the chutry experiment

I have personal and professional experience with Mr. Oxford. He is one of the most inept people I have ever met. He lacks any sort of social skills and makes fast irrational decisions without any forethought. He would make a horrible Senator (and husband).

I want to be clear that if those charges against Oxford are proven, I won't vote for him. I have to admit that my motivations in endorsing a candidate aren't necessarily the best. Because I'd like to see a Democratic Senate in the fall, I'm genrally looking for the Democrat most likely to win a state-wide race. I am also interested in a candidate's political stances, and I know a little less about Oxford here than I do Squires, Majette, and others. So far, based on her success in getting elected as a Democrat in suburban Atlanta, I'm guessing that Squires might be able to run statewide.

Personality matters less to me than these other issues (although I'll admit that personality plays into getting elected). I'd also need more than anonymous anecdotal evidence to support the claim that Oxford is "inept." After all, he's proven himself to be a rather successful businessperson, no?

squires is not anymore electable then any of the candidates. all the candidates have a chance

I'd agree. The race is wide-open at this point. Squires has been polling higher from what I've heard, but there are still a lot of promising candidates out there.

Battered wives often blame themselves for being beaten... even long after the fact (been there, done that...). Guilt for having been a "bad wife" is the only explanation I can think of for her saying that Oxford is a changed man. It doesn't matter if only 10% of what she accused him of in the divorce papers is true, he hasn't had the time to "rehabilitate himself".

As for Mary Squires, I am considering volunteering for her campaign. She is honest (maybe too honest for some political circles) and a very likable person. That does matter, especially when that likable person cares very deeply about other people.

I know from the AJC that their divorce was complicated by their business partnership, so there may be financial/business motivations for her support as well.

I like Squires a lot, as well. Once I decide, I may try to volunteer a few hours to a campaign. I'm still trying to get into the rhythm of teaching this summer (a different schedule, different prep, etc), but this year's election seems especially significant.

Leigh Baier (62) has qualified as a Democrat on Thursday for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Zell Miller. Leigh Baier, a businessmen and attorney, has been active in Georgia politics for a period spanning more than three decades. He has run campaigns for, or has been a significant adviser to both Georgia Democrats and Republicans including Congressmen Charles Weltner; Mayor Maynard Jackson; Vice-mayor, Congressmen, and United States Senator Wyche Fowler; Public Service Commissioner Billy Lovett; Governor and President Jimmy Carter; and United Sates Senator Paul Coverdell. Leigh Baier has deep political experience – but he is not a politician. He stands today as a Democrat who believes that good ideas and good people are not restricted to one party, one class or one interest of any kind. In the Senate of the United States, his special interest will be each citizen of the United States of America.

Leigh Baier is running for the United States Senate because the American people no longer own their government. Problems are multiplying at home and abroad, and the politics that created the problems will not solve them. Leigh Baier is running because America Can’t Wait.

Inclusion Matters
Our government is run by politicians dominated by the money of special interests. Those citizens who are less affluent or organized are no less vital to our future – in fact, it will be impossible to solve our problems and fulfill our potential without the involvement of everyone.

Diversity Matters
America’s strength has been built on the belief that every individual has a right to be heard and a contribution to offer. Politicians today seek to rally support around issues that divide us rather than those that bring our country together. At this time of global danger, such behavior is intolerably selfish, irresponsible and unpatriotic.

Truth Matters
The more our government is for sale to the highest bidder, the more America’s politics is conducted through spin, deceit and lies. Dishonesty is a cancer that is destroying our society from the top down. It is time for our political leaders to tell the truth – and for the American people to demand it.

Every Vote Matters
Many Americans feel uneasy at the way our country is being run and where it is headed. Too many feel powerless to change our perilous course. Yet by acting together, ordinary citizens can make the critical difference. It will take the courage to say No to narrow-minded, self-serving politics as usual…to say Yes to Inclusion, Diversity and Truth…to elect Leigh Baier, Georgian and Democrat, to the United States Senate. The only vote that counts is a vote for change.

