Over the past two mornings, Tim Bryant of WGAU (1340AM) in Athens has hosted the two GOP runoff candidates in the 7th District congressional contest – Rob Woodall, the former chief of staff to retiring John Linder, and Jody Hice, who is also in the talk radio business.
The “Had enough of Obama’s change?” billboards placed by Hice in the district, prominently spelling the word “change” with a hammer-and-sickle, were a natural topic.

Bryant asked each candidate if he thought the communist symbolism was over the top. Said Hice on Wednesday:

7th District GOP candidate Jody Hice
“I make no bones about it. I respect the office of the president, but I make no bones about it – I do not respect the policies of this president, which are socialistic.
“We are watching this administration take over the health care industry, the banking industry, the student loan industry, the insurance industry, automobile — one part of the private sector after another.”
But Woodall was of another opinion, and gently implied that Hice himself was dabbling in a little Leninism:
“It’s one of those sad things that happen when folks start to believe the end justifies the means.
7th District GOP candidate Rob Woodall
“I know that Jody’s a good man. I know his heart’s in the right place. And kicking sand like that is exactly the way to get elected in a Republican primary. I’m sure he had someone give him some very good advice….
“But the truth is that’s not how you get good policy passed in Washington. Kicking sand only gets you through the primary.
It doesn’t help you implement good policy for the country.“So do I think that was a clever electoral ploy? Absolutely. I think he got out of it exactly what he wanted to get out of it. Do I think that’s going to hurt him, in terms of being taken seriously in the halls of Congress? Absolutely, I do.”
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134 comments Add your comment
sally
July 30th, 2010
8:30 am
An interesting response by Woodall. Maybe the ad is over the top. But what Woodall’s response says to me is maybe HE has been in Washington too long. He has started to believe that the way Washington operates is what we little people need to understand and accept. While I think most of us think Washington needs to be reminded who they work for and that’s us little people back home. This is not my district so I don’t get to vote on either of them. But, it seems to be as it usually is, who is the lesser of the 2 evils. Hold your nose and press the button for the one you dislike the least. Very sad…..
Ricardus
July 30th, 2010
8:31 am
When I think of the socialist-Democrat Party, I always think of the communist hammer and sickle. Jody is correct.
AmVet
July 30th, 2010
8:35 am
J. Davis, salute!
McCarthy was “right”? Would you expound on that, please> And explain how that witch-hunt that just coincidentally ruined countless INNOCENT lives was “right”.
I’m open to any information you may have on the topic, but history correctly regards him as one of the most vile, misguided men who misused his enormous power and was, in fact, the very epitome of un-American activity. Ironic huh?
????
July 30th, 2010
8:38 am
AmVet
July 30th, 2010
8:04 am
When are we going to have lunch?
AmVet
July 30th, 2010
8:41 am
Question Mark and the Mysterians,
We, white man?
LOL…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc69zr_5uH4
Aquagirl
July 30th, 2010
8:45 am
Vote for Jody. The right-wingers need their own version of Cynthia McKinney in Congress– A do-nothing idiot who embarrasses everyone around them, making their district the laughingstock of the nation.
Mercy!
July 30th, 2010
8:48 am
My vote goes to Mr./Dr Hice boys & girls.Woodall IS a sock puppet of Linder’s & isn’t the man to take a stand and make changes well needed in Congress !I believe Hice will do just that.Our country didn’t get in the shape it’s in overnight or even under one administration & it won’t come out of the mess in record time,however,we have to start somewhere.Take that giant step out & approach issues differently.If it’s change you want & someone who will take that step,Hice is your man!Shame on you Imno,making fun of a person’s given name!Wondering what name your momma gave you? And Jasmine,it sounded BIG to say Hice was “kicked out of his own church”.You are very misinformed on this matter.Hice gives all appearances of a man we can depend on to STAND UP & TESTIFY for our 7th district in Congress! We need to get the old stuff out & vote in the new–someone who will get the job done! I,too,believe Hice to be a honest,God-fearing man who believes we need to return to the principles our great country was founded on! If we want to SEE change—we will have to MAKE changes. Woodall is not the solution to our problems! A vote for him will only give us another term of the same old–same old! Vote Hice and watch this man go!
Bill Orvis White
July 30th, 2010
8:50 am
@AmVet
Ah, playing class warfare again, are you? Wealth is accumulated through hard work and self-reliance. Studies have shown that when you release the funds back to the producers — those who pay most of the taxe$ and provide jobs — these patriots will take those funds and create even more jobs. It’s simple arithmetic.
Amen,
Bill
AmVet
July 30th, 2010
9:02 am
Bill. A Trickle Downer, eh?
