow – The Democratic Party of Georgia congratulates Mayor-Elect J.B. Burke on a nail-biting, one-vote victory as the new Mayor of Morrow.  In a race considered too close to call for nearly a day, provisional ballots confirmed Burke’s victory late Wednesday afternoon.

Even more impressive is that prior to Election Day, Mayor-Elect Burke was hospitalized for a significant period of time due to a serious car accident and was unable to effectively continue his campaign. Despite his injuries and through the hard work of his political team, Mayor-Elect Burke soldiered on to a one-vote victory in the competitive race.

While the results will await an automatic recount, Burke’s victory capped off impressive Democratic wins across Georgia, ranging from a mayoral race in heavily republican Snellville, dominating wins in Savannah council races, and an impressive city council victory in Fayetteville. In GOP-heavy Brantley county, the town of Nahunta elected five Democrats.

The Democratic Party of Georgia believes that their “5% Solution” was a significant factor in Burke’s success. This strategy of increasing performance county-by-county by at least 5% throughout the state is expected to turn the electoral tide in Democrats’ favor in upcoming election cycles.

So far, this strategy has worked extremely well.  “We set an ambitious goal to determine our ability to raise democratic performance in our most republican areas during this municipal election cycle,” said Mike Berlon, Chairman. “We targeted over 80 races where we thought we could improve. After reviewing the most recent numbers, it’s clear that we increased performance in nearly all of these races by at least 5%, and in some cases, nearly 20%.”

“There’s an important lesson to be drawn from J.B. Burke’s race.  His one-vote margin is an important reminder that the power of a single individual can change the course of an entire election,” concluded Berlon. “This will be critical for us in the 2012 election cycle.”

Georgia Democrats Energized by Election Results

Georgia – With Tuesday’s election results nearly complete, Georgia Democrats are energized by the beginning of a Democratic resurgence and further confirmation that their “5% Solution” is winning crucial races.

“Our goal is to increase Democratic performance in key areas across the state,” said Chairman Mike Berlon of the Democratic Party of Georgia. “This election showed that we can do that, and that bodes well for our next statewide contest.”

Women had an especially impressive night, with first time female mayors taking office in Snellville (Kelly Kautz) and in Albany, competing in a runoff (B.J. Fletcher and Dorothy Hubbard). Savannah welcomes Carol Bell and Estella Shabazz as new aldermen, and Winterville welcomes new mayor Emily Eisenman.

“Increasing our performance by 5% creates the growth needed to regain our stature in state politics,” continued Berlon. “It results in wins, sure, but it also shows us where our future victories will come from.”

Other impressive victories include a win for John Hall over a Republican incumbent in the Savannah City Council race; Ed Johnson over a Republican incumbent for Fayetteville City Council, and rural Brantley County, which saw 5 Democrats elected in the town of Nahunta. In all, state Democrats retained seats, gained seats, or improved their numbers by over 5% in towns and communities throughout Georgia.

On the national level, Democrats demonstrated an impressive show of force as well. Ohio defeated an anti-union bill supported by the Republican governor, with Mississippi voting down the anti-woman ‘personhood’ amendment. In Maine, voters restored same-day voter registration, a Democrat-backed law that was under attack by the national Republican party.

“We have much to be thankful for,” concluded Berlon. “Our work is not done in Georgia, but it’s good to see our new strategies bearing fruit in this great state.”

 

Democrats open new Georgia headquarters with Debbie Wasserman Schultz

(Article found at the Washington Examiner.)

Democrats aren’t conceding any region of the country in their quest to re-elect President Barack Obama in 2012, the party’s chairwoman told Georgia Democrats on Wednesday at the opening of their new state party headquarters.

Democratic National Committee Debbie Wasserman Schultz said that includes Georgia, a state Obama lost three years ago by five percentage points.

“We are planting a flag in the South,” Schultz told a crowd of about 300. “We need to make sure we explain to voters that 2012 is personal.”

Schultz’s visit comes as Obama makes a three-day swing through the South touting his jobs plan, which failed to pass the Senate last week. Schultz, a Florida congresswoman, said there is a growing groundswell of Democratic momentum in the state and region, bolstered by the area’s changing demographics.

“We’re just building off the momentum we started in 2008,” she said, noting that the Obama campaign pulled out of Georgia several weeks before the general election. “It just became clear that it would be political malpractice to assume that the South is assumed to just be red.”

Schultz highlighted the growth of the country’s Latino population, in Georgia in particular, and said those voters could be key to an Obama victory.

