Fresh Loaf

How much does momentum help when you’re running for elected office? Just ask Hillary Clinton and the many other candidates who’ve stalled out after an early surge.

Look, Kasim Reed has a lot of ground to make up in his effort to win the Dec. 1 runoff for mayor against front-runner Mary Norwood, but right now, he’s got the momentum. On Monday, he picked up an endorsement from former state legislator Jim Martin. Yes, Martin has been twice defeated running for higher office, but he was a longtime House member who still enjoys respect as an honorable public servant. I know I’m often dragging race into these matters, but it doesn’t hurt Reed’s image that Martin is white.

But that boost was a lead-up to today’s announcement that former candidate Lisa Borders is endorsing Reed at an event going on at this moment. From the pre-release:

“After many months of campaigning, it is critical for us to come together as a demonstration of strength and unity. Atlanta lies at a critical crossroads and her very future depends on leadership that can unite us and move us forward,” Borders said. “Now is the time to lay aside our differences and work in the best interest of all citizens to ensure each has the opportunity to rise to their full potential. Senator Reed’s ideas for afterschool recreation centers, his focus on public safety and his willingness to work toward increasing revenue opportunities for Atlanta are in line with my policy objectives.”

Having talked to Borders’ campaign folks over recent weeks, it was pretty clear that she wasn’t going to support Norwood. I know this will irk many Norwood followers for me to point this out, but almost no one on the City Council believes Norwood has the competence to be a decent mayor. She simply doesn’t command much respect down at City Hall. I don’t want to put words in Borders’ mouth, but it’s my strong impression that she considers Norwood a lightweight.

(more…)

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After the AP’s recent revelation that Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin was on the short list for a cabinet post she didn’t get, the Politico adds insult to injury by pointing out that Pres.-elect Obama hasn’t chosen any Southerners for prominent administration appointments. Unless, that is, you count the most thankless of White House gigs.

To be fair, the official voice of the White House will come with a Southern drawl: Robert Gibbs, Obama’s soon-to-be press secretary, is an Alabama native.

Why have no Southerners been selected? UGA’s Charles Bullock hazards a guess:

“Who comes to mind immediately?” asked Bullock. “No one, really.”

“The leading politicians in the South at least for the last generation have been active as Republicans,” Bullock added. “You just don’t have Democrats that come to mind as the go-to person or the expert. It highlights the thinness of the Democratic bench in the South… The skill set is so depleted.”

Sad, yet true. Who are his choices: former U.S. Rep. Ben “Cooter” Jones? Zell Miller?

(more…)

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1. Ludacris, T.I., Young Jeezy stump for Jim Martin in Atlanta

2. Annals of Bizarro: Sugg dishes on the Loaf in the Sunday Paper

3. SNL parodies Zell Miller and Georgia U.S. Senate race

4. Rapper, Diddy’s cousin sentenced in BMF sting

5. Saxby supporters are at it again

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What recent U.S. Senate Democratic candidate — who was a Georgia lawmaker before he made a run for Governor “light” — was spotted today at Taqueria del Sol on Howell Mill Road?

Word is that this mild-mannered wannabe Atticus Finch — “To Kill a Martin-bid,” eh? EH?!? — queued with the hoi polloi as he waited to order. Our tipster says about the man who lost a commendable race to a “sex-by” gropemeister incumbent: “His shoes were adorable.”

Not as adorable as this guy’s, I’m sure!

Godspeed and have a great weekend, folks!

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Hindsight’s 20/20 and all that, but here’s a thought.

Even with all his faults, could DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones — who lost to Martin in the Democratic primary — have beaten Saxby Chambliss in a runoff?

Vernon Jones and admirers earlier this year at Manuel's Tavern

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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The Associated Press says Saxby Chambliss has convinced voters to send him back to Washington, D.C. for six more years.

Six. More. Years.

Saxby supporters election night November 4

(Photo By Joeff Davis)

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Subscription-based news service Insider Advantage has time traveled back to the present after a heady trip to tomorrowland. Upon exiting its gullwinged timemachine, the site called the U.S. Senate race for incumbent Saxby Chambliss.

Note the time:

BULLETIN

6:30 p.m.

(12/2/08) Based on our early evaluation of turnout in the Georgia runoff, it appears Republicans have successfully defended Saxby Chambliss’ U.S. Senate seat against Democrat Jim Martin. The four-week campaign focused national attention on the Peach State and brought John McCain, Sarah Palin, Bill Clinton and Al Gore to the state to help their parties’ respective candidates drive up turnout. Barack Obama cut an ad and a robo-call tape for Martin but didn’t risk his prestige on the race through a personal appearance.

