The hunt for secret Republicans in Atlanta’s race for mayor
Send the children from the room. Or at least have sense enough to cover their ears.
We’re about to have a debate over whether the formally non-partisan Atlanta mayoral race has been infiltrated – and possibly subverted – by closet Republicanism.
Each of the major candidates, seeking to rule over a Democratic town, admits to having Republican friends. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. But none condone the GOP lifestyle, or admit to heavy Republican influence.
Last Thursday, three Democratic state lawmakers condemned mayoral candidate and Council President Lisa Borders for consorting with Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley, who will host a fund-raiser for Borders this week.
For the TV cameras, the complaint by the trio – all supporters of mayoral rival Kasim Reed – focused on Riley’s support for a movement to allow north Fulton to secede from the rest of the county, and form a new Milton County. Which Borders quickly disavowed.
The real but unspoken issue was the fact that Riley is a Republican. “That’s her right, I suppose,” said state Sen. Vincent Fort.
The Reed campaign points more forcefully to Borders’ campaign chairman and ex-employer, Tom Bell, the former CEO of Cousins Property. Bell was the chief fund-raiser for GOP presidential candidate Fred Thompson, a lifelong friend.
Bell is also involved in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce effort to derail the Democratic health care reform effort. No, check that. Barack Obama’s health care reform effort. The Borders-Bell relationship “just reeks of Republicanism,” said Reed spokesman Reese McCranie.
During her employment with Cousins, Borders also handled distribution of Cousins’ campaign contributions. Many of the checks went to Republicans.
Borders spokeswoman Liz Flowers said her candidate merely pushed the paperwork and wasn’t part of the decision-making.
Borders spoke in her own defense. “At a time when my opponents are making up reasons to be divisive, the next mayor of Atlanta must be focused on how to bring this region together, on water, transportation and a host of other issues. We cannot afford to stand apart,” she said.
But just in case, the Borders campaign also noted that Reed has accepted $2,400 from former U.S. senator Alphonse D’Amato of New York, a once-powerful Republican.
“Should we now expect Kasim to change his political allegiance?” Flowers said. Several GOP state lawmakers, colleagues from the Legislature, have also given Reed cash.
And if Reed is such an unflinching Democrat, why, Flowers asked, did the former state senator vote for a resolution this spring that endorsed states’ rights – a cause that makes hardcore Republican hearts thrum? (The measure was “snuck” through, Reed campaigners explained.)
Then there’s the case of Councilwoman Mary Norwood, who describes herself as neither red nor blue, but short and purple. Yes, it’s true that Norwood was a delegate to the 1999 state GOP convention, admitted Roman Levit, her campaign manager.
But she was there for the best of causes – trying, unsuccessfully as it turned out, to steal robo-call business from Ralph Reed, the official bogeyman of the Democratic party. “Someone asked her if she would be willing to be a delegate, and she said yes out of curiosity,” Levit explained.
She was just experimenting.
Norwood “left that convention completely turned off to party politics,” Levit said. And did he mention that Norwood committed to Obama a full year before she voted for him in the Democratic presidential primary?
Moreover, Norwood favors gay marriage, abortion rights, and health care reform, Levit said. “She’s not having fund-raisers held by people who want to tear Fulton County apart.”
There’s no question that much of this debate over partisanship is a debate over race, expressed in only slightly more genteel terms.
And some of it is the bare-knuckled business of politics. Reed, backed by most labor unions, has the most to gain if the race becomes a Democratic primary. Borders may have the most to lose.
But there is more to the conversation than that. A flood of people that are changing the city of Atlanta into something younger, something a shade whiter, and something wealthier.
The question is whether that something is more Republican — or at least more tolerant of people with Republican friends. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.
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90 comments Add your comment
Collin
October 10th, 2009
3:17 pm
Mary’s no Republican, but it’s no secret that Borders is controlled by Atlanta Republicans.
BullSh.
October 10th, 2009
3:17 pm
Enter your comments here
Patricia
October 10th, 2009
3:18 pm
It’s no secret that Borders is a Republican and it’s no surprise that she would lie about it. Atlanta can’t afford to have a mayor that has so much to hide.
Patricia
October 10th, 2009
3:20 pm
I’m just wondering why it took so long for the media to expose all this stuff. Borders is doing the GOP’s bidding and has been for years.
D D
October 10th, 2009
3:21 pm
There’s no way I can vote for Lisa Borders after seeing this. Shameful!
Dekalb_Neighbor
October 10th, 2009
3:22 pm
Is this the best way to differentiate these candidates? Can’t one of them make a speech and say: “Read my lips, no new taxes!” I’m sure Atlanta folks will vote for that! Alternatively, Reed/Borders/Norwood could promise to fix all the potholes and steel plates that kill our alignments, suspension, tires. I’d vote for that.
D D
October 10th, 2009
3:23 pm
Thank you for being a true journalist Mr. Galloway. I wish some of your collegues were as true to their pro
Wrong
October 10th, 2009
3:23 pm
Mary is a Republican. Lisa is a Dem and Kasim is not even an option. http://www.Notkasim.blogspot.com
Shin Jasher
October 10th, 2009
3:29 pm
Republican…Democrat…and here I thought it was a non-partisan race. (You know, like they say on the City’s website: http://www.atlantaga.gov/media/municipalclerk_electioninfo_030309.aspx)
Clearly the undecideds (and the campaign staffers filling up these comments) are so easily duped/swayed by anything red/Republican, that these sorts of baseless, conflated accusations actually merit some sort of journalistic inquiry. How dreadful.
RGB
October 10th, 2009
3:32 pm
“Atlanta can’t afford to have a mayor that has so much to hide.” Really?
After decades of inept Democrat “leadership” in the mayor’s office, we can afford anything.
New water system costing billions–no problem.
Pension liabilities–not a problem.
Just raise property, water, and sales taxes again and again and again.
We can afford anything in Atlanta. Just put it on our tab.
RGB
October 10th, 2009
3:34 pm
“The real but unspoken issue was the fact that Riley is a Republican. ‘That’s her right, I suppose,’ said state Sen. Vincent Fort.”
Thank you Vince for being so magnanimous.
Ineptitude personified.
That’s your right, I suppose.
