Blogging for Max

1:50 a.m. - Well, we’re going to bed for the night. As of right now, Barrow has a 3,146 vote lead on Burns with 95% of precincts reported, but it is FAR FROM OVER. To the best of our knowledge, it will be days, weeks or possibly longer before this race is decided. There’s a huge mess with nine precincts in Effingham County and a few precincts across the district are still unaccounted for. There is also a good chance that there will be a recount. What happens next? We have no idea. But Blogging for Max will continue to bring you every possible bit of information we can until this thing is finally decided.

12:19 a.m. - They’re closing up shop for the night and we’re packing it up. It’s too close to call and we won’t know about Effingham until the morning. It looks like we’re going into extra innings and we’ll have complete coverage as soon as we know what’s going on.

12:16 a.m. - Some more numbers are showing on the SoS site from Richmond County. They’re showing 93% of precincts reporting with Burns down to 48.65% and Barrow up to 51.35%. If true, Burns is now down 3,552 votes. But there’s so much confusion and legal technicalities that we can’t confirm that. As of now we’re hearing Burns is trailing between 800 and 3500 votes. There’s still one precinct from Richmond County showns as outstanding, a few others from a handful of counties, and the mess in Effingham County. We’ve heard that the votes have been sealed and lawyers from all sides are meeting with law enforcement officials in Effingham to work on the situation.

12:04 a.m. - We’re holding tight at the Victory Celebration, still unsure of what’s going on in Effingham County. It’s looking like we probably won’t know anything tonight. On a side note, we want to wish a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Max Burns! We were hoping to get him a birthday present in the form of a win, and we still probably will, but it possibly will not come until tomorrow. We’ll let you know about the Effingham situation as soon as we have more.

11:24 p.m. - Right now there’s a confirmed report that the ballots in Effingham County have been “sealed” due to a malfunction with the vote-counting machines. Lawyers from Savannah are en route to work on the problem, but it may a be a while before we have anything from Effingham. Stay tuned.

11:19 p.m. - We’re hearing that Effingham County is having computer problems and that Burns is now unofficially withing 977 votes of Barrow.

11:11 p.m. - Burns just addressed supporters gathered here in Statesboro. He told the crowd that the numbers are inside of a point and come down to nine precincts in Effingham County. This is going to be a nail-biter to the bitter end.

11:04 p.m. - UPDATE: 92% of precincts are in: Barrow holds 50.5% of the vote to Burns’ 49.5%. Barrow holds a very slim 1,277 vote lead. This thing really comes down to Effingham and a recount is looking like a possibility.

10:59 p.m. - All of Screven County is now in: Burns won 2319-1579. That bumps Burns’ total percentage to 48.78%. Barrow is now at 51.22%.

10:54 p.m. - The numbers have hit a lull. We have 86% reporting, with Barrow at 56,342 votes (51.25%) and Burns at 53,598 votes (48.75%). We’re still waiting on precincts in Toombs, Effingham, Bulloch, Richmond, Screven and a few others.

10:35 p.m. - All of Chatham and most of Richmond are in: Barrow has won 64% and 65% respectively. Richmond has 36 of 44 precincts reporting and Chatham shows all 73.

10:24 p.m. - The official results are holding steady at 74% reporting: Barrow is up 51.15% to 48.85% for Burns.

10:19 p.m. - With 67 out of 73 precincts in from Chatham County: Barrow leads the county total 16,228 to 9,071.

10:09 p.m. - New totals. With 70% of precincts official reporting: Burns 49.1 %, Barrow 50.9%.

10:02 p.m. - All of Screven, Treutlen and Montgomery are in: 2319-1579 Burns, 753-715 Burns and 1247-802 Burns respectively.

9:56 p.m. - With eight of 14 precincts from Burns’ home base of Screven County in: Burns 877 votes, Barrow 605 votes.

9:49 p.m. - The SoS site has 60% of precincts reporting and Burns holds an 86 vote lead (50.05%) out of a total of 66,718 votes.

9:47 p.m. - Our source is telling us that, with 59% of precincts reporting, Burns has 52.1% to Barrow’s 47.9 %.

9:41 p.m. - The new numbers include crushing wins for Burns in Jenkins and Glascock Counties, carrying 60.23% and 58.13% respectively.

9:34 p.m. - We have just heard that, with 56% of the vote reported, Burns has 53% to Barrow’s 47%.

9:30 p.m. - More from Richmond County: Barrow has 55.57% of the vote with 28 of 75 precincts reporting. Burns has 3419 votes (44.25%).

9:27 p.m. - The official Augusta Elections site is reporting that, with 28 of 75 precincts reporting in Richmond County, the votes there are: 4294 Barrow, 3419 Burns.

