Your morning jolt: Chapman joins GOP race for governor
State Sen. Jeff Chapman, a Republican from Brunswick who’s made a name for himself in the fight over Jekyll Island, has filed paperwork necessary to run for governor.
We haven’t talked to him yet, but his wife Angela just confirmed the fact over the phone.
Chapman would be the seventh Republican in the 2010 race, joining U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal of Gainesville, Secretary of State Karen Handel of Roswell, state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, state Sen. Eric Johnson of Savannah, state Rep. Austin Scott of Tifton, and states’ rightist Ray McBerry of McDonough.
Clearly the candidate most affected by Chapman’s decision is Johnson, who is relying on a coastal strategy that builds support into middle Georgia.
Chapman is something of a maverick within GOP ranks, and has been involved in some knock-down, drag-out fights over the renovation of state-owned Jekyll Island.
He’s forced the Jekyll Island Authority to scale back a comprehensive overhaul of the island. The authority’s private partner is Linger Longer, owned by the Reynolds family — a major Republican contributor at the state and national level.
State Rep. Ralph Long, a Democrat from southwest Atlanta, called last night to say that he’ll become the first African-American elected official to endorse Councilwoman Mary Norwood in the Atlanta mayor’s contest.
Long is in his first term in the House, and replaced longtime lawmaker Bob Holmes. The announcement will be made this morning in front of a dilapidated building at the intersection of Victory Drive and Murphy Avenue, a Sylvan Hills location in Long’s district.
Asked why he was endorsing Norwood, the real estate broker said we’ll have to be there if we want to find out.
Yes, up in Washington, health care remains something of an issue. But there’s something even more important that’s chafing Georgia expats: Saturday’s opening Georgia game against Oklahoma State University on ABC will be blocked — not just in D.C., but in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and a smidgen of Georgia.
Instead, the nation’s capital will be treated to Baylor vs. Wake Forest.
Republicans and Democrats are passing around this coverage map, attempting to stir a bipartisan, town hall-style revolt and persuade the network to alter things.
But back to health care. U.S. Reps. Tom Price and John Linder, both Republican, are hosting a town hall meeting on health care at 6 p.m. today at North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee.
Each attendee is instructed to keep his digits out of the mouth of his neighbor.
In this morning’s Augusta Chronicle, U.S. Rep. John Barrow is quoted as saying that foot dragging by some congressional Blue Dogs — he counts himself among them — likely will produce a better health care reform bill.
My AJC colleague Bob Keefe up in Washington had a conversation Wednesday with U.S. Rep. Paul Broun (R-Athens), who had just returned from a wild sheep hunting trip in Canada.
Broun didn’t bag any big game, but said he did get plenty of ammunition to resume his part of the fight against the Democratic health care reform plan.
Broun, whose Washington office is filled with stuffed trophy animals from past safaris, said he spent much of the time he wasn’t hunting for stone sheep in British Columbia talking to locals about Canada’s government-run health care system.
“I think I found only one person who liked the Canadian health care system, and he’s not even Canadian, he’s Scottish,” Broun said.
A physician, Broun acknowledges that the U.S. health care system is in need of some reforms. He has said he supports changes that would give individuals and businesses tax deductions for medical expenses, expand the use of tax-free health savings accounts, and allow doctors to more freely advertise prices for their services.
Later Wednesday, Broun was more red-meatish when he spoke in Madison, Ga.
According to the Athens Banner-Herald:
He told a meeting of the Morgan County Republicans on Wednesday night that Obama already has or will have the three things he needs to make himself a dictator: a national police force, gun control and control over the press.
“He has the three things that are necessary to establish an authoritarian government,” Broun said. “And so we need to be ever-vigilant, because freedom is precious.”
While you ponder that, consider these items found while perusing this morning’s ajc.com:
A divided Fulton County commission to give Grady Hospital another $10 million to meet payroll. Fulton commissioner accused of conflict for pushing for Milton County. Stimulus funds repave smooth road, making it even smoother. Justices volunteer to take three furlough days. Pfizer, convicted of illegal drug promotions, to pay Georgia $21 million. Southeast sees bump in swine flu. Duo plead guilty to DeKalb ticket-fixing. Cobb County employees will have to ante up more for retirement. Kasim Reed issues challenge to Lisa Borders. Anti-crime activist enters Atlanta mayor race.
