Blogging for Max

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Bloggers for Burns, an independent grassroots organization supporting Republican Max Burns in Georgia’s hotly contested 12th U.S. Congressional District race, today released a “welcome” letter to incumbent Democrat John Barrow, Burns’ opponent.  Barrow was forced to move to Savannah this month following the removal of his home base of Athens from the district.

Written as a sarcastic jab at Barrow’s controversially late move to Savannah, the letter was delivered to an “open house” Monday, held by Barrow at 143 Houston Street, Savannah.  The letter, which was published on the group’s website, BloggingforMax.com, was part of a “gift basket” which included regional items like Vidalia Onions, Braswell’s Steak Sauce, boiled peanuts and a Claxton fruitcake.

BloggingforMax.com contributor and co-founder Adam Fogle says the letter and basket were “aimed at augmenting the humor of Barrow’s sluggish emergence into the district and this year’s race.

“John Barrow is an Athens man, and as such should not be running in this district,” said Fogle.  “Democrats gerrymandered Clarke County into the 12th so that a Democrat would have a chance at winning, and now he’s paying for the consequences.”

And the letter made sure to remind Barrow of those consequences.  “It is an unusual state of affairs… that affords us this opulent occasion to welcome you, via your extravagant Savannah open house,” the letter mockingly opened.  “We, your charitable constituency, have anticipated this blissful moment for nearly 19 months now and rejoice with you that your Election Day advent is at last upon us.

“Your decision to leave the Athens-Clarke Hot Stove League and garnish the people of the 12th with a sliver of Congressional representation could not come at a better time.”

This year’s race between Burns and Barrow is a rematch of the 2004 election, when an unknown Barrow upset then-incumbent Burns.  Because of the re-drawn district and the history between Burns and Barrow, many consider the race to be one of the top U.S. Congressional races to watch this election cycle.

Bloggers for Burns say that the site, and humorous actions like this, will “help remind voters of the seriousness of what is at steak this November.”

The letter’s final line says, “Per populus ex derideo,” which roughly translates to “from the people with mockery,” something Fogle believes was a very fitting closure to what will surely be just the start of a new firestorm.  For more information on Bloggers for Burns, go to http://www.bloggingformax.com.  For an original copy of the letter, go to http://www.bloggingformax.com/archives/54.