Democratic Party of Georgia

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At State Convention, Georgia Democrats Show How #GeorgiaThrives

GEORGIA – Today in Atlanta, Democrats from across the state gathered for the 2018 Georgia State Democratic Convention to celebrate our Democratic values expressed by our historic slate of dedicated and diverse nominees. The 2018 Georgia State Convention delegates, representing every corner of our great state, conducted essential party business and heard from our statewide candidates and other leaders.

The event, held at the Omni Atlanta at CNN Center, represented the strong enthusiasm of Georgia Democrats across the state and culminated with the keynote address from our next Governor, Former House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams.

Speakers included Gubernatorial Candidate Stacey Abrams, Lt. Governor Nominee Sarah Riggs Amico, Secretary of State Nominee John Barrow, Insurance Commissioner Nominee Janice Laws, Attorney General Nominee Charlie Bailey, State School Superintendent Nominee Otha Thornton, Agriculture Commissioner Nominee Fred Swann, Labor Commissioner Nominee Richard Keatley, Public Service Commission Nominee Lindy Miller, Public Service Commission Nominee Dawn Randolph, Hon. Shirley Franklin, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter, Democratic and dedicated activists from every corner Georgia.

Images and short videos from the convention can be viewed on Twitter (@georgiademocrat) and by searching the hashtag #GeorgiaThrives.

A Facebook video of the convention program can be viewed here.

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DPG Releases Ad “Hear from Me” to Correct the Record on Stacey Abrams

Ad Corrects Record on Abrams’ Finances

GEORGIA – Today, the Democratic Party of Georgia released “Hear from Me,” an ad that corrects the record on Democratic nominee for Governor and former House Democratic Leader Stacey Abrams’ personal finances.

“When my father was diagnosed with cancer and money was tight, I knew that I could defer payment on my taxes, but not on his cancer treatments.  I made the right choice – the choice to fulfill my obligations to my family – and was able to get on an approved payment plan with the IRS,” said Leader Stacey Abrams. “I understand the tough choices working families must make when someone falls ill or finds themselves suddenly caring for a loved one. Under my leadership, Georgia will enact bold solutions to support small businesses, improve financial literacy, and help our workers earn more so that families like mine can have the freedom and opportunity to thrive.”  

Background:

  • Stacey Abrams has demonstrated that she knows how to fight for families facing financial hardship. She has worked as a public servant to block taxes that would harm low and middle-income families and is an entrepreneur who has helped Georgia small businesses create and save thousands of jobs. In fact, Abrams can credibly claimshe “single-handedly stopped the largest tax increase in Georgia history.”
  • Like many Georgians, Abrams has faced financial challenges while working to support her family. In fact, she remains a primary source of support for her parents and niece.
  • Abrams has always filed her taxes on time. She deferred her payments in 2015 and 2016 to pay for her parents and niece’s living and medical expenses. She has an approved payment plan with the IRS and has fully met her Georgia tax obligations.
  • Too many families like Stacey’s struggle to overcome the years of debt incurred during emergencies, from expensive medical bills to sudden changes at work, while living on a limited income. Stacey Abrams, Lieutenant Governor candidate Sarah Riggs Amico, and Democrats around the state understand the challenges everyday families face, and they have bold, clear plans to help families gain financial footing, so they can strive for success and not just survival.

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Shot/Chaser–Taxes Edition

GEORGIA—Republican allies of Brian Kemp know they have nominated the most reckless candidate in Georgia gubernatorial history.  As such, they have been forced to spend big money launching attacks at Stacey Abrams.

Shot: “Stacey Abrams wants you to pay more in taxes.” – New RGA Attack Ad

Chaser: “Abrams took home the data and reorganized it by income level to show that 82% of Georgia families would see their taxes go up. She organized her findings by legislative district, put it into a color-coded spreadsheet and left a copy on every desk in the house. The tax overhaul failed, and on the campaign trail Abrams can credibly boast of having single-handedly stopped the largest tax increase in Georgia history.” (Time Magazine, 7/26/2018)

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Georgia Democrats Release TV Ad ‘Dreams’

GEORGIA – Today the Democratic Party of Georgia releases its first television ad of the general election cycle, an inspirational spot highlighting the big dreams and bold vision of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.

