Your morning jolt: Behind Michael Thurmond’s run for the U.S. Senate
Michael Thurmond, known as one of the most cautious men in Georgia politics, spent the weekend on the phone with the essential stage hands of the state Democratic party, explaining the gamble he’s about to take.
State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond. Bob Andres/AJC
The three-term state labor commissioner has plans on Wednesday – moved from Tuesday, as first reported — to announce his U.S. Senate candidacy against Republican incumbent Johnny Isakson.
Consider that Thurmond is, like Attorney General Thurbert Baker or former Gov. Roy Barnes, an A-list Democrat – often mentioned as a candidate for higher office, but never taking the plunge.
Also consider that Isakson may be the strongest and most popular Republican in Georgia.
So the question becomes whether Thurmond, a former state lawmaker from Athens, has been hiding a passion for the roulette wheel.
The answer is yes – and no.
Thurmond is better than good on the stump, and has a friendly demeanor that goes down well with voters. But he’s enough of a politician to understand the risk.
There are always unknowns. Isakson, 65, has had some health issues this spring. Polling has shown some vulnerability. And while the tea party movement has added emotion to the Republican side of the ledger, it’s also added a certain brittleness.
But the known knowns, as Donald Rumsfeld might say, include this: Isakson has raised $6 million for his re-election bid. And a contest against him is an uphill slog by any measure.
So what, short of outright victory in November, is Thurmond up to?
Politics is very rarely a team sport – but we may be seeing the equivalent of a sacrifice fly to deep right field, for the sake of advancing or protecting the Democratic runners already on base.
Thurmond is a sign that Democrats in Georgia and in Washington, with reapportionment coming next year, are dead serious about November.
Point One: All four major Democratic candidates for governor are casting Republican ineptitude in the state Capitol as the issue that will carry them into the general election.
The GOP, on the other hand, will do its best to tie Democrats to Washington and President Barack Obama, who does not poll well here in Georgia. Not among white independents. The economy will be the topic.
Isakson would be a major vehicle for nationalizing the Georgia contest. If the GOP incumbent, at the top of the ballot, clears much beyond 60 percent, strategists figure then Democratic chances of winning the race for governor disappear.
Whether the candidate is Barnes, Baker, DuBose Porter or David Poythress.
And right now, the only Democrat in the Senate race is the unknown and unfunded R.J. Hadley.
By putting up an A-list candidate fluent in the language of jobs and the economy, who just happens to be African-American, Democrats will be taking a large step toward preventing an Isakson-driven avalanche.
And remember that no one anticipated the September ‘08 economic bust that forced a runoff between Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin.
Point Two: Thurmond had been spoken of as a candidate for lieutenant governor. But Carol Porter, wife of the Democratic candidate for governor, jumped in first.
Arguably, Thurmond might have beaten Carol Porter, but at the cost of a divided Democratic electorate that still bears the scars of the Cathy Cox/Mark Taylor debacle.
Thurmond’s shift to the U.S. Senate race in essence hands Carol Porter the Democratic nomination for a post that has never gone to a woman. Carol Porter could be the highest-ranking woman in state government.
Which means the contest against Republican incumbent Casey Cagle is sure to generate interest through November.
Moreover, let’s suppose that DuBose Porter does not win the Democratic contest for governor. By assuring Carol Porter’s nomination for lieutenant governor, you guarantee that the House Democratic leader will remain engaged.
Point three: In the Democratic race for governor, Thurmond’s entrance as a U.S. Senate candidate is likely to benefit Barnes.
Baker, while he has differed with other African-Americans in the party over such volatile issues as Genarlow Wilson, has a legitimate claim on black voters. Barnes likewise has a claim on African-American voters, through his decision to change the ‘56 state flag.
But with Thurmond at the top of the state ballot, racial loyalty immediately becomes a lesser issue. And if Barnes is indeed the Democratic nominee, the chances of an African-American backlash are greatly lessened.
I’m sure there are other advantages/disadvantages. Feel free to add them below. But bottom line, if Thurmond joins the U.S. Senate race, then — win or lose — should any Democrat win a statewide contest in November, he’ll deserve a spot on the stage.