Shin Jasher
October 10th, 2009
3:37 pm
“There’s no question that much of this debate over partisanship is a debate over race, expressed in only slightly more genteel terms.” Genteel? Oh Jim, you might want to trade out that Arnold Palmer for an Uptown.
It sounds to me like Borders, Reed, and Norwood all have their hands in the elephant-shaped cookie jar. It seems like being able to work with another political party is like the Plague. But why? Take that money to make our city better. I don’t care if they’re all members of the Hula Hoop Party — FIX OUR CITY. Fix the crime. Fix the streets. Fix the sewers. Fix the local economy. I could care less who raises money for them so long as they get money to make Atlanta better. Or did we forget about all of this?
Kyle
October 10th, 2009
3:39 pm
Borders is cooked. A roasted GOP elephant.
I will vote for Lisa Borders
October 10th, 2009
3:44 pm
Kasim is against equal rights for gay people, Mary was a Republican and is now self described as “purple.” Thank goodness for Lisa! She is well prepared and good on all the issues. Please vote for Lisa Borders!
Star
October 10th, 2009
3:51 pm
Lisa admits to pushing paperwork for the GOP LOL. So she’s been a GOP secretary for 30 years…that’s something to be proud of. It also demonstrates shows her leadership skills and strong commitment to what’s right *sarcasm alert*
Shin Jasher
October 10th, 2009
3:52 pm
I also saw Mary pull up at the Candler Park Fall Festival in a late-model Jaguar. Guess she only saves that Century for hackneyed commercial shoots.
Tedros
October 10th, 2009
3:59 pm
At the end of the day, Betty Buckhead Borders doesnm’t like black people and Borders wants to divide black people……They;’d both like to ignore the fact thats our young people (black and white) are dying in the streets over nothing but silly posing, drugs are all over, hard working good people can’t find jobs, no health insurance, eldely women are getting robbed every day but yet Norwood wants to think every thing in the city is preacking a life of good roses (No people are struggling, not just people you want to struggle that you have no idea about, talking about you went to every neighborhood in ATL and there’s no race stuff, hell out of here! you sound stupid to me…tell that to people on BlVd, tell that to folks in Stone Crest in SW, towards Wildwood in Cascade…you can’t)…Borders, just wack and a puppet…I’m very tired of how our city is going and the way this politic stuff is playing…Norwood, this isn’t the Brady Bunch and you can just smile, people face real life issues, not just poor people, are you in touch with them…nope…Borders..just no hope for her at all
Claudette Ortiz
October 10th, 2009
4:04 pm
Cuando un hispano aquí en Atlanta, el único candidato que es cada se sentó y habló con nosotros ha sido Caña de Kasim, yo pienso la mayor parte de nosotros votaremos para él.
Brad
October 10th, 2009
4:05 pm
Mary is going to win this thing!
Shelly
October 10th, 2009
4:07 pm
Borders doesn’t realize that pushing paper for Republicans is the exact reason she shouldn’t be in office haha. That quote was suicide. Surely, they could’ve come up with a better explanation. Lisa “GOP Paper Pusher” Borders.
Joe
October 10th, 2009
4:07 pm
Kasim is actually not against gay people, that’s where you dumb folks sound silly. Actually check his record, (YES HE HAS A RECORD, NOT THE RHETORIC OF BETTY BUCKHEAD NORWOOD OR LISA DA BRAT BORDERS)…Kasim has been endosred 100% since he was 28 in the State House of Representatives and then the State Senate by every gay group and has always voted for non discrimination. Matter of fact, Kasim Reed sponsored the Hate Crime Bill that keeps people safe in the streets of Atlanta from discrimination. Know your facts and when you choose to speak, make sure you talk facts or you sound ignorant.
Taylor for Mary
October 10th, 2009
4:08 pm
Lisa Borders is the republican and has always been friends with the GOP. Tom Bell is the person that got her the current position at Grady and this is part of the reason Black people and poor people are being pushed out. No Dialyses for the poor!!! Mary may not have all the answers but she is nice to people and gives off a pleasant demeanor.
Chris
October 10th, 2009
4:08 pm
Borders is gay and Norwood is racist..there you go
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
4:10 pm
Kasim really likes those gay folks, huh?
And he’s a successful, well-groomed, SINGLE man that’s 40 with no kids?
What’s the T, Kasim? Hanging out with the gurls down at 708 or picking up rough trade on Cypress?
Who's Kidding Who
October 10th, 2009
4:10 pm
Tedros, you are without a doubt either a moron, idiot or on the very low end of the dwindling Reed payroll. Most likely all of the above. That must be some good smoke they’re blowing you. Isn’t it time for you to go clock in at the warehouse, anyway?
Brad
October 10th, 2009
4:11 pm
So funny how you all like to bash those of us in Buckhead even though we pay the bulk of taxes that support your wasteful social programs. You should be appreciative of Buckhead residents. Ungrateful degenerates.
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
4:13 pm
Mary has none of the answers. She’s an empty-headed poppet with delusions of grandeur for becoming Mayor. I’m sure she’d want her first order of office to be new blinds that match her nail color.
Kasim and his Black Panther Party he calls a staff honestly scare the bejeezus out of me. I don’t want an angry Black man like him to be our mayor. We’ll look even worse than Detroit! Atlanta certainly doesn’t need that kind of negative publicity.
I think the choice is clear — VOTE FOR JESSIE SPIKES!
AJGREEN
October 10th, 2009
4:14 pm
This race has become so stale…You’ve got this lady out in front who if anyone ever listened to her sounds silly…she thinks she’s running for Mayor of Springsdale, no this is Atlanta and this is our great city. Then you have a candidate who still acts like she doesn’t know if she wants to even be in this race, who’s keeping her in. I’ve been to the debates, she doesn’t seem like she wants to be there. The Kasim guy, I’m impressed, however I still have my doubts about him, however I will admit, he seems to know what he’s talking about. The Spikes guy, he’s good, however I think he has no chance. In all, I’ was voting for Norwood, however something her niceness just is not real when I see my Mom getting forced into retirement because of this wack system so we can afford to pay 30,000 to new teacher and we wander why our ATL youth are so f’d up. So, with that said, I’m leaning towards Reed.
Juan
October 10th, 2009
4:14 pm
Only good Democrat is a Dead Democrat.
