An ‘Atlanta Dream’ candidate for U.S. Senate?
I was talking this morning to one of the more seasoned Republican operatives in Georgia, who told me of an effort to bring some new names into the 2014 race for Senate and the congressional contests that could open up as a result.
Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler is vice president of investor relations and corporate communications at Intercontinental Exchange. Vino Wong/vwong@ajc.com
The profile under emphasis: Young, wealthy, business-oriented, conservative but not hide-bound, and an outsider to both Georgia and Washington politics.
Which brings us to the two owners of the Atlanta Dream, the WNBA team. Mary Brock fits four of the five categories – philanthropically, she and her husband have heaped cash upon Georgia Tech and Emory University.
But it is the younger Kelly Loeffler that rings bells. She serves as the spokeswoman for IntercontinentalExchange, which just purchased the New York Stock Exchange. She’s got an MBA from DePaul University.
More to the point, last fall Loeffler gave $750,000 to Restore Our Future, the Super PAC that went to bat for Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney. She also gave $10,000 to the Georgia GOP last fall.
That’s a woman who’s laying down some chits.
Another name that fits the above profile is that of state revenue commissioner Doug MacGinnitie. Look for him to jump into the 6th District congressional contest if U.S. Rep. Tom Price of Roswell sallies forth into the GOP race for Senate.
One more thing: Saxby Chambliss’ announcement last week that he would not seek re-election in 2014 hit at exactly the wrong time for U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Savannah, who was overseas on a congressional trip. But clearly he’s interested in making the jump to the upper chamber, and is trying to hold his supporters together. He sent this email this morning:
Dear Supporter,
As you know by now, Saxby Chambliss has announced that he does not intend to seek a third term in the U.S. Senate. I have spent a great deal of time in the days since praying and discussing this opportunity with my family.
As one of my strongest supporters, I want the opportunity to discuss this with you as well. Unfortunately I am out of the country and, between the time difference and spotty cell phone coverage, I am not able call everyone I would like. That’s why I am sending you this email.
I am very interested in this opportunity to expand my service to our great state. As we prepare, I would appreciate your continued support, prayers, and the benefit of your thoughts. I will host a conference call shortly after I return. In the meantime, I hope you’ll share your thoughts with me by replying to this email.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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74 comments Add your comment
Road Scholar
January 30th, 2013
12:34 pm
Interesting! Not so with Westmoreland.
Aesop's Fables and other Lib Economic Theories
January 30th, 2013
12:39 pm
She looks a lot better than Saxby does, that’s for damn sure.
J Throckmorton Malcontent
January 30th, 2013
12:40 pm
So the gay women who bought Dream tickets were helping to fund Restore Our Future and the Georgia GOP? It’s a small world after all, it’s a small, small world…
Tech Man
January 30th, 2013
12:50 pm
Good for them. I wish them the best.
Shine
January 30th, 2013
12:51 pm
Anybody stupid enough to give money to get romney elected is a minus.
Tech Man
January 30th, 2013
12:52 pm
J Throckmorton Malcontent
January 30th, 2013
12:40 pm
The Atlanta Dream loses money. It is money loser therefore gay women are not funding ownership’s personal private gifts. We are thankful for current ownership keeping the Atlanta Dream alive.
GT Alum
January 30th, 2013
12:56 pm
J Throckmorton Malcontent -
Not really a surprise. Most wealthy people are conservatives.
Angel Macaroni
January 30th, 2013
12:58 pm
A Willard-lover. Disqualified right there.
J Throckmorton Malcontent
January 30th, 2013
1:02 pm
Tech & GT, your points are well taken. I just enjoy a little irony with my lunch.