Look at what has happened to the working class over the past thirty years in this country. It has been decimated with such theories.
From 1995 to 2005 CEO pay went up 240%. The American worker’s pay? 4%.
For 80% of American workers – the people who built this country – they make less in adjusted inflation dollars than they did in 1973.
Go look around. Go talk to people. You’ll see what has been the aftermath of the corporate destruction of capitalism that culminated in that little event of September 2008.
Yet some still carry water for the banksters, casino capitalists and white collar criminals in Wall Street, K Street and Main Street.
To their own misfortune.
Only in America…
AmVet
July 30th, 2010
9:02 am
Bill. A Trickle Downer, eh?
Look at what has happened to the working class over the past thirty years in this country. It has been decimated with such theories.
From 1995 to 2005 CEO pay went up 240%. The American worker’s pay? 4%.
For 80% of American workers – the people who built this country – they make less in adjusted inflation dollars than they did in 1973.
Go look around. Go talk to people. You’ll see what has been the aftermath of the corporate destruction of capitalism that culminated in that little event of September 2008.
Yet some still carry water for the banksters, casino capitalists and white collar criminals in Wall Street, K Street and Main Street.
To their own misfortune.
Only in America…
AmVet
July 30th, 2010
9:03 am
Drats, the dreaded double post…
T Knight
July 30th, 2010
9:06 am
Nothing I have read changes my mind. I’m still voting Woodall.
Citizen Cain
July 30th, 2010
9:07 am
Hice can have his illegally placed back — anytime. Provided he comes and gets and personally apologizes. And, no surprise that his brain-dead sycophants sycophants would bring up the magic $300,000 that he claims he raised to press his holy fight to Hang 10 and FORCE everybody to acknowledge his version of the true & righteous foundation of “our” country.” None of this figure went toward paying the fine levied by the federal judge. When the judge spake, Hice sulked and went home — taking his money with him (he is a preacher, you know), leaving the Barrow taxapyers to pay for his stubborn folly. Yes, we need more of his ignorant ilk in Washington. and, to reiterate, his sig no longer stands on my property, but he is welcome to it back. Just say when.
Leisa Hudson
July 30th, 2010
9:08 am
“I support Dr. Jody Hice because I know we can trust him and won’t have to watch him. The liberals have hijacked our country and I know we can take it back – this will begin by getting Jody elected to Congress.”
- Herman Cain, Host of The Herman Cain Show – WSB Atlanta
Leisa Hudson
July 30th, 2010
9:09 am
“It is my privilege and pleasure to endorse Dr. Hice for the 7th District U.S. Congressional seat of Georgia. I know Jody personally and have watched him for almost 20 years. I have learned from him as a minister the importance of and heart for “Shepherding” people. Jody is a Churchman and a Statesman, a strict Constitutionalist, and a Patriot who has displayed consistently a servants heart. This unique combination is a rare find and one that embodies what I believe the “Founders” originally expected of those who would serve their country. At a time when the world has thrown morality to the wind and finds itself in a Socialist drunken stupor, Jody Hice offers a voice of Truth and Moral Sobriety that our Country so desperately needs.”
-Patrick T. Acree, Co-Founder of the Walton County TEA Party
Leisa Hudson
July 30th, 2010
9:10 am
“I have known Jody Hice for years and can say without any reservation, ‘Jody Hice is the best choice for Georgia’s 7th District’. Jody is a sincere man who is passionate about standing for our liberties. For several years, Jody has been engaged in the war for liberty here in America and has taken several gutsy stands. I firmly believe that Jody will best represent us in Washington in everything from compassionate constituent service to fearless leadership on the house floor. Jody Hice is the man for the hour to stand in the gap for our district and freedoms. I am doing all that I can to help him secure this seat and encourage everyone else who wants our nation to have a strong future to do the same.”
- Linda Blechinger, Mayor of Auburn, GA
Leisa Hudson
July 30th, 2010
9:11 am
“I believe Jody Hice is the man we need…in Congress. I support Jody Hice to be our new Congressman and encourage everyone to vote for him on July 20th.”
- Dr. Paul Davis, Founder of the Gwinnett TEA Party
Leisa Hudson
July 30th, 2010
9:12 am
“As I look out over the fruited plains of America I see “abuses and usurpations” to the U.S. Constitution which have become “destructive to these ends” as written by our Framers. I seek to endorse a man who fears God, reveres the Judeo-Christian heritage of our nation, is a Madisonian constitutionalist and desires to serve as a citizen legislator and not a lifelong professional politician.