“We are going to continue to quietly organize, slowly but surely,” she said. “I know the perception is that Georgia is a red state, but we’re slowly turning it purple around the edges.”

State Rep. Pedro Marin, a Georgia Democrat who was the first Latino elected to the state legislature, said he has heard frustration from Latinos about what they perceive to be a hostile attitude from Republicans. Marin said about 100,000 Latinos are registered Georgia voters, but another 100,000 are unregistered. The goal is to get them signed up and at the polls in November, and to convince them that Obama is still their best choice, Marin said.

“The resentment of Latinos is strong in Georgia,” he said, citing the state’s immigration law passed earlier this year by the Legislature. “It’s a big goal, but we have some groups out here doing voter registration. It’s working.”

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, who also spoke at the opening, said he was encouraged by the packed building and cheering crowd, and urged them to rest up over the holidays ahead of a busy 2012 election season.

“We have a new energy, we have a new sense of purpose and a sense of mission,” Reed said. “This is exactly the kind of energy we’re going to need to re-elect Barack Obama.”

Reed added that the choice for voters is becoming clearer as the Republican presidential field continues to campaign and debate.

“They’ve been comparing [Obama] to the Almighty since the day he got in office,” Reed said. “Last night … you saw their alternative.”

Statement on the American Jobs Act

Georgia – With the United States Senate prepared to vote on the American Jobs Act today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Mike Berlon released the following statement:

 “The President and the American people stand in agreement; it is time for Congress to put this country over their political party. Our Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson must vote for the American Jobs Act, which will get more Georgians working while cutting payroll taxes in half for employers.

“Our state is 49th in job creation out of 50 states, and was one of only six states to post job losses in July. Our unemployment rate has been higher than the national average for over four years running. With nearly every state more competitive in job creation than we are, it is clear that the policies of our state’s Republican leadership aren’t working.

“Today’s vote in the Senate is a critical step forward. The American Jobs Act will put construction workers on the job to rebuild our schools, roads and bridges. It puts more money in the pockets of middle class families and keeps teachers in the classroom. It will help police and firefighters stay on the job and protect our communities.

“Isakson and Chambliss must pass this bill in the US Senate immediately.”

Berlon statement on tenth anniversary of the start of Operation Enduring Freedom

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Mike Berlon issues the following statement regarding the tenth anniversary of the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan:

“A decade ago today, the United States began fighting on foreign soil to defeat an enemy that had taken thousands of lives. The operation that began with 50 Tomahawk missiles has now extended a decade and lasted two and a half times longer than World War II.

“We would like to thank all of our military personnel fighting for this country, and the families that they have left behind. Good men and women have been hurt and lost in this war, and their sacrifices will never be forgotten. The celebration of our troops and their dedication to duty is not a republican or democratic issue-it’s about dedicated, duty bound Americans protecting all of us, each of our opinions and the freedoms that we so richly enjoy in this country.  We owe them a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid.

“Last week, I was flying back from Washington and an Honor Flight arrived bringing several World War II veterans to see their Memorial at the National Mall.  When the veterans came off the plane, many in their late 80’s and in need of help, the airport erupted in tears, cheers and applause that made you feel proud to be an American.  Among those there to meet them were veterans from the wars in Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf Wars.

“Let’s remember all veterans from all wars who have done so much for us.  When you have the opportunity, make sure to thank a veteran for their sacrifice.”

Democrats demand resignation of state senators Ligon & Loudermilk

From 11 Alive:

ATLANTA– The racial discrimination case appears to be rooted in room 323 of the Legislative Office Building across from the Capitol.

It’s the office of state senators William Ligon (R-Brunswick) and Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville) — two men implicated by Democrats questioning the settlement of the case.

“$80,000 of the people’s money has been spent and we know nothing about it,” said Sen. Donzella James (D-Atlanta).

Democrats say the payment was authorized this summer during a secret committee meeting chaired by Sen. Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) to settle a claim against the two senators. But details have been kept under wraps.

Democratic Party chairman Mike Berlon is calling for state and federal investigations — and the resignations of the two senators.

“I understand that sometimes these decisions have to be made to settle claims,” Berlon, an attorney, said at a news conference. “But it’s the manner in which this was done. It was completely in secret and it looks like there were going to be no ramifications whatsoever for the Republican senators.”

Full story is here.

Berlon to Olens, Williams: “Which Senators Were Involved?”

Georgia – Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman Mike Berlon called on Georgia Senate Pro Tempore Tommie Williams and Attorney General Sam Olens to release the details of a secret $80,000 payment used to settle a racial discrimination complaint.