What really matters

· OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN MATTER, AS DO OUR OBLIGATIONS TO THE OLDER GENERATIONS

· HEALTHCARE FOR ALL MATTERS, AS DOES OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE OUR CHILDREN A QUALITY EDUCATION AND GOOD JOBS AFTERWARDS

· FAIRNESS MATTERS, IN TAXATION, IN VOTING RIGHTS AND IN HUMAN RIGHTS

· SECURITY MATTERS, WHETHER IT IS PERSONAL SOCIAL SECURITY OR THE SECURITY OF OUR HOMELAND

· MILITARY PREPAREDNESS MATTERS, WHICH INCLUDES DECENT PAY AND LIVING CONDITIONS FOR THOSE IN UNIFORM AND LIFETIME RESPECT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY

· GOVERNANCEE MATTERS, WHETHER IN OUR CORPORATIONS OR IN OUR PUBLIC OFFICES

· DEFICITS MATTER; WE SHOULD NOT TOLORATE PLACING FUTURE FINANCIAL BURDENS ON OUR CHLDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN BY BEING UNWILLING TO PAY TODAY’S DEBTS.

· A CLEAN AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT MATTERS, INCLUDING THE PRESERVATION OF OUR LAND, WATER, AIR AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE

· LEADERSHIP MATTERS, BOTH IN OUR DOMESTIC LIFE AND IN OUR FOREGN POLICY

· LIMITING THE POLITICAL POWER OF THE BIG MONY SPECIAL INTERESTS MATTERS

It will not be possible to solve today’s problems with the same politicians that created them.

America Can’t Wait

YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU……. .
TO TAKE YOUR GOVERNMENT BACK

Leigh Baier (62) has qualified as a Democrat on Thursday for the United States Senate seat being vacated by Zell Miller. Leigh Baier, a businessmen and attorney, has been active in Georgia politics for a period spanning more than three decades. He has run campaigns for, or has been a significant adviser to both Georgia Democrats and Republicans including Congressmen Charles Weltner; Mayor Maynard Jackson; Vice-mayor, Congressmen, and United States Senator Wyche Fowler; Public Service Commissioner Billy Lovett; Governor and President Jimmy Carter; and United Sates Senator Paul Coverdell. Leigh Baier has deep political experience – but he is not a politician. He stands today as a Democrat who believes that good ideas and good people are not restricted to one party, one class or one interest of any kind. In the Senate of the United States, his special interest will be each citizen of the United States of America.

Leigh Baier is running for the United States Senate because the American people no longer own their government. Problems are multiplying at home and abroad, and the politics that created the problems will not solve them. Leigh Baier is running because America Can’t Wait.

Inclusion Matters
Our government is run by politicians dominated by the money of special interests. Those citizens who are less affluent or organized are no less vital to our future – in fact, it will be impossible to solve our problems and fulfill our potential without the involvement of everyone.

Diversity Matters
America’s strength has been built on the belief that every individual has a right to be heard and a contribution to offer. Politicians today seek to rally support around issues that divide us rather than those that bring our country together. At this time of global danger, such behavior is intolerably selfish, irresponsible and unpatriotic.

Truth Matters
The more our government is for sale to the highest bidder, the more America’s politics is conducted through spin, deceit and lies. Dishonesty is a cancer that is destroying our society from the top down. It is time for our political leaders to tell the truth – and for the American people to demand it.

Every Vote Matters
Many Americans feel uneasy at the way our country is being run and where it is headed. Too many feel powerless to change our perilous course. Yet by acting together, ordinary citizens can make the critical difference. It will take the courage to say No to narrow-minded, self-serving politics as usual…to say Yes to Inclusion, Diversity and Truth…to elect Leigh Baier, Georgian and Democrat, to the United States Senate. The only vote that counts is a vote for change.

What really matters

· OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN MATTER, AS DO OUR OBLIGATIONS TO THE OLDER GENERATIONS

· HEALTHCARE FOR ALL MATTERS, AS DOES OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GIVE OUR CHILDREN A QUALITY EDUCATION AND GOOD JOBS AFTERWARDS

· FAIRNESS MATTERS, IN TAXATION, IN VOTING RIGHTS AND IN HUMAN RIGHTS

· SECURITY MATTERS, WHETHER IT IS PERSONAL SOCIAL SECURITY OR THE SECURITY OF OUR HOMELAND

· MILITARY PREPAREDNESS MATTERS, WHICH INCLUDES DECENT PAY AND LIVING CONDITIONS FOR THOSE IN UNIFORM AND LIFETIME RESPECT FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SERVED OUR COUNTRY

· GOVERNANCEE MATTERS, WHETHER IN OUR CORPORATIONS OR IN OUR PUBLIC OFFICES

· DEFICITS MATTER; WE SHOULD NOT TOLORATE PLACING FUTURE FINANCIAL BURDENS ON OUR CHLDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN BY BEING UNWILLING TO PAY TODAY’S DEBTS.

