Poll Position: Should politicians who resign early help cover the cost of special elections?
Chip Rogers made news this week by announcing he was resigning his recently re-won Senate seat to take a job at Georgia Public Broadcasting. A special election for the seat will be held Jan. 8, just two months after Rogers’ replacement could have been elected in the general election had he stepped down earlier. Channel 2 Action News reports the special election will cost Cherokee and Fulton counties $500,000.
Should politicians who resign early help cover the cost of special elections?
- Yes (203 Votes)
- It depends on the circumstances of the resignation (166 Votes)
- No, they should give their campaign funds back to their donors (39 Votes)
- No, that's part of government and they should be able to use their campaign funds as they wish (27 Votes)
Total Voters: 435
Loading ...But that’s not all. Rep. Sean Jerguson, who like Rogers hails from Cherokee County, is resigning his House seat to run for the Senate post. So there will be a special election the same day to refill that seat. The two seats do not exactly overlap, so there will be some additional cost to Cherokee to hold a special election in the non-overlapping precincts.
And, for good measure, Sen. John Bulloch of Ochlocknee also announced this week he was stepping down before the 2013 legislative session starts, prompting a third special election that day in the eight southwest Georgia counties Bulloch served. (Well, it’s the third so far; it’s not out of the question that a House member could resign to run for that Senate seat and cause a fourth special election.)
Which raises a question: Should taxpayers get some help in covering the cost of special elections when politicians resign their offices early — from the politicians themselves? With the special election for Rogers’ seat alone costing $500,000, we surely are talking about millions of dollars in extra expenses for counties over the past two years.
By my count, these three special elections will bring the total since Jan. 1, 2011, to 17 (that figure is for state-level offices only; there may have been more if local races were included). One of those, the race for Senate District 30, was held on the same day as this year’s general election and thus didn’t represent an additional cost to the affected counties. But it, like eight of the other special elections, wasn’t settled without a runoff — representing even more costs to counties.
Two of the past 17 special elections were required because the elected official died in office; not much one can do about that. But eight of them were because the elected official took a job in state government; four elected officials resigned to run for another office; two moved out of their districts; and one (Bulloch) retired.
In some cases, the politicians resigned their offices left without no campaign funds left in their accounts or a negligible account. But a few of them had at least $10,000 in their accounts. Rogers ($231,033) and Bulloch ($105,967) had much more than that as of the latest report filed. To be fair, both of those reports were filed before the Nov. 6 election and may not reflect their final expenses; on the other hand, neither of them had general-election opponents, so it’s unlikely that they spent huge chunks of their war chests.
Should elected officials who resign their offices and prompt special elections be required to give their remaining campaign funds to counties to help cover the cost of those elections? That’s this week’s Poll Position question. Answer in the nearby poll and the comments thread below.
– By Kyle Wingfield
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243 comments Add your comment
bluecoat
December 8th, 2012
4:37 pm
Sad when your T Pot won’t whistle anymore.Almost as bad as being Bush-Whacked.
Ben B
December 8th, 2012
5:03 pm
No, they should not pay but the special election should be by absentee ballot only which would reduce costs.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 8th, 2012
5:06 pm
I’m betting that this Christmas won’t be near as merry for the families of the heroes that died in Benghazi as it will be for the gluttonous obama family.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 8th, 2012
5:13 pm
As obama lavishes upon himself the finest Kobe Beef, the most expensive seafood and top shelf liquor, all on the tax payer’s dime, whilst hiding behind a phalanx of security in his walled in Hawaiian Kompound, his minions plot and scheme against “the rich.”
Sacrifice ain’t for everyone, I guess…
MarkV
December 8th, 2012
5:33 pm
It is difficult to outdo some of the stupidities one reads on this blog, but the crassness of criticizing ANY president of this country because he “lavishes upon himself the finest Kobe Beef, the most expensive seafood and top shelf liquor, all on the tax payer’s dime, whilst hiding behind a phalanx of security” surely competes for a prize.
Dusty
December 8th, 2012
5:51 pm
MarkV 5:33
Well, hmmm, kobe beef and expensive seafood.mmm
May be a bit crass but it surely does make me hungry…
MarkV
December 8th, 2012
5:54 pm
Dusty @ 5:51 pm
I would not mind a little of the same in a little while.
