A sleepy little poll about Atlanta’s runoff for mayor
A pollster called the East Lake home of one of my AJC colleagues, Aaron Gould Sheinin, last night. The topic was the mayoral runoff.
The first screen was whether anyone in the household worked in television or radio. No mention of newspapers.
While his wife answered the questions, Sheinin hopped on the other line and took notes. It was a long questionnaire – so long that the telemarketer fell asleep in the middle. Really.
The questions were equally tough on both Mary Norwood, the front-runner in last week’s voting, and Kasim Reed, who finished a surprisingly strong second. So it sounds more like a legitimate, theme-testing effort rather than a push poll.
Among the questions:
Q: What should be the top priority for the next mayor?
Q: Do you approve or disapprove of the current City Council and how its members are handling their jobs?
Q: Would the endorsement of someone like Lisa Borders make you more or less likely to support one of the candidates?
Q: Which is more important to you in a candidate: A fresh, new perspective or one who follows Maynard Jackson and Andrew Young?
Q: Which candidate do the following qualities and attributes describe?
1. Democrat.
2. Understands problems and concerns of people like him or her.
3. Can bring people together.
4. Is a strong leader.
5. Has integrity and good judgment.
6. Inspires people and offers hope.
7. Has the right experience.
8. Will keep property taxes low.
9. Bring jobs and economic development to Atlanta.
10. Will bring change to City Hall.
11. Will clean up corruption and ethics in City Hall.
12. Is running a negative campaign.
The telemarketer then asked whether certain issues might raise concerns about Reed, and asked her to rate them on a scale of 0 to 10, with 10 representing the the most worrisome.
On the list:
1. Reed hasn’t managed his own affairs well and now wants to manage the city council.
2. His solution to the city’s problems, budget problems is to increase taxes and to raise everyone’s share of the burden.
This is where the telemarketer fell asleep. When roused from Atlanta, he said something about Mayor Shirley Franklin hiring Richard Pennington as Atlanta’s police chief, Reed leading the effort to bring him to the city, and “ever since the department has dealt with charges of wide spread corruption.”
At this point the pollster declared he was from New Orleans. “They know from corruption,” he said. “It was all about quotas.”
He then switched to Norwood and went over doubts that might exist over her:
1. Mary Norwood is a Republican campaign contributor and former delegate to a Republican convention. Norwood voted Republican most of the time and Norwood said she couldn’t remember whether she voted for George W. Bush.
2. Norwood talks about putting city finances in order but has helped create the problem by voting for generous pension increases for city employees.
3. Mary Norwood spent more city money on perks than any other member of city council and she gave taxpayer money to her own telemarketing company. Norwood also voted to allow city employees to accept gifts and money for lobbyists.
4. Mary Norwood said she’d be tough on crime, but as a member of city council, Mary Norwood voted twice against spending more money on city police officers and fire fighters. Those policies contributed to furloughs that made the city of Atlanta less safe.
Last question: Would you be more or less likely to support a candidate for mayor who supported gay marriage?
The telemarketer ended with an insightful observation: “This should be a big question in Atlanta, because they have a lot of homosexuals.”
Your confidence in polling just shot through the roof, didn’t it?
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93 comments Add your comment
Ted
November 10th, 2009
3:43 pm
My biggest problem with Mary Norwood is not that she’s a Republican, but that she feels she needs to lie about her voting record. She also hasn’t shown that she has any leadership skills. This is an international city…we need a strong leader.
Mary
November 10th, 2009
3:45 pm
This is going to be an interesting race. I think a significant number of people who initially supported Norwood will begin to make the distinction between a seemingly nice person and someone who can actually lead a big city.
Solicited 2 Cents
November 10th, 2009
3:47 pm
Kasim Reed is making a stronger push than I expected. He’s appearing more and more mayoral. Mary…not so much.
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
3:48 pm
I am glad that we have stayed focused over the past few days. The more this race stays on the issues, the more people wil truly see Mary for what she is – A PANDERING PTA PRESIDENT!!
Kasim’s the real leader in this race and he has a vision that will carry this city forward.
Cameron
November 10th, 2009
3:50 pm
Reed sold me when he started listing his record in the State legislature. I’m still waiting to see how Mary Norwood will counter that. I don’t think she can.
It seems like Mary’s supporters are voting against some undefined force that they tenuously link to Reed rather than voting for Mary.
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
3:51 pm
I wonder when Borders is gonna announce her endorsement? Same for Spikes. I would think if they both go to Reed, Mary’s goose is cooked. That’s just too much substance to overlook. Everybody can’t be wrong!!
There are so many state leaders, councilmembers and others that support Reed and they were elected to represent the people.
KASIM REED FOR MAYOR!
Aliyah
November 10th, 2009
3:53 pm
Kasim is a slimy politician like Shirley, he will do anything to win and continue her/Bill Campbell’s legacy. PS: what about his campaign director stealing Mary Norwood’s signage and leaving it in the car parked at Kasim’s campaign headquarters? Dumb, AND slimy.
Steve
November 10th, 2009
3:55 pm
Of course Borders will endorse Reed. Blacks stick together.
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
3:58 pm
@Aliyah
Tell me one thing that Kasim has done that makes him slimy? Don’t spread rumors and lies. Norwood’s already known for doing that on the Northside and that doesn’t set well with other leaders and that’s why she hasn’t gotten much by way of support.
WTF
November 10th, 2009
3:58 pm
Mary Norwood all the way. Kasim is only pandering to one segment of this City. We need change, not the same old shady nonsense.