Who's Kidding Who
October 10th, 2009
4:17 pm
Brad, unfortunately they can’t help it. It takes a long time to reverse 25+ years of brainwashing. Irony of it it is, they all want to be accepted by the “Buckhead-ites”. Otherwise they wouldn’t spend so much of their time and money there. They want a black Mayor “just because”. It it obviously not because they want a better community and city.
The Truth
October 10th, 2009
4:18 pm
ALL but Norwood gave money to Obama’s campaign. That’s reason enough to vote for Norwood!
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
4:18 pm
A vote for Kasim Reed is a vote for turning Atlanta into another Detroit or Newark.
None Are Standouts
October 10th, 2009
4:21 pm
I think it’s a sign of character. The candidates should have a set a principles and not be ashamed to make them known. In today’s political climate, we’ll know who gets a “R” and who gets a “D”.
Even though they have not yet realized it, Republicans are on their way to becoming the minority political party. Incompetence in governing, rank corruption (yes worse than Bill Campbell) have turned our great state into yahooland. Georgia is not and has never been Mississippi, or South Carolina, or Kansas for that matter.
The state, even with an exodus during bad economic times, has a demographic profile(race, class, educational attainment, etc..) that doesn’t bode well for the R’s. The best thing the R’s have going for them is an inept Democratic Party that had all but given up until Obama came along. Now there are signs of life and good candidates are being sought who can run good campaigns.
Georgia has always been a purple state, not red. And that was when there weren’t as many minorities and transplants. So these candidates need to let us know what they are, and if they don’t know, or can’t articulate their principles, then they should not hold the office. The city needs someone with values,principles and also a vision for the city. Every since the Olympics the only thing close to vision is an apparent attempt to turn the city into a suburb based on property that we all knew was way overvalued. Now those people are mad because their gamble hasn’t paid off and some have gone under.
No sympathy for them. You took a ride on the real estate casino and you lost, now let those prices continue to drop so that more regular working people and people who work in the city(students, servers, retail workers, etc..) can again afford to live in the city. The next mayor should also stop trying to run gay people out of the city. I have to say, the city was much more interesting when there were more gay folks running around.
Now that the real estate bubble has burst and the dream of a bunch of straight yuppies living and renting in overpriced properties has gone unfulfilled, we need someone with a clue as to what to do to bring the city back and be attractive to all races, income levels, and political beliefs. Not to mention make it fun again so people will actually have something to do and tourists will want to come tour again.
Who's Kidding Who
October 10th, 2009
4:22 pm
That’s right AJGREEN, continue the status quo. Waste your vote on the candidate that sounds good and “seems to know what he is talking about”. How informed could you NOT be.?
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
4:23 pm
None are Standouts……..are you kidding? ATL is chock fulla queers. Too many if you ask me. The next mayor will know the right thing to do.
Brad
October 10th, 2009
4:25 pm
My property taxes are way too high for this city to be in such shambles. Cut the wasteful spending and fix our streets and sewers. Mary Norwood is the solution to decades of incompetence.
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
4:27 pm
Hey Brad, I fixed your comment:
Mary Norwood is the
solution toproduct of decades of incompetence.Mark S
October 10th, 2009
4:29 pm
This is stupid. It’s amazing that Atlanta is being hi-jacked by republicans all the way around. Has Lisa ever voted on anything? How is she a candidate? I think the rules should change on who can run for Mayor-we have two black scholars guys with no personalities, a porn video maker and two Sarah Palins republican sisters in both black and white. WTF!!!!!!!!!!
Shin Jasher
October 10th, 2009
4:31 pm
Mark S, don’t tell me you’re supporting PETER BROWNLOWE??!?
Close the door on your way out, would ya?
Brad
October 10th, 2009
4:32 pm
Betsy, give me one good reason why you don’t like Mary Norwood — save the BS about the color of her drapery and nail polish. Give me something of substance.
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
4:37 pm
Brad, let me tell you a little something about Mary Norwood. She will cut you off at the knees and then smile and curtsy afterwards. She will say “Bless your heart” instead of berating you with a sailor’s tongue of obscenities. And instead of letting you see the real deal, she will just smile like an empty-headed Stepford wife. She may play like she’s all lace doilies and 98 Buick Centurys, but us gals in Buckhead know the real deal behind her. A lot of them are just going to vote for her because she’s White and she has OUR best interests in mind. She might play nice with the Negroes south of I-20, but it’s all for political gain. A two-faced cow like that has no business even flirting with the notion of running for Mayor.
Brad
October 10th, 2009
4:38 pm
Funny how you idiots think you are proving someone isn’t worthy to be mayor by simply calling them a republican. That IS the reason they are worthy. We need republican leadership to straighten out the mess the democrats have put us in. Just look at the results of cities that have elected republicans to correct the errors of democrats across the country. New York City…. Rudy Guiliani… we need a Rudy in Atlanta.
Sarah Justice
October 10th, 2009
4:38 pm
Mary Norwood is as dumb as a doorknob and you know this crap. Stop pushing her because she is not black. You should be ashamed of pushing for a dummy to run our city. She has not had one intelligent thing to say to anyone about anything. And if it did ring of some intellect…she stole the words from one of her opponents. This city deserves better than she has given in the past 8 years. Fighting for Nancy Creek-hell we all fought for something in this city but she is the only person who has had the real ability as a Councilperson who could vote…the only one running who has BEEN in power to do something about CITY issues an HAS NOT!!!! Lisa could not vote as Council President but Mary could and she was not impactful nor did she care about all of Atlanta until she decided to run 2 years ago for Mayor. She started her campaign early and fooled the poor and black seniors that she will save them. She never took that much time with any older folks up north! This is all politcal pandering and we will all be forgotten after the office is sealed up in her favor. NO VOTES FOR MARY!!!!!!!!!!!! WE WILL ALL BE UP THE CREEK!!!!!!!!!!!
Shin Jasher
October 10th, 2009
4:39 pm
Well damn Betsy…tell us how you really feel. Don’t count out those “Negroes south of I-20″. There’s a lot more voting power there than you think.
Shin Jasher
October 10th, 2009
4:40 pm
Brad, the Republican legislature at the TOP of Georgia (Sonny and his good ol’ boys) have been running Georgia through the red clay mud for years. Republican leadership, my aunt Fanny. He’s too busy having us pray for rain.
