After DUI arrest, Kip Smith picks up opposition
Less than a week after he was picked up for DUI by an Atlanta police officer, state Rep. Kip Smith, R-Columbus, has also racked up some primary opposition.
John Pezold of Columbus
Columbus businessman John Pezold is to announce his entry into the contest today. A spokesman for Pezold said the former staffer for U.S. Rep. Mac Collins had already planned the challenge this year, but that Smith’s troubles had caused them to move up the announcement.
Smith, driving a gold Jaguar XJ8, was stopped last week after leaving a Sandy Springs bar. He was elected in 2009, filling the seat occupied by his father Vance Smith, who left to become commissioner of the state Department of Transportation.
Kip Smith had no opposition in 2010.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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© 2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
56 comments Add your comment
td
January 18th, 2012
9:52 am
Good. Opposition is good and let the voters decide if they want someone accused of DUI to represent them any longer.
Centrist
January 18th, 2012
10:03 am
td posted “Opposition is good and let the voters decide if they want someone accused of DUI to represent them any longer.”
That’s legit. I don’t know the circumstances or any past history about him, but sure know there have been times I wouldn’t have wanted to be pulled over to see if I was close or even slightly over the legal limit as recorded by those things that are sometimes all over the place with their readings. (I’ve never been tested, but certainly leery – which is a good thing as it makes me think about taking another beverage after dinner or at a party).
Crap
January 18th, 2012
10:03 am
First, Rep. Smith is innocent until proven guilty. And second, he was .01 above the aburdly low legal limit of .08. If you think this DUI arrest won’t change his life, think again. Pezold can buy this seat and a driver. Or for that matter, a pilot to fly one of his many planes.
Another Voice
January 18th, 2012
10:08 am
Yeah this guy was one of those republicans that during the Immigration Debate was saying to immigrants ” what part of illegal don’t you understand”, well now that he is also a criminal since DUI is a crime in GA, how do you like them apples Mr. Kip, you should resign……….
Auntie Christ
January 18th, 2012
10:08 am
I guess Daddy will have to use his influence to get little kippy another place to suck from the government teat. And isn’t it ironic that kippy,the cosponsor of a bill requiring the unemployed to undergo drug testing to receive benefits, should be found to be a drug abuser and public menace. I think it is only fair that he not receive a salary for the 2012 legislative session, until he proves he is no longer a dead beat, drug abusing, no account slacker, drawing a check while laying about in a drug induced stupor, like all the unemployed do.
Look before I leap...
January 18th, 2012
10:11 am
I wonder Kip will claim his state per diem for the night he spent in jail?
Centrist
January 18th, 2012
10:16 am
Schadenfreude and hyperbole is a nasty mix.
Jim S.
January 18th, 2012
10:17 am
Some of the comments are a bit harsh under any standard. I agree that the young man is innocent until proven guilty. There are accuracy issues with these breath tests and, knowing this, Mr. Smith apparently requested a blood test. There appears to be more to this story as far as his level of impairment. While DUI is a serious offense, one should hold one’s horses until such time as the relevant issue of impairment is considered. On the political front, it looks like he was going to draw opposition either way, but he should focus on his family and his constituents during this time and try to avoid all the trappings of the Capitol lifestyle that have damaged the careers of so many young legislators throughout the years.
Jackie
January 18th, 2012
10:17 am
Kip has been accused of DUI. I don’t know what you mean by “found to be a drug abuser and a public menace”. I know it might serve your political interests to pile on but frankly, you lose credibiity with such nonsense.
I am glad he attracted opposition. I would certainly have a problem voting for a representative who had a DUI conviction on his record.
But, I would hardly discredit any position he ever took because he has a DUI. That kind of thinking is for stupid people and partisans. Sorry, that was redundant.
cartoon
January 18th, 2012
10:26 am
he wont face a day in prison or have any problem wriggling out of this dui charge. Our system is not just. It is a platform for corrupt conspiracy period.
fact, jack
ISAIDFACTJACK!!!