WTF
November 10th, 2009
3:59 pm
PoliticOracle must be on Kasim’s payroll.
DT
November 10th, 2009
4:00 pm
Seems the question is whether Atlantans want more of the Jackson political machine. Been in power for better part of 35 years, Andrew Young aside. Reed ran Shirley Franklin’s campaigns, so if you would like more of Shirley Franklin/Bill Campbell/Maynard Jackson, vote for Mr. Reed. If you’d rather try something else, vote for Ms. Norwood.
Pretty simple, isn’t it?
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
4:02 pm
@Steve
Blacks stick together? Is that all you can say? Studies have proven that whites, especially those in the south, vote more often than any other group on the basis of race. And what do you say about all the white elected officials and others that have endorsed Reed?
You people kill me, thiking you can speak for blacks and you know so much. If blacks stick together, why did Norwood get up to 30% of the vote in some black districts, with 3 other major candidates in the race? You know why, because most blacks vote substance and party. Whites vote race!! There is no way the dumbest and least effective councilmember for the past 8 years should recieve 75% of the white vote. That, my friend, is what us political scholars call knee-jerk, race voting.
So the fact of the matter is, WHITE PEOPLE STICK TOGETHER!!
Kasim is Bill Campbell II
November 10th, 2009
4:03 pm
Corruption continues in Atlanta under Kasim Reed. The guy tried to talk to me last weekend… what a slimebag. Mary Norwood is the lesser of the two evils. You know what happens if Kasim gets elected. More corrupt black leadership. Let’s make a change.
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
4:10 pm
@Kasim is Bill Campbell II
Please share with me what Kasim has done that is corrupt or slimey. We are now in a run-off my friend, if you can’t substiante your claims you should probably reserve them.
Norwood has been councils biggest spender and she couldn’t recall (BAD ACTING) her presidential votes over the past few elections. That’s slimey pander at its worst.
TRY AGAIN!
mission man
November 10th, 2009
4:10 pm
“Studies have proven that whites, especially those in the south, vote more often than any other group on the basis of race.”
I think in Georgia, there are more black elected officials representing majority white districts, than white elected officials representing majority black districts.
Rid the Same Old Politics
November 10th, 2009
4:10 pm
“Kasim is a slimy politician like Shirley, he will do anything to win and continue her/Bill Campbell’s legacy. PS: what about his campaign director stealing Mary Norwood’s signage and leaving it in the car parked at Kasim’s campaign headquarters? Dumb, AND slimy.”
Reed’s team put his sign in front of our Mary Norwood sign without our permission. I had to run out there and tell him to get off my property! The NERVE!!!
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
4:12 pm
Also, did you know that Norwood hsa hired a bunch of Bill Campbell’s old team to run her campaign? Be careful what you say.
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
4:18 pm
@mission man
Your’re not being paid to come on here and think. Your claim is patently false, in fact its quite the opposite in Georgia. There are several districts, municipalities and counties that are majority black and are headed by white leadership. Augusta’s mayor, Atlanta City Council District 1, Ga. Legislative district 56 and 59 are all held by whites in majority black districts.
Captain Midnight
November 10th, 2009
4:22 pm
@ PoliticOracle, You’re %97 percent behind “The community organizer” Kidding right? I’m having trouble seeing your point past all the Clayton county campaign signs with the ‘photographs so yall know who the brothas and sisters runnin’ are. Having trouble hearing you over gunfire coming out of Clayton. Please spare us the “we don’t vote along racial lines” crap. 97% behind a community organizer over a decorated war hero. Sell it somewhere else, we ain’t buyin.
Captain Midnight
November 10th, 2009
4:25 pm
If whites are leading in black majority districts, then it’s only because they havn’t figured out that they are the majority.
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
4:31 pm
@Captain Midnight
John McCain was a horrible candidate, in that he pandered to the looniest of loons on the right and nominated bimbo Palin for VP. Black voters and 43% of white voters had no choice. Also, that community organizer has pulled the horrid economy that Bushy created back from the brink and taken us further than any president in history on healthcare reform. Face it Obama was a good choice for all those African Americans and whites. HE WASNT A PART OF THE PROBLEM. MOST OF THE BAD DECISIONS MADE BY THE CITY THAT TOOK US DOWN THE WRONG ROAD, NORWOOD SUPPORTED.
Kasim has called out Mayor Franklin for her mistakes and he even gave her a lower grade than Norwood did. I’m not buying your crap either. Facts are facts brother, white folks vote based on race in the south.
Lee
November 10th, 2009
4:32 pm
Kasim is more of the same….a shadow of Shirley F. and Bill C. ….. this election is to important to continue politics as usual…..
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
4:33 pm
@Lee
Norwood is politics as usual. Pander to the base and spend big!
Steven
November 10th, 2009
4:38 pm
@ PoliticOracle
Political Scholar? Why don’t you tell us who you really are. You appear to be taking on the self appointed moderator role for this forum with the need to attack any positive statement about Mary Norwood. If I said that you are a racist black man (which you are) and that anything posted here by you is so motivated instead of a genuine belief that Kasim Reed is a better candidate, for reasons other than he is black, you would disagree with me. Right? – but that is your real motivation
Native Atlantan
November 10th, 2009
4:39 pm
ted, and all who believe what the local dem-machine has concocted:
http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0540.html
be informed. check things out.
Roekest
November 10th, 2009
4:42 pm
Neither of these tools are competent enough to run a major city, but Norwood is the lesser of two evils. How the heck can anyone justify hiring the police chief of a city which boasts one of the worst crime rates in the country? The only reason crime went down in New Orleans was a little storm called Katrina. Not Pennington. The man wouldn’t even take action after several Tech students were robbed and assaulted on or very near campus. It took the death of a BLACK student at a black university for the police to do something. Tell me that’s not effed up…..