Liberal Man
October 10th, 2009
4:41 pm
Dear Hog Mountain Momma,
I admire your black ford truck with chrome crash bars. I suppose you lean right due to your W bumper sticker. I don’t care. I luve you. Let’s unite the parties….
Brad
October 10th, 2009
4:42 pm
Betsy, nothing you said related to anything of substance or even resembled a policy issue. I suspect you are pretending to be from Buckhead, pretending to be white, and pretending to be female. You are probably a black male living in Fairburn and wishing you cold vote for Obama in the mayoral election.
Martina
October 10th, 2009
4:47 pm
This is the very reason I am supporting Kasim. He does not take nonsense seriously and has a business approach to running our city. This is a leading factor in my choice in Kasim. The other candidates seem to be out of their league and we know this city needs immediate leadership. Vote for Kasim Reed please-we deserve a mayor of his credentials and we need more assistance for our youth. I have a 6year old who can’t play outside for the panhandlers on the corner, the park is not user friendly for the bums on the benches. Who lives like this??? Please consider your vote important to our future not just a popularity contest for black vs white, poor vs rich or man vs woman.
Brad
October 10th, 2009
4:50 pm
I’m not supporting Mary Norwood because she’s white, I’m supporting her because is she so far removed from the string of corruption that has controlled this city for decades. The type of leadership we are used to is all about favors for friends and self glory. Tell me one problem that has been solved under this leadership. Good luck with that.
Shin Jasher
October 10th, 2009
4:55 pm
Martina, bums are rarely in residential neighborhoods. Where do you live where they’re so close to your house? Huh? Where they do THAT at? What are you doing having your six year old out playing unsupervised. Clearly people who live like this leave comments on this blog. Think about it. (And check on your child, too.)
None Are Standouts
October 10th, 2009
4:57 pm
The city is “in shambles” because of the ill fated attempt to drive out the existing tax base for a supposedly higher tax base back around 96.
In short, yeah you have to pay taxes, but one reason that they are at the level they are at is because Republican developers told everyone that Atlanta was going to have it’s coffers overflowing with property tax dollars from overpriced property. Since the bubble burst before that even came close to happening,now there isn’t enough money to do what needs to be done.
The best choice is to make the city affordable for more people and to also bring back many of the restaurants and clubs that have closed down. You have to bring in revenue and what we’re doing now isn’t enough is it?
Bad economic times=more crime everywhere.None of the candidates alone is going to be able to fix that. If “crime” is what’s bothering you, then move somewhere where there’s no crime…good luck with that. I grew up in Atlanta, but I have had the chance to live in several other big cities for brief periods of time before returning. Let me tell you that I feel much safer here than I did in those other places.
There needs to be a change in state government as well. Too much of the money generated by Atlanta is going not to social services, but to other parts of the state, particularly the southern part. It is a Republican scam to split people by race and then feed their resentment about taxes while all the while lining their pockets with Atlanta money and sending the rest around the state.
Finally, the idea that Atlanta has been in decline for “decades” is just racial code. The city did quite well after Mayor Jackson took over and continued to do well and gain an international profile even into the corrupt Campbell administration. Then people got greedy under Franklin and got away from what was working. The city also suffers from Republican policies at the national and state level. You can begin to trace any “decline” to the end of the Clinton administration and Buddy and the Boys taking over. Everyone is hurting, everywhere, there is no escape from the consequences of voodoo economic policies. Best thing we could do is not repeat those policies that is one reason why we need to know much more about the candidates. When you’re in a hole, stop digging!
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
5:03 pm
We should all take politicians rhetoric and promises with a grain of salt. I mean, look at Barack Hussein Obama.
None Are Standouts
October 10th, 2009
5:14 pm
Yes “Betsy” race-baiting, homophobia, resentment are all paths to making a better city. Thanks so much.
I hope you don’t suffer to much in 2012 when the President wins Georgia. Enjoy your “Obamacare”!
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
5:22 pm
None are Standouts, you’re quite welcome, love. But I let my husband make those decisions about healthcare and such. I’ll be just fine when Obama and Norwood both LOSE.
Shin Jasher
October 10th, 2009
5:24 pm
None, what more do you think we need to know about the candidates? There’s less than a month until Election day, and I’ve only seen one televised debate. I work long hours and don’t have the time or the profile to go to these big-wig mayoral forums. The only info I can really get about the candidates is an occasional TV appearance, some mailing from them, or by checking out their website.
None Are Standouts
October 10th, 2009
5:52 pm
Sure Betty-babe, as soon as you let me and other make our own decisions about health care. You see, we’ve decided that the insurance companies should not be making those decisions for us as they do now. We’ve further decided that we want the choice of a non profit public plan to which we would pay premiums (not a welfare program) and have deductibles and such, just at a much lower price and without the fear that some office bureaucrat is going to make a bonus by delaying or denying us treatment that our doctor believes we need in order to survive.
You know, choices, competition, those use to be values Republicans and all Americans agreed upon. Now people like you Betsy-babe not only want to make your decisions, but you want to decide that the rest of us don’t get more choices. That’s the problem.
But I am not surprised. You are all about taking choices for yourself but not for others. Whether it’s women deciding to exercise their reproductive rights, or those “queers” as you called them deciding that they should be full citizens with equal rights, people like you are all about taking away choices to those that are different than you., those who like what they have can keep it.
Over 61 million citizens decided last November that they had had enough of insurance companies getting rich from denying people treatment, continuing to raise prices and lower coverage, and wanted another option. Even more than that, over 2/3’s of Americans that are polled, including about 1/3 of Republicans, also want to be able to decided to get from under the insurance companies.
So how about you let us all do what you want to do and make our own decisions?
None Are Standouts
October 10th, 2009
6:09 pm
Shin, I’m not impressed with any of them. I don’t think any of them has a magic bullet that will solve all the problems in an easy, upset-no one manner. It is going to be very difficult to tiurn things around in the midst of a national recession.
That is why I say it is important to know if any of the candidates subscribe to the economic theories and policies that got us into this mess. Seems to me we would want to stay away from those folks whatever their party affiliation.