* * *
Meanwhile, Larry Peterson of the Savannah Morning News had this over the weekend:
U.S. Rep. John Barrow’s campaign received $12,500 from health care interests on the day he said he’d vote against a major health care bill.
The March 19 donations were listed on the Savannah Democrat’s report to the Federal Election Commission for the first three months of the year.
Most of the money came from groups representing radiologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists and dentists, the report indicated.
Peterson included this observation from Charles Bullock, the University of Georgia political scientist:
“What a coincidence,” Bullock said, pausing for a few seconds. “I’m trying to find a way to say this delicately. … I suppose some people who had concerns about the bill may have wanted their concerns foremost in his mind.”
Democratic votes against Obama’s health care reform package have prompted a full-scale revolt in North Carolina, according to the Washington Post:
Now, some of Obama’s supporters are mounting a defiant strike against the president’s party. The nascent third party, North Carolina First, could endanger the Democratic congressional majority by siphoning votes from incumbent Democrats in November’s midterm election, potentially enabling Republican challengers to pick up the seats.
Organizers say they are so fed up with Democrats who did not support health-care reform that they simply do not care.
This morning, the Post also notes an Atlanta connection here:
Daniel Almond, a three-tour veteran of Iraq, is ready to “muster outside D.C.” on Monday with several dozen other self-proclaimed patriots, all of them armed. They intend to make history as the first people to take their guns to a demonstration in a national park, and the Virginia rally is deliberately being held just a few miles from the Capitol and the White House.
Almond plans to have his pistol loaded and openly carried, his rifle unloaded and slung to the rear, a bandoleer of magazines containing ammunition draped over his polo-shirted shoulder. The Atlanta area real estate agent organized the rally because he is upset about health-care reform, climate control, bank bailouts, drug laws and what he sees as President Obama’s insistence on and the Democratic Congress’s capitulation to a “totalitarian socialism” that tramples individual rights.
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78 comments Add your comment
RetiredSoldier
April 19th, 2010
4:12 pm
I hear you ??, but disagree with you. You vote for Donovan, I assume is the liberterian, is a vote for Thurman. You admit Donovan can’t win and while you may not be thrilled w/ Johnny you think he’s better than Thurmond. Vote Johnny is the answer.
??
April 19th, 2010
4:14 pm
Thurman= Isakson..
I’ll vote for my conscience, you should too.
Keith
April 19th, 2010
4:19 pm
thurmond has cut more than $300 million in taxes for small businesses in this state
and led with the backing of zell miller led the biggest welfare reform in ga history, helped eliminate the sales tax on groceries, created the nation’s best dol which is the envy of other states.
he’s a independent thinker and that ga needs more than a party loyalist.
The Cynical White Boy
April 19th, 2010
4:20 pm
Looks like Michael will do what the modern Dems all do – visit Atlanta, Athens, Macon, Savannah, Columbus. Maybe a little time for Al-BANY, too.
He’ll ignore the rest of the state, hoping that the those few counties will put him in.
He has become so intoxicated with how Jim Martin caused a run-off that he has lost sight of how that script finally played out. Jim Martin ain’t wearing a toga in the Senate, Michael.
RetiredSoldier
April 19th, 2010
4:40 pm
I am, that’s why I will vote for Johnny.
TP4U
April 19th, 2010
4:41 pm
I can’t take it. Thurmond will not be a rubber stamp for Obama. Thurmond has been an independent democrat all of his career. Obama offered Thurmond a position and Thurmond turned it down. The guy was with Hillary Clinton til the bitter end (Do Your Research). Why assume anyone is going to march to the drummer. It is my belief that this campaign is winnable. However, I do see the fright from some of the Republican posts. In addition, the Labor Commissioner is not responsible for creating jobs–check with your Governor, State Legislature and business community. Than ask the Governor, “Where is our transportation system to move people to potential jobs? Than ask your governor and state legislature about Georgia’s public education system that has been stripped of any money to educate your children since 2002 (even republican Kathy Cox stated the education cuts would destroy our public education system). Industries and businesses will not relocate here when they can’t be guaranteed a skilled workforce or a transportation system other than more roads. Finally, The Department of Labor is charged with the following areas of responsibility. They are:
* To assist those who are seeking jobs in their quest for satisfactory and productive placement and to aid employers in the search for qualified workers.