9:24 p.m. - We’re hearing that with 49% reporting, Burns has won 52.47% of the vote to Barrow’s 47.53%.

9:22 p.m. - With all 17 precincts from Burke County reporting, Burns has won by exactly 100 votes. A total of 2188 voted.

9:13 p.m. - We’re hearing that, with 45% of precincts reporting, Burns is at 53%, Barrow at 47%.

9:07 p.m. - Four more precincts from Bulloch County: Burns 3074, Barrow 1604. With 35% reporting, Burns is at 51.52% and Barrow is at 48.48%.

9:03 p.m. - With six more precincts from Chatham County: Burns has 1877 votes to Barrow’s 3237. New totals: 25694 votes (29%), Burns 12,952 (50.41%), Barrow 12,742 (49.59).

8:59 p.m. - Seven of seven from Jenkins County, Burns 1141 votes, Barrow 822 votes. In Baldwin County, nine of 15 precincts are in and Burns took 918 votes to Barrow’s 1434. More from Warren County, with seven of eight in, 768-669 Barrow.

8:52 p.m. - More from Chatham County: with 18 of 73 precincts reporting, Burns has 1606 votes, Barrow has 2339 votes. From Evans County: four of 12 in, 616-342 Burns. Totals: 26% of precincts reporting, Burns 52.45%, Barrow 47.55%.

8:44 p.m. - More numbers:.Washington County, four of 10 reporting: Burns 675, Barrow 622. With reports from five of nine precincts from Johnson County, 557-316 Burns. With six of eight precincts in Warren reporting: Burns 425, Barrow 382. New totals: 78 of 349 precincts in, 54.57 % Burns, 45.43% Barrow.

8:38 p.m. - BIG ONE for Burns. With four of 18 precincts in from Bulloch County: Burns 2016 votes, Barrow 948 votes. New totals: 18% of precincts in, Burns 54.3%, Barrow 45.7%.

8:32 p.m. - New numbers from Glascock County: with five of six precincts in, Burns 324, Barrow 85. From Chatham, with seven of 73 precincts reporting, Burns 345, Barrow 320. New totals: with 6320 votes and 49 of 349 precincts reporting, Burns has 52.02% of the vote, Barrow is at 48.98%

8:24 p.m. - New reports. From Burke County: 17 out of 17 precincts reporting, Burns 414 votes, Barrow 335 votes. With three of eight precincts from Treutlen: Burns 153 votes, Barrow 90 votes. With three of four precincts from Taliaferro: Burns 169 votes, Barrow 311 votes. Totals: 5210 votes - Burns 50.12%, Barrow 49.88%.

8:16 p.m. - An update from Jenkins County: with five of seven precincts reporting, Burns 711 votes, Barrow 597 votes. From Baldwin County: with 5 of 15 precincts reporting, Burns 297, Barrow 694. The new totals are 3738 votes, Burns 50.16%, Barrow 49.84%.

8:11 p.m. - Report from a precinct Johnson County: Burns 167 votes, Barrow 94 votes.

8:03 p.m. - Two new counties with precincts reporting: Jenkins County is dead even with 380 votes a piece for Burns and Barrow; in Candler County, Burns picked up 509 votes while Barrow grabbed 272. Totals: 2219 votes, Burns 1247 (56.2%), Barrow 972 (43.8%).

7:57 p.m. - Precinct report from Glascock County. Out of 54 total votes, 39 for Burns, 15 for Barrow.

7:50 p.m. - We’ve got reports from precincts in Oconee and Riddleville. Votes: in Riddleville, Burns 146, Barrow 105; in Oconee, Burns 93, Barrow 130.

7:42 p.m. - The first numbers for the 12th are showing up on the SoS site. It still shows 0% reporting and only 624 votes from Washington County, Max Burns is up 51.1% to 48.9%.

7:38 p.m. - People are beginning to file in here at Victory HQ. Cash bar and refreshments. Entry is free, so if you’re in the Statesboro area and support Max Burns, swing on by. We’re starting to see numbers on the Secretary of State site, but it’s still WAY TOO EARLY and there’s nothing on the 12th. On a side note, the campaign staff is in good spirits and the mood here is tense but upbeat.

7:15 p.m. - We are at the Max Burns “Victory Celebration 2006” in Statesboro and are ready to LIVE-BLOG. Blogging for Max will have ALL of the news and information from the 12th District race between former Congressman Max Burns (R) and Rep. John Barrow (D) as it happens, in REAL-TIME. The polls have JUST closed, the event is about to kick-off, and we’re ready to bring you LIVE information as we get it. We are your only source for UP-TO-THE-MINUTE coverage of the FINALE to this heated race - so keep your browser REFRESHED and stay logged-on to www.bloggingformax.com through the night until a winner is called. We will be here till the end, bringing you live election results, interviews, quotes, photos and other news/thoughts/observations. Spend your Election Night 2006 with Blogging for Max!

