Posted on 07/14/2010 5:05:14 PM PDT by Pan_Yan
From somewhere in cyberspace on Monday, perhaps over lunch at her desk, Sarah Palin typed a few words in praise of Karen Handel and hit the “share” button on her Facebook page.
Within hours, the GOP’s polite race for governor of Georgia cracked wide open.
Republicans are free to dispute the former Alaskan governor’s judgment when it comes to choosing a favorite in Tuesday’s primary.
But they cannot question the political phenomenon that Palin has become in the otherwise dead air of a sultry primary season — especially in Republican races for governor.
Nikki Haley of South Carolina in May. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma and Terry Branstad of Iowa in June. And then Palin singled out Handel — “this good conservative reformer.”
Last week, Handel’s three main rivals — state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, former congressman Nathan Deal, and former state senator Eric Johnson — could ignore her attempts to become known as a champion of ethics, at their expense.
But within six hours of Palin’s endorsement, state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine climbed down from his front-runner pedestal and leveled a TV ad at Handel that dubbed her a big spender, a funder of Planned Parenthood and a friend to gay couples.
With bad hair.
Former congressman Nathan Deal also spent precious cash on a TV blistering of Handel. He, too, attempted to raise doubts about Handel’s policies toward same-sex couples.
And Handel, through spokesman Dan McLagan, felt free to respond with more muscle than ever.
“John Oxendine is the most corrupt politician in Georgia’s history and is far more likely to serve a term in prison than he is to serve as governor,” McLagan said, using scorched-earth political language seldom heard outside of Louisiana.
All because of Sarah Palin’s Facebook post.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.ajc.com ...
“She missed the mark on this one.”
Oxendine and Deal are even worse.
Good thing there are more choices than just those three.
Thanks Pan_Yan.
I am still voting for Nathan Deal on July 20th.
So true. I am really going back and forth in my brain over the upcoming primary vote, but none of those three are on my short list. I don’t know what Sarah was thinking on this one : /
Tatt
I really like Eric Johnson—but I’m afraid he just doesn’t have the name recognition despite his recent TV ads
No way to Oxendine period! Eric, Deal and Handel are about the same and part of the current machine, so I do not see them as a good options. Personal McBerry is my choice and Chapman a close second (Yep event though he has been in the state senate). We need real change and the top 4 supposed runners are not real change. I want a real state rights person in office with the nad’s to challenge the federal government.
I agree with Oxendine.....but what’s wrong with Deal?
There’s always the not so popular option of the write-in candidate in Georgia. ;-)
So I take it you have no problem with Mcberry’s indescretions and subsequent lying about it?
I believe Deal was a TARP supporter.
Well it seams no charges and no case were ever brought up. In a country where we say one is innocent until proven guilty I will have to stand on the side that says there is more political turf being stirred up on this than actual charges.
Yes if he were charged and found guilty of something then I would want him held accountable to it.
Why do you feel different?
Recovery Services, Inc. a/k/a Gainesville Salvage & Disposal
Rep. Deal, along with his business partner Ken Cronan, owns a lucrative business, Recovery Services, Inc., that – through a no-bid contract – provides inspection stations to the state for the inspection of salvaged vehicles. The business earned $1.4 million between 2004-2008 and Rep. Deal personally took home $150,000 a year.
In 2008, Georgia Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham took over responsibility for the inspection system and found the operational costs and locations of the inspection stations to be too costly and restrictive. Comm. Graham decided the best course of action was to reform the system and award contracts through a competitive bidding process.
Rep. Deal and his staff, with assistance from Georgia Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, arranged meetings with Comm. Graham at which Rep. Deal and his chief of staff were present, to persuade him to reconsider his decisions, including the proposed elimination of $1.7 million that has been allocated for the program. After Comm. Graham’s plan was passed by the Georgia House, Rep. Deal’s chief of staff used his House email to contact Georgia state officials in an effort to stop the plan from passing the state Senate. The money for the program was eventually kept in the budget.
Rep. Deal’s abuse of his position and taxpayer resources to maintain a personally lucrative business deal does not reflect creditably on the House.
What’s your opposition to Deal [and Handel?]
I was just pinging you to another seminar Mcberry poster FRiend.
Because when he was first asked about inappropriate contact with the girl...he LIED. He admitted he lied. If that had been my daughter...Mcberry would be totin an azzwhippin of epic severity.
Thanks...didn’t know that about Deal.
Sigh....
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