* To refer workers in need of additional skills into the proper job training program.
* To administer the state’s unemployment insurance program.
* To administer rehabilitation services, including providing physical rehabilitation, job training and job placement of people with disabilities.
* To gather, maintain and report labor market information.
* To administer laws relating to working conditions, employee safety and child labor and inspect amuse rides, elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, manlifts, moving sidewalks, boilers, pressure vessels, safety glass and high-voltage lines to assure that the public is protected.
Now, that I and posts @ Virgilio have taken you to school. Class Dismissed!
Scott
April 19th, 2010
4:55 pm
There are a couple of things that can be exploited against Johnny Isakson. First, his health. Second, and I think this is more important. He can be tied to the “party of No” perception. When the whole “death panel” lie was floating around, the language in the actual bill was very similar to what was written by…Johnny Isakson. Yet he attacked it lock step with the Republican party (with the same zeal)…the height of hypocrisy. He could have stepped up and called it the lie that it was and been the statesman, but he bowed to pressure from leadership. I think that could make him vulnerable in an inti-incumbant atmosphere
RetiredSoldier
April 19th, 2010
5:04 pm
TP4U-
Not sure what “republicans” you are referring to, but in my opinion the race is not winnable by Thurmond, or any other democrat, at least right now according to polls. 2010 is going to be as big or bigger a change election than 1994 or 2006. It’s not that Thurmond is bad or a poor candidate, it’s the demographics of the race he is running in and the mood of the voters. I have met Thurmond, heard him speak and he seemed likeable. Does that mean I will vote for him? No. Why you might ask. Because regardless of how “independant” he is, he will vote for Harry Reid for majority leader, that is if Reid wins re-election which is highly doubtful.
Georgia is a center/right state. The choice between the two major candidates is clear. Johnny is center/right and Thurmond is moderate. Given that, plus the mood of voters and the unlikelyhood Thurmond will be able to give compelling reason to vote against Johnny, Isakson will win 99 times out of a 100.
RetiredSoldier
April 19th, 2010
5:16 pm
Scott-
Should the republican candidate use health as an issue against Robert Byrd? If that’s all you got, stay home.
Alabama Communist
April 19th, 2010
5:17 pm
One reason why he maybe running could be Isakson might retire. No one knows how good his health is. Heart conditions & blood clots are nothing to play around with, plus he’s 65, so who knows.* Concern Health Political Citzen who is suggesting Johnny could be toast at any minute
BS! With a few high tech medical repairs, Johnny could go on for another 20 years with a supe up Wheelchair, A tubo-charge pace maker and a daily heavy dose of anti-freeze for the arties, plus a seat on Obama death panel on who gets to live besides him and Sara Palin……..And who cares anyway…..the world ends in 2012 and a kicka@@ Jesus gets to rule the new and amazing Republican Tea Party into a Republican Paradise…….
Diehard
April 19th, 2010
5:58 pm
Johnny Isakson is one of the only true gentlemen left in American politics. “Lets get Mikey to try it” was a funny commercial but its a poor strategy for a party that still does not have a competitive candidate for the U.S. Senate with the qualifying deadline just ten or days away. Thurmond nationalizes the entire ballot for Georgia voters which means GA will continue to be a proud Red State.
td
April 19th, 2010
6:16 pm
If johnny was going to retire due to health then he would step down now and let Sonny appoint another republican so that he/she would have a good head start on winning.
Bludgeon & Skewer
April 19th, 2010
6:17 pm
Greetings All,
The entrance of Micheal Thurmond into the democrat primary for Georgia’s US Senate race is making the guys and gals here at the Secret Underground Libertarian Command Center get all misty eyed with remembrances of the US Senate race in 2008. Contrary to Mr. Galloway’s opinion, democrat Jim Martin did not cause the run-off in 2008, he simply benefited from it. Libertarian Allen Buckley’s presence on the ticket prevented good ol’ Saxby from winning the race clean and the 127,000 Georgian’s who cast their ballots for liberty that day went to sleep that night knowing they had done the right thing.