Some opinion:
Your Luckovich fix. Kyle Wingfield ponders a shift to the right by the state’s high court. Racial politics run deep in Atlanta.
From elsewhere in Georgia:
Macon Telegraph: Statewide transportation sales tax deal may be near.
And beyond:
WP: Ted Kennedy makes fresh revelations about Chappaquiddick in posthumous memoir. NYT: A reluctance to retire means fewer job openings. WSJ: Pot “plantations” on the rise.
For instant updates, follow me on Twitter.
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50 comments Add your comment
Will Jones - Atlanta
September 3rd, 2009
8:39 am
Chapman would be preferable to sell-out, draft-dodger Barnes, if, G-d forbid, Max Cleland refuses to submit to a draft for governor by the People of Georgia.
clyde
September 3rd, 2009
8:48 am
When there’s a job opening at WalMart hundred and hundreds apply.A job opening for a Governor doesn’t seem to attract that much attention.Wonder why?
Ga Values
September 3rd, 2009
8:55 am
Finally a real Conservative running for Governor.. Chapman has my vote.
Atlanta Report
September 3rd, 2009
9:00 am
Well, I guess Borders/Turpeau’s racist plot is failing.
concerned
September 3rd, 2009
9:05 am
Haven’t heard much about this Ralph Long guy, but good for Norwood. After Lisa Borders Campaign’s antics the last week or so, she doesn’t deserve any endorsements.
GoOx
September 3rd, 2009
9:14 am
Welcome Sen. Chapman, just one more candidate for the Ox to gore.
Will Jones - Atlanta
September 3rd, 2009
9:28 am
If Ralph Long is the freshman state senator I met at a Fulco Democratic Party meeting, he won’t be much of an asset to Ms. Mary Bush Norwood.
PAT FROM ELLENWOOD
September 3rd, 2009
9:48 am
Ralph Long who? Who are his supporters? The clueless voters that elected him. Was he at the legislature last session? Who cares about his endorsement? Endorsements don’t win elections, votes do! Voters will decide–not polls, not endorsements. Most folks that get a heap of endorsements lobby for them–it’s not about their credentials; its about me calling you and asking you to endorse me because I asked. Than their is the fill out this form or my survey questions and if you write what I like you get an endorsement. The last one is I have been calling your organization for the last month, I paid for an ad in your organization’s newsletter, I bought a table at your summer event, I have been kissing your ass for the last two years–where’s my endorsement? Newspaper and union endorsements are like the kiss of death!
David
September 3rd, 2009
9:52 am
Haha, Ralph and his Art Institute of Atlanta education can support Mary all he wants. His reach doesn’t expand past the infield at the Ted. I don’t know what type of plan he is creating but wasn’t he the one that leaked the CAU Memo? Ralph these are the big leagues and you are playing with the big players – not Photoshop. For his sake I hope Norwood can pull it off – unlikely when people see her debate – but if she doesn’t, he can most likely see his political career out the door.
District 61 Resident
September 3rd, 2009
9:56 am
I’m doubtful Ralph Long has his district’s residents in mind with this mayoral endorsement. I’ve met him from several NPU meetings and at a recent local political conference, and was repulsed by his nonchalant attitude and “swagger” (as he put it) when it comes to the district he represents. Why not endorse Reed or Borders? Both candidates have put in more face time and been in the SW part of Atlanta; Mary has not.
And can we knock it off about the memo? Old news — let’s focus on moving forward to the election.
Anne
September 3rd, 2009
11:22 am
Jeff Chapman for governor…yeah! Chapman is a man who understands the common person. He has demonstrated integrity and standing strong for what is right in the face of a party whose leadership has focused on promoting monied special interests.
Chapman will have the vote of my entire family for governor
Jane Fraser
September 3rd, 2009
11:56 am
Marvelous news about Jeff Chapman for Governor! What a rare thing to have a man of principle running for political office. Our extended family will be voting for Jeff.