Don’t forget that Jack Kingston and Charlie Norwood will join Max in a fly-around tomorrow through the new 12th District. Rallies will be held at stops in Savannah, Statesboro, Milledgeville and Augusta. Well-wishers are encouraged to attend and show their support for Max. Election Day is Tuesday and this is a very tight race. See the complete schedule for times and details.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th District, and wife Lora will team up to campaign across Georgia’s new 12th District for Election Day 2006.  Burns and his wife have been campaigning since June of last year and will work polls across the district this coming Tuesday.

Mr. Burns will begin rallying supporters at Milledgeville-area precincts early Tuesday morning, while Mrs. Burns does the same in Sylvania.  Mr. Burns will continue with similar stops and Sandersville, Augusta, Waynesboro, Sylvania, Springfield, Rincon and communities in Chatham County, while Mrs. Burns will work communities in Statesboro, Millen, Swainsboro, Vidalia, Glennville, Reidsville, Claxton and Metter.  The couple will meet to watch election results with the rest of their family in Statesboro that evening.

Burns will vote at 1:15 pm at his stop in Sylvania.

Burns and his entire family will be spending election night at Forest Heights Country Club in Statesboro.  The public and media are invited to attend.

Max Burns

7:00 – 7:45 am             Milledgeville – Courthouse Precinct, Baldwin County Courthouse, 121 N. Wilkinson Street

8:30 – 9:15 am             Sandersville – Sandersville Precinct, Washington County Recreation Department, 200 Franklin Hayes Blvd.

10:30 – 11:15 am         Augusta – 805, Southside Baptist Church, 3612 Mike Padgett Highway

11:45 – 12:30 am         Waynesboro – American Legion, 270 S. Liberty Street

1:15 – 1:45 pm             Sylvania (Max will vote at Jackson Fire Station Precinct, 2960 Old Poor Robin Road, Sylvania at this time)

2:15 – 2:45 pm             Springfield – Effingham County Board of Elections, 405 Ash Street, Springfield

3:15 – 3:45 pm             Rincon – 4B, Rincon Church of God Family Center, 3430 Highway 21 South

4:15 – 4: 45 pm            Port Wentworth – Port Wentworth Community Center, 300 Appleby Road

5:15 - 5:45 pm             Pooler – Rothwell Baptist Church, 216 E. Rothwell Street

6:15 -7:00 pm              Pooler – Pooler Town Hall, 100 Collins Street

Lora Burns

7:00- 8:00 am               Statesboro - Pittman Park United Methodist Church, 1102 Fair Road

8:30 – 9:30 am             Millen - Senior Citizens Building, 998 E. College Avenue

10:00 – 11:00 am         Swainsboro - Earl Varner 4-H Center, 220 S. Circle Drive

11:30 – 12:30 am         Vidalia - Vidalia Police Department, 101 Durden Street

1:00 – 2:00 pm             Reidsville - Manassas 2, Reidsville Armory 1, 161 Brumby Avenue

2:30 – 3:30 pm             Glennville - Glennville Baptist Church, 321 W. Barnard Street

4:00 – 5:00 pm             Claxton - Claxton City Hall, 204 W. Railroad Drive Street

5:30 – 7:00 pm             Metter - Metter Community Center, 435 N. Roundstreet Street

Victory Celebration ‘06

7:00 p.m.

Forest Heights Country Club

3772 Country Club Road ~ Statesboro, Georgia

ELECTION NIGHT MEDIA CONTACT: TIM BAKER (912) 656-6851 - CELL

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th District, and U.S. Representative Jack Kingston will tour Georgia’s new 12th District via airplane on Monday, November 6th, in support of Burns campaign to return to Congress. Burns and Kingston will begin the day with a kick-off rally at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, and then continue via private plane to rallies in Statesboro, Milledgeville and Augusta. U.S. Representative Charlie Norwood will join Kingston and Burns in Augusta.

9:45 AM
Savannah Airport Rally
Signature Terminal
1001 Davidson Drive
Savannah, GA

10:45 AM
Statesboro Airport Rally
Statesboro Airport
601 Airport Blvd
Statesboro, GA

11:30 AM
Visit to Statesboro High School for a Special Presentation
10 Lester Road
Statesboro, GA

12:45 PM
Visit Boyd’s Bar-B-Que
302 Northside Drive
Statesboro, GA
2:15 PM
Milledgeville Airport Rally
Baldwin County Airport
216 Airport Road, NE
Milledgeville, GA

3:30 PM
Augusta Airport
Daniel Field Airport
1771 Highland Avenue
Augusta, GA

Updated: 11/02/2006, 1:09 p.m.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Americans for Immigration Control, the Dustin Inman Society, and the Minuteman Political Action Committee will weigh in on key Georgia congressional races Friday during a series of news conferences in Macon, Augusta, and Savannah.

