Roy Barnes follows suit, will endorse Kasim Reed
The December race for mayor of Atlanta and 2010 contest for governor merge tomorrow as former Gov. Roy Barnes endorses former state senator Kasim Reed in his runoff contest against Councilwoman Mary Norwood.
A press conference has been scheduled for 2 p.m. by the Reed campaign. Location to be announced.
The announcement this evening comes hours after City Council President Lisa Borders’ endorsement of Reed.
Does this endorsement matter? Of course. Barnes has cachet among African-American voters for his 2001 decision to remove the Confederate battle emblem from its prominent spot on the state flag. But it clearly creates a mutual obligation that would benefit Barnes next July, come the Democratic primary for governor.
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125 comments Add your comment
Montrell
November 11th, 2009
9:39 pm
Good move—Kasim will win the race easy now with Lisa’s endorsement. Roy Barnes is jumping in on the bandwagon and knows if he’s going to get elected governor, he needs the African-American votes! He better send a lot of benefits back to the African-American community if we vote for him. He catered too much to the white groups last time when he lost.
Taylor
November 11th, 2009
9:44 pm
I wonder why no respectable public officials have endorsed Mary Norwood. From what I hear, she pays good money for her endorsements:
http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/freshloaf/2009/11/02/able-mable-pockets-1500-from-norwood/
http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/borders-charges-former-rival-177008.html
Voice of Reason
November 11th, 2009
9:46 pm
Kasim Reed is on quite a role here. Expect Norwood to get desperate and ramp up the attacks. My question is what has Mrs. Norwood done other than support the furloughs and close most of the recreation centers around town?
Chadwick
November 11th, 2009
9:51 pm
Roy Barnes must really believe in Kasim Reed to step out there like this when he has a campaign of his own to run. Who knew Mr. Reed had all these resources. I’m still trying to figure out why no one who has worked with Mary Norwood is willing to support her publicly. No one who understands the job is willing to endorse her candidacy…not a good sign.
About mayoral runoff, reed, endorse, kasim, atlanta, borders, mary - Find me About
November 11th, 2009
10:09 pm
[...] The December race for mayor of Atlanta and 2010 contest for governor merge tomorrow as former Gov. Roy Barnes endorses former state senator KasimReed in his runoff contest against Councilwoman Mary Norwood. A press conference has been scheduled for 2 …Read Original Story: Roy Barnes follows suit, will endorse Kasim Reed – Atlanta Journal Consti… [...]
Stuart
November 11th, 2009
10:12 pm
Norwood better think of something quickly. Buying chicken dinners at the Beautiful and paying off knaves like Ralph Long, Able Mable and Glenn Thomas won’t win this race.
Victoria
November 11th, 2009
10:15 pm
I hope Kasim Reed wins this thing. I was disgusted at how Mary Norwood voted to furlough police and then had the nerve to show up to the vigils of murdered Atlantans. She’s bad news.
PoliticOracle
November 11th, 2009
10:16 pm
@WTF
Are you the same commenter from earlier? I thought you said you weren’t gonna inject race into the conversation anymore.
Basically what you’re saying is, white leaders are feckless and corrupt too because they are overwhemingly supporting Reed. Norwood has to garner the support of any of her council colleagues (white or black), state legislators (white or black). In fact, she only has the support of Able Mable, an avowed community organizer, that expressed openly her disdain for whites in 2003 and Ralph Long, a Johnny come lately, whose wife has contributed money to the Kasim Reed campaign.
If you Norwood supporters would stop trying to tear down Reed and do something build up your candidate, she’d probably get back in the game before Thanksgiving. I know Many of my friends that support Norwood are hoping for low African American turnout, not only is this sad, it’s a poor strategy. In my studies at the institute of politics at American University, one of the first lessons in campaign politics it to never rely on low turnout. Strategy says run like you’re 15points down in the polls and as if turnout will be at its highest. I guess Norwood’s working with a bunch of amatuers. This is not South Georgia, this Atlanta.
Joe
November 11th, 2009
10:36 pm
What a surprise! What’s next Jim…you’re gonna tell us it’s raining again in Atlanta?
The DNC has picked their candidate(s).
Sadly, those candidates will work only for each other.
And now, the people of Atlanta should pick their candidate…and that’s the one who will truly work for THE PEOPLE OF ATLANTA!
VOTE FOR CHANGE!
VOTE FOR MARY NORWOOD!
She’ll work for a better Atlanta…while the rest will only work to better themselves (at our great expense)!
Truth be told
November 11th, 2009
10:37 pm
These endorsements by Borders, Martin and Barnes are straight party politics and nothing more. They are endorsing a fellow democrat in hopes of beating an independent candidate. It has nothing to do with the candidates merit. They would endorse a yellow dog if it was the Democratic candidate.