Ron
September 3rd, 2009
12:15 pm
Chapman’s entrance into the Governor’s race should really shake things up. His well-publicized record of voting in accord with his principles rather than on the basis of party loyalty will serve him well as will his stance on the Jekyll development issue and fight to ensure that eminent domain is not abused by the state for the sake of private development projects. I haven’t been fired up by any of the Republican candidates so far, but Chapman, well, I think he has what it takes to be a first-rate Governor. I also think his entrance into the race will present problems for the other Republican candidates because many voters will find his record, values, and character to be so appealing. I’ve heard him speak on several occasions, and each time I was impressed with what he had to say and how he said it. Charisma, character, and the political courage to vote his convictions – sounds like a good package to me.
Independent
September 3rd, 2009
12:39 pm
Wow! Good luck to Senator Chapman! In a state filled with semi-crazy politicians, he projects calm and intelligent reason. I’m not nearly as conservative as he is, but his recent comments on the water issue as well as his efforts on behalf of Jekyll Island over the past few years make him an attractive candidate. Interesting development.
Mae
September 3rd, 2009
12:49 pm
Chapman is a candidate who I as a democrat can get excited about. Let’s face it a democrat is not going to get elected governor in the state of Georgia any time soon. We can look to Chapman to represent the voice of the people. He has shown that to be true with his record on eminent domain, Jekyll Island and his vote on the Georgia Power bill. He stands for doing the right thing above self interest. As a democrat I will be voting for him in the primary.
Charlie B
September 3rd, 2009
1:44 pm
Am very pleased to see that Sen. Chapman is running for governor. He has shown a willingness to stand for what is right and in regard to the best interests of the people of Georgia, and to fight for these things when necessary. I believe Jeff Chapman has the type of impressive intelligence, diligence, courage and integrity that i’d be happy to vote for any day.
Terry Miller
September 3rd, 2009
1:46 pm
Great news about Jeff Chapman!! I’m all for someone who will stand up to his own party, think for himself, and propose common-sense solutions to our water problems. Not to mention his terrific defense of the average Georgian in the battle for Jekyll Island! He has my vote!
Mary Alice
September 3rd, 2009
1:49 pm
I am glad Senator Chapman has decided to run for Governor. We need a candidate to stand up for our property rights and for the rights of the individual in the State of Georgia. Thank you Jeff Chapman.
Leon Galis
September 3rd, 2009
1:57 pm
I welcome Senator Chapman’s entrance into the Governor’s race. He’s the only candidate in the Republican field who seems to be interested in actually addressing Georgia’s many problems instead of just sucking up to this or that monied special interest. If Georgians are finally fed up with having the best government money can buy, Senator Chapman will be a serious contender.
Karen Brown
September 3rd, 2009
1:57 pm
Senator Chapman is a great candidate for governor of Georgia. This is what we need: representatives of the people, not big business. People have been longing for common-sense candidates.
Zeb
September 3rd, 2009
2:24 pm
A pricipled, striaght-shooting Republican who isn’t completely beholden to the the self-dealing Republican leadership or the Reynolds family or the PACs. Just what the doctor ordered for Georgia! I’m an independent but I could certainly vote for Jeff Chapman because he has demonstrated a backbone and concern for ordinary Georgians lacking in the other Republican candidates–who spend most of their time and energy sucking up to rich campaign donors. I like Porter, Poythress and Chapman. The fact that none of them is swimming in special interest campaign millions means they’re probably all pretty decent, honest folks.
Rochelle Covington
September 3rd, 2009
3:16 pm
@David – Aaron Turpeau sent the racist memo directly to Maynard Eaton at Progressive News via e-mail.
@District 61 Resident-
I’m proud to actually live in District 61 (and not just on the Internets) and am prouder of Rep. Long for taking a stand for our city. You gave yourself away when you said that Borders and Reed had spent more time down here than Norwood. Preposterous. Everyone knows Borders wouldn’t know her way from the West End to Sylvan Hills by MARTA, foot or car!
I assume you’re using the word “swagger” because Ralph Long is a young, Black male. I’ve never heard him use that word, and you should be careful trying to stereotype folks. Rep. Long definitely doesn’t have “swagger” when he’s participating in neighborhood clean ups or walking his son around the neighborhood. Leave it to a Borders supporter to try and tear down a progressive Black male.