Rob
November 10th, 2009
4:57 pm
Interestingly enough it was reported in this past Sunday’s “AJC” that 10% of Reed’s donations were from persons or organizations that had ties to Hartsfield. Which is the same reason Shirley Franklin is pushing the contract renewal through for Hartsfield and its’ business concessions etc….Reed can then continue to benefit from the ATM that Hartsfield has become. Campbell = Franklin = Reed!
City Employee
November 10th, 2009
5:00 pm
If you all are apprehensive, how do you think those of us who work in City Hall are feeling? Yikes…we’ll lose regardless of who’s elected!
newA
November 10th, 2009
5:07 pm
Reed will be the next Mayor… He has all the momentum of endorsements, and the electricity of his campaign is palpable. Norwood’s is non-existent.
Rob
November 10th, 2009
5:11 pm
@ newA – all of his “endorsements” are coming from out of state(except Jim Martin – who hoo). He doesn’t have any endorsements from organizations, neighborhood associations or business groups in the city. I truly hope you’re wrong in your prediction. This city will go under with him at the realm.
Captain Midnight
November 10th, 2009
5:19 pm
@ PoliticOracle, Sorry but they had no choice? A senior Senator, war hero and a duly elected Governor/chief executive and a Junior Senator/ community organizer who didn’t even finish his first term? Obama hasn’t accomplished anything. Oh’ wait, he did win the Nobel peace prize for what he might do and he’ll probably win the Cy Young award for throwin out the first pitch at the All-star game. He’s a lame duck and rightfully so.
Jed
November 10th, 2009
5:26 pm
@PoliticOracle:
Good job, you’re making Reed look worse. Thanks!
Also, so on election day my buddy drove by a group of folks on a street corner stumping for Reed. One shouted: “Hey man, hey! You’re black, brother, you know what I mean! Come vote for Kasim!” I wonder “what he meant.” My friend thought it was kind of funny, and so did I, but it also told me a lot about this race. Race.
@Rob: Well, don’t forget Ludacris. I mean his endorsement means everything, right? “Hey, I got famous rapping about beating the s*** outta women, so I know, uh, a lot about politics and stuff.”
Captain Midnight
November 10th, 2009
5:31 pm
@Jed, be careful how you talk bout Luda. Thats Obamas favorite rapper remember? “McCain belong in a wheelchair” Classy bunch.
Jed
November 10th, 2009
5:54 pm
Honestly, not that the man can’t have an opinion, but it bugs me when entertainers act like they know about running a government. I just wish people would be honest, and just tweet, “Vote for the black dude.” For example, exactly what about Kasim Reed causes non-native P.Diddy to endorse him? Say it ain’t just the color of his skin, NO! Is it about keeping a white person out of office? NO!
James
November 10th, 2009
6:05 pm
Boy has Reed ever pulled the wool over y’alls eyes. I don’t call him Kasim because that’s not his real name. His birth name is Mohammed! He is trying hard to keep anyone from knowing the truth about his background just like B. Hussein Obama.
Do we need the capital of our state being run by a muslim? Just like B. Hussein Obama he claims to be a Christian but be real, until a few years ago no one with those names were in office and now they are everywhere trying to take over.
A vote for Mohammed “Kasim” Reed is a vote for the dark ages. A vote for Mary Norwood is a vote for traditional Georgia values. If Mohammed steals this election from Mary Norwood, those of us in Buckhead will succed and take our money with us. He can rule over the decayed ruins of what is left of the city we’ve been supporting too long. Norwood or No Atlanta!
Morris
November 10th, 2009
6:15 pm
Excuse me are we still the city that’s to busy to hate.
Angus
November 10th, 2009
6:28 pm
Hold your horses James. If Buckhead “succeds” (look it up dude – secedes), who’s tax dollars are going to pay for 750 new officers and all of those rec centers?
No Morris, the real slogan should have been “too polite to hate publicly”. That got hijacked by a mayor who supported racist campaign ads and threatens to go “all Philly” on you. The anti-Shirley vote is Reed’s biggest obstacle.
Carl - E
November 10th, 2009
6:33 pm
Kasim is the same culture of corruption that we have now. Are we really happy with the current state of the city. Unemployment, crime, taxes….
Intownwriter
November 10th, 2009
6:58 pm
Hey, I got a similar call this afternoon, but from the other candidate’s camp. Mine definitely was more of talking-point testing and seeing whether the votes from Nov. 3 will remain in place on Dec. 1.
Fredrick
November 10th, 2009
7:10 pm
Further proof that Mary Norwood is a pandering, untrustworthy politician. As a gay man, I’m sick of no good politicians pandering to my community when they have no intention of supporting us. Kasim Reed doesn’t have to pander because he actually has a record of standing up for LGBT issues. Mary should be ashamed.
Some Other Mike
November 10th, 2009
7:13 pm
So much fail here…I feel sorry for the folks who will be stuck working under either remaining candidate and their administration(s).
Sen. Reed has completely pissed me off, however. He claimed alignment with the Obama administration as a means of funding campaign promises and winning the ‘water war’, then played the race card, and might have done all three in the same breath. I’ll have to watch a replay to get the exact timing.
After these shenanigans, it will be damaging to the White House to give this guy the time of day, particularly when they’ve already established working relationships with states (including the ones controlled by confirmed (R)’s ).