Only one man running for the 7th U.S. Congressional District of Georgia meets my criteria. His name is Jody Hice. Twice Jody has stood in the national public policy arena and has been battle tested by fire first with his defense of the “Ten Commandments” in Barrow County and second with his IRS challenge of “Pulpit Freedom Sunday”. Our Framers mutually pledged their Lives, Fortunes and Sacred Honor. Jody Hice is a man of that measure.”
- John L. Sauers, Co-Founder of the Walton County TEA Party
Leisa Hudson
July 30th, 2010
9:12 am
“I am pleased to endorse Dr. Jody Hice for US Congress in Georgia’s 7th District. Jody Hice is loyal to the Constitution in keeping with the original intent of the Framers. Jody Hice is a pro-life, pro-family, pro-freedom leader who will serve with distinction in Congress. This is a time in the life of our country that we need leaders like Dr. Jody Hice!”
- David Barton, Founder of WallBuilders
Leisa Hudson
July 30th, 2010
9:13 am
“I am proud to endorse Dr. Jody Hice for Congress in Georgia’s 7th Congressional District.
Jody is a true conservative leader and advocate for getting America back on track. He does not falter nor tire in addressing the major issues that we must confront as a nation, in fact he goes beyond that – he’s got a proven record. It includes being in the right on reigning in wild government spending, protecting life and advocating the right to keep and bear arms to name just a few.
Jody understands the harmful effect that illegal immigration is having on our economy, jobs, and national security. He will stand like a rock on all of these issues, whether it is against the Democrats or even those in his own party. He will be a mighty voice for those in Georgia’s 7th and a formidable force that the district can wield to invigorate our government. That is why I encourage fellow conservatives and tea party patriots to unite together and let’s do all that we can to get him elected.
It is with great enthusiasm that I proclaim, “Georgia’s 7th – Jody Hice is your guy.”
-Tom Tancredo, Former Congressman and Television Commentator
Jeff in ATL
July 30th, 2010
9:18 am
“I want a Congressman that will say no to earmarks”
Why? You’d rather have the Federal bureaucracy — Obama appointees — to dictate where federal monies are spent?
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have my Member of Congress make those decisions.
AmVet
July 30th, 2010
9:19 am
OK, all, off to help keep the wounded American economic engine humming and to pay for the occupations and more corporate welfare.
Enjoy your day and perhaps we will meet again!
Roy McCreary
July 30th, 2010
9:29 am
I stand behind Jody Hice 100%, and believe he will make the best Congressman for the Seventh District.
double zero eight
July 30th, 2010
9:31 am
Jody will follow the lead of the two Georgia U. S. Senators and do absolutely nothing about immigration. They talk a good game, just like John McCain did. Action speaks louder than words.
Steve
July 30th, 2010
9:39 am
@JeffinATL – The thing is, there is a right way to appropriate how federal money is spent, and that IS decided by your congressman. Earmarks are not that way – earmarking is generally a method to tuck pork spending into unrelated bills instead of having it go through the appropriate process.
Tammy
July 30th, 2010
9:47 am
Rob Woodall has been right beside Linder while Obama has been shoving all of his socialist policies right down our throats and hasn’t done much to stop any of it. He’s 43 years old, never married and has no idea how to walk a mile in OUR shoes! It’s about time someone like Hice called him on his political games – what has Woodall done outside of the political arena to take a stand for anything? Absolutely nothing! Let’s fire the Washington incumbents, Woodall included, and get some new blood in Congress. How can you expect anything different when you keep sending the same people to Washington? I have heard Woodall speak several times and he can’t answer a direct question (just like any Washington insider does, he evades the question and gives numerous reasons why we have to keep doing things the old way). Hice offers a new perspective, actually an old one – the one our Founding Fathers had. Has it ever occurred to any of you that our Founding Fathers were right? If we don’t make a change NOW, it will be too late in 2 years! Let’s take America back NOW!
Jenna
July 30th, 2010
9:51 am
I want to say thank you to the conservatives who have restored my faith in Georgia by blasting Hice for that disgusting billboard. This method of trying to instill fear into voters in order to get their votes needs to stop. If you can’t win on the issues, then get out of the game. Ask the 55,000 automotive workers who were recently recalled if they are glad the administration stepped in and saved GM from going bankrupt. Ask the parents of a child with medical problems if they are glad they can now insure that child without the “pre-existing conditions” clause. The list is endless.
Baby's Daddy
July 30th, 2010
9:56 am
Vote Democratic and let’s all get us some more of that stimulus money. If we get these white boy Republicans in then our unemployment checks will be cut off at two years. We need unemployment checks to keep going for at least five years.
