Fresh Loaf

Don’t count on Georgia’s candidates for Congressional and state offices to tell you what they think on the issues.

That’s what Project Vote Smart, a national research organization founded by Newt Gingrich, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford and numerous other political leaders of all parties, concluded in its regular survey of the bunch.

According to the organization, only 30 percent of Georgia’s Congressional candidates and 13 percent of state legislative candidates were willing to give their views on such issues as budget, taxes, environment and energy, health care, immigration and foreign policy. (Keep reading to find out who’s among them.)

A 10-year study conducted by the organization shows candidates and incumbents have been less likely to respond to the test.  Why are those who want to remain in office or get there so apprehensive? Says Project Vote Smart:

Since 2000, Project Vote Smart has found that party leaders and consultants from both major parties are advising candidates not to respond to the Test for two primary reasons: it will limit the candidates’ ability to control their campaign messages, and it will expose them to opposition research.

Richard Kimball, president of Project Vote Smart responds to this cynical attitude. “While Project Vote Smart doesn’t need the candidates’ cooperation to get the goods on them, the public is always interested in finding out which of their candidates have enough courage to expose themselves to their opponents in order to help voters. One campaign consultant told us, ‘Our campaign only answers issue questions if they come with a campaign contribution or endorsement.’”

After the jump, view the names of and download the attachments to see where your elected official stands.

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