The payment and subsequent cover-up by Williams runs contrary to his goal to “bring more sunlight and transparency to how the public’s tax dollars are being spent.” Instead, Williams has dodged reporters and hidden in his office.

“We ask Senator Williams to tell Georgia what the allegations are, which senators were involved, and why $80,000 in taxpayer funds are being paid in secret,” said Berlon. “We will formally ask Attorney General Olens about his involvement in this situation and for a legal opinion on whether any laws were broken.”

“Government should be open to all; no back-room deals, no more secrecy. The senators involved in this should be censured and disciplined by the Senate. In addition, the people of Georgia have the right to know the facts regarding the expenditures of funds,” concluded Berlon.

 x x x

Special Reception with Governor Howard Dean

Click here to purchase tickets!

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The Georgia House Democratic Caucus and the Democratic Party of Georgia invite you to a special reception featuring: Governor Howard Dean
When: Friday, October 7, 2011 from 5pm to 7pm.
Where: Loews Hotel, 1065 Peachtree Street NE, Salon E, Atlanta 30309.

Host list includes: Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, Whip Carolyn Hugley, Chairman Brian Thomas, Treasurer Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, Secretary Debbie Buckner, Deputy Whip Billy Mitchell, Vice-Chair Rashad Taylor, DPG Chair Mike Berlon, DPG First Vice-Chair Nikema Williams, DPG Treasurer Russell Edwards, Red Clay Democrats.

Be a part of this exciting event! Host levels include:

Platinum $2,500: Private meeting with Governor Dean, VIP reception & signed photo with Governor.
Gold $1,000: VIP reception & signed photo with Governor Dean.
Silver $500: VIP reception & photo line with Governor Dean.
Bronze $250: VIP reception.
Individual ticket: $100.

VIP reception begins at 4pm.

RSVP: Don Weigel (404) 665-3541
[email protected]

Georgia Nearly Last in Job Creation under Nathan Deal

Georgia – Despite Governor Nathan Deal’s repeated campaign promises that creating jobs would be a top priority for his administration, Georgia ranked #49 out of 50 states in job creation for the month of July and is ranked #47 in the nation over the past five year period.

In the past year, Georgia has had nine months of job loss, including a four year streak of unemployment higher than the national average. This job loss stands in direct contrast to the pledges of then-candidate Deal, who pledged to “kick-start the economy” while making job creation the theme of his campaign bus tour.

In October, Deal spokesman Brian Robinson stated that the future governor would “serve as Georgia’s top ambassador and salesman to bring new jobs here.” Yet, more than 470,000 Georgia citizens remain out of work.

“Republicans remain silent about their job record because they don’t have one,” said State Representative Virgil Fludd (D -Tyrone). “Georgia needs effective state leadership to produce a job-friendly environment.”

When asked if federal politics were inhibiting job creation in Georgia, Labor Commissioner Mark Butler stated that a “lack of leadership in Washington is a contributing factor to the overall lack of confidence in the (Georgia) economy.” Yet this explanation doesn’t address why 48 other states operating under the same federal leadership created more jobs than Georgia.

“Governor Deal and Commissioner Butler need to stop playing politics and start introducing solutions,” concluded party chairman Mike Berlon. “Georgians are hurting. We need our leaders to take their campaign promises seriously and fix our broken economy.”

# # #

Sources:
Atlanta Business Chronicle “Georgia 50th in job creation in July”; August 22, 2011.

Atlanta Business Chronicle “Georgia 47th for recent job creation”; July 25, 2011.

GOP/Tea Party Budget Would Cost 9.5 Million Jobs; More than 225,000 in Georgia

Atlanta, GA – In advance of tonight’s GOP Presidential debate, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Mike Berlon released an estimate of the number of jobs which would be lost in Georgia as a result of the Republican Party’s presidential candidates support for extreme economic policies.

A new analysis conducted by the Democratic National Committee concludes that the balanced budget amendment called for in the plan, if in place in 2012, would result in the loss of 9.5 million American jobs and over 225,000 lost jobs in Georgia. This enormous loss of jobs could sink the U.S. into the largest economic crisis since the Great Depression.

This new analysis looked at the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) August deficit projections for 2012 ( $991 billion deficit with CBO options for Iraq drawdown, extension of all tax provisions and Alternative Minimum Tax indexing and accounting for the so-called “Doc” fix), and used the conservative Romer-Bernstein rule of thumb that 1 percent of GDP equates to 1 million jobs. The report concludes that if the plan were fully phased in in 2012 and nearly a trillion dollars in federal spending was slashed, the balanced budget amendment would cost 9.5 million jobs nationwide.