· A CLEAN AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT MATTERS, INCLUDING THE PRESERVATION OF OUR LAND, WATER, AIR AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE

· LEADERSHIP MATTERS, BOTH IN OUR DOMESTIC LIFE AND IN OUR FOREGN POLICY

· LIMITING THE POLITICAL POWER OF THE BIG MONY SPECIAL INTERESTS MATTERS

It will not be possible to solve today’s problems with the same politicians that created them.

America Can’t Wait

YOUR COUNTRY NEEDS YOU……. .
TO TAKE YOUR GOVERNMENT BACK

My name is JimBoyd.com. Thanks for your 82%
Statwide Vote in 2000 in the Democrat Primary for
Public Service Commission and over one million
in the General election. I need you vote two times again. Thanks again for the 82% Statewide
Vote in 2000 in which I won every county.

Bush Must Go
Jim Boyd
U. S. Senate
Democrat
JimBoyd.com

Thanks for the links.

I am supporting Jim Boyd in the Democratic primary for US Senate. Mr. Boyd would represent the state of Georgia well as our new US Senator.

Chris Bridges
Winder

Im voting for Mary Squires. I posted a comment earlier, but I think the link might be a little outdated. Sorry to say I dont haev the energy to do it again, but I thought that this link from an ajc article was interesting. Please everyone take a look at all the candidates. Obviously, I would love to have everyone vote for Sen. Squires. But the realist in me knows that isnt going to happen-and there is nothing wrong with that! Check out her website-hopefully you all will find the same things in her that I did.
www.marysquires.net

forgot the link!
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/cobb/0604/11oxford.html

I'm voting for Denise Majette. Here's why. She is the only Southerner (if you exclude Florida as being a true southern state) who has signed to co-sponsor House Resolution 38. This is a resolution supporting the Equal Rights Amendment and calling for Congress to finish the ratification process and add this amendment to the Constitution once three more states have ratified it. She is also a co-sponsor of House Joint Resolution 37, which supports beginning the ratification of the ERA anew. She has bravely joined a list of US Representatives who REALLY support women's issues.

Every woman in Georgia should be voting for her because she supports this fundamental human right:that ALL people are created equal and our Constitution should specify that its applies to both genders equally.

Women make up the majority of our population and yet the only constitutionally guaranteed right they have is the right to vote. All the other "rights and priviledges" women enjoy are based upon interpretations of the Constitution. These so-called interpretations are subject to the winds of political change. Right now those winds are blowing hard against women and their tentatively held "rights".

Denise understands that discrimination based on race and discrimination based on sex are exactly the same. That is the act of treating someone as an inferior because of a physical attribute over which they have no control. Ask yourselves why it is that politicians can say they are against equal rights for women without fear of censure and yet if they are exposed as racists they lose their jobs.

Women still make only 75 cents to every dollar a man makes. On average, this translates into about $14,000 a year in lost wages. They lose millions of dollars each year because they are discriminated against in insurance, social security and pensions.

The Equal Rights Amendment campaign was reactivated across America in the late 1990s. I recently discovered that Georgia has an ERA campaign. It's web site is www.4ERA.org.

Denise Majette is a candidate that is at the forefront of women's issues. We NEED women like Denise in the Senate to act as a counterbalance to the "good ole boys".

4equalrights - Thanks for bringing that site and it's information to my attention. I thought the ERA was effectively dead.. good to see it's not, though I'm a bit pessimistic about its outcome. Also, it was interesting to see all those people who have been around since '82.

That's a major point in Majette's favor. I'm certainly upset by the fact that women earn less than men. In fact I had a few rants about Reagan's opposition to the ERA in someone else's comments. I'm also glad to see that there are efforts to revive the ERA and agree that it's still needed.