In Abrams’ own words, “Dreams” is the story of how she was raised, with parents who encouraged her to ‘dream big’ despite childhood challenges that included a struggle for quality public education and often going without health insurance.

Abrams also details many of her goals for Georgia: creating thousands of jobs, expanding Medicaid, and keeping rural hospitals open.

Georgians trust Stacey Abrams because she is the only candidate who has experienced their struggles and understands the challenges they face. Abrams has a bipartisan record and a bold vision for tackling these issues head-on and building a Georgia where people can succeed, not just survive.

While the GOP candidate is running a negative campaign against his Democratic opponent, candidates like Stacey Abrams, Sarah Riggs Amico, and Democrats across the state, are running for Georgia, so that every Georgia family has the freedom and opportunity to thrive.

This ad campaign will begin airing Thursday, July 26 in the Atlanta market, and soon to follow in Savannah, Macon and Augusta.

The ad can be found on YouTube here.

AD TRANSCRIPT:

ABRAMS:

Growing up, my parents encouraged us to dream big.

But we went without health insurance…struggled to get a good public education…and faced debt despite my parents working full time jobs.

My story’s not unique.

I’m running for Governor because I know we can celebrate the progress we’ve made and go so much further.

Create thousands of new jobs.

Expand Medicaid.

Keep hospital doors open.

As Governor, I’ll fight for every family to have the freedom and opportunity to thrive.

That’s not dreaming… that’s for real.

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Brief statement from Chairman DuBose Porter regarding Primary Election

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issues the following statement regarding the state’s May 22, 2018 primary election:

“Last night, my qualified and visionary friend Stacey Abrams became the Democratic nominee for Governor. Along with Sarah Riggs Amico’s successful bid as our Lieutenant Governor nominee, Georgia is poised to have two brave, bold, and brilliant women write the next verse of our state’s history.

“Our Democratic tent keeps getting bigger. Last night, we saw a 150,000 vote increase on the Democratic side since our last contested Governor primary election in 2010. Our greatest responsibility is to work hard and reach out to voters that haven’t been seen or heard. When we do, Democrats achieve amazing things.

“We’ll move out of that big tent and into the Governor’s mansion this November.”

Freedom Day

On day 10 of the DNC’s “Our Values, Our Voice, Our Vote” Black History Month series, House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams shares a powerful personal story on why she votes every Election Day – and why everyone should.

 

FREEDOM DAY

On January 23, 2014, an image of my father appeared on the front page of the Hattiesburg American, a local paper in Mississippi. The solemn picture shows an older African-American man recreating the city’s 1964 Freedom Day, when he was a 14-year-old civil rights activist demanding voting rights for all. He joined with hundreds of others across the beleaguered city.  He was a child, unable to use the very powers he sought for others, who nevertheless risked his own liberty to demand justice.

There will be elections all across the country this November, and like my father 50 years ago, we will be called to participate and vote; in the process, we will be standing for those who will remain voiceless if we do not. Our response to that call will be our legacy half a century from now. Did we balk at the difficult beginnings of a transformed health system that will give millions the ability to live better without fear of economic ruin?  Have we ignored the attempts to cut the fabric of our social safety net, distracted by stereotypes and rigid ideology? Did our votes go uncounted because we refused to secure the unnecessary – but required – identification?

The power of the vote is more than a right or an obligation. It is a powerful tool. In the proper hands, our votes alter the nature of our communities and our nation, much as my father’s protest helped change Mississippi.

I live in Georgia now, a frontline for civil rights and the right to vote. Each Election Day is a call from my father’s 14-year old self across the lines of race and class and geography that might separate us. It is his call that I urge each of us to honor in 2014.

Let’s call Election Day by its rightful name beginning this year – for if we are willing to act, every Election Day has the chance to be our very own Freedom Day.

 

Stacey Abrams is the Georgia House Minority Leader and represents the 89th district, which includes the city of Atlanta.

 

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]