Borders’ campaign was sending email to the address I used for Obama/Biden ‘08, through June. No other campaign picked up the slack. By that measure, she was the actual D.C. connection, not Reed. So I think all the folks that bit on the “I’m the Democrat, she’s a Republican (and she is, too)” line, all took a sucker bet.
Unmask Mary
November 10th, 2009
7:15 pm
It’s sad that Mary’s pulled the wool over the eyes of some people in my community. She used taxpayer money to court and pander to communities around the city, but refused to make the right decision on any of the most pressing issues. I’m a member of the gay community and I’m outraged by her antics!!!!
Unmask Mary
November 10th, 2009
7:17 pm
Mary’s using polls to figure out where she stands on issues? LOL. So much for principles and convictions.
Ya tu sabes
November 10th, 2009
7:20 pm
@Jed
Does this hold true for white entertainers when they endorse a candidate or run for office? You educated southerners kill me. I moving back to south america.
Simon
November 10th, 2009
7:22 pm
Mary Norwood wonders why she can’t find any public officials to endorse her other than the ones she paid (i.e. Ralph Long and wannabe politician Glenn “Pay Me…I’m Broke” Thomas). It’s because they have no respect for her and can see through her little games.
J Rush
November 10th, 2009
7:35 pm
I am a 37 year old black man and I can’t wait for the house cleaning to begin. Reed has no chance in a runoff. Borders knows this. She is a sore LOSER! Mary can begin by firing all of city hall and re-hiring the police officers and firemen who were laid off. Atlanta needs a mayor that will work for all atlantans and not just the african american ones…
Also Reed is not a political leader. He used to work for a law firm that had some pretty questionable clientele. Now there is a story for you. Dig into that and you will find some interesting info. So what if Mary is a glorified PTA president. Its better than another corrupt african american politician…
Amy
November 10th, 2009
9:56 pm
@Simon-
Mary Norwood paid neither Ralph Long nor Glenn Thomas for their endorsements. In fact, Rep. Long gave money to Norwood’s campaign. Check the disclosures.
PolitcOracle
November 10th, 2009
11:05 pm
@Steven
I have not once stated my race, gender or personal identity on this comment post. I have and will continue to post comments to this blog under my handle PolitOracle. You don’t know if I’m male or female, black or white, so don’t make assumptions. Furthermore, stop trying to distract us by making my arguments against Mary racial. I’ve not once mentioned Mary’s race as a weakness or a reason not to support her. Until I decided to support Reed, I made unfavorable comments on all the candidates based on facts and I will continue to share truth. Reed needs to commit to his family not working for the city in any capacity (although city code already prohiibits it).
I am not a staffer for any campaign, though I am a certified political junky with a bachelors and masters to show for it. I know policy, I know budgets and I know incompetence and Norwood is certainly the latter. How about refuting my claims as opposed to attacking my character. I have in no way attacked yours or Norwood’s all I’ve done is presented facts. If I’m wrong, refute them. I’ve been known to retract and apologize when I was wrong because I don’t operate on bias, just substance. Dr. King described the highest form of thinking is thinking that expells bias.
Mary Norwood has been good at answering (her staff) the phone and showing up at meetings and that’s about it. She’s never lead on any policy issue that had a blanket effect in the city, she’s known in city hall as an ambulance chaser and she doesn’t have much respect from her council colleagues and other elected officials. These things can be substantiated. She’s a weak leader, with very little understanding for the big issues and for that matter I believe Kasim Reed is the right choice for mayor and that he will beat her Dec. 1st.
Please do better defending YOUR candidate and stop trying to distract us from the facts. BE SUBSTANTIVE!!
PolitcOracle
November 10th, 2009
11:14 pm
@Amy
Did you know Long’s wife gave Kasim money? Check the disclosure her name is Erica Long and she’s an Attorney with King and Spaulding, I believe. I wonder if Ralphy knows that? People are currying for favor and you’d be surprised what they do to get it. Ralph Long has no credibility and he spends his days looking for issues to blame on others, when he’s an elected official himself now. Sounds like Mary huh? Everybody’s responsible for messing up but me, even though I’ve been on council for the past 8 years. Give me a break!! Better yet, give me real leadership! That’s right, we have it in Kasim and Jim Martin, Karla Drenner, Nan Orrock, Pat Gardner, Cathy Ashe, David Adelman, Hank Johnson, Creative Loafing, Sunday Paper, Donkelephant (Independents), Georgia Labor Council and a host of others agree that he’s best suited for the job.
PoliticOracle
November 10th, 2009
11:22 pm
Enter your comments here
So
November 10th, 2009
11:32 pm
So, on the Ajc homepage, Lisa Borders is about 75% sure on her endorsement. She is completely irrelevant to this race and has been this year. Please just go ahead and endorse Kasim Reed already, why the wait. Everyone knows Kasim Reed is lining up every black leader to support him.