I am an Independent. I have voted Dem, Rep., Libertarian, Green, whoever I thought was the best candidate for the particular office be in local, state, or national. I don’t subscribe to the idea that one party, one politican has all the answers.
I will likely vote for the candidate that isn’t caught up in the same conflicts of old but will deal with the problems as they are and find the best way to handle them. I’m tired of black vs. white, suburb vs. city, inside vs. outside, etc…
Just take the most rational approach o the problems that is possible given the national and state circumstances and leave the divisive b.s. and talking in code to the Brad’s and Betsy’s of the world. They represent the mentality that is selfish and counterproductive. I want nothing to do with politicians that still haven’t figured out that we’re all in the same boat no matter how you want to split us up.
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
6:22 pm
Spoken like a true bleeding heart Liberal. It’s a pity you don’t realize how the world really works or how this city really works. The Blacks in power have had their chance post-Civil Rights, and that’s been just dandy. But they’ve fouled up this fair city of ours, and it’s time to take it back and make it great. You’d think with that, I’d be all for Norwood, right?
WRONG.
Norwood’s inability to read balance sheets, endear the business community, pander to Buckhead and Bowen Homes, and not come off looking like a blithering idiot at debates is showing more than lipstick on her teeth. I don’t really feel any of the other Black candidates are worth mentioning or are better for our city considering we’ve already had one of them at the helm who has run our city into shambles.
Jack Mcmillan
October 10th, 2009
6:27 pm
God no, Don’t let Atlanta have a Republican mayor. Lets keep mayors that give us high crime rates,
crumbling infrastructure, low morale in all city departments, high taxes, I could go on but why bother
preaching to the deaf dumb and blind?
Top 10 Poverty Cities
Interesting……..
City, State, % of People Below the Poverty
Level
1. Detroit, MI
32.5%
2. Buffalo, NY
29..9%
3. Cincinnati, OH
27.8%
4. Cleveland, OH
27.0%
5. Miami, FL
26.9%
6. St. Louis, MO
26.8%
7. El Paso, TX
26.4%
8. Milwaukee, WI
26.2%
9. Philadelphia, PA
25.1%
10. Newark, NJ
24.2%
What do these cites have in common?
Detroit, MI (1st on the poverty rate list) hasn’t elected a Republican mayor since 1961;
Buffalo, NY (2nd) hasn’t elected one since 1954;
Cincinnati, OH (3rd)…since 1984;
Cleveland, OH (4th)…since 1989;
Miami, FL (5th)has never had a Republican mayor;
St. Louis, MO (6th)….since 1949;
El Paso, TX (7th) has never had a Republican mayor;
Milwaukee, WI (8th)…since 1908;
Philadelphia, PA (9th)…since 1952;
Newark, NJ (10th)…since 1907.
Einstein once said, ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different
Betsy
October 10th, 2009
6:43 pm
So I guess that means you support Norwood, is that right Jack? For shame. Norwood would sell us all for a plug nickel. Don’t be fooled!
None Are Standouts
October 10th, 2009
7:00 pm
Blame The Blacks!
Oh my, is it 1950 again? Oh for the good ol’ days..lol!
You folks can blame any minority you want, but at the end of the day it was Black people or illegal immigrants, or gay people who screwed the country and this state up. None of those groups have been in charge, it has always been white folks. Funny how “Jack” did not include in his crime rant the fact that crime and poverty rose in those cities as white folks moved out because they did not want to live with minorities. And the whitye folks in charge of state and national policy made sure that they were rewarded for moving out of the cities.
It is also true that middle and upper middle class minorities also moved out too. So what you had left behind were mostly poor and elderly. That is a prescription for crime in Atlanta, Moscow, Rio, or any other city or village on the planet. It has nothing to do with the color of one’s skin.
But thanks Jack and Betsy for reminding once again why your party is on the way out.
Cynthia Tucker McKinney
October 10th, 2009
7:22 pm
Blame the libs.
Rarl Kove
October 10th, 2009
7:46 pm
Keep this under your hats, but rumor has it that Obama was just named Mortor Trend’s Car of the Year!
World (Atlanta) Without Borders
October 10th, 2009
8:46 pm
The reason to not vote for Lisa is that she is a babbling idiot.
I saw her at a community forum and she was asked about whether Atlanta could continue to shortchange the fire department.
Her answer? She babbled on about how she went for a ride in a fire truck and it was fun. Then she smiled vapidly as we waited for something, anything, responsive to the question. No luck.
Does she think the job of Mayor is to ride around a fire truck like a Dalmation?
I’d vote for anybody else first. Still don’t like Kasim, not a fan of Norwood. Maybe Jesse?
Is there a none of the above category?
Shin Jasher
October 10th, 2009
9:06 pm
There is. It’s called “stay your uninformed ad hominem attach wielding butt at home”. If you vote for Jesse, then you might as well stay at home. Same for Norwood. I haven’t seen any of the other candidates work as closely with our current police and fire force. Certainly not Reed or Norwood.
Rarl Kove
October 10th, 2009
9:37 pm
This just in……… Obama is going to get the Perfect Attendence award.
liz
October 11th, 2009
12:56 am
No question the next Mayor of Atlanta will have to work with Republican governor (at least for a year), State House and Senate, US Senators and 6 or more Congressmen….Collaborating with all electeds is essential to city’s success on a lot of stuff including the airport, road funding, healthcare, transportation (if the state ever gets its act together). Norwood was “curious” enough to be a R delegate. John Sherman is one of her supporteres and his BIG idea about government is to eliminate it. Norwood raises funding and garners support from the Southsiders, many of whom are black, without ever talking about affirmative action in hiring, the city’s minority and female business program or jobs training programs. Never have I heard her talk about whether she supports dismantaling the public schools, expanding after school programs for needy children or the state voter ID bill. She’s running against City Hall and the status quo without advancing an agenda that the voters can evaluate. Norwood has not explained why she’s been so ineffective in advancing her ideas for 8 year. She blames others and alleges everyone else has a problem. I’m less concerned about whether she’s been a RNC delegate or voted for Bush 1 and 2 over Carter, Clinton and Gore than I am about not knowing her agenda. My advice is Norwood should garage the car and instead get serious about the issues. Norwood should tell the voters who she is.. If she’s a Republican who voted for Obama, ok. If she voted for Mc Cain, that’s ok too. The last thing we need is someone who is afraid to be honest about her affilations or to take credit for her agenda. She’s ahead in the polls (by a lot)so she doesn’t lose by being honest.