WHAT:

IMMIGRATION REFORM CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS

WHO:

CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE AND FORMER U.S. REP. MAX BURNS
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE AND FORMER U.S. REP. MAC COLLINS (MACON ONLY)
U.S. REP CHARLIE NORWOOD (AUGUSTA ONLY)
AMERICANS FOR IMMIGRATION CONTROL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PHIL KENT
DUSTIN  INMAN SOCIETY PRESIDENT D.A. KING
MINUTEMAN POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE PRESIDENT CHRIS SIMCOX

WHEN AND WHERE:

9:30AM MACON: CITY HALL, 700 Poplar Street
1:00PM AUGUSTA:  MUNICIPAL BLDG, 530 Greene Street
4:30PM SAVANNAH: CHATHAM CO SHERIFFS DEPT, 1050 Carl Griffin Drive

Presidential Council Chairman Confirms Barrow Quote from Council Fabricated

ATLANTA, Ga. – John Barrow’s re-election campaign imploded last night live on GPTV, as Republican candidate Max Burns released incontrovertible evidence that Barrow fabricated quotes from the Presidential Advisory Council on Federal Tax Reform[2] used in his “Max Tax” negative ad campaign.

In the ad, Barrow claims the Presidential Advisory Council on Federal Tax Reform said “Max Burns’ National Sales Tax would increase taxes on 75% of Americans.” However, Burns revealed during last night’s debate that the Chairman of the President’s Advisory Council, former U.S. Senator Connie Mack reviewed Barrow’s ad yesterday and found Barrow’s claim patently false.

“The President’s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform did not examine any proposal by Max Burns,” says Senator Mack. “Furthermore, the panel did not score H.R. 25.”

While Burns has never authored any national sales tax proposal, Barrow has continued his “Max Tax” campaign based solely on Burn’s support for U.S. Rep. John Linder’s (R-GA) proposal for a national sales tax, HR 25. Senator Mack’s findings therefore rule out even Barrow’s indirect deceptive claim against Burns.

“Mr. Barrow, take down this false ad,” demanded former 12th District Congressman Max Burns. Burns also demanded Barrow formally apologize to the voters of the district for airing false advertising. Senator Mack’s findings confirm reports last week from WSAV TV investigative reporter Paul Rea, who also found that the Council report[3] from November, 2005 in fact did not examine any proposal by Burns, or even any specific bill supported by Burns, and that the claim is “untrue.”

“Findings of false advertising by John Barrow from two independent, unrelated sources provides more than adequate justification that these ads be immediately pulled from the air by all broadcasters,” says Burns for Congress Campaign Manager Tim Baker. “We are formally requesting this action immediately, as every airing of this false advertising is financially damaging to Max Burns for Congress and personally damaging to Dr. Burns.”

[1] http://www.wsav.com/midatlantic/sav/search.apx.-content-articles-SAV-2006-10-23-0017.html

[2] http://www.taxreformpanel.gov

[3] http://www.taxreformpanel.gov/final-report/TaxReform_Ch9.pdf

Updated: 10/31/2006, 9:42 am

STATESBORO, Ga. - We have eight days left. That’s it. And today was one for the ages. It was a day the 12th district will not soon forget. The Max Burns base is recharged, fired-up and ready to get the job done. We have to get Max back to the House of Representatives… so let’s do it!

As everyone likely knows, President Bush visited Hanner Field House at Georgia Southern University in Statesboro today. We were hoping to file a story after the event, but instead whisked up to Atlanta for the final debate of the election. (All the hard-news was covered by the networks and cable news, so if we do write a piece it will be a feature.) So this brief “journal entry” will have to suffice until we can file anything. We will also add some of our photos from the President’s visit to this post sometime tomorrow.

The morning kick-started with a rally in Statesboro. Doors opened at 8 am. By the time President Bush took the stage around 11 am, the place was ELECTRIC. It had an aura comparable to a rock concert - not a political event. Before a packed-house of more than 5,000 screaming Burns backers, Max and Gov. Sonny Perdue welcomed the president.

The house lights dimmed, the stage lights perforated the arena and Van Halen’s “Right Now” opened as Max said, “Please give a warm Georgia welcome to the President of the United States, George W. Bush.” The energy of that moment was indescribable.

President Bush hit on a lot of issues ranging from gay marriage to illegal immigration to agriculture and of course, the War in Iraq. Bush was quick to remind the packed house that Max Burns was the right choice next Tuesday.

“Max knows what it takes to be a United States Congressman, because he’s done it before,” Bush said. “He understands Georgia values, because he was born and raised in this district, and he still lives on a family farm outside Sylvania.