Goodness
November 11th, 2009
12:51 am
It will be an interesting run-off. Don’t count Mary out I have a feeling this women will win! What about the asians, latinos and indians living in atlanta has mary or M.Kasim pandered to them.If she does you can best belive it will be a long time coming before any personof color ever sits in the office on a hill because of changing demographics atlanta may not look like the black mecca that we have known for hte past 35 or so years. Mary will clean house and create a clean slate a new agenda of a cleaner, safer atl
Jason
November 11th, 2009
12:59 am
Goodness, the vast majority of those of Asian or Hispanic heritage live outside of the city and thus have no vote. Most of the ones who do live in the city are second, third, or more generation so they no longer identify closely with their heritage in a way that effects voting. Asians make up less than 2% of the city population and Hispanics less than 5% so even if they did vote in a block, compared to the black and white voting groups, they don’t have much of an impact.
it's me
November 11th, 2009
6:31 am
I am not making a political position either way about either candidate. I just think Atlanta needs to look at the facts before a vote comes. When the election was over earlier this month and Borders threw in the towel, she was asked point-blank, “Who are you going to endorse?” She said confidently, “I am not naming names yet, but I will throw my support behind the most qualified.” With that comment, the majority of the media in Atlanta said, “It appears she is going to endorse Norwood.” Why? She does have more experience for the role of mayor. That’s not my statement – that’s from all the media. And now Borders is going to endorse Reed. So I ask you this question. What experience was she talking about? Was it experience in being black and using race as a crutch? Then Reed does seem to easily trump Norwood.
I am sure Martin Luther King, Jr. is rolling in his grave to know that race is being used to determine the outcome of another election (i.e. President) instead of being “color-blind” and voting based on qualifications and substantive issues. That’s what he would have wanted. Now if that means Reed wins based on people voting for his qualifications and positions on issues, then so be it. But if it is the “black vote” that gets him elected, then all this is is reverse discrimination and racism at its worst. All race cards need to be dropped and let the candidates run on their records, experiences, and backgrounds preparing them to run a government.
well
November 11th, 2009
6:57 am
It’s me, given that black leaders like Maynard’s Jackson ex wife and other black community leaders are threatening black leaders and pressuring them to endorse Kasim Reed, Lisa had no real choice but to endorse him.
Deborah
November 11th, 2009
8:05 am
Sounds like a very similar polling firm that sounded me out a few months before the election. Lots of credible questions, and then editorial comments. Asked whether an endorsement from a Civil Rights veteran would sway my vote, and I said John Lewis’ endorsement might, but not Andrew Young’s (which elicited a reproving “Hey, now.”).–A mid-30s white Democrat in midtown.
WTF
November 11th, 2009
8:11 am
I agree with Jed – PoliticOracle is making Kasim look worse (if that’s possible). Also didn’t deny that he/she is on Kasim’s payroll. Shady, shady…that’s how it’s played.
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
8:20 am
I am starting to wonder if y’all are extremely stupid or extremely deceptive. How do you continue to come on this thread and say that black leaders are being “pressured” to support Kasim Reed or that blacks are supporting him (elected and non-elected) because he’s black? I listed an array of WHITE leaders, (elected and non-elected) that are unequivocally supporting Reed for Mayor. I have yet to see Norwood gain the support of one of her WHITE council colleagues, a white state representative or senator, another mayor, county commissioner or county executive. Kasim has been able to garner the support of WHITE State Representatives; Karla Drenner, Margaret Kaiser and David Adelman and Pat Gardner. He also enjoys the support of WHITE State Senator Nan Orrock. He also recently gained support from Former State Senator and U.S. Senate Candidate Jim Martin, who is also WHITE.
The bottom line is, Kasim isn’t thinking about race and neither are his diverse supporters. We are thinking about progress, vision and competence and as many have said Norwood hasn’t demonstrated those qualities.
Its a shame how bad so many want a white mayor that they will elect this empty-suit of a candidate. I want the best mayor and in this field of candidates, that person is Kasim Reed.
When your drive to do something is ill-concieved you usually lose out. Stop acting like blacks owe you something for your support of Barack Obama, if you feel that you wasted your vote you’re dumb! You should vote based on facts which is why many blacks supported Margaret Kaiser (White woman) over Doug Dean (black man). Many of the same blacks will support Roy Barnes (white man) over Thurbert Baker (black man).
Many of you are ignorant to come on this thread and spewing your ignorance. Just as the Clark University memo and Bunnie Ransom’s comments were ignorant. If you put record against record, Kasim Reed stands head and shoulders above Norwood. By the way, I researched the claims that many have made about Reed’s ethics violation. I went to the secretary of state’s office and learned that his violations were centered around late disclosure filings, which are very common among state legislators and there have even been governors with late filings.
Be a discerning voter and research these people, you’ll feel better about your vote.
Kasim will win and Atlanta will be better for it!
It’s also not fair to compare him to Bill Campbell, but since you all do it I compare Norwood to Palin. Because the only things they have in common are gender and race. Kasim Reed had no connection to Atlanta City Government when Bill Campbell was Mayor.
The Late Maynord Jackson
November 11th, 2009
8:28 am
A vote for the white girl is a vote against the Jackson friends and family. She will clean house and we will have to go to work, that would not be a good thing. Vote for no bid contracts, vote for Kasim… 4 more years, 4 more years..
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
8:35 am
@WTF,
I have stated time and time again that I’m in now way connected to the Reed campaign or any other for that matter. In fact, I was quite undecided until the first of September. But if I was, what difference does it make? Can you refute the claims I make about YOUR sorry, weak candidate? Can you refute the fact that she spent the most money in her council expense account on food and trinkets? Can you refute the fact that she’s never led a committee on council, through two council presidents (one of which was a WHITE Woman). Can refute the fact that she was in the affirmative of several votes that are now looked at as mistakes? Can you refute the fact that no other councilmember complains about not being able to get information from the executive branch (white or black)? Can you refute the fact that she got an endorsement from Mable Thomas then we all found out it was paid for? Can you refute the fact that Glenn Thomas was accused by Lisa Borders (who is very credible and gained nothing from her disclosure) of engaging in pay to play politics and Norwood got his support shortly after? Can you refute the fact that both Atlanta’s weekly alternative newspapers (Creative Loafing and Sunday Paper) endorsed Norwood?