Ms.Loeffler is an interesting recruit for the GOP, one that shows they may be, in fact, capable of learning. She may not be able to politicallly dunk yet, but I’m sure her fundamentals are sound. At first glance, she has the potential for a lot more crossover appeal than say, Karen Handel. Or she may be Mittie Romneyette. I reckon we’ll find out.
derok
January 30th, 2013
1:03 pm
she has the perfect hair type
JJ
January 30th, 2013
1:11 pm
yes GT Alum because most Demo’s are on obama’s pay roll–47% food stamps and unemployment checks. All Demo’s in Congress have millions..plus free better Insurance but not Obamacare. plus gun laws don’t apply to them. Its all BS.
The Professor
January 30th, 2013
1:12 pm
MacGinnitie rich!? I knew Thurston Howell III and he is no Thurston Howell III. He’s a nice enough kid. More interesting speculation is whether Brian Kemp is interested if Broun jumps in.
Abe Froman
January 30th, 2013
1:22 pm
I’m ready for some youth in the Senate. Look at the ding-dongs that are Senators now – old white, weathy dudes – both Republican and Democrat. It’s time for a new crop of politicians that are up there to make positive changes for America – not just to advance themselves.
Vinny D
January 30th, 2013
1:24 pm
Look for a “liberty” candidate to do pretty well. I get the feeling there will be a lot of horses in this race and the libertarian leaning (principal before politics) crowd may be large enough soon to get their nominee.
Vinny D
January 30th, 2013
1:25 pm
wrong principle…
SARA
January 30th, 2013
1:29 pm
I think in about 1 year, you will wish Mitt Romney was the President. Once all the illegals are free to roam and take jobs that are still here, once your taxes go sky high to pay for all the new health care taxes, once the Chinese come over and push you around, once you start paying 8.00 for a gallon of gas. Just wait, just saying. 155 billion borrowed from China, sending to Syria and spitting on Sandy victims. Oh and just think, when millions of illegals join the welfare programs you welfare checks will be cut in half. Have to be fair you know.
Brasstown
January 30th, 2013
1:30 pm
Married incredibly rich guy. Moved to ATL in 2004. Purchased a $750,000 stake in the GOP.
Yes, really has her hand on the pulse of average Georgians.
Marlboro Man
January 30th, 2013
1:38 pm
Sara, the optimist faux American, totally happy in life. Why don’t you run, hon ?
RLM
January 30th, 2013
1:39 pm
Other than money and youth I see no qualifications. What pr flack got you to write this?
Kindergarten Math
January 30th, 2013
1:45 pm
Still think that Ken Hodges, on the Democratic side, would be formidable. He was the highest Democratic vote recipient 2 years ago in a state-wide election. Lives in Atlanta but has both metro and rural support.
Kris
January 30th, 2013
1:51 pm
Brasstown “””Married incredibly rich guy. Moved to ATL in 2004. Purchased a $750,000 stake in the GOP. “””
I suppose the same could be said of her, like our Governor shady deal, not known as a clever or successful businessman.
Good riddance Crooked deal 2014
Rumor has it that in and around the gold dome (of crooks), some of the Ladies of the evening are complaining politicians are trying to pay them with Birth control pills and welfare checks.,. That’s cash only! You Idiot GOP war on women mongers.
John Barge for Governor or Senator 2014?
Cherokee
January 30th, 2013
1:53 pm
JJ you’re clueless.
And Aesop, finally found something I agree with you on…..
jconservative
January 30th, 2013
1:57 pm
SARA at 1:29 pm
I trust you realize that if all that happens it was because it was passed by a majority of the US House and by a 60 vote majority in the US Senate.
That is why we need to replace all 535 members of Congress.
earl
January 30th, 2013
1:58 pm
Brasstown, you stole my thunder. Best (and maybe only) thing she ever did was marry a billionaire (who owns the company she works for)…I guess in the GOP world, that qualifies her as a legit candidate.
JB
January 30th, 2013
2:00 pm
Always interesting to read the AJC blogs, and anything reported about a straight, successful, law obeying conservative gets trashed by the left wing loons who troll here…..JUST because the person being discussed has a different opinion about life than them. They are really small minded people, and there is a den of them spewing hate on the Bookman blog daily.
jwc
January 30th, 2013
2:10 pm
Rich people with agenda who favored Romney ….perfect. That certainly represents the interests of the people. Has the Senate become to these people just another trophy to buy and place over the piano?