“I’ve been in Washington long enough to know that it makes sense to have people who live on a family farm in the halls of the United States Congress.”

Oh, and Sonny wore cowboy boots to the event. COWBOY BOOTS! We thought that was pretty cool. “Sonny has got him a pair of boots he can be proud of,” President Bush noted to the crowd as Perdue raised his left foot in the air. “By the way, it makes me feel comfortable to be a in a state where your governor wears cowboy boots.”

Being that rally was held at GSU, the president noted Max’s educational background. “I appreciate the fact that Max was a teacher. As a matter of fact, he taught right here at Georgia Southern,” Bush said. “I hope he gave a few of the students As.

“And for those of you who did get an A, you might as well vote for him.”

Following the event, the president stayed in the ‘Boro and headed to the Statesboro Inn for an interview with Sean Hannity. The entire segment will air as a three part series over as many nights on the FoxNews Network’s “Hannity & Colmes” at 9 pm ET. Part one aired tonight.

We were not at the Hannity interview, but heard it is excellent. We instead left Hanner and headed to Atlanta for the final 12th district debate of the cycle. It began at 7 pm and aired live on Georgia Public Broadcasting. The Atlanta Press Club, who hosted the event, should have the video added to their 2006 political debate archive by tomorrow.

In the meantime, we can tell you that Max looked very good. He was comfortable, versatile and, unlike his opponent, did an excellent job of addressing the issues rather than responding with vague generalizations and blanket statements. Barrow looked flustered at times and, as usual, spoke like an auctioneer on 12 pots of coffee (i.e. “re-examining and re-re-examining and re-re-re-examining”). And Max showed his true candor by turning and facing Barrow when asking a question or as Barrow spoke. Barrow never once looked away from the camera.

So we logged a lot of hours today - from 7 am when folks started lining up outside of Hanner, to 12 am when we finally made it back from Atlanta. And we plan to log long hours over the next eight days to get Max back!

We will hopefully file something more on this eventful day, when/if sleep no longer eludes us.

Update: 10/31/2006, 9:10 pm - You can view the debate in Windows Media Player by clicking here.

Governor, Two Senators, and U.S. Congressman Lend Support to Burns Effort

AUGUSTA, Ga. – In a massive display of public support, an estimated 750 Augustans turned out tonight to support Max Burn’s bid to restore Georgia’s 12th Congressional District seat to conservative voters.

Burns was joined by Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue, U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson, and U.S. Representative Charlie Norwood, who all stumped for Burns to beat Athens trial attorney John Barrow.

Burns said the number one weapon to take back the seat from Barrow, who has promised to raise taxes if re-elected, is to energize conservative voters.   “Every one of you here needs to call the first ten numbers on your cell phone speed dial and tell ‘em to go vote, and if they have a problem getting to the polls, take ‘em,” Burns said.  “I’m more than willing to let those ten voters decide, since I know if the majority of this district gets to the polls, we’ll win back this seat.”

Norwood, Chambliss, Isakson, and Perdue pointed out to the crowd the critical nature of the race, as one that could help determine which party controls the House of Representatives next year.  “If we let Democrats like John Barrow win this seat, we’ll be looking at an automatic tax increase in the trillions,” said Norwood.  “And there’s nothing that President Bush can do to veto it, and nothing our two Senators here tonight can do to filibuster.  All the Democrats have to do is what they always do, nothing, and the increases become law automatically when the Republican tax cuts expire.”

Norwood says the crowd at Julian Smith Casino was the largest political turnout ever for a Republican candidate at that venue, and an indicator that the tide is turning in favor of conservatives this election cycle.

STATESBORO, Ga. - Blogging for Max can now confirm that Monday’s visit by President Bush will be held at the Hanner Fieldhouse on the Georgia Southern University campus in Statesboro. An unnamed official with the Max Burns campaign has said the White House planned to announce Wednesday that Hanner will host the event. A time has not yet been set but the source verified that it will be roughly “mid-morning to lunch.”

Blogging for Max first broke the story of the Presidential visit last Thursday. We will continue to bring you more information as it becomes available.

STATESBORO, Ga. - As we posted earlier today, President Bush will be returning to the 12th district to campaign for Max Burns.  We can now confirm that the event will be held on Monday, Oct. 30, in Statesboro.  The exact time and place of his visit are yet to be determined.

This is the President’s second visit to Georgia for Max Burns.  On September 7, he visited the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler.  Blogging for Max will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

UPDATE: Friday, Oct. 12 - 12:24 pm

U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston’s office is saying that the event will be in the morning.  From the Macon Telegraph:

“The president will be in Statesboro Monday Oct. 30, mid-morning to lunch,” Kingston communications director Rob Asbell said this morning.

