Karen Handel throws down gender card in clash with Nathan Deal
With 39 days to go before the July 20 primary, things are getting serious on the Republican side of the race for governor.
The Karen Handel campaign this afternoon sent the broadside below to her supporters. We’ve marked the two paragraphs where the gender card is thrown down on the table:
Nathan Deal has now been on a month-long negative attack against Karen Handel. You have to wonder what his motivation is.
When it was reported that John Oxendine had taken $120,000 in illegal campaign contributions, Nathan Deal was silent on the subject.
When it was reported that Eric Johnson and his firm had profited almost $1 million from doing business with the state, while he was a state senator, there was not a peep from Nathan Deal.
When the Speaker of the State House was embroiled in a scandal and Karen said he should step down, nothing from Nathan Deal.
When the Georgia Right to Life president referred to women who can’t conceive as “barren and infertile”, Nathan Deal was silent.
When it was widely reported that gubernatorial candidate Ray McBerry had an inappropriate relationship with a 16 year old student while he was a teacher and her youth minister, Nathan Deal’s silence was again deafening.
But when he found out that 8 years ago Karen Handel spoke to the Log Cabin Republicans, just as other conservative Republicans have done, it sent him into a month long, delusional attack against her.
Now, Mr. Deal does have a history of bigoted remarks. Last year he referred to one group of citizens as “ghetto grandmothers.” He claimed it was taken out of context. When asked what context you could use that in, Nathan Deal said nothing.
He gives the other men in the race a pass on major transgressions, but attacks Karen Handel for speaking to a group of Republicans, a group who most of us — including Karen — have some differing views with.
We hope it is not that he has a problem with women in leadership. After all, women can do more than just fetch your coffee, Mr. Deal. But maybe that is just part of it.
Nathan Deal is part of the system that thinks it is okay to profit from your position of power. He too made almost $1 million off an exclusive no-bid arrangement with the state. When it was threatened, he used his position in Congress in an attempt to protect it.
Karen is a threat to them all, and Nathan Deal knows it. She is the only candidate bold enough to speak out against the abuses in government. Her ethics reform proposal includes a strict conflict of interest policy that threatens the gravy train Mr. Deal has been on with the state. …
Deal hasn’t really criticized Handel for simply speaking to members of Georgia Log Cabin Republicans, but we’ll let that slide for now. Spokesman Brian Robinson provided a response from the Deal campaign:
“It appears that once again someone has commandeered Karen Handel’s email account and is sending out crazy messages under her name. She might need to consider putting password protection on her account.
“I would like to thank whatever mystery emailer sent this unhinged blather for reminding Georgia voters that Nathan Deal is the reasonable, conservative alternative to John Oxendine.
“As governor, Nathan Deal will appoint many female Georgians to positions of great authority, just as he voted for many great congresswomen for leadership positions in Congress.
“Nathan’s women grassroots supporters are highly offended by the language in this nutty email. We found out earlier this week that Handel lacks the character to be governor. It now appears she lacks the temperament to be governor. It’s sad to watch.”
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47 comments Add your comment
Jim
June 11th, 2010
2:35 pm
No surprise…..after all, you can’t be a “true conservative” and have any view on f****ts other than that they should be stoned to death.
Right
June 11th, 2010
2:38 pm
Right Karen. Nathan Deal is a pantywaist. But you’re still a liar.
Right
June 11th, 2010
2:40 pm
And speaking of pantywaists, we see Jim still won’t touch the latest multi-million dollar APS E-Rate scandal. Still taking marching orders from Edu-PAC and the Chamber of Commerce?
gop voter
June 11th, 2010
2:45 pm
Deal.
Hates.
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 11th, 2010
2:45 pm
Electing DuBose and Carol Porter to our highest offices will solve the truly obvious problem for Handel and Deal, and make Georgia look like G-d’s grace is once more pouring out on this Greatest State!