Mae
September 3rd, 2009
3:25 pm
By the way Galloway notes that Chapman’s opposition to the upscale, massive development of Jekyll Island State Park resulted in the project being modified to a level acceptable to most of the people who did not want to see their state park turned into another Reynold’s Plantation. Oh did I say Reynolds? As in Jamie Reynolds of Linger Longer Communities and Eric Johnson’s co-finance chair. How does Eric Johnson explain that it is ethical to have on your campaign the developer who is benefitting from the development on the island which Eric supported to the hilt despite the opposition from the public and people in his own district? And how does Eric explain his support of the 50 million in bond money that will build the infrastructure for that developers buildings at a time when the state is in a deep budget crisis? Eric Johnson’s campaign for governor smacks of just more of the same pandering to the monied special interests in the state that we have seen with Sonny Perdue.
Joan Jacoby
September 3rd, 2009
4:03 pm
Senator Jeff Chapman is a man of high moral character with a consistent voting record of acting in the public interest. I support him in his bid for govenor of Georgia.
Patrick Golan
September 3rd, 2009
4:08 pm
Mr. Jeff Chapman’s record of voting his convictions in serving the public interest, not just on the Jekyll development issue but as a matter of principle, suggests that he would make a remarkable Governor. In the past past I would only vote for a democratic canidate but would vote for Mr. Chapman.
Lynda
September 3rd, 2009
5:26 pm
I’m an independent who tends to lean Democrat, but I’ve been supporting Jeff Chapman for a while now and he’s the only politician I’ve ever donated money to. He doesn’t just vote his principles, he votes the will of the people he represents. What a rare attribute in politics! I’m glad we finally have a decent candidate in the race. Maybe Georgia will have the opportunity to turn around under the strong leadership of a true representative of the people.
Pam
September 3rd, 2009
6:12 pm
Chapman is the most godly man in politics. He will win despite all odds because he always has the high moral ground. If you are an evangelical who needs to know who really is for the common man then vote for him
Howard Sculthorpe
September 3rd, 2009
6:33 pm
At last! An honest politician not afraid to stand up to big money interests and stick to his guns when attacked. Senator Chapman has proven to be a man of conviction, and not one to kowtow to party bigwigs. He has shown thoughtfulness, intelligence and backbone when it counts. He’ll make a great governor, an outstanding leader and will be a major improvement. His time has come!
Laura
September 3rd, 2009
7:28 pm
Yipee! Chapman for Governor! He is just what Georgia needs. Hate to lose him in my district. Rather have in Atlanta full time!
Zeb
September 3rd, 2009
9:19 pm
Paul Broun sounds like he is on opium.. Has anyone informed him that Obama was president of the Harvard Law Review? Not exactly a spawning ground for dictators. And he hasn’t nationalized the police force, instituted and type of gun control and certainly does not have control over the press, or Fox News, or the crazed statements of an unhinged physician.
John C. Nord
September 4th, 2009
12:03 am
I am a Democrat, but I will be looking at Jeff Chapman for Governor come election time. His stand on Jekyll proves he has more integrity and caring about the average “joe” than the rest of the Republicans in this State. If he came to Oconee County and ran against Paul Broun I would be knocking on doors for him. Please someone, anyone, run against this loose canon. Let’s retire Paul Broun. He really needs bed rest.
Dist61Residenttoo
September 4th, 2009
12:45 am
Ralph Long is the real deal & I’m proud of him. He shows up to neighborhood events and is just as concerned about the lack of city services as I am. In our neighborhood Mary has the lead in yard signs and people see her and Ralph as real change agents. The city services just don’t work and I think that’s the point they align most on. I’m tired of slick politicians with all the right answers and then they do nothing (haven’t we learned our lesson with Shirly?). Ralph and Mary are doers (that are very accessible I might add) and that’s why they’ve got my support (and most of the people on my street too).
Claire DeLand
September 4th, 2009
1:25 am
Thank God for Jeff Chapman!!! After all the hype we heard about “change we can believe in” – - – which has turned out to be more accurately “change everything we believe in”, Jeff becomes the hope of REAL change in the world of Georgia Gubernatorial politics!! and it *IS* change we can believe in.