The question voters should ask themselves is, where were Borders, Martin, Barnes and Reed while little Mary was working to make the city work for the neglected and marginalized neighborhoods in Atlanta.
THEY WERE NO WHERE TO BE SEEN. They only take an interest in the people’s issues at election time.
Mary has been a true servant to the people who elected her and she has done her job faithfully. She has earned and deserves a promotion – party politics be damned.
Cassie
November 11th, 2009
10:45 pm
Atlanta Progressive News endorsed Mary Norwood:
http://www.atlantaprogressivenews.com/news/0518.html
They list several of her strengths as a candidate, stating that she “has spent almost twenty years developing solid relationships with neighborhood leaders, seniors, and community organizations in every geographic area of Atlanta…and she is the most independent from the current political regime…
…Norwood has returned almost all of APN’s phonecalls since we first contacted her in 2006 regarding her McMansion Moratorium. As we continue to talk to dozens of people all across the City–especially in impoverished areas like Southeast Atlanta–people are saying the same thing: *We tried calling everyone, but Mary returned our calls; Mary is the only one who did something.*”
I encourage people to read the full endorsement.
The Same Blogger by Any Other Name
November 11th, 2009
10:50 pm
Me thinks that four of you are the same person with the same line of hooey.
InkyStinky
November 11th, 2009
10:53 pm
This is all very interesting. Many of Atlanta’s poorest citizens, many of whom are African American and live without internet access, seem to support Mary Norwood.I wish that the AJC would do a story about the curious way that class affiliations and resentments WITHIN the African-American community are working in this year’s mayoral election. Many of the poorest black Atlantans are firmly behind Norwood’s candidacy. They don’t believe that Atlanta’s black political elite have served them well the past 35+ years.
Something Smells Fishy
November 11th, 2009
11:08 pm
Not a big deal, Lisa Borders is a joke just as much as Roy Barnes. Only reason Barnes is jumping the bandwagon is he knows he has hardly a crumb of a chance of winning Governor. I hear Mary Norwood has a possibly bigger endorsement about to come!!! Zell Miller!
intersting
November 11th, 2009
11:09 pm
This is interesting. This race is about a class system the black elite and the poorest of the poor. poor blacks have not benefited from 30 years of black leadership only lip service this is not right don’t count mary out yet endorsements don’t mean a thing if people don’t get to the polls
Larry
November 11th, 2009
11:13 pm
Kasim Reed will insure Atlanta’s ever increasingly fast collapse will come far sooner than later; but, he and his cronies will get rich. Barnes is worthless as a leader or “endorser”.
Keith
November 11th, 2009
11:28 pm
Roy has always been a race panderer
Jen
November 11th, 2009
11:30 pm
Hurry up, Zell! Go Mary Go! Change is good and now is a good time for change. Vote Mary Norwood.
Teej
November 11th, 2009
11:33 pm
Politics should not be the arguement. The question should be which of these people can manage this city?? The race discussion is disgusting. You people perpetuate the racial divide in this country rather than affect it. Those voting for the mayor should be concerned with who can make a positive change in what is supposed to be one of the best large cities in the US instead of who will benefit which racial group the most…..No wonder why folks move to the suburbs…
Chris Mathews is covered in his own spittle because he is drinking, again.
November 11th, 2009
11:42 pm
I am voting for hope and change. I am supporting Norwood.
Cleve
November 11th, 2009
11:46 pm
I will vote for whatever govenor will let us vote to change the flag back the way it was, do democrats and black politicians not have anything better else to do that worry about what the flag looks like? I’m sure there are lots of other big issues to deal with. If Mississippi got to vote on theirs then how hard is it for us do get to do the same?
DLink
November 11th, 2009
11:51 pm
A Barnes endorsement would change my vote. I’m busy working on school structures, and building Vocation ed, here. Pitiful. I try to trust Roy on GA’s best interests. He’s running for Guv next year, right? I trust Roy Barnes when I’m busy building things… YOU decide.
Race is still an issue
November 11th, 2009
11:53 pm
You know what I’m gonna help norwood out and I’m going to pull the race card. The city of Atlanta has been filled with idiots and corruption. Where is that 100 million that is not accounted for yes 100 million $’s. I gave shirley franklin a chance and look how that went. Vote norwood and follow obama in change considering a white person has not been at the head of Atlanta for a long time.
John
November 12th, 2009
12:56 am
Can anyone provide a good response as to why would a person that is running for mayor state that she does not know where money in the city budget went when that person was a member of the city council? Every member of city council should have some idea of how a city budget works and take some accountability for learning about it. My support goes to Mr. Reed. Mrs. Norwood is not qualified to run this great city and buying chicken dinners is a shameful act by any candidate.