Road Scholar
June 11th, 2010
2:46 pm
Karen, but it’s about abortion, on of the two (Guns is the other) tablets of the Republican party. They have no thoughts or proposals on jobs, the economy, illegal immigration, child molestation, etc. (name it)
Scott
June 11th, 2010
2:51 pm
Let the Republican Civil War begin…still voting for Roy Barnes and Carol Porter…but if there was a republican (and I had no choice but republicans) Karen would get my vote.
Buffalo Bill
June 11th, 2010
3:00 pm
Handel is at best a moderate, liberal on many issues. She is out of line with most Georgians and will not win the Repub Primary. Her favoritism extends to a base who will not vote for her under any circumstances, the MLK and bowing the knee to Baal consistency.
Georgia Voter
June 11th, 2010
3:00 pm
Well, guess we know who Karen thinks the frontrunner is…
Honest Karen
June 11th, 2010
3:06 pm
WAIT: I thought it was a highly-imitating staffer who “fondly” spoke to this group of Republicans, Karen…didn’t he “fondly” write the emails, not you???
Just trying to get a “straight” story here…hmmm….
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 11th, 2010
3:08 pm
Deal’s right on illegal immigration – Rome’s biggest working stratagem to take-over America (Viz. “The National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry), but his using his office and political pressure to line his own pockets makes him unfit.
DuBose and Carol Porter are the answer.
Will Yetelmee
June 11th, 2010
3:16 pm
Why must a candidates views on abortion be at issue and hold such great importance during political campaigns? Can a soul not govern properly because of these views?
Lookout Mountain
June 11th, 2010
3:20 pm
Nathan Deal will win the republican primary, and then beat Roy Barnes easily in the general. It does not matter what attacks this desperate, confused candidate throws at him.
T Knight
June 11th, 2010
3:22 pm
Karen you just nailed it. The men in the state of Georgia have a real problem with women in positions of leadership. This one issue could harm the republican party in the future if they don’t get past their women have their place attitudes. It’s demeaning and frankly insulting that the republican party has done so little over the years to curb this type of campaign dirty trick.
Bubba
June 11th, 2010
3:28 pm
Roy is loving it.
Home School Drop Out
June 11th, 2010
3:32 pm
Eight year ago. Sonny Perdue and Cathy Cox told us how the Republicans would solve all of our problems. They would advance the State of Georgia in Education and our Tax base.
IT LOOKS LIKE THEY CAN’T RUN A HUNKIE WAGON.
GaBlue
June 11th, 2010
3:34 pm
GOOD FOR HER!!! I’m glad Handel called out the sexism in this state for what it is. Let’s not pretend that the double standard magically evaporated in the Georgia humidity while we weren’t looking.
I hope everyone will listen to what Carol Porter has to say. She’s a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale (and sometimes rancid) corrupt political environment.
GaBlue
June 11th, 2010
3:35 pm
Drop out, you meant Kathy Cox, not Cathy. Two very different people.
Deal Real Steal
June 11th, 2010
3:37 pm
Handel is wrong, Deal made well over $1,000,000 with his sweet heart deal. he has been in Washington so long, he brought deficit spending back to his Georgia Governors campaign. Don;t forget the newest ethics charge for misuse of campaign funds.
Frenchy
June 11th, 2010
3:48 pm
This whole victim mentality campaign does not work. There is no such thing as a sympathy vote in a governors race. People want someone who can effectively run the state. Gwinnett is gonna lose their water in two years unless our next governor reaches a deal with the next governors of AL and FL. Playing the victim card in that negotiation will leave Gwinnett high and dry.
Jon
June 11th, 2010
3:52 pm
Sadly, the victims in this whole situation are the people of GA. It’s either one of these incompetent GOPers or a rerun of ‘Ol Roy.
*sigh*
At least we’re not South Carolina…
GOD HELP US!
June 11th, 2010
4:45 pm
with these two buffoons being about the best the Republicans have, other than the wannabe Oxendine, welcome back Governor Barnes…..
pdc
June 11th, 2010
5:23 pm
Pathetic, Handel is a pathetic excuse for a women. How low will she go. Gosh, she makes all us gals look bad.