We still have no confirmation from either the White House or the Max Burns campaign regarding a definite time and an exact place in Statesboro - therefore we cannot yet verify that the event will in fact be held in the morning.  We will keep you updated.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – A source close to the Max Burns campaign has confirmed that President Bush will be visiting the 12th district before Election Day. The date and location are still unkown.

Erick Erickson noted Wednesday on Peach Pundit that “George Bush is going to make a return visit” to Georgia.

Blogging for Max can now verify that this is true and it will be in the 12th district. More details will follow as this story unfolds.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th District, will hold a press conference tomorrow, Oct. 19, 2006, in Augusta to discuss issues important to small businesses and receive the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business.  NFIB will endorse Burns at 11:30 am at NFIB member Very Vera’s, an Augusta restaurant.  Burns will be joined by other members of the NFIB and Burns supporters.  The public and press are invited and encouraged to attend.

WHO: Max Burns and NFIB Members

WHAT: Endorsement of Max Burns’ Campaign for Congress

WHEN: Thursday, October 18, 2006, 11:30 AM

WHERE: Very Vera’s

3113 Washington Road

Augusta, Georgia

For more information, contact Tim Baker (912) 353-9626.

We’re just beginning our coverage of this HUGE debate.  Burns and Barrow squared off for round 2 at Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro.  We’re quite suprised that Barrow - who is comically unfamiliar with 12th district terrain - even made the event.  WTOC’s Sonny Dixon moderated.

WTOC Channel 11 reports:

“…One race that’s being watched closely on a national front is the congressional race right here between incumbent Democratic Representative John Barrow and the man he unseated two years ago, Republican Max Burns.  Monday night the Statesboro-Bulloch Chamber of Commerce held debate for the two candidates trying to convince the people who are still on the fence…”

Secretary Johanns: “Max Burns will be that strong voice Georgia farmers need in Washington.”

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th District, today campaigned with U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns during visits in Georgia’s new 12th District.  Burns and Secretary Johanns met with farmers who’s fields have been affected by disaster, discussed farm policy with local 12th District farmers at a listening session in Bulloch County and toured a cotton gin and onion operation in Candler County.

“I appreciate Secretary Johanns visit to Georgia’s new 12th District,” said Burns.  “I am glad the Secretary was able to see what I already know: Georgia farmers grow the best food and fiber in the world.  I wanted the Secretary to hear first hand the needs of our farming community so he can take back to Washington what he learned from them and craft agriculture policy that is beneficial to Georgia farmers.”

“I am glad to be in Georgia and supporting Max Burns,” said Secretary Johanns.  “Max Burns is a farmer.  He understands agriculture.  He has a track record of getting things done and watches out for Georgia’s peanut and cotton farmers.  Max Burns will be that strong voice Georgia farmers need in Washington.”

Burns, who is the third generation to live on his family’s farm in Screven County, has spent a lifetime working in and around agriculture, growing corn, soybeans, hay, oats, and timber, and raising beef cattle.  During the 108th Congress, he served on the House Committee on Agriculture and the first bill Burns introduced in Congress was an agriculture disaster relief bill, which parts of Burns’ bill were eventually included in the final Omnibus Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2003.  Burns also authored the Sudden Oak Death Research Act, which President Bush signed into law.

Burns has made agriculture a central theme in his campaign to return to Congress.  The 110th Congress will re-write the farm bill, which dictates farm policy for the United States, and Burns wants a seat at the table so Georgia farmers are protected.  Burns also wants to expand the use of bio-fuels in Georgia, which will ultimately open up additional markets for Georgia’s farmers.  Burns will seek a seat once again on the Agriculture Committee work to advance policies beneficial to Georgia’s agriculture community.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th District, will visit Effingham County tomorrow with special guest Buck McKeon, House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairman. Burns, a former college professor, and McKeon will tour Ebenezer Middle School in Effingham County on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, from 9 am to 10 am. Media are invited to attend the school tour, and immediately following the tour, Burns and McKeon will be available to answer questions from the media.

WHEN:

Wednesday, October 4, 2006, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Ebenezer Middle School
1100 Ebenezer Middle School
Rincon, Georgia
(912) 754-7757

For more information, contact Tim Baker at (912) 353-9626.

By Adam Fogle

SAVANNAH, Ga. - President Bush was in Coastal Georgia Thursday at a fundraiser for U.S. Congressional candidate Max Burns. The luncheon, held at Pooler’s Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum, was an opportunity for Bush to reiterate the importance of the 12th Congressional District race between Burns and Athens trial lawyer John Barrow.

Bush hailed Burns as the “best candidate.” “Max Burns understands the stakes,” he said. “He’s going to be the right guy to represent you in Washington.”

The president supported that statement by referencing Burns’ prolific background in education.