Linda
December 8th, 2012
6:20 pm
This is a new website for conservatives, aka sane people.
http://freebeacon.com/
CC
December 8th, 2012
6:54 pm
“It is difficult to outdo some of the stupidities one reads on this blog, but the crassness of criticizing ANY president of this country because he “lavishes upon himself the finest Kobe Beef, the most expensive seafood and top shelf liquor, all on the tax payer’s dime, whilst hiding behind a phalanx of security” surely competes for a prize.”
I guess that MarkV refers to facts now as “stupidities”.
Aesop posted earlier about the Christmas to be experienced by the families of those murdered in Benghazi (you know, MarkV, the people who were DENIED ASSISTANCE). Would you care to classify that as a “stupidity” as well?
CC
December 8th, 2012
6:57 pm
Libda:
Thanks! Looks to be another great conservative site.
bluecoat
December 8th, 2012
7:26 pm
Yeah Libda-when you can’t spell your own-Aka sane people.My T Pot won’t whistle any more.
Linda
December 8th, 2012
8:11 pm
bluecoat(spelled with a little b) @7:26, When you can’t even properly spell your own name, let alone mine (Libda?), maybe you should buy a new teapot, spelled teapot. A comma would have been appropriate after the word “Yeah” as well as after the word “Libda” rather than a hyphen. A double dash would have been more appropriate after the the word “own.” I could go on & on but you need to call your 3rd grade teacher to complain for your lack of education.
You, Sir, are a perfect example of why the fed. govt. needs to close the Dept. of Education & why the states, counties & cities need to privitize the entire school systems.
It’s best to keep your mouth shut than to show how the progressive public education system has had such a profound effect on your life.
Don’t mess with me again. Pick on someone who has less education than I do & less than yourself, which will be difficult.
I contribute to Kyle’s blog. You, Sir, have absolutely nothing to offer, other than insults.
CC
December 8th, 2012
8:24 pm
Linda:
I guess bluecoat was taking a shot at me because of my typo. That is about the best IT has to offer.
Anyway, thanks for the info on the website!
Linda
December 8th, 2012
8:59 pm
CC, Keep up the good work. Why would anyone in their right mind not be for fiscal conservatism in Dec., 2012 unless they are for the absolute destruction of the USA? That’s the goal of progressives, always has been, always will be. I didn’t know what a progressive was 3 yrs. ago. Now I do!
NO Artificial Flavors
December 8th, 2012
9:14 pm
Sometimes it’s less costly to the tax payers to let the jerks resign on their own before inflicting more fiscal damage on the taxpayers in office.
CC
December 8th, 2012
9:33 pm
Linda:
To me, the term “progressive” is only the politically correct way to say “communist”, and all of today’s democrats are communists.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 8th, 2012
9:37 pm
For decades I have called myself a Con and a Repug, never having to change my description or hide behind silly words such as “progressive.”
So, what are libs now, insurance salesmen?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 8th, 2012
9:41 pm
When the con artist comes up to you on the street and wants to play the shell game, two things always happen.
If you are a lib, your eyes light up and you’re like wow, I’m gonna get rich.
If you are a Repug, you’re like “get lost, punk, get a job.”
Guess who is in charge of our nation’s financials.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 8th, 2012
9:47 pm
Guess who is in charge of our nation’s financials
———————-
They putz who wet his pants when an Ohio plumber asked him a question.
Linda
December 8th, 2012
10:22 pm
CC@9:33, What I’ve said before is that capitalism is the opposite of everything else. It doesn’t matter what you call the opposite: socialism, nationalism, federalism, Communism, etc.
Out form of govt. was an experiment & it worked until the progressives got involved & became a majority, nudging with each & every program.
Obama is our 4th progressive president & might be our last, if the US survives thru his 2nd term.
Congressman Alan West said it best & his remarks have always been scary but truthful. What a patriot!
I don’t think all Democrats are progressives. I don’t think the moderate Democrats or many conservatives understand the progressive agenda, but I do think that there are more moderate Democrats who have shifted to the left to become progressive, as liberals claim that Republicans have shifted to the right to become Tea Party members. Both parties have become more polarized.
I still do not understand why average Joes support the progressive agenda, what they think is in it for them, when it looks to me that the US will become bankrupt & that entitlement programs will cease to exist. I think that’s what you call utter stupidity.
getalife
December 8th, 2012
10:24 pm
What up cons?
Still looking for commies.