Einsteindawg
June 11th, 2010
5:30 pm
With appologies to my African-American friends, is this an example of the pot calling the kettle black? Nathan Steal versus Karen Hardly-has-a clue. When will we actually get competent folks to run?
North Georgia Voter
June 11th, 2010
6:39 pm
Even Deal’s response has a flavor of sexism. He basically says that strong women who stand up for themselves have a “temperament” problem. I guess his next move will be to say that women cannot be governor b/c of their monthly cycles. But wait, her critics have called her barren. Guess they can have it both ways.
NEGeorgian
June 11th, 2010
6:43 pm
It’s been my experience that those people who attack the gays almost always have some sort of sexuality issue of their own (that they are not dealing with). Hmm…. Congressman Deal, you seem to be the chief gay hater here.
Blue Ridge for DEAL
June 11th, 2010
6:58 pm
DEAL is the only candidate who can and will ultimately beat Roy Barnes. All republicans need to realize this and vote accordingly in the primary. The thing we need to do is to vote for the best candidate, NATHAN DEAL, and avoid as much GOP party bickering as possible… Folks, we, the taxpayers of Georgia, can not afford a democrat in the state house, especially with the debt maker we have in the White House DEAL is Georgia’s only chance for a bright and better future. Vote DEAL REAL! You will be glad you did. DEAL REAL!
Ronnie
June 11th, 2010
7:05 pm
I have spent time with Nathan on several occasions. Certainly, NATHAN DEAL hates NO one. As a true man of God, Nathan loves everyone as the Bible wants us all to love one another. He, like myself, may not understand alternative lifestyles, but he defintely hates NO one.. Hate is not part of his being. One can take that to the bank.
Kendall
June 11th, 2010
7:09 pm
DEAL or Barnes? Should be an easy answer. Do you want four years again of King Roy saying one thing and doing something else, if so Barnes is the one. If you want true, honest, steady and wise leadership, vote DEAL!
Leon
June 11th, 2010
7:11 pm
Handel doesn’t like the poll number and is scrathing and clawing to stay in the race. People are too smart and see right through her crap. If we don’t elect Deal, we are in trouble!!
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 11th, 2010
9:27 pm
Carol Porter is the person of highest quality running for office this time. Let’s elect her and DuBose Porter, her husband, as governor, to make Georgia shine.
Waste Of Time
June 11th, 2010
10:56 pm
I was a staunch Handel supporter, but this changed everything. I’m sorry but this is a sign of a desperate campaign. I’m voting for Nathan Deal.
Silent Jay
June 11th, 2010
11:55 pm
If Deal was still a Congressman, he’d be in a cell next to Jack Abramoff.
The REAL GodHatesTrash, Superstar
June 12th, 2010
6:00 am
Is it a “gender card” or a “stupid cow” card?
Older And Wiser
June 12th, 2010
8:38 am
Karen Handel is only candidate who can beat Roy Barnes. The three stooges (Oxendine, Deal and Johnson) are ethicaly challenged good old boys who have no appeal to anyone with an IQ over seventy. They are not campaigning; merely pandering. How long can it be before one of them proposes the death penalty for illegal aliens, an UZZI or shotgun in every home, or some other outlandish proposal sure to drive independents and moderates to Roy Barnes?
GAVoter
June 12th, 2010
11:15 am
hahahahahaha
“It appears that once again someone has commandeered Karen Handel’s email account and is sending out crazy messages under her name. She might need to consider putting password protection on her account.”
I don’t really care for Deal much but this statement is hilarious! Karen Handel is trying to deflect from the fact that she is a two faced LIAR… quick everyone look at the shiney opject over there… quick!!!
GAVoter
June 12th, 2010
11:17 am
@ Older and Wiser…. the three stooges are pandering… HA that’s another funny one. Karen Handel is the master of the political pander… she has no concept of honesty and service… she is about political games and obtaining power…NOTHING ELSE!
catlady
June 12th, 2010
7:27 pm
He sure hates being called out, doesn’t he?
NonPartisanGA
June 12th, 2010
10:15 pm
Wow this BLOG \full of sock puppets. Is there anyone here that does not work for someone’s campaign?