I’m running out of typing breath. Please refute my claims if you can and if I’m wrong I’ll acquiesce. Stop trying to spin the conversation. Are my comments true or not? Are they cause for question or not?
Good day and get a better handle. I mean honestly, WTF, that’s very vulgar.
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
8:41 am
I meant to say (Creative Loafing and Sunday Paper endorsed REED)
atlanta resident
November 11th, 2009
8:45 am
Atlanta is a black city and needs a black mayor.
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
8:49 am
@disrespectful person that uses the late Mayor’s mispelled name in their handle.
Stop with your deception. There is nowhere in Atlanta’s procurement code that supports your claim about no bid contracts. In fact, the last time no bid contracts were used was in the day when Hartfield’s wife had one for a gameroom at the airport, King and Spaulding did all the law work for the city and one white invesment house did all the bond dealing. White folks were the ones getting no bid contracts and this was reformed under Massell and continued under Maynard Jackson. Black firms only do 30% of business (male and female-owned) in the city, white women get 38% and the rest goes the large white-male owned firms. Do your homework and stop being ignorant. The Atlanta model is lauded all over the country for diversity in business programs. But, you’re probably too ignorant or prejudiced to recognize good policy.
The Late Maynord Jackson
November 11th, 2009
9:43 am
PoliticOracle … Do you know how many operations the JACKSON FRIENDS & FAMILY control at the airport? Did you know it cost the Atlanta School system $1 million more to go to Jackson Foods? Bill Cambell, I mean Kasim Reed, will take care of my FRIENDS & FAMILY. 8 MORE YEARS, 8 MORE YEARS
Amy
November 11th, 2009
9:46 am
@Simon and PoliticOracle-
So you agree, then, that that Mary Norwood paid neither Rep. Long nor Glenn Thomas for their endorsements? You did see on Norwood’s disclosure that Long gave her a campaign contribution, correct?
@PoliticOracle-
I’m confused by your insistence that Rep. Margaret Kaiser has endorsed Reed. How do you substantiate this claim? I live in Kaiser’s district and would be surprised and disappointed if this were the case. Our area went overwhelmingly for Norwood.
I would hate for my Representative to give in to the bullying of the Reed campaign.
Natasha
November 11th, 2009
9:56 am
Am I the only person out here who finds Kasim Reed difficult to relate to? I don’t see how a wealthy attorney, single and in his 40s, can truly understand the struggles of everyday working people. I am a college-educated single mother. I am blessed to have a job, but still find it difficult sometimes to juggle everything financially. I’m constantly worried that before long, I will no longer be able to afford to live in the city, and be forced out to Stockbridge, Clayton or worse.
Don’t partners at Holland & Knight make about $1 million/year?
I also think the Black community is in need of a better role model than Reed. Aren’t there any married, successful, Christian Black men in our city who are elected officials?
I’m not comfortable with the idea of a Mayor who has never laid awake at night worrying about how he would afford day care, groceries and keeping a roof over his family’s head.
WTF
November 11th, 2009
10:25 am
@PoliticOracle – you’re obviously going off the deep end – just like your boss’ (Reed) campaign and his chances of winning over voters in this election. WTF are my initials. How is that vulgar?
it's me
November 11th, 2009
10:40 am
What do you mean? “Atlanta is a black city and needs a black mayor.” That mentality is so against the concept of diversity that I am embarrassed for you, atlanta resident, for having that mindset. QUALIFICATIONS! Race should never be the issue. And Atlanta has struggled to shake off that mentality for years in an attempt to promote Atlanta as a diverse city. You are the reason it isn’t.
pol
November 11th, 2009
10:50 am
Politicoracle should not you be away from your computer at Kasim’s headquarters and out on the streets getting votes. Lisa Borders is endorsing Kasim Reed today. Do something productive.
Art Vandalay
November 11th, 2009
10:50 am
Everybody wants to say its not about race, Kasim Reed and the black population of this city make it about race. Why is Mary Norwood down on Boulevard where in the predominantly black areas where she received the least votes but Kasim Reed hasn’t shown his face in Buckhead, or Virginia Highlands or Midtown where most of the white population lives. Kasim Reed is pandering to racists in the black community and making them believe all of us up here on the northside are racist and they need to stick together and keep city hall. Same old devisive BS and so sad after an African American could be elected President on promises of hope, change and unity an African American that showed he can get elected by every segment of the population, Kasim Reed is undoing everything in Atlanta that Obama accomplished last November.
Art Vandalay
November 11th, 2009
10:59 am
I have spent time all over the south, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia,Kentucky…and I have to say Georgia is the WORST by far when it comes to race issues. Racism on either end is nearly non existent in Florida and I must say the Black Community in Atlanta is 1000 times more racist than ANY white person in Tennessee. The black community in Atlanta plain and simple does not want white people in their city. They will stick together against their best interests just to be against white people. A black person could come to Buckhead and not be bothered, but do you think a white person could walk down Boulevard or Edgewood Avenue? And those aren’t by a long shot the worst areas.
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
11:17 am
@Amy
I’ve already retracted and admitted the fact that I mistakenly listed Kaiser as a supporter. You can come on here all day and say that I am a Reed staffer, that doesn’t change the fact you’re wrong and secondly it doesn’t change the fact that I state claims based on facts and when I’m wrong I retract. I actually believe Norwood paid Thomas for the endorsement, but that doesn’t make it true. My belief lies in the fact that Thomas approached Borders about money and power and was turned down and he immediately he went over to Norwood. Ms. Borders is not known to be dishonest and Thomas is definitely in need of money and a job. So yes, I believe he was paid. He may not have been, but this is my belief. As far as Long goes, this dude is a do-nothing just like Norwood. His wife gave money to the Reed campaign, so they’re making a poor attempt to play both sides. He’ll have a difficult time getting reelected since he has decided to use the Norwood model for leadership. Do nothing and talk loud.