Politics At Its Finest
October 11th, 2009
1:31 am
Borders spokeswoman Liz Flowers said her candidate merely pushed the paperwork and wasn’t part of the decision-making.
That just sounds hilarious!
Silly Season Arrives In Atlanta Mayoral Campaign » Blog for Georgia - A Fair & Balanced Look At Georgia Politics
October 11th, 2009
7:08 am
[...] Jim (2009-10-10). The hunt for secret Republicans in Atlanta’s race for mayor. Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved on [...]
Churchill's MOM
October 11th, 2009
9:30 am
Jim, I just watched the Dick Williams show for the 1st and last time. How can a smart man like you be on a show with that IDIOT Williams. He is the most rude person I have ever seen on TV. I hope they pay you a bunch for sitting through this mess.
Morehouse Guy
October 11th, 2009
1:08 pm
I think this conversation loses sight of what really matters here. This is a non-partisan race.
Nevertheless, we should be honest here with a few things we all know to be true. Pockets of Republican strength in the City of Atlanta, North Fulton County and Metro Atlanta have lent their support to a number of initiatives that would undermine the City’s vitality — namely the incorporation of Buckhead and the creation of Milton County. There’s a clear correlation between party affiliation (you need only see which precincts John McCain won in Fulton County for example or which precincts Governor Purdue won his last two elections) and the geographic concentration for support of these two policies in particular and you’ll find (generally) an adversarial stance with the City of Atlanta. This isn’t rocket science.
Mary’s response is downright embarrassing. She was “experimenting”? I’d have much more respect for Ms. Norwood if she were honest with the voters of Atlanta. Respect my intelligence. I have NO PROBLEMS with a Mayor who has supported a Republican before. But don’t give me this b.s. about you being “purple” or “experimenting.” Your campaign should do a better job in responding to known vulnerabilities in your voting record (as a Councilwoman AND as a citizen), the political affiliation of her husband (a long-standing Republican — an open secret in the City) and the politics of your supporters (Mary’s strength in Council Districts 7 and 8 — Atlanta GOP strongholds). Campaign 101 — know what your opponents will say and prepare a response before it arises. Mary knew this was coming, so why was her response so awful? It bespeaks of a campaign (or a candidate) that has their heads in the sand on the clear political risks that Ms. Norwood faces in running for Mayor.
Be honest, acknowledge your broad-based support across political affiliations, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation and spin it toward your campaign’s agenda. But don’t insult me with this “experimenting” nonsense. Just be honest, and in being honest, you don’t look like an idiot and you respect the intelligence of potential voters.
The same with Ms. Borders. We all know Tom Bell is an active Republican political operative and he’s helped bankroll Ms. Borders (her most successful fundraiser to date was scheduled by Mr. Bell, and please believe that a perusal of her disclosures would demonstrate substantial overlap between her and supporters of other North Fulton politicos that Mr. Bell has supported). She’s pushing paper? WTF?! Again, be honest with people (see the proper response above). It’s a nonpartisan race and call people’s attention to your agenda. That’s all you have to do. These idiotic responses do no one any favors.
I’d bet there are Republican legislators who are supporting Senator Reed’s candidacy. And honestly, all three candidates can point to this support as a sign of the strength of their candidacy. This is a Republican state, and you have to work with them to get stuff done. Kasim will likely spin his support in this manner, and I wish Mary and Lisa were savvy enough to engage in a bit of spin to explain away their Republican support. These half-baked responses leave much to be desired.
And as for the comments about the need for Republicans to clean up the City of Atlanta, I’d be hesitant to crown the GOP as the party of fiscal responsibility (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g-YziTsAJw1ofv-BiXk2MoSXknwQD9B6HS000). As a Republican state with its own budget woes and a state legislature that has yet to respond to nagging transportation challenges that cost the region billions of dollars a year in lost productivity, I’d be a little cautious in crowing the GOP as the party of legislative achievement. Citing Rudy Giuliani in New York City also distorts Mayor Guiliani’s actual record — an honorable one though not quite as he portrays it — (http://www.freakonomicsbook.com/articles/levitt.html) because crime was falling before he became Mayor (under Democratic Mayor David Dinkins). And a rising economy played mightily in New York City’s crime reduction. The mayor did a solid job, but let’s be careful in who we lionize, and let’s actually understand their records (from objective observers) before we post on blogs citing them as examples for Atlanta (Rudy also kept in place NYC’s city income tax — you want that, too?!)
Republicans nor Democrats have a monopoly on good governance, and to argue otherwise simply ignores the failures of both parties to deal with the policy challenges of our day. This GOP “witch hunt” is relevant, however, because not all people in Metro Atlanta has the City’s best interests in mind, and some of them (not all, but some) are Republicans who would like nothing more than to undermine (or infiltrate) one of Georgia’s Democratic strongholds. We need be honest about that, and Mary and Lisa should just come clean about their supporters and their political pasts.
Betsy
October 11th, 2009
1:25 pm
“Morehouse Guy” sounds like a political insider who might have worked for the Borders campaign. How else would he (or she…) know about what Borders’ most successful fundraiser was? Drop the mask.
Morehouse Guy
October 11th, 2009
3:08 pm
Betsy, get real. See this quote from an August 16, 2009 AJC article (http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/council-leader-s-latest-116335.html):
“Some still label Borders the candidate of developers because of her work for Cousins and support from the company’s former leader, Tom Bell, who hosted a fund-raiser at his Buckhead home that drew donors from Midtown to Henry County.
A review of the 575 campaign contributions Borders received between April and June showed the greatest number of donations, about 100, came from attorneys. Eighty donations came from architects or people involved in real estate, development and construction.”
Check out this quote from the Buckhead Reporter (http://www.reporternewspapers.net/Articles-c-2009-07-09-165899.113118_Top_3_in_racefor_mayor_growcampaign_funds.html):
“Borders, who re-entered the campaign in April after having dropped out last year to care for her parents, set what she considered to be an aggressive goal of $350,000 in contributions for the quarter and exceeded that by more than $50,000. Much of her support apparently came from a May fund-raiser at the Buckhead home of Tom Bell, the former head of Cousins Properties. It is estimated Borders, a former Cousins executive, raised $270,000 that evening.”