Georgia Bills | The Evil Eyebrow
January 18th, 2012
10:35 am
[...] South Carolina is just over the border, so the GOP primary is resonating here. One of our local congresscritters got picked up for a DUI last week and is now facing a challenge. Coincidence? Probably not. The Georgia Senate sill has a leadership problem and we’re staring [...]
Centrist
January 18th, 2012
10:36 am
cartoon posted “he wont face a day in prison”
Let’s look at this partisan hyperbole. Even if he gets convicted for DUI, prison is not a possibility unless there is another crime involved or he is a multiple repeat offender. Even jail time is extremely unlikely. Stiff fines, community service, probation, skyrocketed auto insurance rates, and DUI school are much more likely IF convicted. Professional repercussions and personal embarrassment have already been applied prior to a trial if it comes to that.
Danny O
January 18th, 2012
10:39 am
FYI, Hal’s is on Old Ivy Road, which is within the Atlanta city limits.
findog
January 18th, 2012
10:42 am
Opposition is good for the economy. Officials that run opposed do not buy as many signs, run as many commercials, kiss as many babies, or eat as much rubber chicken. If every official had to RUN to keep their seat we could get all that lobbyist money into the pockets of the middle class small businessman.
Centrist
January 18th, 2012
10:43 am
Changing the subject – wonder if any Republicans will support the Georgia Senate agenda of a temporary ban on HOT lanes, revamped ethics oversight for lawmakers, and creating an independent redistricting panel – all of which I’d support.
Their other item of online and same-day voter registration is D.O.A. since it is so open to fraud which Democrats gladly ignore.
findog
January 18th, 2012
10:45 am
The federal prosecutor should go after him for honest services if he is proven to have been impaired while actively serving his district.
findog
January 18th, 2012
10:45 am
unopposed
Centrist
January 18th, 2012
10:46 am
That agenda above is from the Democrats.
Danny O
January 18th, 2012
10:48 am
For clarification, the agenda items that Centrist mentions are those of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Danny O
January 18th, 2012
10:49 am
For clarification, I was apparently typing as Centrist was clicking “submit comment.”
td
January 18th, 2012
10:50 am
I think drug should be done prior to voting because anyone that would vote for Obama again has be taking drugs.
td
January 18th, 2012
10:51 am
td
January 18th, 2012
10:50 am
I think drug should be done prior to voting because anyone that would vote for Obama again has be taking drugs
Should read drug test should be done…
findog
January 18th, 2012
10:52 am
Centrist,
The HOT lane is pure pander. Sonny took the money for the camera’s and all that fiber optic cable run up I-85 based on Georgia following the restrictions required to get those federal funds. Just like the DUI limit being .08 instead of .1 is based on federal highway funding; same with farm pick up seat belts. If you take the money you have to play the tune. Does Georgia have any DOT funds available to repay the grant?
bart
January 18th, 2012
10:52 am
He probably should resign but won’t. Let the voters decide. However, he is a hypocrite. He is the sponsor or one of the sponsors of the bill to force welfare recipients to have drug tests. I actually support that but think since our legislators are also welfare recipients of a sort using our tax dollars for their salaries, they should also have to have random drug tests. I want to know if my legislators are using drugs or not.
findog
January 18th, 2012
10:54 am
td, they have drug tests that can be done in five minutes. Do we have the 20-50 buck a pop to ensure no inebriated citizens get into the voting booth? Why not go back to outlawing liquor sales until an hour after the polls close?
Dixiecrat
January 18th, 2012
10:55 am
This clown was “high assin’ ” it at Hals on some lobbyist’s dime…had to much to drink and tried to drive home. A classic case of “Country come to town.” FYI son…you may can get away with this down in Muscogee County, but it won’t fly up here in the big city. Get ready to pay a big lawyer bill, a big fine, a weekend in DUI school, have a bunch of community service, possibly a night in jail and also get ready for those insurance rates on that old Jaguar to triple for the next three years. Oh yeah, be a man and don’t expect your daddy to bail you out of this deal either.