3rd-I
January 30th, 2013
2:11 pm
Put all the lipstick on the pig you want….
Jim Jowers
January 30th, 2013
2:17 pm
She seems to be a bright and competent businesswoman, other than the fact she chose to invest in women’s basketball.
Retired Soldier
January 30th, 2013
2:18 pm
Earl-
You want to talk qualifications? The line starts behind Al Franken.
Kris
January 30th, 2013
2:20 pm
earl “”marry a billionaire (who owns the company she works for)…I guess in the GOP world, that qualifies her as a legit candidate.”"”"
In the seeing eye dog of our Governor (loosely used term) shady deal she could work at PBS or run the lottery corruption, or head mistress and the new charter ripoffs…just sayin…
Dealer out 2014..
@ 3rd-l…lipstick for her, GOP, or the pork?
Jim Jowers
January 30th, 2013
2:21 pm
“Has the Senate become to these people just another trophy to buy and place over the piano?”
Much easier to name Democrat millionaires who went out and bought a Senate seat: Kennedy, Rockefeller and Corizine immediately come to mind.
Retired Soldier
January 30th, 2013
2:22 pm
jwc-
Let’s not forget about Rockefeller, Kerry, Fienstien, et al. I do believe the Dems have their fair share of rich.
Kevin
January 30th, 2013
2:23 pm
JB- What you state is an impossibility! Everyone knows that the Left is filled with open-minded individuals who value the diversity of opinions . . .
Synonymous
January 30th, 2013
2:30 pm
Go for it. She’ll get hammered down like Karen Handel was…
Synonymous
January 30th, 2013
2:34 pm
In line with Retired Soldier: yeah, the Democrats lose all credibility in an argument over ‘qualifications’ for office purely for the example of Al Franken, who made his fortune in COMEDY. Reagan was an actor, and the left vilified him for that his entire political career. But when the actor in office is a Democrat, well then they’re eminently qualified.
Bluntly, to a Democrat, just being a Democrat is qualification enough to hold office.
roger d johnson
January 30th, 2013
2:46 pm
yes!! we need her and it sounds like SHE HAS SOME REAL GOOD QUALIFICATIONS BESIDES BEING QUITE PRETTY!!!
Jane
January 30th, 2013
2:48 pm
Alec Johnson is the Ron Paul/Liberty Candidate thinking about running for the senate. He is young educated and not so conservative that he could not reach across the table to get Democrat votes.
blissling
January 30th, 2013
2:51 pm
Jim Martin, Nan Orrock, John Lewis, Kasim Reed, Sanford Bishop, Jason Carter
Calhoun
January 30th, 2013
2:52 pm
Just testing the waters. Wonder if Broom Handel will offer up her sterling qualifications again to get back home to DC.
3rd-I
January 30th, 2013
3:05 pm
I refer to the GOP @Kris
I wondered if someone would detect that nuance.
Until the ideology becomes more reasoned and (substantively) inclusive…
kgray
January 30th, 2013
3:05 pm
JJ, your ignorance is showing today. I voted for Obama and I have never received public assistance. My husband and I are both collge graduates and we both have our master’s as well and we still didn’t vote for Romney and we live comfortable. Take that idiotic statement and shove it and that’s the main reason Romney wasn’t elected. He had foot and mouth diease and always got caught make stupid statements.
Triple Nickel
January 30th, 2013
3:05 pm
I have been waiting for something to agree with Aesop for while now but his 12:39 comment is on point.
“She looks a lot better than Saxby does, that’s for damn sure.”
Don't Tread
January 30th, 2013
3:08 pm
“Saxby Chambliss’ announcement last week that he would not seek re-election in 2014 hit at exactly the wrong time for U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Savannah, who was oversees on a congressional trip.”