The stew is mixing up nicely for this cycle. The state and national democrat machine has ushered in Mr Thurmond as the candidate of preference while the snubbing their lone declared candidate, RJ Hadley. Will Mr Hadley withdraw or will there be a democrat primary fight? Additionally, the postings on the various and sundry political blogs here in Georgia of a conservative nature indicate that many conservatives would like to see Senator Isakson challenged as well. We’re all for that!
Here’s a bold prediction for this years US Senate race. Libertarian Chuck Donovan will follow in the footsteps of Allen Buckley and call our esteemed sitting Senator out on a variety of issues during this campaign cycle. He will also garner enough support to force a run-off in this election by preventing republican Johnny Isakson from getting to 50% +1, just like 2008. And maybe do even better than that.
td
April 19th, 2010
6:21 pm
Keith wrote: “thurmond has cut more than $300 million in taxes for small businesses in this state
and led with the backing of zell miller led the biggest welfare reform in ga history, helped eliminate the sales tax on groceries, created the nation’s best dol which is the envy of other states.
he’s a independent thinker and that ga needs more than a party loyalist”
I think I am calling spin (BS) on this post: First, The labor commissioner can not cut taxes. The state legislature (republican) cut the taxes and he had no choice but to follow alone. Second. Welfare is a total federal program and the state only administers it for the feds. I worked for Thrmond during welfare reform and he just had to enforce the new rules. I think you are seriously spinning here and this is a no spin zone.
Thomas Stein
April 19th, 2010
6:31 pm
Thomas Payne wrote: What? The collapse of the construction industry, the banking debacle, the worst recession since the Depression is the fault of the labor commissioner? Job losses come with any economic downturn –you can’t point the finger at the labor commissioner. Thurmond has done much to stimulate job creation through various programs that lean towards benefit to employers who hire UI drawing laid of jobless workers. You’re just plain wrong here.**
Sorry Thomas, you’re just plain wrong here. It was Thurmond’s job to anticipate the downturn (he didn’t), to put programs in place to help displaced workers (he didn’t) and to have a plan in place to ensure that those impacted were able to immediately find new jobs and not go on the government dole (he didn’t). If you want to say that none of this, including the record 10.6% unemployment rate on his watch, is his fault that is certainly your right. But facts are facts. He’s an incredibly nice guy, but he has failed as a Labor Commissioner. If he can’t do that job well, how can he be a Senator?
??
April 19th, 2010
6:36 pm
Thurman = Isakson..
I’ll vote for my conscience, you should too.
http://www.donovanforsenate.com/
TP4U
April 19th, 2010
7:19 pm
@td – Since 2003, Republican dominated general assembly granted Thurmond the SOLE authority to raise and lower employer taxes. As for welfare reform, in 1996 President Clinton and Newt Gingrich passed federal legislation to transfer the administrative oversight of welfare administration to the states. Thurmond developed and implemented WorkFirst, which helped 90,000 welfare recipients find jobs. Go do your homework and get back to me! Class Dismissed!
Behind Michael Thurmond’s run for the U.S. Senate | Black Politics on the Web
April 20th, 2010
1:06 am
[...] Click here for more… [...]
Galloway: Behind Michael Thurmond’s (D) Senate Run - Peaches in Regalia
April 20th, 2010
4:07 am
[...] Atlanta Journal Constitution’s Political Insider, Jim Galloway, offers an excellent look at the effects of Thurmond’s announcement: Michael Thurmond, known as one of the most cautious men in Georgia politics, spent the weekend on [...]
rightofcenter
April 20th, 2010
9:23 am
Interesting that Thurmond’s wife once worked for Skandalakis. Apparently, she learned well. I would suggest that the press look into the “pay to play” deals that Thurmond and his wife cooked up with regards to DOL projects. Of course, the press may be too busy reporting on who bought legislators a steak and a drink (legally) rather than on digging into truly illegal matters.