The 1950’s called and said there are no commie pinkos.
ld
December 8th, 2012
11:21 pm
Yes, unless the resignation is necessary for health reasons; ALSO elected polititions that resign before their term is over should NOT receive any benefits from any government entity such as insurance or retirement pay from having served in the office from which they are resigning, including members of the US Congress, including benefits supposedly due from prior terms in Congress — either house.
splavistic
December 9th, 2012
1:23 am
Gee, maybe we should ask ex-partial-governor Palin if citizens should pay for politicians who quit before their contract with the people is up. Yeah, Kyle, why didn’t you write this article years ago?
CC
December 9th, 2012
5:49 am
Linda:
“the US will become bankrupt & that entitlement programs will cease to exist. I think that’s what you call utter stupidity.”
I can’t fathom the thinking of these people. They are, in effect, killing “the goose that laid the golden egg.”
Can they not see that the time is approaching where no entity will lend the U. S. money ,when there will be further downgrading of the U. S.’s bond rating, when the dollar will cease to be the world’s currency and the coming hyperinflation that is sure to follow? Are the U. S. citizens so stupid as to believe that this totally out-of-control spending can continue much longer? All indications are that the destruction of our country and the America we knew is purposeful, and is aided and abetted by the ignorant and stupid.
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
December 9th, 2012
5:59 am
“maybe we should ask ex-partial-governor Palin if citizens should pay for politicians who quit before their contract with the people is up.”
Maybe you should understand the way Lt. Governors assume office for the remainder of the term without the need for a special election before posting such a stupid comment.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 9th, 2012
8:01 am
CC: Are the U. S. citizens so stupid as to believe that this totally out-of-control spending can continue much longer?
—————————
Yes. A majority of U.S. citizens believe the government can print as much money as it needs in order to keep their handout checks coming and their EBT cards reloaded. And they’re right–the government can just keep printing money.
The problem comes for the responsible folks who work, save, and invest. The dollars they hold continue to decrease in value.
Proglodytes don’t care about currency debasement though, because the moochers they need to keep voting Democrat don’t have any currency.
MarkV
December 9th, 2012
8:37 am
CC @ 6:54 pm
A fine example of a mindless post.
CC
December 9th, 2012
9:16 am
MarkV@8:37:
“A fine example of a mindless post.”
Yes, your post was truly mindless as most of your posts are. I have learned that you have nothing of value to contribute. I don’t read your posts unless they are directed at me.
Now, run along and find someone else with whom to play. Perhaps you can find someone near your mental age? I understand that Miss Daisy’s pre-school is in session next week and I’m sure that you can find a toddler there you can best in an argument. Or, better still, return to Bookie-man’s blog. Most of you there are equally intelligence-challenged.
You are dismissed.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 9th, 2012
9:39 am
“This is just a simple way of returning the favor to our Syrian brothers that fought with us on the lands of Iraq,” said a veteran of Al Qaeda in Iraq, who said he helped lead the Nusra Front’s efforts in Syria.
It looks like the libs forgot one of their biggest propaganda lies about Iraq, either that, or they just don’t care if they get caught in a lie anymore.
Wow, how did Syria get Sarin nerve gas?!?!? Wow, Syrians fought with al qaida in Iraq?!?!? All these things we never knew but told y’all. What other nuggets of information will come tumbling down from the tower of babble?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 9th, 2012
9:42 am
And isn’t Syria the perfect opportunity for a pro American administration to advance some national security gains without having to lift a finger? One islamic lunatic wants to use nerve gas on another islamic lunatic, I’d be like alright, sounds good, need any help? obozo’s like, yo, those are my lunatics, leave them alone.
Such a waste.
MarkV
December 9th, 2012
9:45 am
CC @ 9:16 am
”I don’t read your posts unless they are directed at me.”
CC = Liar: Evidence: CC @ 6:54 pm
MarkV
December 9th, 2012
9:47 am
CC @ 9:16 am
”I don’t read your posts unless they are directed at me.”
CC = Liar. Evidence: “…return to Bookie-man’s blog.”
MarkV
December 9th, 2012
9:50 am
CC @ 9:16 am
”I don’t read your posts unless they are directed at me.”
CC = Liar. Evidence: CC @ 9:16 am
Rightwing Troll
December 9th, 2012
9:52 am
“Guess who is in charge of our nation’s financials
———————-
They putz who wet his pants when an Ohio plumber asked him a question.”