“In order for America to be a great nation, we have got to be sure that we have an education system that is actually giving kids the skills necessary to compete in the global economy,” Bush said. “Max is an educator; he knows what he’s talking about when it comes to education.”

A former Georgia Southern University professor, Burns was on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce during the 108th Congress. He holds a Ph.D. and M.B.A. from Georgia State University and a B.A. from Georgia Tech.

Bush further noted that Burns, who served in the United States Army Reserve, had an encouraging record on military finance. Said Bush, “We need to make sure that our troops… have all it takes to defend the United States of America.

“Max understands that. He understands that when you put a kid in harm’s way, they deserve the full support of the United States government.”

The president further noted the importance of homeland security in Chatham County. “You need a Congressman who will pick up the phone and say, ‘Mr. President, you came and talked about the Port of Savannah when you campaigned for me,’” he said, referring to the importance of port security. “That Congressman is going to be Max Burns.”

The 30-minute speech also hit on tax cuts, unemployment and the resurging economy, underlining Bush’s message that “Max understands.”

“Today, the national unemployment rate is 4.7 percent, we’ve added over five-and-a-half million jobs since August 2003 and our economy is the strongest of any industrialized nation in the world,” the president said. “Lowering your taxes has worked.

“I want to work with Max to make sure the tax cuts we passed are permanent.”

By Adam Fogle

President Bush will be in Chatham County tomorrow at a fundraiser for U.S. Congressional candidate Max Burns. Bush will be the featured speaker for the Thursday luncheon at Pooler’s Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum.

Burns, a former Georgia Southern University Professor, is in a heated race with Democrat John Barrow for Georgia’s 12th District. Burns narrowly lost the seat in 2004, and polls suggest this year’s rematch is a dead heat.

The president will attend the fundraiser after delivering a policy speech in Atlanta.

Besides the expected financial boost, many believe that Bush’s visit demonstrates the importance the National Republican Party is placing on this race. Democrats need to pick up only 15 seats to regain control of the House, so the Georgia 12th could be crucial in determining the outcome.

For coverage of the president’s 1:15 pm speech in Pooler, turn to WSAV 3. The feed will also be going out to FOX News, CNN, and every other major news network.

… This is the first report that we know of; from the AP wire:

Barrow, Burns spar in first debate of 12th District rematch

MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. (AP) - U.S. Representative John Barrow and his Republican opponent, Max Burns, had the first debate of their rematch tonight. Barrow called himself an independent unafraid to buck the Democratic Party, while Burns insisted that Barrow’s party affiliation matters more than his policy stands.

The candidates are battling in their second straight election for eastern Georgia’s 12th District seat, which Burns held for one term before Barrow narrowly defeated him in 2004.

Facing off before an audience of 300 students at Georgia College and State University, both men agreed on some of the most divisive issues facing Americans. Both support staying the course in Iraq rather than pulling out. And both called for tighter border security as the answer to illegal immigration, opposing amnesty for illegal workers already in the US.

Barrow boasted about taking his stances that often put him at odds with fellow Democrats.

“No boss, no leader, no caucus can tell me how to vote,” Barrow said. “And none of them has.”

But Burns said Barrow’s party affiliation matters, because if Democrats wrest control of Congress a majority would support drawing troops out of Iraq and relaxing immigration enforcement — with or without Barrow’s support.

“He is the least effective members of the Georgia delegation, right behind Cynthia McKinney,” Burns said, referring to the Georgia congresswoman who lost her Democratic primary runoff this month. “The bottom line is his party will influence his vote.”

Meanwhile, Burns admitted he’s not always in lockstep with the GOP leaders - including President Bush, who will travel to Georgia next week to raise money for Burns.

Burns said he opposes Bush’s proposal for a guest worker program to allow some of the nation’s 12 million illegal immigrants to stay in the U.S.

“He’s my president,” Burns said. “But I don’t agree with everything he says or does.”

Barrow and Burns both said the U.S. made serious errors in conducting the war in Iraq, such as deploying insufficient troops early in the war and disbanding the defeated Iraqi army, opening its soldiers to recruiting by insurgents. Unlike many Democrats who have been quick to blame Bush, Barrow said he’s not pointing fingers.

“I don’t believe we’ve got time to argue about who’s at fault with the mistakes that were made,” he said, “but rather we need to focus on how do we get out of the mess we’re in.”

Again dismissing Barrow’s policy position, Burns said re-electing Barrow would help Democrats retake control of Congress and forgo any chance of success in Iraq.

“If my opponent’s party has their way, America will suffer and the security of our nation will be in jeopardy,” Burns said.

The candidates did engage in a heated exchange over trade agreements.

Barrow accused Republicans of giving away American jobs with trade deals such as the Central American Free Trade Agreement. He pointed to the small town of Millen, south of Augusta, where underwear manufacturer Jockey announced last month it will lay off 200 workers by November. The company plans to move those jobs to Central America, Barrow said.