I’m not here to spread untruths. If you want an idea of who I am, just pay attention to when I post the most and the weather conditions. I obviously work outside and I am not on any campaign. I pay attention who’s leading my city and not just during elections. I didn’t know who read was prior to his name being mentioned in the mayor’s race, I’ve done my homework and it seems so you could stand to do yours too.
@the clown that uses the late mayor’s name
I believe Jackson’s family only has one restaurant at the airport and the APS food service contract is managed by Sodhexo, an international food service company affiliated with Marriot Hotels, Jackmont is only a minority partner. Are you afraid to get up and compete for the business? Have you had issues getting in the procurement process in Atlanta? The feds rank it as one of the best programs in the country.
@Teela
As far as making my candidate acceptable, what the hell are you talking about? Reed has been on an upward trajectory since he got in the race from single digits to a darn near tie on election day. It seems to me he’s making himself known better than all the other candidates ever did. Norwood’s been running for 8years and forgot about her current job, that’s why she won’t win. SHE HAS NO RECORD. I’m active in my NPU and Neighborhood org and I’ve seen her in a many meeting, but she’s never come back with an accomplishment. She drives past those vacant houses and delapidated streets everyday like I do and all she does is document it and keep it moving. Never does she sit still and legislate and that, my friends, is unacceptable.
You all know Reed is the best candidate and if Norwood wins on Dec. 1, I’m going to pray for my city and try to support my mayor, because “I love Atlanta”
BTW, what if I told y’all I were white…Something to think about right?
WTF
November 11th, 2009
11:35 am
@PoliticOracle – wouldn’t it be something if all Atlantans worked together? It’d be nice to see, but that’s probably not going to happen. White or black, you still are bent on an arguement. Doesn’t matter that a good portion (right or wrong) actually support Mary Norwood. I have yet to see Kasim reach out to my part of the city. Before this race I didn’t know him, but I have had dealings with Mary Norwood and support her. Lets hope we can all follow your lead and “…try to support my mayor” after the December run-off. Who ever wins will need the backing of all citizens, not just one segment of this divided city.
Lee
November 11th, 2009
11:38 am
Kasim Reed is a party aninmal. I can not see this man being the next mayor. If you thought Bill Cambell was a mess and he was married, wait until you see and hear what our City Hall would look like with him in office. It will not be about business and the people, it will be about “partying.” The man is an entertainment lawyer who looks after people in the entertainment industry not the general people on the streets of ATlanta. This is where his “ARROGANCE” originates from. He believes he is too good for the average citizen, but wants the average citizens vote to become mayor so that he can use this platform as his little toy for the rich and ARROGANT “CONTRACTORS” and “ENTERTAINERS.” HE IS NOT FOR THE AVERAGE PEOPLE OF ATLANTA WHO LIVE, WORK, AND STRUGGLE IN THIS CITY. CHOOSE ANYONE ELSE, EXCEPT KASIM REED!!!!
VOTE ON DECEMBER 1.
Doug Willix
November 11th, 2009
11:49 am
What makes Jim Martin think his endorsement is worth diddley?
Stay out of Buckhead, Jim.
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
11:54 am
@WTF
I’m actually starting to like you. Your comments are valid and I appreciate your thoughtfulness. I’m not sure where you live and I don’t know Reed’s itinerary, so I can’t substantiate whether or not he’s been in your area. All I can say is, I’m not hell-bent on having a white mayor at the expense of having a good mayor. You can believe me or not, but I have approached this race without bias and I really believe Reed top be the best candidate for our city. I have not once attacked Norwood’s character or made any false claims about her ethics and values. I’ve only focused on her very thin record. Her record is all I can go on. I have stated my beliefs and I will reiterate that my beliefs don’t make something true.
I don’t think the city’s divided, I live in a very diverse part of town and are all getting along fine. We are all coming together to keep the streets clean and a watch out for each other’s houses. Atlanta is a beautiful city with beautiful people and I believe Kasim Reed is best to lead us into the next wave of progress. Norwood’s nice, but that doesn’t make her best suited to lead. I pledge here and now that if she does win that I will support her as best I can. I DO NOT BELIEVE IN OBSTRUCTION.
WTF
November 11th, 2009
12:05 pm
I’m starting to like you too; although I still support Mary and do not understand your support for Reed. I hope for our City that the next leaders are able to run a good race and afterward, bring this City together. We need to move forward, not backwards. It’d be nice if they could both run on a joint platform of bringing this city together and mending old differences. Change is happening and people are starting to see that divided we are not as strong as we are together. Who ever wins should work on reaching out to ALL sections of this City. If they don’t it will be more of the same – spinning wheels and dodging political darts. We deserve better for our city.
Amy
November 11th, 2009
12:17 pm
@PoliticOracle-
I didn’t see your retraction about Margaret Kaiser, but I appreciate you acknowledging you were wrong. I’m glad to hear that she’s standing her ground, good for her.