And then proceeded to wipe the floor with you and your ilks, not once… but twice…
Spin the narrative all you want, it still don’t make your fantasies reality. W’s economy is getting better, OBL is dead, GM alive, housing prices are coming back, gas prices down, American manufacturing is returning to our shores, new construction is everywhere you look… these are the things you see when you shut off Faux News, close Brietbart and Drudgey on your puter, and step outside your front door (provided you unsqueeze shut your eyelids, and take your fingers out of your ears, and quit screaming “LALALALALALALALALA” when anyone tries to talk to you…)
Could things be better?… always… are things getting better? Heck to the yeah!!!… are you interested in being part of the solution??? Apparently not, you ilks wish to be THE solution, even though you’ve been wrong on pretty much everything for the entirety of the 2000’s…
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 9th, 2012
9:55 am
Yeah, things could be better, like when jimmy karter was president.
I didn’t think it could get worse but, damn, was I wrong.
Lil' Barry Bailout - OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 9th, 2012
9:59 am
Rightwing Troll: And then proceeded to wipe the floor with you and your ilks, not once… but twice…
—————————————-
I never claimed that the productive aren’t outnumbered by moochers and morons.
“Could things be better?” Yup. Obozo could return spending, deficits, unemployment, and our credit rating to where Our President Bush had them.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 9th, 2012
9:59 am
I guess al qaida forgot to be impressed about obozo sending a bunch of Navy Seals to kill a washed up old man in his pajamas playing video games hanging out in a safe house with his whole entire extended family.
In fact, it’s almost as though obozo has created some new terrorists.
Imagine that.
yeah baby
December 9th, 2012
10:03 am
“but, damn, I was wrong”
Why would you be surprised this time. You are wrong a good percentage of the time. That goes well beyond politics and your political predictions.
yeah baby
December 9th, 2012
10:06 am
Troll
They like to cry and moan. Somehow they derive self esteem from doing it on this blog.
makes them feel better about themselves
Let them have their fun. It is actually pretty funny…. To say the least.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 9th, 2012
10:16 am
Whoa, didn’t 10:03 spank me? How could I ever compete against such stunning intelligence and reasoning? Who let this vicious beast out of it’s cage?
(just trying to help our little libby out, giving it some more intentional sarcasm to base another snorting and mindless comment on. being charitable and all.)
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
December 9th, 2012
10:21 am
MarkV calling out others for mindless posts is like a midget calling out short people.
JamVet
December 9th, 2012
10:27 am
Aesop, why are you and most of the Republicans in this country so angry about OBL’s death?
When America wins, the GOP loses. And vice versa.
LOL at you Uncle Sam/America haters.
Stay losers, my friends…
CC
December 9th, 2012
10:30 am
Anyone else ever notice that MarkV and JamVet seem to show up at about the same time?
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
December 9th, 2012
10:34 am
I believe that you are the one who has taken up angry and run with it in this situation, jamvet.
Me, I’m amused. obozo told us al qaida was a goner because he double tapped their most prominent AARP member. No social security for you, grandpa. But, for some reason, al qaida seems to be coming back stronger than they were when Bush/ Cheney was around.
Go figure.
MarkV
December 9th, 2012
10:39 am
CC @ 10:30 am
“Anyone else ever notice that MarkV and JamVet seem to show up at about the same time?”
A remarkable post from someone who claims he does not read my posts, unless they are directed to him, which they are only as a response to his posts. How would he know the above?
Tiberius - pulling the tail of the left AND right when needed
December 9th, 2012
10:51 am
CC, MarkV and AmVet are two very different posters.
MarkV posts a singular level of nonsense, specializing in wordsmithing, parsing, and denying he ever meant what he wrote.
AmVet posts the same things over and over again in a stunning level of hateful screed.
Neither have a place in intelligent conversation, however, which is the only real thing they have in common.
Lil' Barry Bailout -Vote American
December 9th, 2012
10:56 am
OBL is dead, but sadly al Qaeda is alive.
Lil' Barry Bailout -OBAMAPHONE!!!
December 9th, 2012
11:06 am
Oops! Found another device that needed updating to the current screen name.
Americans lost this last election…another opportunity to make progress toward fixing Obozo’s various messes comes in two years.
CC
December 9th, 2012
11:19 am
Tiberius:
I wasn’t suggesting that they were one and the same, but more that they seem to post in some mindless tandem fashion. Neither is remarkable as pertains to content or thought.
CC
December 9th, 2012
11:28 am
Aesop:
“Yeah, things could be better, like when jimmy karter was president. I didn’t think it could get worse but, damn, was I wrong.”
Exactly! I was definitely wrong about that, and every day adds even more proof of it.