Get a clue, Betsy. You want to know where I got my “insider information”? From two widely circulated newspapers in the City of Atlanta. I’ve never worked in any of the mayoral campaigns.
I notice a recurring theme on this blog. Anytime someone makes a valid point or is connecting the dots, they’re automatically a campaign plant or some mysterious “insider.” I’m what you call a discerning voter. I read everything I can get my hands on and vet the candidates that vie for my vote. When you do this, you’ll learn all kinds of things. You should probably follow suit, Betsy.
Betsy, I’d like to think I brought up valid points in my post, and all you could do was make baseless allegations about my allegiances as opposed to addressing anything I’ve said. Get a clue.
Sluggo
October 11th, 2009
4:41 pm
Poor dumb Atlanta. After the politicking and race baiting by what ever name is done…the new Mayor will need to work with the legislature and with the suburban counties and cities. All this anti republican rhetoric will only make it far more difficult for the ultimate winner. Shirley learned the hard way after her race baiting ad for John Eaves that what goes around comes around.
The bitter racism that is the key to winning in Atlanta politics needs to be exposed for what it is.
I note with Interest that Vincent Fort is uncertain of rights to be republican. We need to make sure that his Stalinist attitude does not gain traction beyond it’s current pool d’cess.
Morehouse Guy
October 11th, 2009
5:09 pm
Sluggo, so I’m assuming you also find issue with the “Atlanta baiting” going on Commissioner Oxendine’s campaign as well, correct? Why wouldn’t the Governor look to develop favorable working relationships with the state of Georgia’s economic engine? One would think that this cooperative relationship that Atlanta politicians should have with the legislature and suburban counties and cities should work both ways, right? There are both weighty economic interests at play in this relationship so one would think that there are incentives for all parties to engage, correct?
I’ve found it a bit “curious” that some on this blog have found so much issue with what they view as anti-Republicanism, but I’d be wiling to wager that these same folks find no issue with the transparent Atlanta bashing that we’ve witnessed from some of the Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidates. Further, you’d be more than naive to think that Atlanta bashing does not carry with it racial undertones, and is arguably a form of “reverse” race-baiting. Your thoughts on this, Sluggo?
Judging from Sluggo’s description of Atlanta (”poor” and “dumb”), I doubt he holds the City in high regard, but I’m willing to stand corrected here.
Sluggo, I’m all for bringing an end to race-baiting at any level of politics (from both whites and blacks but you describe it as if only blacks race bait…ever heard of the Willie Horton ads — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC9j6Wfdq3o — or Nixon’s “Southern Strategy” — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_strategy). And I’m equally opposed to the Atlanta-bashing I’ve seen from too many Republicans in the State of Georgia.
They are both counterproductive and divert voter attention away from the substantive matters that impact our lives. But as for the matter of Ms. Borders, Ms. Norwood and their political affiliations, they are relevant as there are clear correlations between political affiliation, policy stances (namely the creation of Milton County) and their impact on the City of Atlanta (see my post @ 1:08PM and my posts yesterday on the entry about Ms. Borders’ Lynne Riley-sponsored fundraiser for further reference).
sammye
October 11th, 2009
5:50 pm
Eaves has proven to be a competent Chairman of Fulton COunty. His oponent Lee Morris chaired the City Finance COmmittee when Campbell held sway and nearly bankrupted the city. So don’t dump on Franklin as if she created the financial mess. She found a mess and Morris (City Council Finance chairman during the Campbell years) didn’t do a thing to stop Campbell. His and Muller’s answer ” we couldn’t stop him” sounds a lot like Norwood… “I can’t get information because the Mayor had it” even after the CFO challenges the veracity of her claim. These northsiders are weak leaders who hide behind conservatism to get into office and do little to improve the city or their own neighborhoods once in office. Who cleaned up the Buckhead bars? Not Muller and Morris… try Franklin and Pennington working with Buckhead business leaders….. Morris and Muller couldn’t get it done. Morris campaigned against Franklin by calling her the next Campbell.. What did he expect? Why would she sit out his race for Fulton chairman? Morris wasn’t effective stopping Campbell from ravaging Atlanta government why support him to do the same at Fulton? Morris would have been just as bad as Fulton Chairman. So I’m not mad about Franklin campaigning against him.Norwood is warmed over Morris.. just with a smile and a bright blue dress. Why should Atlanta voters not know about the candidates’ political affiliations? If Norwood doesn’t admit her affilations what else is she hiding? It’s ok to vote Republican or Democratic.. but voters have every reason to question someone’s integrity who won’t come clean.
If City Hall needs cleaning up as the Norwood says, how will voters know she’s the right person unless she’s honest about who she is and her political agenda. This isn’t about race. Same demands should be made of Borders, Spikes and Reed.
Who's Kidding Who
October 11th, 2009
6:04 pm
Morehouse Guy
You obviously have too much time on your hands. Especially on a Sunday. Shouldn’t you be watching football or something MANly. Just go ahead and admit you’re a Reed supporter, AND on the payroll. Or perhaps you have a crush on him or something. Your comments are a little too insightful. Relevant points, albeit blatantly obvious what your motives are.
BTW yall are killing me with the attacks on Norwood. There mu$t be alot to lo$e if the Young, Franklin, Reed clique doesn’t prevail. It’s obvious yall are $cared $h*tless that Norwood is gonna win!
And, while yall are at it with the “Black/White Republican” issue (and you ARE making it an issue), would somebody please answer two questions for me:
1) Why on earth would rich White men (developers, businessmen and lawyers) in Atlanta write BIG checks to the campaigns of Borders and Reed (both Black), and not Norwood (White), unless they had $omething to maintain, gain or lo$e?
2) Which of you grandstanding, wanna-be-high-class, wanna-be-bourgeois Black people have achieved your superficial success WITHOUT the help, directly or indirectly, from somebody white – somewhere – Republican or Democrat?