Dixiecrat
January 18th, 2012
10:56 am
meant to type “too” much to drink.
Road Scholar
January 18th, 2012
10:57 am
Crap: He is innocent until proven otherwise, but the police officer took two readings…. 0.09 and 0.10. Having one reading so close to the limit, a second was taken.
Centrist:”Their other item of online and same-day voter registration is D.O.A. since it is so open to fraud which Democrats gladly ignore.”
Please provide proof. Besides it would be run by a state under Repub control.
Bartulle
January 18th, 2012
11:00 am
Had he been driving while high on pot, the libs and Ron Paul would be all forgiving.
Phil Lunney
January 18th, 2012
11:00 am
If Kip is smart, he will take this as a warning against his behavior that night. It can be a blessing in disguise, if he changes his habits. He should do some soul searching. It is funny how often those who are for “strict enforcement” or “zero tolerance” find out that they are just as human as those who they would deny benefits.
If we only hold ourselves to the high standards we expect of others, we would all be better off.
Centrist
January 18th, 2012
11:02 am
findog posted “based on Georgia following the restrictions required to get those federal funds. If you take the money you have to play the tune. Does Georgia have any DOT funds available to repay the grant?”
The HOT lanes have been publicly proven to be a huge mistake, and one day will be corrected. The federal restrictions can be dropped or amended in the name of sanity by either this administration or another. Maybe a conversion to reversible lanes can be done if reverting back to HOV is going to be a political mess.
Independent voter
January 18th, 2012
11:07 am
Another drunk republican, I wonder did he use his GOV credit card to buy alchol or to get out of jail.
Centrist
January 18th, 2012
11:10 am
Road Scholar requests proof that same day voter registration and voting is open to fraud. This issue has been hotly debated and is only done in blue states where most of voter fraud has been exposed which is proof in itself. I’ll let the Georgia Senate provide proof if they even give this DOA issue any vetting at all, but here is something to ponder:
http://emergingcorruption.com/2010/10/the-problem-with-same-day-voter-registration/
td
January 18th, 2012
11:11 am
findog
January 18th, 2012
10:54 am
Sounds good to me and since we have a 6 week early voting period in Georgia then no alcohol sale for 6 weeks. I am sure the voters would quickly put back the 1 day voting for elections.
findog
January 18th, 2012
11:15 am
Centrist, Sonny signed on to the grant like every other state. They will never give Georgia a waiver because then every other community that took the funds will want the same waiver and completely undo the system.
You site sanity but it was a no new taxes mantra that lead former democrat Perdue to sign on for this federal program that has improved congestion in other cities. I wish there was a sanity clause but I’m sorry Virginia it’s all a hoax perpetuated by Coca Cola and Macy’s to get your parents to spend big at Christmas.
td
January 18th, 2012
11:19 am
Road Scholar
January 18th, 2012
10:57 am
Sometimes common sense is the best source of information. Same day registration and voting and voter id laws are just good common sense measures to insure that there is not fraud in the voting process.
findog
January 18th, 2012
11:20 am
td,
Intoximeter’s or no sales until 6pm M-F during for early voting; closed sales on Election Day.
We can be reasonable can’t we?
findog
January 18th, 2012
11:27 am
Sarah Palin has stated that she would illegally vote for Newt if she were in South Carolina. Yet another example of a republican politician setting separate standards for themselves…
Centrist
January 18th, 2012
11:31 am
Good grief – how many bars are full of voters on election day voting hours? Drinkers during the day usually do it at home, and have their liquor cabinet stocked without having to go out an buy it. Better they stay at home and drink than go to the polls, anyway. This is a silly argument – especially since it is not going to lead to any changes in the law.
R U Kidding Me?