Leisa Hudson
July 30th, 2010
9:57 am
“Without the acknowledgement of God there are no moral absolutes. The belief in God calls each of us – government and individuals – to a Higher authority than ourselves. It reminds us that we are but stewards of His inalienable rights and that we will stand accountable to Him for the way we live. For our government to remove itself from God is to say “everyone can do what is right in their own eyes” or worse, it is to give government permission to step in the role of God and determine the fate of man. It is indeed extremely dangerous for government to reject or deny the Almighty. Without a constant awareness of a righteous God, tyranny prevails. This has been demonstrated time and again throughout history. John Adams (signer of the Declaration of Independence and 2nd President of U.S.) said, “It is religion and morality alone which can establish the principles upon which freedom can securely stand. The only foundation of a free constitution is pure virtue.” The Pennsylvania Supreme Court said in 1824, “No free government now exists in the world, unless where Christianity is acknowledged, and is the religion of the country.” Noah Webster declared, “The moral principles and precepts found in the scriptures ought to form the basis of all our civil constitutions and laws. All the evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible.” And Calvin Coolidge said, “The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.”
“Barack Obama, believes America should no longer be a nation based on Christian principles but that we must embrace every other religious system. I prefer to hold to the convictions of Woodrow Wilson, “A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about.”
~Jody Hice
Red
July 30th, 2010
10:13 am
To the person saying nothing here has changed their mind for voting against Woodall – can you give one reason to vote FOR Woodall? What does the man offer? Judging by those writing checks to him, he is a rubber stamp for their policies. Just travel over to the FEC’s website and look at where his money comes from.
Ken Leonard
July 30th, 2010
10:17 am
Mr. Woodall: “It’s one of those sad things that happen when folks start to believe the end justifies the means.” — It’s not just sad, it’s tragic.
again Mr. Woodall: “I know that Jody’s a good man. I know his heart’s in the right place.” — RW is being too much correctly polite and I’m not convinced that he thinks Mr. Hice is “a good man”. I certainly don’t think JH is good any more than I think he’s intelligent. He needs, among other things, to go back to 5th grade Civics class and learn what “socialist” means.
And, aside from these two red-seat gentlemen, there is a civil, intelligent, demonstrated patriot and leader running in the 7th District: (Col.) Doug Heckman!
Bill Orvis White
July 30th, 2010
10:19 am
Yes, the Woodall fella is middle-age, never married and has been an inside-the-beltway hack for his entire career. Georgia, you will make a huge error if you choose Woodall in the runoff.
Dr. Hice is the way to go. He will make an excellent representative for GA’s 7th. I also believe he could actually get the FAIR Tax passed. Sure, this hack Woodall helped write the book, but the FAIR Tax hasn’t gone anywhere under his watch.
Vote Hice and vote Hice often – spread the word.
God Bless,
Bill
double zero eight
July 30th, 2010
10:20 am
Career politicians need to be thrown out, regardless of the party. We need term limits. The republicans and democrats need to work together.
We do not need a person that is basically going to vote with their party practically 100% of the time. I am tired of the grandstanding by
both parties. We need someone that will be proactive versus reactive.
Someone who has the guts to sponsor meaningful legislation.
Bill Orvis White
July 30th, 2010
10:27 am
@double zero eight
and that person is the Honorable Dr. Jody Hice. He is the right man to represent GA’s 7th district. There are so many other fine folk who will be elected this fall to the House and Senate. We will see a bloodbath whereby Wiccan Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and brain-damaged Harry Reid will be packing their bags.
Amen,
Bill
Jeff in ATL
July 30th, 2010
10:39 am
“We need term limits.”
Do you want term limits to get rid of one’s Representative that he/she likes? Or are term limits the approach to get rid of Representatives in other districts you don’t like?
double zero eight
July 30th, 2010
10:58 am
Jeff in ATL
My personal belief is that no one needs to serve over 20 years. Most that do so are in it for the power and perks. I respect Sam Nunn for bowing out when he did. Robert Byrd and Strom Thurmond served entirely too long.
Red
July 30th, 2010
11:06 am
For a lesson on hammer and sickle history…it has been around for many decades and is not always a symbol tied to “Communism”. If any of you knew history you would even know that during the Revolution in Russia, the Bolsheviks were actually Socialists. Communism is a result of going through a purge after establishing a socialist society. Before there was even a reference to the USSR and a Communist Party, etc. the hammer and sickle existed.
Some young guy writing books, decently educated, and a career of living off the government teat then getting elected. Wow. I was shocked when it happened in the White House. Now the same Republicans disgusted with Obama are going to do it in the 7th. Try working in the private sector a little while…actually in the 7th district. Then tell me how your ties to special interests somehow resolve the government intrusions I face here in the 7th….Woodall = Obama on the other side.
