Yeahhh Wendy's back in Georgia. Received this tidbit from a Poythress for Governor email:

CAMPAIGN MANAGER HIRED: GEORGIA PEACH WITH NATIONAL EXPERIENCE

Wendy Davis, twenty-year political veteran, has returned to Georgia to serve as my campaign manager. In the last 17 months, Wendy has worked in 22 states as National Field and Training Director for 21st Century Democrats and as a senior political staff member for Governor Bill Richardson's Presidential campaign. A Georgia native, she is a DPG state committee member, former president of the Young Democrats of Georgia, and active with the Floyd County Dems. Wendy has worked around the state for many notable Democrats such as Secretaries of State Max Cleland, Lewis Massey and Cathy Cox; Congressman Sanford Bishop; State Senator Steve Henson; former Atlanta City Council Member Doug Alexander.

Congrats Wendy!! Ladies and gentlemen the race for Governor just got interesting...

Posted by Bernita at 2:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On the passing of former Attorney General Griffin Bell.

Bell, who served as Attorney General under President Jimmy Carter, was a native of Americus and passed away today in Atlanta.

"Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Griffin Bell, and although we are saddened by the loss of a great statesman, we honor his memory and the contributions he made throughout a career of public service. I feel a deep personal loss today, because of Judge Bell's close relationship with my family, but his true legacy transcends personal relationships. As Chief of Staff to former Governor Ernest Vandiver, he was a principal architect of the plan to desegregate schools in Georgia. As a federal judge, he worked to implement the Civil Rights Act, and as Attorney General in the Carter Administration, he fought to improve the credibility and professionalism of the US Department of Justice. These are just a few of the extraordinary accomplishments of an extraordinary Georgian.

"He leaves us with a legacy of devotion to a greater good and commitment to the citizens not only of his country but of the world."

Posted by Mel at 1:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

New Look! New Bartenders! New Content!

If you haven't been to Tondee's Tavern for a while now is the time to spend some time hanging out at Georgia's friendly online political "tavern". Visitors will notice a refreshed bar area, the addition of two existing Georgia blogs - Safe as Houses and Georgia Women Vote. Thunderstruck features everyone's favorite bartender. You'll always find Proprietor, Jon Flack, at The Flack Attack.

For more details and background, check out our conversation with Jon Flack on Kudzu Vine last night. Be sure to listen to the end to hear Tim's outrage of the week, wherein he takes Minnesota (soon to be ex) Senator Norm Coleman to task. Listen or download The Kudzu Vine now!

Posted by Catherine at 5:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You can go back to your, what do you call it, your Google, and you figure out all that.

Posted by Ataru Atlanta at 10:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

According to the Washington Post,

Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will become chairman of the Democratic National Committee later this month, serving as the top political messenger for Barack Obama's administration even while he finishes his final year in the governor's mansion, several sources said.

Kaine, who emerged as one of Obama's vice presidential finalists this summer, will operate from Richmond in a part-time capacity until January 2010, when he will become the full-time DNC chairman. Kaine is constitutionally barred from running for reelection.

Does this give Southern States an advantage?

Posted by Bernita at 7:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Bill "I shaved my beard for this" Richardson is withdrawing from Commerce Secretary bid.

New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state.

"Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact," he said Sunday in a report by NBC News' Andrea Mitchell. "But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process."

So who shall Obama tap next?

Posted by Juliana at 2:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)

Former DNC chief announces Virginia governor run

McAuliffe faces two other Democrats who have been active for nearly a year in an already contentious nomination fight to succeed Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. State Sen. Creigh Deeds narrowly lost the attorney general's race in 2005, and former House Democratic Caucus chairman Brian Moran is also in the race.

Posted by Mel at 12:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Three top contenders have emerged for the seat of Rep. Rahm Emanuel, who is leaving Congress Friday.

By some counts, there are as many as 18 people who are at least considering a run, but State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley and former Transportation Security Administration official Justin Oberman appear to be the three leading candidates.

"There's tier one, then there's everybody else," said Eric Adelstein, a Democratic consultant in Chicago, who ran the race of Rep. Melissa Bean, among others.

Among the other candidates believed to seek the seat are Alexander Victor Forys, a physician focused on healthcare reform; Charles J. Wheelan, a public policy professor; Chicago nightclub owner Joey Vartanian; art foundation manager Israel Vasquez, Cary Capparelli, a local businessman and son of a former State Representative; Jan H. Donatelli, a former Delta Airlines pilot and recent Obama campaign activist.

Geesh and I always heard that the Illinois political machine had a handle on all their cats...hum.

Posted by Juliana at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

Happy New Year Zaid...

Is Bush The Worst President Of The Past 50 Years?

When a group of pundits gathered for a recent Oxford-style debate, the proposition alone was provocative: "Bush 43 Is the Worst President of the Past 50 Years." But when you consider that one of the panelists defending President Bush's legacy was his longtime adviser Karl Rove, the night became even more interesting.

NPR article here, podcast here.

FWIW- I'm not sure I care if he is or isn't, the fact remains that there is a lot of work to do in the 111th Congress, in our communities and on President Elect Obama's plate. Even if Bush was the 10th worst President, does a label really matter?

Discuss.

Posted by Juliana at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (20)

...for Atlanta City Council via DecaturGuy

Charles Stadtlander is running against Anne Fauver for City Council. As documented on Atlanta Public Affairs, Stadtlander doesn't like drag shows, or at least he didn't when he was in Missouri.

According to the River Front Times:

Charles Stadtlander, president of the political organization for gay, lesbian and bisexual Republicans, says he now has reason to believe that homosexual sex occurred after the show.

"Those actors wore revealing outfits, used inappropriate language and simulated sex acts," said Stadtlander. "Pretty inappropriate. But it pales in comparison to what they did later that night."

Stadtlander says he has learned that two of the show's participants had consensual sexual intercourse at a motel.

"Two dudes doing it is just — nasty," said Stadtlander.

Oh well, at least he actually lives in the district this time.

Continue reading "Log Cabin Republican to Challenge Anne Fauver" »

Posted by Stefan at 5:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

I'm not on the party circuit tonight, since I've long called NYE amateur night and as we all know I'm a professional... One early party stop and home by 9 is my plan.

So what are your plans?

Will you be getting married?
Will you be hiding out in a motel room hunkered down with a loved one?
Will you be having a girlie sleepover?
Will you be making steaks for your family and celebrating the "East Coast NYE"?
Will you be making lists of resolutions?
Will you be watching bad movies from the 80's-my personal fav is Streets of Fire
Will you be watching the folks in Times Square freeze their butts off?

Do tell...

Posted by Juliana at 1:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

For once, Cynthia McKinney is the sympathetic character - the AJC reports that she was on a boat full of peace activists (and humanitarian supplies) bound for Gaza that came under attack by the lovable Israeli navy in international waters. (Apparently three Al Jazeera journalists were on the boat as well, so you can imagine that they're not amused by the incident.)

I guess when your dad is Billy McKinney, you can expect some rough treatment from Israel... although I have to ask, how much longer until Olmert is out of there? (Answer: some time in February, i.e. too long.)

Posted by Ataru Atlanta at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (85)

Anchorage Daily News:

Palin's daughter Bristol gave birth to the healthy 7-pound, 4-ounce baby in Palmer, the magazine reports on its Web site.

The full name: Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston.

Posted by Jen B. at 11:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)