As I write this, both the U.S. Senate and Public Service Commission races show Republicans leading 60-40. Results from Fulton, DeKalb and Clayton Counties are just now rolling in.

(DeLorean photo from Newsgroper)

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Depending on how these races turnout, they could either be celebrations or a wake. Roll the dice and decide which you’d like to attend.

• U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss and most of the state’s Republican usual suspects will hold court at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead, the same place the incumbent Republican partied at on Nov. 4. Cash bar and what looked like good food were at that shindig. Believe it or not, there was hummus. The public’s invited and doors open at 7 p.m.

• The Democrats, including Chambliss’ Democratic opponent Jim Martin and Georgia Public Service Commission candidate Jim Powell, will be at Park Tavern. Doors open at 7 p.m. and it’s also open to the public.

• Manuel’s will undoubtedly be serving beer and wings. If this turns out to be the night Republicans Strike Back, you’ll want to be among friends.

If you know of any others, leave ‘em in the comments.

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If he’s going to win the run-off, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Jim Martin needs to convince Obama enthusiasts who voted for him on November 4 to return to the polls again today.

To reach out to those Obama supporters, many of whom are young and black, Martin held a pep rally yesterday featuring a handful of big-name hip-hop stars.

Among them was rapper T.I.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, Jr., is a very popular entertainer.

He’s also a serial felon.

In March, he pleaded guilty to federal weapons charges. He will begin a prison sentence next year.

At the moment, he’s performing 1,000 hours of court-ordered “community service” — which thus far appears to consist of promoting nasty tequila-and-champagne hangovers, and giving speeches in front of high school students and AJC photographers.

By courting the endorsement of a not-especially repentant felon, Martin is signaling profound indifference to the law — a rather puzzling signal to be sending when you’re vying for a seat in the country’s highest lawmaking body.

Even worse is the insulting message Harris’ appearance with Martin sends to Obama supporters.

“Hey, black people! T.I. likes me! You should, too!”

Puke.

T.I. AT JIM MARTIN RALLY: "Patrón on ice, comprehensive health care reform, you can have whatever you like." (Photo by Joeff Davis)

See more photos of last night’s Jim Martin rally with T.I. here

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1) Ray Davies plays Variety Playhouse.

2) Vote, dammit!

3) Those Darlins play the Earl.

4) Photographer Peter Feldstein presents his book, The Oxford Project, at Opal Gallery.

5) Japanese woodblock print artist Yukiko Shimo’s exhibit opens at the Roswell Teahouse & Gallery.

(Photo courtesy New West Records)

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VOTERS IN DIFF'RENT AREA CODES Democratic nominee Jim Martin, supported by T.I., Young Jeezy and Ludacris (not pictured), on Monday night at the Gold Dome.

Let it be stated: You will never again see Jim Martin walk out to bodyshaking bass and shake hands with three hip-hop stars. Absurd moments like these only happen on the eve of a runoff where a Democrat-controlled Senate is at stake.

On Monday night in front of the Capitol, standing at a podium underneath a statue of one of Georgia’s most perplexing racists, the U.S. Senate Democratic nominee addressed a bundled-up crowd of nearly 1,000 people that braved the cold to see Ludacris, T.I. and Young Jeezy. (Martin admitted as much.)

But Democrats hope those supporters will return to the polls on Tuesday to vote for the Party’s candidates — and tell their friends and families to do the same.

Flanked on stage by more than 30 city, state and federal Democratic notables, Martin repeated the phrase he’s used to describe his role if voters send him to Washington — to be a “bridge” to Pres.-elect Barack Obama’s initiatives, not a “firewall,” as Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss has branded himself.

“You did the right thing,” Congressman John Lewis told the crowd. “You did it. And we must do it again… I’ve served in Congress for a little while. Saxby is not our friend. I tell you, he’s not our friend. If you really want to help Barack Obama, let’s do it.”

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Remember this Thanksgiving  video of U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss? Well, someone’s focused on the more, uhm, confusing part.

(Hat tip to Buzzfeed)

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Six years ago, Saxby Chambliss authorized the most vilified political campaign ad of the past decade, one that questioned the courage of then-Sen Max Cleland — a triple-amputee Vietnam War veteran — by showing pictures of Osama bin Laden and Saddam Hussein.