How far “oversees” was he? Did he not “see”this coming? (How did you get on the inside “supporter” list, anyway?) Inquiring minds would like to know.
Rankin Smith
January 30th, 2013
3:12 pm
How about…….BOB BARR!!!!!!!
Retired Soldier
January 30th, 2013
3:14 pm
kgray-
I’m sure equally stupid comments from the left also bother you? Take Earl for instance or jwc. Both sides say stupid things, such has 57 states?
fed up
January 30th, 2013
3:22 pm
HERMAN CAIN HERMAN CAIN HERMAN CAIN HERMAN CAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Matt321
January 30th, 2013
3:43 pm
Just for the record, Al Franken was elected to the Senate in 2009. Prior to that, he was 1) one of the original SNL writers and performers, where he received 7 Emmy nominations and 3 awards for his writing and producing; did 7 USO tours to entertain American soldiers abroad; wrote 4 NY Times Best Selling Books; hosted a daily radio show; started a PAC that raised over a million dollars; and then, of course, won a US Senate campaign. He’s a very accomplished individual, whether you agree with him or not.
Retired Soldier
January 30th, 2013
3:48 pm
Matt-
Where are his qualifications to serve in the senate? Did he run a business, graduate from college, serve in the military, etc. You franken look silly trying to defend Franken’s qualifications.
The correct answer would be he is 30 or older, a resident of the state and a U.S. citizen. all that is required by the Constitution.
Nutmeg
January 30th, 2013
3:49 pm
I’ll say this for her: I haven’t heard anywhere that she’s dissed any U.S. veterans, so she’s already one up on Chambliss.
Nutmeg
January 30th, 2013
3:51 pm
RS, Al Franken is at least as qualified as Paul Ryan. What’s that kid ever done besides write speeches and whine about money?
Posted by Order of H. E. the Margrave of Azilia
January 30th, 2013
3:53 pm
I like the way this is shaping up. This could be as entertaining as the Republican presidential primary this time last year.
Nutmeg
January 30th, 2013
3:54 pm
Okay, okay, one more thing about Al Franken…
Franken attended Harvard College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts cum laude degree in polysci in 1973.
(Ryan is a graduate of Miami University, I think?)
Brasstown
January 30th, 2013
3:55 pm
Loeffler, Cain and maybe Jim Tom to round out the field.
graphite
January 30th, 2013
4:00 pm
I like her for she has balls.
Still Trying to Figure Out the Job Description
January 30th, 2013
4:01 pm
“Vice president of investor relations and corporate communications”
So….she takes clients out to lunch or dinner, attends “business mixers”, and answers emails?
Apparently that, plus being married to a billionaire, means that she is totally qualified to run for the Senate.
What a joke.
Doug
January 30th, 2013
4:06 pm
This is going to be fun. As a Democrat I’m going to encourage and maybe even give money to the craziest one of them, which looks like Paul Broun although there are so many crazy choices.
Retired Soldier
January 30th, 2013
4:07 pm
Nutmeg-
Ryan wprked in a congressional office. Whine about money? Now you know why we are 16 trillion in debt.
Doug
January 30th, 2013
4:08 pm
@Synonymous – Reagan’s most memorable movie was “Bedtime for Bonzo”. He played opposite a chimpanzee and you don’t call him a comedian?
Rhett Butler
January 30th, 2013
4:15 pm
Franky, my dear, I don’t give a damn.
Retired Soldier
January 30th, 2013
4:15 pm
Al Franken is the Paul Broun of the senate. Had a great radio show didn’t he.
Another Voice
January 30th, 2013
4:37 pm
re Still Trying to Figure Out the Job Description: VP Investor Relations has much more to do with ensuring that the company communicates effectively with Wall Street analysts and investors, as well as complying with SEC regulations and financial disclosure. Corporate Communications is, in many companies, responsible for all external-facing communications, such as website and marketing collateral. You make her sound like a lightweight, when you have no idea what her role entails.