I would just like to point out that while in office, Senator Squires has done so much for human rights. She has stepped out on a limb numerous times to stop racism, she volunteers at the atlanta womens shelter, and was very vocal in the fight to stop descrimination from being written into the georgia constitution. Im sure Majette is a wonderful person, but I dont envision her putting her political career on the line to stand up for whats right likes Squires has.
I also do not think that Majette is a good candidate to win outside of the Atlanta area. Also, people in her district arent very happy with the job she has done while in Washington.
Heck, even Jim Wooten, the far right columnist with the AJC thinks Squires is the only democratic candidate that can beat the republican winner on July 20. I know who I support, and I really want this seat to go to a REAL democrat.

Also, Majette is not a real southerner folks. She was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. Squires was born in raised right here in the homeland!

one more thing to think about: If Majette cared so much about helping the cause, why did she bolt after only two years in the US House. If she really wanted to make a difference, she should have stayed in her seat instead of giving it up with out a fight. She runs when things start getting heated. NOT who I want in Washington. I want a fighter that will stand up for whats right, regardless...

I have no doubt that Squires is committed to human rights issues. It's one of the aspects of her approach to politics that I most admire. Majette does seem committed to many of these issues as well, particularly women's rights, as her support of a revived ERA implies, but as someone who lives in the 4th district, I'll admit that I was *a little* disappointed in her representation.

I realize that you are talking more about "perception" when you note that Majette lived much of her life in Brooklyn, NY, but I don't find that relevant to her campaign--after all, most Georgians (especially in the Atlanta area) aren't native, and in terms of winning votes OTP, I'm not sure how many of those voters would vote for Squires or Oxford anway...

As a non-native Southerner, I guess I'll never have the chance to run for office in Georgia. *sigh*

Don't worry, Jen. I'd vote for you. I still think the native thing is overrated anyway. After all, a certain former governor of Texas was born in New Haven, Connecticut. Not that I'd encourage emulating him, or anything like that....

Leigh Baier
Campaign for
United States Senate
Press Release
July 3, 2004

Leigh Baier and Debbie Lynah Marry

Tel: (770) 432-2995
http://baiersenate.com/
BaierUSSenate@Earthlink.net

Leigh Baier, Democratic candidate for the United States Senate married Debbie Lynah at PoloBear Farms in Vinings, Georgia. The wedding was attended by 34 family members and close friends including a number of local, state and national political leaders. The wedding was scheduled to assure that Leigh’s daughter, Noble and Debbie’s daughter Marie would be present. Marie is currently serving in the United States Air Force and Noble just returned from a year service in Iraq as a development analyst for the United States. Noble returned to Iraq in November to complete her job and gave birth to her daughter, Alex while in Baghdad. In the first four months of her life Alex has been in Iraq, Jordan, Greece, Honduras, and the United States.

Prior to the evening wedding Leigh Rode a horse in the Marietta parade following the “Baier for Senate” float which carried family friends, supporters, and a miniature donkey.

Leigh Baier
Campaign for
United States Senate
Press Release
July 3, 2004

Leigh Baier and Debbie Lynah Marry

Tel: (770) 432-2995
http://baiersenate.com/
BaierUSSenate@Earthlink.net

Leigh Baier, Democratic candidate for the United States Senate married Debbie Lynah at PoloBear Farms in Vinings, Georgia. The wedding was attended by 34 family members and close friends including a number of local, state and national political leaders. The wedding was scheduled to assure that Leigh’s daughter, Noble and Debbie’s daughter Marie would be present. Marie is currently serving in the United States Air Force and Noble just returned from a year service in Iraq as a development analyst for the United States. Noble returned to Iraq in November to complete her job and gave birth to her daughter, Alex while in Baghdad. In the first four months of her life Alex has been in Iraq, Jordan, Greece, Honduras, and the United States.

Prior to the evening wedding Leigh Rode a horse in the Marietta parade following the “Baier for Senate” float which carried family friends, supporters, and a miniature donkey.

Just curious Jim Baier--what's the age difference between you and your new wife?

If you'll notice, his name is Leigh Baier. And why does the age difference matter?

Sorry about that Leigh.
It matters because I look at the whole person. I look at the candidates' personal lives as well as their political philosophies.

If Leigh married a much younger, attractive woman (for example, a trophy wife) that says one thing about him. If he married an average looking woman his own age that says something else. Whether he married a bimbo or a rocket scientist says something else about him.

As a female voter, I want to know whether he's an immature, mid-life crisis sort or a mature middle aged man. If we're going to look at Cliff Oxford's shambles of a personal life (which I'm happy came out)then other candidates relationships are fair game too. How a person conducts themselves, their relations with their families, the people they associate with, etc. say alot more about who that person is than the political opinions they spout.

