We are a month away from the July 15th primaries! This campaign has been the most difficult and joyous experience I have ever undergone. What I enjoy most are the opportunities to interact with residents, share my message and listen to their stories.
During this final stretch, my campaign intends to push hard and reach as many voters as possible. The first step will be a reception hosted by Rudy Beserra, Michael Harris, Art McClung and Sam Zamarripa on Thursday, June 19th, from 6-8 pm at the World Famous Paschal's Restaurant. The address is 180-B Northside Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30313. For more information and directions, please visit their website.
I would be remiss if I did not speak briefly about the significance of the host committee. These men are providing a glimpse of what Georgia can be. Our Georgia consists of hardworking African Americans and Latinos who recognize the humanity existent within each of us, the necessity of coalition-building on issues of mutual importance and the efficacy of trust. As a proud member of both communities, I am committed to removing the barriers that undermine our chance at moving Georgia to a place where freedom, justice and equality are more than mere words.
If you believe in the possibility of a better tomorrow, then please join us on June 19th and cast your vote for Joel Avalrado n July 15th. It is time for the people to rise up and speak.
Joel
To RSVP please send an email to joel@alvaradoforstatehouse.com.
Although Lynn Westmoreland has been in Congress since 2004, it doesn't seem like he has drilled down or explored the issue of America's energy policy very thoroughly. Recently, Westmoreland gave a speech about energy in Newnan that was misleading, filled with oversimplifications, and, on several points, substantively dishonest. In a tough economy with steadily rising gas prices, the people of the Third District deserve an honest assessment of the problem and feasible ways to solve it, not more partisan rhetoric from the Congressman.
As reported, Westmoreland advocated in his speech that oil shale development is an immediate solution we should be taking advantage of "today." Westmoreland implied that environmentalists have stood in the way of oil-shale development, and that if they had not, then we would have a fully-developed oil-shale industry. The facts are much more complicated:
1. A primary reason oil shale is not used for our energy production is economic. It is much more difficult and costly to produce commercial oil products from oil shale than it is from an oil field. Oil shale has never been cost-competitive with conventional petroleum.
2. In addition to fiscal impediments, converting oil shale into gasoline in the conventional way is a particularly dirty process that would occur in the vicinity of populated areas. The rock must be mined from underground and then crushed, heated and processed. Large amounts of toxic waste are created and result in a high risk of air and water pollution. Shell Oil has been working on an extraction process called in-situ retorting, where the oil shale would be heated while still underground and the resulting liquid extracted. The truth is, though, that this technology is not ready for large-scale deployment. It would be preferable to processing the shale on the surface, but the possible costs are not well understood.
3. A RAND report (http://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/2005/RAND_MG414.pdf)) estimates that growing this industry so that it was producing 1 million barrels of oil per day would take 20 years. The United States uses 20 million barrels per day.
4. The large scale development of oil shale would make it extremely difficult, if not infeasible, to meet goals established under the Bush administration for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The amount of increased emissions that would result from oil shale production depends on different factors (the most important being what source is used to create the power to heat the shale). One source (http://pubs.acs.org/subscribe/journals/esthag-w/2008/feb/policy/np_oilshale.html) says that it will increase gas emissions by up to 52% over conventional petroleum. The truth is, Congressman Westmoreland is trying to sell a "solution" that is cost-prohibitive, undeveloped, and uncertain, and that would take us backwards in conservation efforts in our own backyard.
Westmoreland also was disturbingly dismissive of energy conservation efforts in his talk, saying that "All of that sounds good, but we cannot conserve our way out of the energy crisis we're in." (See http://www.times-herald.com/lo... It is true that conservation alone is not enough. But improving energy efficiency is a cheaper way than any other to reduce our energy demand, according to McKinsey & Co. (http://www.hillheat.com/articles/2008/02/15/mckinsey-energy-efficiency-investment-offers-massive-returns), which estimates that investments in efficiency would produce energy savings at half the cost of building plants to produce the energy that would otherwise be used. This would not mean that people would be turning off the lights, for example, only that the light itself would use less power. This is not a fringe idea, but one that is embraced by working Georgians and corporations such as Wal-Mart, which has committed publicly to the sale of affordable, energy-efficient bulbs.
Westmoreland also said there has been lots of discussion about windmills and solar panels, but he said using both -- under optimum conditions -- would produce only about 3 percent of the energy the nation needs. His assertions are just flat wrong. A recent DOE report (one of many references at http://www.bizjournals.com/alb... says that 20% of the country's power could come from wind by 2030, roughly the same timeline required for oil shale development to produce 5% of our energy. There are challenges here too, but the difference is that wind-turbine technology is proven. Wind already provides about 1% of the nation's power. With respect to solar power, one company will start building a solar thermal plant in the Mojave next year that alone is expected to power 400,000 homes. Solar-thermal plants producing hundreds of megawatts have been in operation for 20 years. This is to say nothing of the potential for rooftop solar panels. There are challenges here too - such as the scarcity of the materials needed to make panels. We owe it to ourselves and our children, though, to embrace cost-effective solutions that conserve our natural resources here at home.