For the record, I do not know Ms. Loeffler.
But, “Still Trying,” you’re the one who comes off as a joke.
markie mark
January 30th, 2013
4:37 pm
@earl…”Brasstown, you stole my thunder. Best (and maybe only) thing she ever did was marry a billionaire (who owns the company she works for)…I guess in the GOP world, that qualifies her as a legit candidate.’
did you apply that same logic to Hillary Clinton, our co-president, about 15 or so years ago?
Abe Froman
January 30th, 2013
4:43 pm
If being an attractive female and marrying a rich, successful guy is a crime, then there are a lot of criminals out there. When my daughter becomes marrying age, I’ll tell her to look for the guys with the great jobs and good education, not the idiots, drug users, or losers.
Having said that, she probably isn’t qualified to run for Senate, but based on what happens in DC these days, what qualifications do you have to have to work in that cesspool?
Wilbur
January 30th, 2013
4:45 pm
Never heard any Thurston Howell jokes from the Democrats when King Roy ran for office.
rebelga007
January 30th, 2013
4:57 pm
the founding fathers are probably looking down and thinking “what happened to our experiment in democracy”?
Will Jones - Atlanta Jeffersonian Exegesis
January 30th, 2013
5:06 pm
Earl pegged it, and Governor Deal is doing a fine job.
Georgia’s and America’s focus must now be on impeaching, convicting and removing from office the president, complicit in the transparently obvious Sandy Hook predicate to disarm the People on behalf of the satanic Rockefeller/Rothschild/Fed/UN fascist plutocracy. Viz. “an armed tactical police officer from a neighboring jurisdiction was taken into police custody and released” after being caught fleeing the scene of the “mass shooting” by police. His obvious partner, filmed aerially, was allowed to escape.
Col. Hunt confessed to the Nixon/GHW Bush CIA assassination of JFK, not that it was necessary after the ‘Hunt v. Marchetti’ jury’s judgement, and Bush and Cheney did 9/11 using the same CIA, and Mossad.
Truth is from the Creator, America’s only Sovereign.
Lies, treason, and taboo in service to perverts is of Satan.
America is Zion, G-d’s Country, and most of all, Georgia is, and Atlanta is the prophesied New Jerusalem.
That our posterity not be lost and Our Nation become accursed: Evil must be abolished.
Only Satan’s spawn disagree.
honested
January 30th, 2013
5:31 pm
Will jones whatever,
I disagree because, let’s face it, what you posted is nuts and I would have to be nuts to agree.
And to reeeetired, Senator Franken’s radio show was intelligent and informative. The guests were always deeply versed in policy development (as was the host). I do realize it was quite different than tuning in every day to make sure you are on the right talking point and you don’t ever need to think for yourself.
Buckhead Boy
January 30th, 2013
5:38 pm
What a Republican operative may hope and what can slither out of a Republican primary are two very different things.
Away With The Far Right Idiots
January 30th, 2013
5:49 pm
Anyone but Broun, Price or any of the other folks in DC now…they are idiots.
JSS
January 30th, 2013
5:54 pm
She’s no Kathy Betty!!!
Jim Galloway, Still no opinion on Leah Ward-Sears?
RCB
January 30th, 2013
11:55 pm
Too many of you seem to be just plain ole jealous of anyone who has more money than you. You’re so hateful!
Political Roundup for January 31, 2013…Red Racing Horses | Politicaldog101.Com
January 31st, 2013
9:11 am
[...] GA-Sen: Some unorthodox R candidates are floated, including Atlanta Dream co-owner Kelly Loeffler. [...]
Still Trying to Figure Out the Job Description
January 31st, 2013
10:54 am
“Another”, you just described what the people under her are doing. I’m sure they work very hard and do an excellent job of keeping the company running.
Her job is to have pretty hair and be married to the boss.
rukidding
January 31st, 2013
2:31 pm
Loeffler out
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/news/2013/01/31/kelly-loeffler-of-ice-has-little.html