Billy Joe
July 30th, 2010
11:07 am
Power corrupts politicians and I am concerned about Woodall being the incumbent for the past 20 years.
Dr Hice has his own issues – I am a member of Bethlehem First Baptist Church – last year Dr Hice threw out my friend, Joe D – I want to protect his name. He is my friend and a good Christian man – yet Dr Hice did the unChristian action of throwing him out. Any other members have memories/comments about this event? I just think power corrupts everyone!!!
Jeff in ATL
July 30th, 2010
11:13 am
” Robert Byrd and Strom Thurmond served entirely too long”
And that’s your opinion — and if the voters of West Virginia and South Carolina thought those two had served two long, they could have voted for different candidates.
I’ve just never understood why you should make the decision for people in other congressional districts and states.
Red
July 30th, 2010
11:16 am
Billy Joe – last I checked there is a process of “throwing out”. I never knew a Baptist church where a pastor could singlehandedly throw someone out. By all means, feel free to elaborate on the circumstances. I’d love details to back up your assertion. Nothing like coming on a blog, making a huge claim, and not give all facts on the situation.
Billy Joe
July 30th, 2010
11:25 am
Red – you seem to be a fan/friend/confidante/supporter/Woodall=Obama guy – I bet you have more of the details than I have. You seem to be very defensive of the good Doctor…………where there is smoke, there is usually fire…….
Red
July 30th, 2010
11:27 am
Huh? How can I have more details than you? YOU were the one who came on here making wild allegations with no facts backing them up. YOU said it was YOUR friend who got kicked out by Hice. You made the claim…back it up! If there is fire…as I said….by all means proceed.
Billy Joe
July 30th, 2010
11:35 am
Red – I love your word games – you are one of those guys that complains, but offers no solutions. I assure you, the story will come out soon! In the meantime, I’m voting for Woodall. He seems to be honest.
2 thoughts on those hammer-and-sickle billboards in the 7th District | Georgia Elections News
July 30th, 2010
11:38 am
[...] Is the Communist symbolism ascribed to President Barack Obama on billboards over the top? Political Insider Jim Galloway notes that Tim Bryant of WGAU (1340 AM) posed this question to Rob Woodall and Jody Hice, the two GOP runoff candidates in the 7th District congressional contest. Hice is actually the force behind the hammer-and-sickle “Had enough of Obama’s change?” billboards in the district. Hice, as expected, defends the billboards; Woodall, however, appears less strident in his support. Read more. [...]
Jon Lester
July 30th, 2010
11:40 am
Would Jody Hice like for us to leave NATO? After all, most of our allies are “socialist welfare states.”
Personally, I’d take a Scandinavian quality of life over what we have today, anytime.
Steve
July 30th, 2010
11:48 am
@BIllyJoe – The most time-honored of political games, the mudslinging, begins now. Go ahead and bring it all out into the light of day. I’m sure an honorable person like Jody would prefer that approach anyways
Alex
July 30th, 2010
11:56 am
I think Mr. Woodall hit the nail on the head and revealed what kind of congressman he will be. He is unwilling to rock the boat, but will compramise like most republicans have been doing for years. They give the Liberals what they want and get nothing in return. If you want more of the same then by all means cast your vote for Mr. Woodall. If however you want someone who will take a stand and fight the left then the choice is an obvious Jody Hice.
Alex
July 30th, 2010
11:57 am
I think Mr. Woodall hit the nail on the head and revealed what kind of congressman he will be. He is unwilling to rock the boat, but will compromise like most republicans have been doing for years. They give the Liberals what they want and get nothing in return. If you want more of the same then by all means cast your vote for Mr. Woodall. If however you want someone who will take a stand and fight the left then the choice is an obvious Jody Hice.
Red
July 30th, 2010
12:02 pm
Word games…coming from some guy who claims his poor little friend was victimized by a bad ol’ Baptist preacher in Bethlehem? If you like making wild claims and not backing it up, I suggest you work for the White House. Blaming the country’s ills on Bush, Fox News, and some massive Jewish cabal seems to be right up your alley. I’m also not sure how your standard of ‘Honest’ is worth much seeing how you bear false witness against someone. You cannot even be honest with your own claim on this blog.
Obama
July 30th, 2010
12:04 pm
Wow. This Woodall guy sounds just like me! He’s emulated my career in so many ways! We both wrote books. We’ve both been hanging around on the taxpayers dime. The only difference is Rob is far more insider than me…or at least more than I pretended to be.