Well, prepare for deja vu. Last week, a new attack ad debuted on local TV channels, this one aimed at Chambliss’ runoff opponent, Jim Martin, and incoming president Barack Obama. This time, instead of using the magic of video to link the Democrats to bin Laden, they’ve chosen Mohamed Atta, leader of the 9/11 hijackings, to serve as the bogeyman.

On the left is Atta’s familiar FBI mug shot, taken from his Florida driver’s license photo:

… and on the right is a screenshot from about 10 seconds into the new anti-Martin ad; Atta’s mug shot is top center:

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From Andre at Georgia Politics Unfiltered:

Georgia Politics Unfiltered has confirmed with state Democratic Party officials that the director of the Illinois Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Tammy Duckworth, will campaign with Jim Martin throughout the day Monday including stops in Atlanta and Macon.

Duckworth is a veteran of the Iraq war where she suffered severe wounds that cost her both legs along with damage to her right arm. In 2006, Duckworth was a candidate for Congress from Illinois’ sixth district. She continues to serve as a Major in the Illinois Army National Guard.

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Today’s the last chance for Georgia’s U.S. Senate candidates to campaign, and they’re both playing to the base.

Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss hosted Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin last night at a private fundraiser at the W Hotel in Midtown; today she’ll stump for the candidate in Augusta, Savannah and Perry before finishing the day at the Gwinnett Arena at 4 p.m.

Democratic candidate Jim Martin is scheduled to receive well wishes from rapper Ludacris and U.S. Congressman John Lewis today at a rally in front of the Capitol at 5:30 p.m.

Martin, whom many political pundits said needed a visit from Pres.-elect Barack Obama to rouse voters back to the polls against Chambliss, is trying to energize turnout among African-American voters. That demographic turned out in record numbers for the Nov. 4 General Election, but statistics for early voting in the runoff election show fewer numbers are returning to the polls. Obama did lend his voice to robocalls and a radio ad for Martin, it looks like he won’t be stopping in the Peach State to rally for the former state lawmaker.

And before I forget. Matt Zencey, the editorial page editor for the Anchorage Daily News, has some kind words for Palin as she makes her way across our gee-golly-this-place-is-neat-ya-know state.

Gov. Palin’s eldest joined the Army and has been deployed to Iraq. As a justifiably proud military mom, she might ask herself why she is using her conservative star power to support such a reprehensible Republican chicken hawk.

OK then! We’ll have info later in the day about voting tomorrow as well as the usual list of who’s partying where. If you attend any of these rallies — I’ll most likely try to get some face time with America’s sweetheart — feel free to send in photos.

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U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Jim Martin released a new ad today that says incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss voted against bills that would help military veterans.

Since taking office in 2003, the ad says, Chambliss has voted 23 times against increasing funding for veteran’s health care programs. The ad also says the senator voted against the latest GI bill for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan that would provide full educational benefits to soliders upon their return.

I’ll update the post when I hear back from Chambliss’ campaign. Expect a blitz of these ads leading up to Tuesday’s runoff.

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I’ll let them say it:

Is it just me, or has our state’s senior Senator been going to a tanning bed? On my computer it looks like he’s got a goggles tan.

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— It’s Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving hangover where we begin the annual ritual of creating creative ways to use leftover turkey. Hopefully, we’ll be so tired of turkey by next Tuesday that we won’t elect one to the U.S. Senate. Sean Quinn of the great FiveThirtyEight site, did a compelling analysis before the Presidential election, based on what he saw at local campaign headquarters that he visited across the country. In short, Obama’s swirled with activity while J-Mac’s were largely either closed or deserted. Quinn is in Georgia and stopped by Martin’s office in Gwinnett County — Obama’s field workers were there with a beehive of activity. Can Jim Martin shock the world?

— The folks at Down Right remain confident the Big Sax Machine will roll to victory. He’s got the money, he’s got the world’s greatest Tina Fey impersonator coming down and there’s the annoying fact that Martin has all the charisma of a rock.

— All that has served to make the Sax Machine’s people more than a little arrogant. As Amy at Georgia Women Vote notes, the incumbent’s chief strategist has labeled Martin as “insignificant.” He also compared Martin to his dog. But does that dog have any bite?

— The media was all over the water shortage last year, but now it’s yesterday’s news. Funny thing, though. As Chad at Atlanta Water Shortage notes, Lake Lanier is about to reach an all-time low, which isn’t good news for those of us who consume its waters.