Race is still an issue
November 12th, 2009
1:08 am
I can give you a reason why norwood does not know where the money went because she wasn’t the mayor. How is norwood at fault again for the budget shortfall
Jonn is a moron
November 12th, 2009
1:11 am
John, you make no good points
John
November 12th, 2009
1:13 am
The issue comes down to who is best qualified to handle the issues that face our fair city. Previous Mayors Allen and Massell presided over a city government that at that time did not consider or take in consideration all of Atlanta’s citizens. Mayor Jackson and Young brought the city into the modern era while dealing with a diverse and growing populaion. Mayor’s Campbell and Franklin had to deal with a modern southern city with major infrastructure issues and budget problems. The new mayor needs to be qualified and have a vision for the city that takes moves it past the budget and crime issues, continue to rebuild and improve a aging infrastructure while focusing on educating the children of the city for the future businesses that will call Atlanta home. If the candidate you are considering has all of this…. then he or she deserves your vote……
Madison
November 12th, 2009
1:18 am
Voice of Reason, You are such a moron. It’s on a roll not on a role. You deserve Reed and I hope you get him. I love to laugh at how badly the city of Atlanta is run and hey make sure the mayor is black, that must give you a lot of pride as the city sinks into the mire!.Yo Bro.!
Teela
November 12th, 2009
1:22 am
ROTF!!! re: Chris Matthews is covered in his own spittle because he’s drinking,again.
LOL!…Good God, that is the best one yet! LOL!
Ok….there are some really mean losers here…well, not actually losers, we don’t know the end result of the voting in Dec….but!
Mary Norwood has been in and through our neighbors for many, many years. And we have a very rough neighborhood. SW Atlanta. I am white and I wouldn’t be walking down a LOT of our streets in Capitol View….especially Dill Avenue….LOL!
But Mary has and does…and I doubt that Borders or Reed even have…except in a fast moving car with the windows rolled up! LOL~
With a police escort.
I don’t know where this crap about ‘chicken dinners’ comes from…there is a lot of urban myths here on this board, but for crying out loud….
I don’t give a damn about Barnes/Borders/Martin’s endorsements. They are pathetic politicians.
But if Zell Miller gives her an endorsement….now, that would be interesting.
Sparta_Bubba
November 12th, 2009
1:53 am
Yes I expect ole Crazy Zell will endorse Miss Mary. You know how those Republicans stick together through thick and thin. It wouldn’t surprise me if W, that excellent government official stopped chopping brush long enough to also endorse Miss Mary.
Sparta_Bubba
November 12th, 2009
1:56 am
We may also hear from Crazy Joe Lieberman and Sarah Palin, they always support whatever Republican jumps up.
jadar2
November 12th, 2009
2:59 am
This city is in need of a major change and the former Mayors have not been able to get the job done.
We have a serious crime problem and as a parent of a student at GA State I am concerned with the crime. It is a black issue! Black on white crime far out numbers white on black crime in this city. I want a Mayor that will clean up this city, and do something with the homeless. Why is my college daughter having to walk past the homeless to get from one class to another? Its appauling! This cities crime is worse now than it has ever been going back to the Andrew Young error. We need change, a fresh face. Not a politician that is backed by all the formers, the ones who have made this city unsafe and embarrasing. PLEASE vote for change. Mary Norwood
Dave The Wave
November 12th, 2009
3:11 am
Roy knows it is the Race Card that has the most clout in Atlanta mayoral race runoffs – not qualifications or party. He needs those black voters when he is on the ballot and he will do anything to get them. A little shoe polish, watermellon and tap dancing might even be warranted from time to time in his race …
Jim Davis
November 12th, 2009
3:50 am
What do expect from this oportunist! He’s just campaigning for his own election.
He doesn’t care anything about Atlanta. He’ll say whatever he has to to get elected. Exhibit “A”: “Electe me and I’ll do away with the Adverlorum Tax”!
Paid you tag bill lately? Still there ain’t it!
Dick
November 12th, 2009
6:22 am
I thought, okay honestly hoped Lying Roy had ridden off into the sunset with Markie “Poo bear” Taylor. I get so ^*HH(**(&&*(78797 tired of the race card being played and most of the time it is the same race playing thh card. If I was for Reed and Roy endorsed him, I would vote for the other person.