I don’t live in Ralph Long’s district, but friends who do are very happy with the work he’s doing. I understand he was instrumental in coordinating state and local law enforcement agencies to shut down a company in his neighborhood that was causing environmental contamination. That must have meant a lot to the people who were impacted.
interesting
November 11th, 2009
12:18 pm
I wish Clark Howard had run for the position. He is fully qualified, knows how to manage money in an honest and fair manner, and loves Atlanta. And no one could play the race card on him – he is Jewish. But unlike this actual race, he wouldn’t try to use his ethnicity to trump experience.
The Late Maynord Jackson
November 11th, 2009
12:34 pm
“I believe Jackson’s family only has one restaurant at the airport and the APS food service contract is managed by Sodhexo, an international food service company affiliated with Marriot Hotels, Jackmont is only a minority partner. Are you afraid to get up and compete for the business? Have you had issues getting in the procurement process in Atlanta? The feds rank it as one of the best programs in the country.”
Can’t count very well can you. Please supply the source for your
” Have you had issues getting in the procurement process in Atlanta? The feds rank it as one of the best programs in the country.”
Your Boss
November 11th, 2009
12:36 pm
Get back to work, PoliticOracle, and quit wasting company time responding to messages.
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
12:46 pm
@WTF
I respect your choice to vote for Mary, but its hard for me to sit by and let others spread rumor and innuendo on this blog. I have defended against baseless claims too. I don’t think she paid Ralph Long for his endorsement, but I am skeptical about the Glenn Thomas endorsement because of the Borders accusation and the Mable Thomas payments. I am no political novice and I know politics can be divisive but smart people can come together. I really believe a lot of the division in the city is being perpetuated among the older generations, white and black. I did some work in the Morningside area and I attended NPU F once, where Mary was present and I was utterly appalled at the attitude and language that some of the older white residents were using about black leaders. I was equally appaled at the CAU memo and the comments made by Bunnie Ransom.
I’ve read where peachtree meets sweet aurburn several times and I know this city is capable of better. It was Ivan Allen at Coretta King’s side when MLK was killed and it was Maynard Jackson that urged black youths to stop rioting during a major conflict.
Again, my race, gender and social status don’t matter all that matters is the truth. I will never deny that Mary Norwood isn’t good at constituent concerns and community relations, but that isn’t leadership. Leadership is saying not to bad policy, even when it isn’t popular. Leadership doesn’t pass the buck and say I was misinformed so voted yes. Leadership doesn’t complain that I couldn’t get the right information from the finance department. Leadership doesn’t say I support fully funding police and fire and then vote no to the tax increase with no alternatives.
This city needs leadership and I believe Kasim Reed’s record speaks for itself. Just take a minute and look at what he’s done and you’ll see what I mean. I wanted so badly to support Borders, because she seemed so smart and poised. Her decision to drop out, though honorable, really caused me to question her ability. I began to think, what would she do if she was mayor and hour parents were sick. Her decision just reminded me a little too much of McCain when he suspended his campaign. That is when I started to look at Reed. He has run a good campaign and he has called the Mayor out civily several times on her mistakes and weaknesses. Unlike Norwood, he doesn’t pander to voters he talks to them.
I appreciate the civility in your tone and again, I respect your right to support Norwood but my decision hasn’t changed either. I’ve decided to give Reed money for the first time in this election.
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
12:50 pm
@Your Boss
You actually made me laugh, because I’m self-employed. Nice try though. LMBO!!
Your Boss
November 11th, 2009
12:53 pm
So you are eating into your own profits by wasting time. Gotcha!
Mandy
November 11th, 2009
1:10 pm
Thanks for writing this piece!
Your Boss
November 11th, 2009
1:21 pm
no problem
WTF
November 11th, 2009
1:26 pm
@PoliticOracle – Either way the election turns out it will be a challenge. The City has some pretty big issues with Customer Service, Quality, Consistency and Transparency. The actions of APD, Watershed and some other departments have demonstrated time and time again that this City doesn’t work all that well for its Citizens. I don’t really fault Mary all that much considering even Mayor Franklin has issues getting the straight story from her departments. There are a lot of behind-the-scenes politics going on and it would be naive to even say that factions from the many developers and other older families in this City haven’t had a stranglehold on growth or prosperity for some time now. If I thought for a second that Reed could get passed the muck that is the Atlanta Political machine; he would have my vote. I don’t and he doesn’t. If he does win, I will support him, pray for him and hope for the best.
R.J.Hughes
November 11th, 2009
2:37 pm
And, of course, we’re to expect that Lisa Border’s endorsement had nothing to do with race. Right?? Ha! Ha! HA! The blacks are scared to death they may lose their Piggy Bank. I say
it’s time for Buckhead to seriously revive the Incorporationprocess.
Doug Willix
November 11th, 2009
3:54 pm
Please, will someone tell me what Kasim Reed knows about crime. I be very suprised if he has ever set foot in a criminal courtroom and he probably doesn’t have a clue what the APD’s Red Dog Squad is.
Before it was torn down I’ll bet he never set foot in Perry Homes.
I’ll bet he won’t let us know his SAT and LSAT scores or how many times he had to take the Georgia Bar Exam.
Lisa
November 11th, 2009
4:19 pm
I got polled with the same questions. how do we get the results?
The Truth
November 12th, 2009
8:15 pm
The word is that Lisa was forced to support Kasim because they struck a deal that Kasim would pay off her campaign debts for her endorsement. Typical crooked politics. Kasim is as corrupt as they come. Neither is a good choice, but Mary is the lesser of the two evils.
Eddie
November 22nd, 2009
7:44 pm
Ted nice try. Mary Norwood is a Democrat. Don’t believe this reverse-racist. Vote Norwood my bruthas and sistas. Don’t be gluttons for punishment!