I am so excited about this news that I can hardly contain myself. I have been anguishing over the choices on both sides of the aisle and not satisfied with ANY of their answers about their positions on Jekyll Island and I don’t even have to ASK Jeff where he stands.
He gets my vote and my extended family’s votes as well, not just on the Jekyll issue, but that’s certainly MAJOR. I’m sick of our current Governor’s political cronyism and lack of integrity in many other areas as well, and am delighted to see someone with conservative values AND integrity AND the courage to vote his convictions in this race.
Susan Evans
September 4th, 2009
1:44 am
Jeff Chapman is the real deal!!!! I have never been as impressed with a politician as I am with Senator Chapman. He is very sensible, and he puts a lot of thought and effort into doing what is best for this state and for the people of Georgia. He is true to himself, and he will fight for what is right. I don’t think we could look this country over and find a better person than Jeff Chapman to be the next Governor of Georgia.
SWGA Politics » Blog Archive » Jeff Is Running for Governor
September 4th, 2009
6:46 am
[...] AJC’s Political Insider Tags: 2010 Governor Candidates, Eric Johnson, Jeff Chapman September 4, 2009 – 6:46 am Posted in 2010 Campaigns by Jeff This entry was posted on Friday, September 4th, 2009 at September 4, 2009 – 6:46 am and is filed under 2010 Campaigns. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site. [...]
Al Tate
September 4th, 2009
5:39 pm
Chapman for Governor! This is exciting! I visited with Jeff for a brief time during the Jekyll Island hearings and was really impressed with his commitment and forthright demeanor. When Jeff spoke he showed respect and consideration for all present. I believe Jeff Chapman is an independent thinker who considers the interests of his constituents and all the citizens of Georgia ahead of the insider politicians of the Republican Party. Jeff looks to me like what the party of Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt Representatives should look like; a fiscal conservative with the interests of the common man at heart. He is not one of the right wing ideologues who parrots the “party line” and takes their marching orders from the party leaders and financial backers.
Jeff, best wishes for your gubernatorial campaign and I want to thank you for your willingness to serve your fellow Georgians at the highest level of our government. You have my support.
Near The Beach
September 4th, 2009
7:12 pm
Question for GOOX
Has Oxy wrecked a state owned vehicle this week and lied? I have had the opportunity to sit at the dinner table with both Chapman and Oxy. That spoiled rich boy Oxy would never get my vote.
Oxindine is the blueprint for the arrogant politician on an ego trip. Actually 90% of the people in the Governors race are also. Chapman is for real. I have known him for years. He aggravatingly honest. Just when you think he wrote the book on conservatism he can sound like one of those hippy river keepers. I guess that is what I like about him most.
You wouldn’t want to play golf with him and try to move the ball. THAT is why the other politicians fear him.
Who would Ronald Reagan vote for? Jeff Chapman, of course!
I am excited about Mr. Chapman joining the "fray". We need more of these fighters for saving our environment!!Laura in Raleigh
September 4th, 2009
8:14 pm
Enter your comments here
Laura P. Carrico
September 4th, 2009
8:16 pm
I am excited about Mr. Chapman joining the “fray”. We need more of these fighters for saving our environment!!
Laura P. Carrico. Raleigh
September 4th, 2009
8:19 pm
I am so elated that Mr. Chapman has decided to join the race!!! I wish him a landslide!!! Laura Carrico
Daniel
September 5th, 2009
12:22 am
Why in the United States of America would anyone want to vote for a single Republican. They are a fascist party of gangsters out to destroy America. I have always voted with an open mind which equates to simply who the best candidate is. No more and never again will I ever vote for a fascist Republican, ever!!!!
red
September 5th, 2009
12:38 am
Who ever gets elected to the Governors office, should bring back the Chain Gangs! These State and County Jailed Convict Scum would be put to better use Mowing the Grass of the Medians of our Interstate Highways and to Clean and Maintain our Rest Stop bathrooms instead of closing them.
Skipper
September 5th, 2009
5:43 am
Daniel
Sounds like you are not intelligent enough to be voting at all and your mind is so open your your brains fell out long ago. .