Tom Degan
April 20th, 2010
9:31 am
If you’re not alarmed by the direction the lunatic fringe of American politics is headed, you’re not paying attention. For eight years, while George W. Bush drove our economy into the ditch, these knuckleheads were silent. The moment a black guy became president the “Tea Party” exploded in rage – but I’m sure that is just a coincidence.
http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com
Tom Degan
Goshen, NY
Gemstone
April 20th, 2010
4:14 pm
I think it is good to know that Thurmond has already been offered and appointment by Obama with the U.S. DOL and he turned it down. So if Thurmond runs he is doing it to win not to sacriface his career for the Democratic party! Personally, I think he should stay with Labor!! He has done a great job as the Commissioner and he is a leader is bringing jobs back to Georgia and putting Georgians back to work. He does not get all the credit he should as our Governer is not a big fan of Thurmond.
Alice
April 22nd, 2010
8:31 am
Candide,
Who ever thought a “black” could be president. Go figure!
sam
April 22nd, 2010
9:48 am
Well well Thurmond is going to run for something else. I know the employees at the Labor Dept are happy. Now it’s time for us to tell Johnny all we know.
Sam
April 22nd, 2010
9:57 am
TP4U you must work at the Labor Dept to know thos Mission Statements so well.
Bishop Walter Dixon
April 26th, 2010
6:10 am
Bishop Walter Dixon
Official Press Release
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Endorses Georgia Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond Democrat Candidate for Georgia U.S. Senate
I come to you today to announce my endorsement of Michael Thurmond for U.S. Senate. Michael Thurmond is and historian and is known as a good individual who will keep his promise in serving Georgians best interest in Washington, DC.
1.Michael Thurmond is first and far most a Christian man.
2.Michael Thurmond is compassionate; he is a good and honest individual.
3.He will represent all of Georgians regardless of color in Washington, DC.
4.He is tuff minded and you will always be clear where he stand on government issues.
5.Most important Michael Thurmond will work hand in hand with President Obama and his administration in making the great state of Georgia a better state to live in and he will help America to become a greater nation for all Americans.
6.He has not only talk the talk, as Georgia Labor Commissioner he has walk the walk and fought a good fight in making sure Georgians receive all that we could have receive during these difficult economic times.
7.We can count on Michael Thurmond in Washington, DC when it come to employment, justice, voting rights, education and stimulus funds just to name a few.
8.Michael Thurmond believe in the American Dream that every man, woman and child should have the opportunity of being whatever they want to be in life. This is America the land of freedom and opportunity.
9.I believe Georgians best days are still to come and by sending Michael Thurmond to Washington, DC.
10Finally, let there be no doubt, Georgians need a change of representation in Washington, DC and that change will come by sending our very own Michael Thurmond to represent us as a freshman Senator in the U.S. Senate.
Thank you and May “God” continue to Bless America and Michael Thurmond.
Bishop Walter Dixon P.O. Box 832161 Stone Mountain, GA 30083
This endorsement has been posted on Google, Face Book, MySpace and Youtube.com for viewing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69vzgFg2jvU
cc. President Barack Obama, Members of Congress and Senate.
Jeannine D
July 21st, 2010
3:06 pm
MICHAEL THURMOND LITERALLY SCREWS PEOPLE WHO ARE HONEST AND HE SERIOUSLY WANTS US TO VOTE FOR HIM FOR US SENATE . ARE YOU CRAZY OR WHAT??? YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE ENOUGH BALLS TO CONFRONT ME WITH ISSUES NOR WILL YOU CONFRONT AND DISCUSS THE ILLEGAL ACTS THE GA DEPT OF LABOR HAS COMMITTED. YOU ARE A TRUE WINNER FOR WHOM I DON’T KNOW CERTAINLY NOT FOR THE STATE OF GA. YOU CANNOT SCREW PEOPLE OVER AND EXPECT TO COME OUT ON TOP SEE WHAT HAPPENED TO OXENDINE.
Jeannine D
July 21st, 2010
3:10 pm
I don’t believe Bishop Dixon has ever lived in the real world. probably hid behind the unethical Michael Thurmond