@Who's Kidding Who
October 11th, 2009
7:13 pm
Sounds like to me you’re suggesting that just because Morehouse Guy isn’t buying all the bull ya’ll are posting on here, he’s somehow a Reed supporter or campaign operative. Furthermore, it seems you’re suggesting that he’s black. Maybe because his handle is “Morehouse Guy”. If I’m not mistaken Morehouse had a white valedictorian a couple of years ago. So Morehouse Guy may be white. Why does his calling Borders and Norwood on their bull bother you so much? Is it that he’s calling into question some “real” issues that offend you as a supporter of one of theirs?
That’s the problem with so many of you “smart” people. You hate to be challenged.
Is Morehouse Guy to uppity for you? Sounds to me he’s just informed and is all about spreading good info, that just may help someone that is going through this election getting tricked by pretty smiles and skirts.
Face it, the women in this race are weak. Not because they are women, but because they weak. North Atlanta should put up better camdidates, PERIOD! Most of the council delegations have been a joke!
Betsy
October 11th, 2009
7:23 pm
Morehouse Guy, bless your little heart. It’s no secret that Reed has most of you Blacks south of I-20 in his pocket, so these little essays of yours are cute, but serve no real purpose. Channel that merit into getting your degree, something that most of you boys there don’t seem to be able to accomplish. Your “facts” say nothing of this being her highest-earned fundraiser — it’s probably just one of many. And that fundraiser was MONTHS ago. You need to do better than that.
Again, you’re not fooling me. Either you’re a Reed symaptico or a former Borders staffer. You don’t have to lie, honey.
Morehouse Guy
October 11th, 2009
9:08 pm
Wow. Firstly, I enjoy reading Mr. Wooten’s blog, so that why I’m on there often. I’ve also been watching football and reading while I type, so attacks on my manhood seem both inappropriate and ill-fitting. I don’t know why me responding to personal attacks on me bothers Who’s Kidding Who.
Further, I graduated from Morehouse years ago. I’m currently in law school and graduate school, so earning degrees is not an issue for me, Betsy. Why do people have to attempt to personally attack me? And why on earth is Betsy attacking Morehouse?
Also, I don’t live south of I-20. I no longer live in Atlanta, but I do follow Atlanta politics and I will be voting absentee this election, so all the talk about my votes or views not mattering are nonsense. But again, why is this post about me when Mr. Wooten’s post is about what’s going in this City election?
I have nothing to gain personally from any of the candidates running, and I’m not scared at all that Mary Norwood may be elected mayor. I personally supported Ms. Norwood every time she’s run citywide. I’ve said before I thought she was a decent Councilwoman; I just haven’t felt that Ms. Norwood (in the debates, comparisons of her platforms with the other candidates, etc.) has demonstrated the grasp of the policy challenges facing the City that I would like to see in the next mayor.
I’ve raised similar questions about Senator Reed, but I’ve been honest in my previous posts (see my posts yesterday) about my concerns about his candidacy as well. I’m simply making observations. And Betsy, AT THE TIME THOSE ARTICLES ABOVE WENT TO PRINT, those observations concerning the Bell fundraiser were correct. And, I’d be willing to wager that a comparison of her disclosures would yield the same results — that was one of more successful fundraisers. That’s been my contention the entire time.
This fundraiser should give us pause, as should Kasim’s relationship to the status quo as well as Mary’s ability to effectively govern the City given her anemic legislative record (without the institutional constraints that Ms. Borders faces as City Council President). Further, Republican enclaves that have shown themselves to be hostile to the City of Atlanta who now financially support one candidate in particular should give us equal pause. That’s my only contention. Again, nothing wrong with cooperation when you’re governing, but why accept that money? And if you accept the money, why can’t these questions be asked?
Betsy
October 11th, 2009
10:06 pm
Wait — you don’t even live in Atlanta? Then your pithy opinions and propensity for leaving essay-long comments DO NOT MATTER.
Morehouse Guy
October 11th, 2009
10:47 pm
Betsy, you clearly can’t read. I vote absentee. I’m temporarily out of Atlanta for a few months. And even if I didn’t vote in Atlanta, that wouldn’t nullify anything I’ve said. Obviously, you’re unable to respond to what I’ve said intelligently so you have to resort to dismissing my opinion.
Morehouse Guy
October 11th, 2009
10:49 pm
Oh, and Betsy, “pithy” means short and concise. My comments are both “pithy” and “essay-long”, huh? Looks like I’m not the only one who should channel my energies into obtaining a degree, lol.
Mark Richt
October 12th, 2009
9:38 am
I sure wish ya’ll could talk Paul Johnson into running for mayor! He does pretty good at turning something mediocre and on the decline into something great in just a couple of years…
Brian
October 12th, 2009
10:59 am
Anyone who will repudiate the Jackson/Campbell machine that has run this great city into the ground will get my vote. Enough is enough. Atlanta has a chance to escape from the grip of corruption and nepotism; which candidate can lead the way? which candidate can turn City Hall upside down? Thats all I want to know.
Ross
October 12th, 2009
2:32 pm
Galloway your an idiot and a far cry from a good reporter. Which is why your working for the AJC. How about we discuss the issues in the next article not the candidates party. This is what all liberals want; to divide the country, state, county, city in half. The GOP vs. Democrat. Why not discuss the pros and cons of splitting fulton county. Instead of focusing so much attention on campaign contributions. If you want to dig deep into that maybe you should be focused on President Obamas contrabutions from some very shady sources.
The hunt for secret Republicans in Atlanta’s race for mayor « The Truth About Borders Blog
October 22nd, 2009
3:32 pm
[...] October 22, 2009 Original Source: The Atlanta-Journal Constitution [...]
The hunt for secret Republicans in Atlanta’s race for mayor « The Real Truth About Borders
October 23rd, 2009
3:02 am
[...] October 12, 2009 Original Source: The Atlanta-Journal Constitution [...]
Notfooled
October 26th, 2009
11:38 am
It sure is fun watching the comments of the people who ” say ” they are against Norwood because of some imaginary issue that someone in their neighborhood told them! Sooo angry, and so quick to condemn someone else that doesn’t look like them…You may want to start looking in the mirror before casting accusations at others…
Mz Norwood
October 27th, 2009
10:24 pm
I tell you what I will do – I will FIRE half of City Hall and all the good for nothing staff that don’t do jack except collect a City of Atlanta paycheck every day !! If there ain’t enough money, that means there are TOO MANY folks on the payroll. Keep the cops, the firemen and the trash collectors. FIRE most everybody else.