In essence, the balanced budget amendment envisioned by the Tea Party plan would cut spending so deeply as a percentage of GDP that it would grind the economy to a halt and devastate middle class families and small businesses. And, because of the amendment’s strict requirements for deep cuts, hard spending caps and a two-thirds majority to raise revenue, Congress would be virtually helpless to reverse the negative effects of these Tea Party Republican policies. Despite these negative consequences, every Republican presidential candidate, courting the extreme Tea Party vote, has come out in favor of a balanced budget amendment to the constitution or the Tea Party plan which contains one.

State Chair Mike Berlon releases the following statement regarding the impact of extreme GOP-Tea Party policies on the state of Georgia:

“9.5 million American jobs and 225,000 jobs here in Georgia. Possibly a second Great Depression and devastation for the middle class, small businesses, students and seniors. An economic morass that could last generations. Ending Medicare and slashing Social Security. That’s the price Mitt Romney, Rick Perry, Michele Bachmann, Ron Paul and the rest of the Republican Party are willing to pay to appeal to the most extreme and narrow elements of the Tea Party. There’s not a Democrat or Republican in this country who doesn’t think we need to get our fiscal house in order, but what this crop of Tea Party-loving Republicans has signed on to would lay ruin to our country and is beyond irresponsible.

“The drastic cuts to education, health care, infrastructure, research and development, higher education, Social Security, Medicare and job training supported by Republicans would cost us millions of jobs if the plan were fully implemented in 2012 and would ensure that we aren’t making the very types of investments we need to create jobs and be globally competitive in the 21st Century. The Republican approach is like setting dynamite to your home to fix a leaky faucet – and these poor policy choices are the result of a Republican Party which has turned over an increasing amount of power to its Tea Party fringe.

“Americans want real solutions to the problems we face and they want a plan to create jobs in the short term and lay a foundation for long term economic prosperity. What Republicans are proposing falls flat on all fronts.”

# # #

Report summary (PDF) at http://my.democrats.org/DNC-report

Mike Berlon Statement on Passing of Rep. Bobby Franklin

Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman Mike Berlon releases the following statement on the passing of Rep. Bobby Franklin:

“We offer our condolences to the friends and family of Rep. Bobby Franklin. While we did not agree on many issues, it was clear that he fought for what he believed in.

“We’re hopeful that his loved ones can find comfort during their grief. He will be missed in the Capitol and in this state.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

 

# # #

The ‘5% Solution’

A recent newspaper article explains part of our new strategy at the Democratic Party of Georgia, what I like to call the ‘5% solution’. From the Florida Times Union:

Berlon’s goal is to boost Democrats’ share in every rural district next year by at least 5 percent, predicting it will change the outcome in statewide races…

(In this week’s election), Dan Matthews of Oconee County, running as a Democrat, took 38 percent of the vote to Republican Chuck Williams’ 62 percent. But Matthews’ tally represented an improvement over the 28 percent that Democrat Suzy Compere received last November in her loss to GOP nominee Hank Huckaby.

We saw the Democratic vote share in this district leap from 28% to 38% in less than a year. It’s only been a few months, and our new strategies are working. The media is starting to notice.

So are Republicans.

If you have time, read the entire article. If you’d like, send me your suggestions for improving and evolving our strategies at the Democratic Party of Georgia. All of my email is read- every single one. My email is [email protected].

Thanks for all that you do,

Mike Berlon, Chairman
Democratic Party of Georgia

Chairman Mike Berlon Statement on HD 113

Georgia – Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman Mike Berlon issues the following statement regarding yesterday’s election in Georgia House District 113:

“We are very proud of Dan Matthews of Oconee. He ran a strong race against long odds, and we appreciate his willingness to strive for a better community.

“We are also proud of the new generation of political strategists and community activists that assisted with Dan’s campaign. We are building a new generation of rising stars, and we expect that their hard work will result in many future successes.

“During my campaign for Chair, I described the ‘5% solution’. This is my plan to increase democratic performance in individual races throughout the state by 5% or more during the next few years. We surpassed this goal in HD 113 with an increase of 10 points over the November results less than a year ago.

“We also saw a higher voter turnout in this runoff election than in the previous special election, which demonstrates our get-out-the-vote strategy is becoming more effective.

“Even more impressive, we raised our democratic performance by over 50% in Oconee and Oglethorpe and flipped a portion of Clarke that voted republican in 2010 to a 62% democratic district.

“Congratulations to Dan Matthews for his strong race. While we continue to crunch the numbers from yesterday’s elections, one thing is clear. Georgia is bluer today than it was in November of last year.”