Will Jones - Atlanta
September 5th, 2009
6:54 am
Daniel, This fellow Chapman seems to have been righteous in his opposition to the core evil identified by you of the Gay Old Pervert party concerning Jekyll Island and the Reynolds scum Bush ally. And while those who have some good in them effectively “had” to be in that party to serve in public office in our state, because of the degree of evil achieved by hypocrites, liars and traitors on the national level, if the Democratic Party can’t take advantage of President Obama’s election to place in the running a good and decent candidate, we’ll have to vote for what could be described as the “lesser evil.”
Georgians are the best Americans but there are elements within the Democratic Party’s entrenched low-level leadership – explicitly against Barack Obama’s candidacy for president – which can only be rectified by mass awareness of your valid concern.
Chapman’s a Methodist and I’m sure we’ll have televised debates to see for ourselves if he has the good character and integrity his role in opposition to Perdue and Linger Longer made apparent. He certainly lives in a wonderful place, and has clearly tried to protect its beauty for all Georgians.
From my research it seems he has not gone completely nuts trying to deny a woman’s right to her own body and reproduction in alliance with the Babylonian priesthood: the Gay Old Pervert party’s base.
Max Cleland ought to be Governor of Georgia this time around – for Georgia’s sake…that we redeem ourselves from the evil visited upon us through Chambliss and Bush’s treason.
Senator Cleland quit the lie of the 9/11 Commission. This marks him as a true American Hero, and he’s from Lithonia, born in Atlanta.
If all Georgians would come together in great numbers and draft him perhaps he could be persuaded to submit, but I’ve spoken with him on the subject twice and the last time his warm tone “hardened.” I won’t be the one to bring it up to him again.
Cleland as governor would be optimal. G-d, I’m sure, would then bless Georgia.
Find someone other than Roy Barnes for governor – pick a name out of the phone book – odds are it would be someone better.
I’m not voting for a draft-dodger and bankster who prostituted his position in the public trust on behalf of the banking industry, and did nothing to bring to justice those who killed John and Martin to send us to die for the pope in Vietnam.
I believe, like you, that the falsely named “Republican” party is the political branch of Fascism in America: the “Fifth Column” of the Roman Anti-Christ. The People managed to elect Barack Obama, who I believe is anointed. In Georgia we must insist that the progress his election represents be realized in this greatest of all the States, but I’m not throwing my vote away and Chapman made a good impression during the Jekyll Island scandal.
Let’s force the Democrats to place in nomination a good person with proven integrity like Max Cleland…they haven’t yet. Until they do I’ll be grateful to have Chapman as front-runner, to fall back on.
Nick
September 5th, 2009
2:42 pm
Ray McBerry is the way to go.
Kay Hoffman
September 7th, 2009
7:37 pm
Jeff Chapman would make a superb governor. His courageous stand against over-development on Jekyll Island, his committment to fiscal responsibility, and his hard work uncovering the facts behind political agendas make him a unique individual capable of representing the needs of most Georgians.
Sharon
September 8th, 2009
11:15 am
Finally someone who doesn’t play games and isn’t afraid to stand alone. Senator Jeff Chapman is someone who cares about the backbone of this Country. I have known him for years and talk about someone who is honest, hardworking, ethical and is in it for the PEOPLE. He is perfect!! A smart business man who cares about what is best for us, who could ask for more. We would be lucky to have him. Lets get the word out so everyone can get to know him for their selves. I live in Atlanta and he has my vote!!
Charlie B
September 8th, 2009
11:44 am
If the people of Georgia want someone who truly sets out to represent and protect their best interests–heedless of what some well-heeled contributors trying to gain behind-the-scenes influence may want for their own selfish reasons–then I suggest they may want to give Sen. Jeff Chapman very close consideration. Chapman strikes me as a man who has true backbone and a deep respect for what democracy and free markets should be about.
Chris
September 9th, 2009
3:15 pm
Jeff Chapman just launched his campaign site, well, it is a mini site, the full site will be up soon.
http://www.jeffchapmanforgovernor.com
Judy Sophianopoulos
September 10th, 2009
6:48 pm
How wonderful to have a candidate for governor who supports and works for continuance of Jekyll Island as a state park for the people of Georgia! I’ll vote for him and I’m not even a Republican!