Matchtuff
November 12th, 2009
6:24 am
I want to know how you are independent but attend the Republican convention. I called Mary’s office when I heard she attended a convention either last year or the time before to get a straight answer and have not received a call back. I voted for her but can’t understand whether she was always suppose to be independent or did she go independent a yr or 2 before this race. I want the answer and I am going to call her office one more time to see if I can get it. A SWAT resident
The Late Maynord Jackson
November 12th, 2009
6:34 am
You go Roy, thanks from all the JACKSON FRIENDS & FAMILY.
Barky Obummer
November 12th, 2009
6:38 am
Why would anyone give a rat’s ass about what democrackkk Roy Barnes endorses? He’s a nasty
loiwyer whose time has passed…we are tired of democrackkk SLAVERY!
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
November 12th, 2009
6:55 am
Mary Bush Norwood did not simply “attend” a Republican convention, she was an ELECTED DELEGATE to a Republican convention – an “honored” and coveted position within the ranks of the supporters in Atlanta of George W. Bush, Richard Nixon, and Sarah Palin…AND, only AFTER she claimed the inability to recall whether she voted for her cousin, George W. Bush, did she lie into the camera and falsely claim to have voted for Bill Clinton BEFORE she was elected as a Republican DELEGATE, and that she voted for Al Gore AFTER she was elected as DELEGATE to a Republican convention.
G-d is watching each and every one of us in Atlanta. Who shall spit in G-d’s “eye” and cast his or her holy vote for a known, infamous liar and expect any blessings to come of it?
Kasim Reed is endorsed by Lisa Borders, which is good. She was my candidate; but Reed is also endorsed by Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, a transparent genius and transcendent soul.
Kasim is unfledged, to be sure, but he is young and we can watch him grow in the job as Atlanta’a Mayor.
Norwood is an obvious liar. Let us not curse our city by voting for her.
paintman
November 12th, 2009
7:14 am
Seems like Roy ( the idiot) Barnes still has not learned his lesson. Pandering to ANY group will not get you where u would like to be–Ask McCain.
James
November 12th, 2009
7:15 am
Montrell: You sound like a black racist.
paintman
November 12th, 2009
7:26 am
Atlanta was a craphole before Franklin, it was a craphole during Franklin and it will be a craphole after Franklin–no matter who the mayor is. Its the residents, stupid. The culture is the issue, there is a reason the ZOOS have fences and walls. Ya’ll can have ATL. I’ll take the peace of the burbs.
Yep
November 12th, 2009
7:34 am
This is not new. Roy’s chief fundraiser has been on Reed’s payroll for a year. The Barnes house was split. Marie with Borders and Roy with Reed. With Borders endorsing, the Barnes house can now go public. This does bring money, but will not directely impact voting decisions. Same is true for Martin, who Reed quietly backed in the U.S. Senate race. As for the Borders endorsement, her finance team will go to Reed– but her vote will split among Norwood and Reed.
This race still depends– and only depends– on turnout. Mary is still winning that part of the game. Her voter is a much more consistent voter, not to mention the new voters driven out because they think there’s a solid chance for a “northsider” to win.
Angus
November 12th, 2009
7:37 am
Thank you paintman for your insightful response.
Which culture do you not like? We have many.
You’re from the burbs…..so is it blacks or gays that you are afraid of?
Blake in Atlanta
November 12th, 2009
7:48 am
Go Mary……..take it white
Bobby
November 12th, 2009
7:53 am
To my knowledge Barnes is not a City of Atlanta resident. Therefore, like me, who also does not live in Atlanta, he should keep his mouth shut about Atlanta electoral issues. However, as I am a resident of Georgia and a Democrat, King Roy can rest assured I’m voting against him in the Democratic primary for Governor and if he wins that one, I’ll be voting Republican in favor of whoever is his challenger.
Snake
November 12th, 2009
8:02 am
PoliticOracle how do I get a job like yours? Do I get a concession at the airport if Reed wins?
Roy B a Crook
November 12th, 2009
8:02 am
Crooks endorsing crooks, what has become of Georgia? Fat boy Roy was driven out of office for his crimes, like giving a million dollars of Ga 400 toll road money to his cronies at Atlantic Station, and giving 100 million dollars of Medicaid money to his out of state scum bag lawyer pals. IMHO, Roy and all his ilk should be in prison, but the best we can hope for is a heart attack for him and his cronies.
Dilly Dally
November 12th, 2009
8:07 am
I’m waiting on Oprah’s endorsement before I decide. Kasim? Sounds like a muslim name.
willy jonesie
November 12th, 2009
8:24 am
praise god for giving us the Divine Sean P Diddy Combs! He shall annoint our next mayor – remember do not spit in the eye of God’s favorite rapper, for surely you shall burn in the fire of hell if you do not heed the wise advise of diddy. Amen and Praise be to the Father of Puffs.