Everyone feels the sting of the rising cost of gas and home energy bills and is concerned about the threat that foreign-oil dependence poses to our economy and national security. These are not partisan problems or issues. These are issues that we and future generations of Americans must face with honest, thoughtful discussion, not misleading oversimplifications and partisan attacks. Our future is at stake.
Saxon Awarded the Commendation Medal
(flackattack)
From the mailbag:
Bobby Saxon, candidate for Congress in the Georgia 10th, was awarded the Georgia Commendation Medal for his service as Battle Major of the 78th Troop Command in recent exercises for the Georgia National Guard. The award, presented to him by Brigadier General Lawrence Dudney of the Georgia Army National Guard, was given for his leadership and attention to detail in his role as Battle Major. He participated in exercises that focused on the Georgia National Guard's response capabilities and duties in case of a national emergency, such as Hurricane Katrina or a terrorist attack, while also running his own business and campaign for Congress. Furthermore, Bobby worked with the local, state, and federal government in coordinating a cohesive response to the exercise's challenges.
Bobby has undertaken a long history of hands on experience in emergencies and leadership as he previously commanded a Homeland Security Unit out of Toccoa, Georgia and served as a Battle Major with the 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad. Bobby is very enthusiastic about serving his state and nation with his considerable expertise-so much that he rejoined the Army after the horrible attacks of 9/11. His knowledge and background in logistics, planning, and leadership in critical situations grant him qualifications which few congressional candidates can provide.
Bobby Saxon is an Iraq War combat veteran and small business owner from Nicholson, Georgia. He is a Major in the Georgia Army National Guard and has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Pentagon. Bobby is an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church, the American Legion Post 56 in Jefferson, GA and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2872 in Athens, GA.
Scott: A raw "Deal" for Georgia farmers
(flackattack)
More from the feedbag:
CHICKAMAUGA, Ga. - Democratic congressional candidate Jeff Scott is calling on incumbent Republican Congressman Nathan Deal to explain his vote against the Farm Bill.
"The Farm Bill is a large and complex piece of legislation, but I think it is vital that the people of the ninth district know what Nathan Deal opposes," Scott said. "Representative Deal opposes expanding the availability of fresh fruit and vegetables to our students in public schools. He opposes lowering food prices by shifting ethanol production from food-based additives to plant-based additives. He opposes disaster relief for farmers. He opposes getting rid of corporate giveaways for big agribusiness interests. He even opposes labeling food with its country of origin."
ATLANTA - Despite running for Congress less than a year ago against the Republican establishment, incumbent GOP Congressman Paul Broun has become a darling of the House Republican leadership. A story in the Atlanta Journal Constitution "Political Insider" blog* notes that since his election in 2007, Broun has raked in $13,500 from Republican Deputy Whip Eric Cantor and Republican Congressional Campaign Chair Tom Cole. Next month, House Minority Leader John Boehner will host a $500-a-plate fundraiser for Broun. Earlier this year, Broun crowed about being endorsed by all of Georgia's GOP congressmen.
"What a difference a year makes," said Democratic Party of Georgia spokesman Martin Matheny. "Last year, Paul Broun ran against the GOP establishment, but once they opened their checkbooks, he changed his tune. It's clear that 'Potomac Paul' Broun has become part and parcel of the same Republican establishment that has blocked, frustrated, and obstructed Democratic efforts to lower health care costs, protect our troops overseas, and help working families stay afloat in the midst of a Republican recession. The 10th District deserves representation that puts people before politics, and that's not 'Potomac Paul' Broun."
4. If the primary for the United States Senate Democratic nomination was held today, whom would you support, Dale Cardwell, Vernon Jones, Rand Knight, Josh Lanier, or Jim Martin? (Democrats Only)
Vernon Jones 28%
Dale Cardwell 20%
Jim Martin 15%
Rand Knight 11%
Josh Lanier 5%
Undecided 21%
5. If the election for United States Senate were held today, whom would you vote for Saxby Chambliss, the Republican or Vernon Jones, the Democrat?
Saxby Chambliss 58%
Vernon Jones 29%
Undecided 13%
6. If the election for United States Senate were held today, whom would you vote for Saxby Chambliss, the Republican or Dale Cardwell, the Democrat?
Saxby Chambliss 57%
Dale Cardwell 27%
Undecided 16%
7. If the election for United States Senate were held today, whom would you vote for Saxby Chambliss, the Republican or Rand Knight, the Democrat?
Saxby Chambliss 58%
Rand Knight 25%
Undecided 17%
8. If the election for United States Senate were held today, whom would you vote for Saxby Chambliss, the Republican or Josh Lanier the Democrat?
Saxby Chambliss 57%
Josh Lanier 24%
Undecided 19%
Dee Dawkins-Haigler nabs GAE Endorsement
(flackattack)
From the mailbag:
We are pleased to announce that the members of the Georgia Association of Educators Fund for Public Education (GAE-FPE) have endorsed your candidacy to the Georgia House of Representatives. The GAE endorsement was based in part on your commitment to continuing the improvement of Georgia's public schools, responses during your candidate interview with our local leaders, and support of the GAE legislative agenda. We deeply appreciate your commitment to Georgia's children, public education employees, quality education.
