Poythress on Barnes: ‘He’s not as connected to the grassroots as he used to be’
David Poythress, the only Democratic candidate for governor out in the hustings at this moment, put out a note this morning evincing some frustration with Roy Barnes.
Last week, in this space, the former governor again expressed a certain coyness about the 2010 race.
“I keep hoping that there will be some knight in shining armor. I don’t want to shirk a duty,” Barnes said.
No doubt the lack of clarity is hurting other candidates trying to line up support and financing. Here’s what Poythress, the former state adjutant general of the Georgia National Guard, wrote to his supporters:
“Roy Barnes dedicated almost three decades of service to our great state, performed his duties well and left an amazing legacy. But let’s be honest, he isn’t nearly as connected to the grassroots or core constituencies of our party in the way he used to be.
“This was confirmed to me as I campaigned across the state this week. Countless Democrats pulled me aside to say that they were put off by Barnes’ remarks about his potential comeback candidacy and encouraged me to respond with a stinging response. Instead of taking that course, let me give you my thoughts on Barnes’ comments.
“If Roy Barnes gets in this race, I’m running. If other Democrats get in this race, I’m running. Simply put, I’m running for governor.”
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter.
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Guides
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2011 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
8 comments Add your comment
Rural
March 18th, 2009
11:56 am
Why would Poythress respond like that to Barnes comments? He knows if Barnes get in the race, it would be lights out for him & his campaign. I like the way he is campaigning right now, but no one knows how he would do against any of the current republican candidates. There are no polls out right now showing him how would he matchup against the GOP. The one that is not being talked about for governor is Thurbert Baker, who is my preferred choice for governor.
Daisy Duke
March 18th, 2009
2:58 pm
In 2002, when Roy Barnes was trounced by Perdue, only managing to get 46% of the vote, pundits had egg all over their faces. Why are the so-called political experts so blind when it comes to Roy Barnes? The people of Georgia did not vote FOR Perdue. They voted AGAINST Barnes. Barnes and pundits are wishing for a magic do-over so they can redeem themselves. Further, a Barnes’ candidacy would be cause for dancing in the streets by Republicans. Another point. The more I learn about David Poythress, the more I am convinced that he is the best hope of the Democrats recapturing our State. Most candidates claim “proven leadership.” Mr. Poythress is a three star General. That’s pretty good proof for me. His credentials are refreshing for a Georgia politician. I think Georgia is pretty darn fortunate to have a man of his caliber running and I am encouraged because the time has come for Georgians to repudiate any one from the ranks of the General Assembly seeking higher office. The General Assembly is incestuous and real change will never come when we are governed by a consummate insider.
ANT
March 18th, 2009
3:10 pm
Daisy Duke-you said it all.I was in the Air National Guard under Gen.Poythress and he is a true Leader.
Tim
March 18th, 2009
5:25 pm
The question I have about Barnes is why? I believe that he has done some good things since he left, he would have to leave all that behind. Also, he would only be able to serve one term so he comes in an automatic lame duck with a legistature (unless a massive shift) will still be Republican.
Atlanta Native 1969
March 18th, 2009
6:47 pm
Poythress is the man and obvious best candidate for governor! He was secretary of state, labor commissioner, miltary general. I agree, no one from the legislature should be considered. its past time to throw the sorry GOP leaders of this state out of office and elect someone with the caliber of Poythress.
mickey
March 18th, 2009
9:40 pm
Hey Tim….Roy could serve 2 TERMS CONSECUTIVELY. Do your research. ROY BARNES is what our great state needs now, more than ever. Sonny Perdue ran our state into the ditch and made us a laughing-stock of the nation. Roy is the MAN!!!!!
Red Rider
March 18th, 2009
10:13 pm
Something about Barnes bothers me. Georgia’s unemployment is soaring….thousands of qualified workers show up hoping to claim one of only a few hundred jobs…and the employed pray they are not included in the next wave of layoffs. Our neighbors are losing not only their jobs but their family home, health care, hard earned savings and ultimately the ability to provide for themselves and their children. And in this climate of hardships, I open the Marietta Daily Journal and the AJC and read about and see Barnes’ elegant home. I’m sure he earned that home and he might have been a good governor…..but Poythress is right….Barnes IS out of touch with the everyday person. Why else would he allow such an obvious display of personal wealth when so many in this State are hurting? Maybe it was just bad timing, but where I come from, we don’t eat our dinner in front of a hungry man and then ask him to vote for us.
Barry
March 23rd, 2009
1:38 pm
Arrogance, arrogance,arrogance is what caused Roy Barnes to lose his governorship. He had arrogance in speaking to the teachers. He had arrogance in dealing with the public. And most of all he had arrogance in the way he ran his campaign. On the campaign note, which is most important, Roy hired arrogant political strategist, who were arrogant like him, who thought they new it all about Georgia politics. They refused to listen to metro area (Atlanta, Dekalb, Cobb, Dougls, Clayton, Rockdale, etc) experienced politcal people about the need for grass roots campaigning. They were afraid to let people in those areas to assist them in the GOTV effort in their communities. Instead he listened to those knucklehead campaign decision makers of his, with their arrogance, and spent millions for T.V. commercials,instead of putting the money in the field (grass roots) for GOTV operations. This cost him dearly and made him look real stupid on election night. If he runs, I hope he learned. If not stay out of the race. Do not waaste Democratic and/or Republicans who may consider him a viable candidate, vote. Save us and yourself the heartache.