Good points. I'm torn about the "personal life" question. I think Oxford's marital problems are important and may very well speak to his abilities to work as a Senator. Then again, I think several other candidates (Baier, Squires, and Majette, to name a few) have run better, more interesting campaigns in the first place.

I don't know anything about Baier's marriage and I'm not part of his campaign. I've left his press releases in my comments simply because Baier (or someone from his campaign) has taken the time to submit them. When I saw him speak at a MeetUp in Decatur, he seemed like a decent guy, but I know that it's hard to gauge anything from a meet and greet. He will apparently be at the MeetUp at Ashtons in Decatur on Tuesday, 7/13 at 7PM, if you can make it.

I'll have more information on the main page of my blog.

I've heard it said that Majette is the "thinking woman's" candidate. My research shows that she is well regarded by other Southern female members in government and is on the agenda of many women's organizations functions. With only one term she's obviously not seasoned, but at least she's in Congress and must have made some connections. She certainly commands my respect.

Mary Squires lost my vote when she got publicity for getting mad and calling Gov. Sonny "He's the real Pits, let's Barbeque him" Perdue a bigot. Not keen to trade a "good ole boy" candidate for a hotheaded "good old girl" candidate, even if she is female.
Saw Baier at a forum. He's a rich guy without a clue and totally bland. If we want Republicans to win, either he or Finklestein will do nicely.

Among the women I know Oxford is over. Where there's smoke there's fire!!!

Let's see, who am I missing?

I was very impressed by Majette's efforts to get behind a revived version of ERA, and she has done much to promote women's issues. I was originally ambivalent about her candidacy, but now I'm leaning towards voting for her in the June primary. I'd agree that Oxford has lost credibility on gender issues.

That's probably not the smartest move on Squires' part, but I appreciate her efforts to criticize Perdue's political shenanigans with the Georgia flag. I think you're right that Baier and Finkelstein would struggle in the general election.

Apparently I'll have to marry someone of average looks in order to get elected. Great.

I'm just glad that I have no intentions of running for office, although I wouldn't mind being someone's trophy husband....

No Jen, Your choice of husband won't matter to YOUR election. Margaret Thatcher is married to an ugly, alcoholic (whatever the male version of bimbo is) and Hilary Clinton is married to an intelligent, (some say) attractive, wayward husband. So I say don't be deterred from going for the 22 year old hunk, with or without any brains. :-)

Just a reminder to my fellow Georgia Democratic primary voters to cast their vote for Jim Boyd in the US Senate race and for Mac Barber in the Public Service Commission race.

The Democratic primary is on Tuesday, July 20. I had been leaning towards Squires or Majette, but Jim Finkelstein certainly impressed me at the Democratic MeetUp this week.

I'm still not ready to endorse (and probably won't) in the Democratic primary, but I would encourage Georgia Dems to get out the vote.

Thanks to everyone who voted for Denise Majette!!
DemocratS need to give her their wholehearted support--we need to have a Democratic Senator--she's in a run off against a millionaire who financed his entire campaign. Now what would a millionaire entrepreneur want to go to the US Senate for?? How about to increase his fortune?

The women of Georgia need to vote for her en masse--she's in a run off with a man with ex-ex wife and ex-wife problems!! Jeezsh! She would be the first woman elected US Senator from Georgia! Isn't is about time? It is the 21st century. We do make up over half the population.

African Americans need to also vote for her en masse, because she would also be achieving another first for Georgia in the US Senate--a diverse representation in gender, race and political stance. Wouldn't it be wonderful!

GET OUT AND VOTE FOR A REAL DEMOCRAT, A REAL WOMAN AND A REAL PUBLIC SERVANT.

Just curious. But does your name stand for Arabia Mountain? I ask because the Arabia Mountain bill was the only legislation Majette ever passed.

Yes it does. But I didn't know there was any connection between arabia mountain and majette. which legislation?

Link to Majette's press release on the bill:

http://www.house.gov/majette/press/2003.11.18.shtml

This will probably never be read, but I feel compelled to speak. As the Air Force daughter of Debbie, Leigh Baier's new wife, my opinions may be a bit biased but my mother is definitely not a bimbo. Although she is attractive, I think having 22and 31yr old daughters disqualifies you from the trophy wife category, plus her boobs are real.