Shocker: Saxby is Fiscally Irresponsible
(flackattack)
I get email:
Chambliss Votes Against Budget That Creates Jobs, Invests In Middle Class, Veterans
Opposes key domestic priorities, fiscal responsibility while supporting Social Security privatization
Saxby Chambliss voted this morning against a balanced federal budget that invests in new jobs, economic growth and middle class tax cuts, opting instead to continue the failed Bush policies that have stifled economic growth and left middle-class families struggling. Chambliss has supported Bush's economic policy for seven years, and this morning he sided against a plan to turn the nation's economy around.
"The budget is a reflection of our nation's priorities, and today Saxby Chambliss stood squarely against the values of Georgians," DSCC spokesman Matthew Miller said. "Saxby Chambliss had an opportunity to create new jobs, help make college more affordable, and properly care for our nation's veterans - all while balancing the budget - but instead he decided to stick with the failed status quo."
Chambliss For Privatizing Social Security
Chambliss voted for a GOP budget amendment that Sen. Max Baucus described as "privatization of Social Security." Arguing against the plan, Baucus added, "we all know that the volatility of the stock market is not the best thing for our seniors." [Vote #65, 3/13/08; Baucus Floor Speech, 3/13/08]
Chambliss Opts for Continuing Failed Bush Policies Rather than Middle Class Values
Jobs. Chambliss voted against approximately 500,000 new good-paying construction and green collar jobs.
Middle class tax cuts. Chambliss voted against an extension of the child tax credit, against marriage penalty relief, and against lower income taxes for all families, to hold middle class tax relief hostage unless multi-millionaires get more tax breaks averaging $120,000 per year.
Affordable college. Chambliss voted against an extension of tuition tax credits that helps make college more affordable to middle class families.
Job training. Private employers have cut hundreds of thousands of jobs in the last three months, but Chambliss voted against restoring over $2 billion in proposed cuts to job training and vocational education programs to help youth and adults prepare for 21st century jobs.
Clean energy. Chambliss voted against major new investments in clean energy and the green collar jobs they create.
Veterans. The budget Chambliss voted against includes $3.2 billion more than the Bush budget for veterans' programs, covering the amount veterans' groups have identified as necessary to address shortfalls in health care, prosthetic research, benefits backlogs, and construction.
Close down offshoring tax shelters. Chambliss voted against shutting down tax shelters that let U.S. corporations evade billions in taxes by re-incorporating in the Cayman Islands and other offshore locations.
Infrastructure. Chambliss voted against a $10 billion investment in the roads and bridges that are the lifeblood of our economy, which would create hundreds of thousands of new jobs.
[Vote #85, 3/14/08; Chairman's Mark of FY 2009 Budget Resolution, 3/6/08]
Chambliss Against Fiscal Responsibility
The national debt has risen $3.7 trillion since Bush took office, yet Chambliss voted against a balanced budget that would stop borrowing from China and Saudi Arabia, asking future generations to pay the bills. The average Georgia family pays $1,500 in taxes each year simply to pay the interest on the Bush-Chambliss $9 trillion national debt. [U.S. Treasury Department, accessed 3/14/08; Center for Budget and Policy Priorities, 5/15/07; House Budget Committee, 6/27/07]
You're invited to an exciting evening of fellowship and politics
Tom & Diane Oxnard, Dicky & Tania Mopper, Joe & Janet Steffen, Chris Miller and Cari Clark invite you to join them for an evening with Bill Gillespie, First Congressional District candidate. The event takes place on Thursday, March 27, from 7-8:30 p.m. at 220 East State Street in Savannah. Please RSVP online or call (912) 507-8278. Suggested donation is $100pp. Let's send Bill to Congress!
Sign up to host a House Party in your neighborhood
It's simple, fun and one of the best acts of volunteerism you can do for the campaign. To schedule a house party or get more information, please contact Gunner Hall at gunner@billforgeorgia.com.
Donate now toward opening a Valdosta Office
It's crucial to victory that Bill open an office in Valdosta and strongly spread his message in the southern part of the district. Bill needs your help to achieve this. Donate Now toward opening an office in Valdosta, the biggest city in the First District.
Take grassroots action: Yard Signs, Stickers, Letters to Editor
Let your friends and neighbors know you support honest government that puts people first. Order a free yard sign or bumper sticker by replying to this email. Click here for an easy way to write a Letter To The Editor in support of Bill.
Meet Bill tomorrow at the Chatham Democrats Oyster Roast
Join other citizens for a family-friendly party this Saturday, March 22, from 2-4 p.m. at the Chatham County Democratic Party Headquarters located at 109 West Victory Drive in Savannah. Meet Bill and other candidates running for offices such as U.S. Senate, General Assembly, County Commission, District Attorney and more.