T Knight
June 12th, 2010
11:03 pm
Nathan Deal was a democrat first
John Oxendine was a democrat first
Sonny Perdue was a democrat first
Karen Handel republican first and still a republican.
I think Karen Handel is the only true republican in this race, she’s got my vote.
Reality Check
June 13th, 2010
10:07 am
I am trying to understand why women in Georgia support Karen Handel as a candidate. How can they relate to this person? Here is a person who has not raised a family, tried to enhance her competencies by earning a college degree, obtaining certifications or licensure. Thousands of women in this state over the years have worked full time while raising families or attending some type of institution to enhance their qualifications for employment or both. What has Ms. Handel done but ride the coattails of elected officials into elected political positions which pay a salary. If there was anyone who has ever benefited from the good ole boy system, I would propose that it would be Ms. Handel.
How do Christians relate to this person? She has been endorsed by the Red State which is led by Eric Erickson who used the most vile abhorrent language I have ever read to describe one of the US Supreme Court justices, David Souter.
While you see her distancing herself from Ray McBerry, you do not see her distancing herself from the Red State.
Ms. Handel appears to be opportunistic and will say and do whatever needs to be done at that moment to get elected, remember people, this is how she earns a paycheck. It is obvious she courted the Log Cabin organization when it was expedient to do so and now that she portraying herself as the conservative’s conservative she has turned her back on this group.
Johnny
June 14th, 2010
11:58 am
I’m a Republican with no idea how to vote in this election. Karen over-personalizes politics–she’s all about “her personal story,” cleaning up politics (yeah, we’ve heard that one before), and doesn’t say much about competence / the ability to get things done–probably because her education/experience credentials are so unremarkable. In short, she’s a very, very poor man’s version of Sarah Palin. But Deal seems so corrupt, and I can’t bring myself to vote for a state insurance commissioner for governor. Maybe I should stay at home on election day? Somebody help.
joed
June 14th, 2010
1:52 pm
What females has Deal voted for in leadership races in the House?
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
June 14th, 2010
9:02 pm
Johnny – Please vote for DuBose Porter, an honest Democrat from a good Georgia family many good and decent “conservatives” approve.
Didn’t Bush’s homosexual lover in the White House, James Guckert, sicken you? What about Larry Craig, the bathroom stall pervert in the U.S. Senate from Idaho? And on and on the list of hypocrites goes.
G-d blesses us through families. Something those who have taken over the “Republican” party talk about but don’t live or believe.
Mrs. DuBose Porter appears to be a G-dly woman, an admirable and exemplary “Georgia Peach,” running for Lt. Governor. It speaks well of him and their four sons.
Let’s we of Georgia pursue Righteousness that Our State reflect the “glory” properly, and that we lead Our Nation back to the Path.
Peaches Daily Digest: 6/11 - Peaches in Regalia
June 15th, 2010
2:39 am
[...] GOP-Gov: The battle between former U.S. Representative Nathan Deal (R) and former Secretary of State Karen Handel (R) to presumably face Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine (R) in a run-off continues to heat up. Recently, Handel put out a press release suggesting that Deal is attacking her because of her gender. The Deal camp responded that someone must have hijacked Handel’s e-mail account. [...]
gary carroll
June 16th, 2010
9:52 am
“When it was widely reported that gubernatorial candidate Ray McBerry had an inappropriate relationship with a 16 year old student while he was a teacher and her youth minister, Nathan Deal’s silence was again deafening.”
Widely reported mostly meant “people quoting me.” Now that the husband of the person you interviewed has said that they (husband and wife) intended to make money by making the claim, this does not seem so widely reported.
Please note that “widely reported” does not mean “true”.
Rick
June 17th, 2010
8:46 pm
Karen Handel scares all the guys, especially the ones running against her, because she is soooo much smarter than they are! She’s proven she can run a budget without increasing taxes, keep voter ID going, and save money by cutting the waste and abuse. All this without a college degree. But I’ll bet Rush Limbaugh, Steve Wozniak, and Bill Gates don’t see the lack of education as a hinderance either. Go Karen!