— And, finally, for those of you who still get your music from the radio, Gray at Left On Lanier has discovered a cool site for you. Type in your favorite station’s call letters, and the station’s play list is a click away.

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If the idea of listening to a redheaded journalist on Thanksgiving Eve sounds appealing, you’re in luck.

I’ll be on 1420 AM at 6:05 p.m. tonight — and until God knows when — to talk about Georgia’s U.S. Senate runoff between incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss and Democratic candidate Jim Martin. Also up for discussion will be my most recent piece about the race.

If you want to participate, call (404) 292-1420.

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A new InsiderAdvantage/Politico poll shows U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss with a three-point lead over Democratic candidate Jim Martin.

From Politico:

The poll shows Chambliss leading Martin by 3 percentage points, 50 percent to 47 percent, with 3 percent of respondents undecided. The first-term GOP senator’s lead is within the poll’s four-point margin of error. The Politico/InsiderAdvantage poll surveyed 523 likely voters on Nov. 23.

The poll numbers are almost identical to the general election results, when Chambliss fell just short of the 50 percent necessary to win the seat outright on Election Night. He led Martin 49.8 to 46.8 percent, with a Libertarian candidate taking three percent of the vote.

“This thing’s going to be a nail-biter. We don’t know who’s going to turn out and we don’t know how it’s going to turn out, but it’s going to be a close race,” said InsiderAdvantage CEO Matt Towery.

Towery says a visit from Barack Obama could change the race. Chances of such an event happening before the Dec. 2 runoff, however, seem increasingly unlikely.

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Alaska Governor Sarah Palin will rally for U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss on Monday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m. From the Chambliss campaign:

4:00 PM
METRO ATLANTA
Gwinnett Arena
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway
Duluth, GA 30097

Doors will open one hour before each program begins. The events are FREE for the general public but in order to attend, you must RSVP at www.procatalog.com/saxby or by visiting the ‘Action Center’ at www.saxby.org

For her full Georgia itinerary, click after the jump.

John McCain and Sarah Palin at the 2008 Republican National Convention. (Photo by Joeff Davis)

(more…)

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Sorry for the back-to-back videos, folks, but this one just arrived via e-mail.

In this ad titled “Go to Work,” U.S. Senate Democratic candidate Jim Martin responds to incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss’ claims that the former state lawmaker voted for the largest tax increases in Georgia’s history while he served in the state Legislature. Martin says he actually voted for tax cuts to Georgians. The ad’s running statewide.

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It’s finally on Youtube, but hurry quick before it gets pulled. On last weekend’s Saturday Night Live, Zell Miller — the former Georgia governor and U.S. Senator who’s all about the gunplay — was played by Will Forte.

In the clip, Miller gave the real reason he endorsed incumbent Republican Saxby Chambliss in his U.S. Senate race against Democratic candidate Jim Martin — names.

Elect Goolsby Scroggins!

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Oh, man, this is gonna be rich.

Sarah Palin — governor of Alaska, John McCain’s former running mate, aerial wolf hunter — is coming to Georgia on Monday to stump for U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss in his Dec. 2 runoff race against Democratic candidate Jim Martin.

Jim Tharpe with the details:

Palin, who drew large crowds while running for vice president with Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. John McCain, will appear at Chambliss rallies in Augusta, Savannah, Perry and Atlanta on Monday, the day before the Dec. 2 senate runoff between Chambliss and Democrat Jim Martin.

Sarah Palin speaking at the 2008 Republican National Convention.

(Photo by Joeff Davis)

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The craziest political campaign ad I’ve seen in a long time went up on Atlanta cable TV over this past weekend. What’s so crazy about it? Well, for starters, it’s animated, monochromatic and uses flashy graphics. Also, it has no campaign rhetoric, no candidate testimonials – in fact, no voice-over whatsoever – nor does it mention the opponents and why they suck.

Instead, the ad looks like an iPod commercial – OK, maybe more like a Zune commercial, but you get the idea.

Get jiggy wit da Jimmyz!

Paid for by the Young Democrats of Atlanta, it’s a content-free appeal to the Obama Generation to come out and vote for two middle-aged guys named Jim. The only thing it lacks in order to lock in the youth vote is footage of B-boy Jim Powell doing the worm. The ad’s house-lite soundtrack does, however, show why having Apple’s music-licensing budget is a good thing.

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