January 18th, 2012
11:48 am
Kip Smith is a fine young man who made a stupid mistake. The same mistake probably every single one of these Holier-Than-Thou Kip bashers have made, and just didn’t get caught. He will take responsibility for this actions and pay a heavy price. But all of this slanderous hogwash is uncalled for.
GTPHISH
January 18th, 2012
12:01 pm
Same guy who sponsored bill requiring drug tests for jobless benefits….Hope you got served a karma sandwhich w/ your OJ at the city jail.
Going Right
January 18th, 2012
12:04 pm
It’s always a pleasure to get onto Gullible-way’s blogs and see the sheer joy, jumping up and down, sucking thumbs, shouting, hollering, ad nauseum, every time a hapless Republican happens to cross a line and make a mistake (albeit a serious one in thsi case). Gullible-way and his columns can’t wait ot get the information out to the public bacause that’s the way his “newspaper” (term used loosely) likes to keep the equally gullible public informed in a fair and balanced way.
All the putrid slime that comes out of the mouths and onto print in his blogs just proves that we are indeed a nation divided. To you socialist-libs: Thank your Savior for that.
td
January 18th, 2012
12:10 pm
R U Kidding Me?
January 18th, 2012
11:48 am
I can tell you I am 100% sure that I have never gotten behind the wheel of a car intoxicated (since I do not drink).
As far as Kip is concerned, at this time he is innocent of any crime until proven guilty but if he is proven guilty he should be removed from office. I think this guy running against him is a good idea because the voters should have the choice to determine if there should be any consequences for his actions.
Diamond Dave
January 18th, 2012
12:10 pm
I won’t say that his DUI wasn’t the worst sin he committed, but I’m also bothered by his repeated lying to the officer once pulled over. When you run for office or are elected, you put yourself up for public scrutiny. There are perks to the job but no doubt, it can also be pain if you catch your britches on the hitching post like Kip. For his sake, I hope he learns from it and turns into an outstanding public servant. But judging from history, that’s a long shot. And for all this talk about an “absurdly” low DUI level, my brother was killed in a drunk driving accident, when he was not drinking but the other driver was. Suffice it to say I may have a different perspective about moving that level up.
No Longer Republican
January 18th, 2012
12:13 pm
This article had absolutely nothing to do with anything other than a state rep being arrested, but somehow TD found a way to continue to post stupid stuff. There are more than 33 Million Americans in this country who are of legal voting age and other requirements who do not have the paperwork some Republican controlled states are now requiring to vote. Who knows why…everybody has a different life and a different reason, but they are still American citizens who should be allowed to vote. Frankly TD I would rather a drunk vote than you because you are so flippin brain-washed you can’t think for yourself. Did you know you are more like to get struck by lightning than you are to have voter fraud?
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/12/02/381172/reince-priebus-voter-fraud/?mobile=nc
GTPHISH
January 18th, 2012
12:42 pm
I expect Kip will now subject himself to drug/alcohol testing before receiving any other state benefits/compensation.
Georgia, The "New Mississippi"
January 18th, 2012
12:44 pm
Too much regulation………. The GOP will introduce a bill to increase the legal limit for DUI.
Ol' Timer
January 18th, 2012
12:45 pm
I feel bad about feeling good that this ol’ boy who’s so obsessed with drug-testing welfare and unemployment beneficiaries got his butt in a crack with a DUI. Karma is a beach!
Carol
January 18th, 2012
12:46 pm
My guess is we’ll be hearing very little from old Kip during the remainder of the session. I’ve been ticked off about HB 464 since I heard about it. Exactly what evidence does anyone have that shows a correlation between people on welfare and the use of drugs? I’ve heard of people who could use assistance and are too proud to do so. So you think having them submit to drug testing is going to help their situation?
honested
January 18th, 2012
12:54 pm
Ol’ Timer
Just think, this might bring an end to the shibboleth worship under the gold dome and force them to get down to the People’s Business!