“American workers are getting it from both ends,” Barrow said. “Illegal immigration is selling out American jobs to the lowest bidder. And bad trade deals are shipping out good American jobs overseas.”

Burns, saying he’d talked with Jockey’s president, denied CAFTA had influenced the Millen layoffs. He said he doesn’t support all such agreements, but insisted strong trade helps fuel job growth in city’s such as Savannah, where the port is booming.

“We have to trade. We cannot build a wall,” Burns said. “We cannot cut off the market. In Georgia alone, we would lose half our cotton production if we did not have the authorization of exporting raw materials.”

Two years ago, Burns of Sylvania was the incumbent defending his seat against Barrow, who defeated the Republican with 52 percent of the vote. Burns announced his comeback bid six months after he lost.

Burns figures his odds have been improved since the Legislature redrew the 12th District last year to exclude Barrow’s hometown of Athens. The Democratic incumbent has since moved to Savannah.

The eastern Georgia district now covers 22 counties in eastern Georgia - including the cities of Augusta and Milledgeville to the north, Vidalia and Savannah to the south. The changes pack more conservative-leaning, rural voters into the district, which was originally drawn to give an edge to Democrats.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th U.S. Congressional District, will participate in a forum with Athens trial lawyer John Barrow Monday, August 28, at 7 pm for the first debate of the election at Georgia College and State University in Milledgeville. The event will be held in the Student Center’s Magnolia Ballroom.

GCSU faculty members and regional media representatives, including Bobby Matthews, Managing Editor of Milledgville’s Union Recorder, will serve as panelists and pose questions to the candidates. Macon WMAZ 13’s Randall Savage will function as moderator.

The Candidate Forum is sponsored by the GCSU American Democracy Project, College Republicans, Young Democrats, the Government and Sociology Department, Georgia League of Women Voters, and the Coverdell Institute.

The public is invited to attend and there will be an opportunity to speak with the candidates after the forum. The Student Center is located on West Hancock Street, across from the Georgia College campus.

For more information, contact Gregg Kaufman, Director of the Coverdell Institute, (478) 445-1711.

By Adam Fogle, Editor in Chief
BloggingforMax.com

MILLEN, Ga. – A campaign rally for Gov. Sonny Perdue in Millen Wednesday marked the first time in more than 30 years that a sitting Georgia governor has visited Jenkins County. The event, held at Hanging Rocks Plantation, was a chance for Perdue to drum up support in Southeast Georgia while trumpeting the candidacy of other Georgia Republican candidates, including Sylvania educator and former U.S. Rep. Max Burns.

“We want Max back, y’all,” Perdue said during his speech. “There are going to be some challenges this year around the country, and this is one we can win.”
The governor added, “We need to make sure that [House Minority Leader] Nancy Pelosi doesn’t become speaker.”
Burns represented Georgia’s 12th Congressional District from 2003 to 2005, but narrowly lost re-election to Athens trial lawyer John Barrow. The former Georgia Southern University professor hopes to reclaim the seat from Barrow.
And many at the rally want to guarantee Burns achieves that goal. Retired farmer W. Lewis Gay, 71, said, “Max’s record stands for itself, he supports what he knows is right.
“Max is one of ours,” said Gay, who also works part-time for the National Resources Conservation Service. “If he won’t look out for us, then who will?”
The rematch between Burns and Barrow, coupled with the new composition of a re-drawn 12th District, makes this race one of the most hotly contested match-ups of the 2006 election cycle.

The majority of the statewide GOP ticket was present at the event, including Karen Handel, Perry McGuire and Gary Black – nominated for Secretary of State, Attorney General and Secretary of Agriculture, respectively. State Senator Jack Hill and State Representative John Burns were also in attendance.
Perdue closed his remarks by reminding supporters that “there’s more to do” in Georgia. “Speak for me this November so I can continue to speak for you.”

Aug. 23, 2006

7 pm: Max will join Gov. Perdue at Sonny’s rally at the Historic Box Factory following the Hanging Rocks event.

Aug. 25, 2006

7:30 am: Max will be at a Meet and Greet fundraiser in Bellville.  For information, contact Nan Palmer at (706) 434-0002.

1:30 pm: Max will visit Central Georgia Technical College.

Aug. 26, 2006

6 pm: Max will attend the Fifth Annual Richmond County GOP Party.

Max has announced that he will be in attendance this Wednesday, August 23, for a meet-and-greet with Gov. Sonny Perdue at Hanging Rocks Plantation in Millen, Ga. The event starts at 4:30 pm and marks the first time in 30 years that a sitting Georgia governor has visited Jenkins County.

The rally is free of charge and all are encouraged to attend. To get to Hanging Rocks, take State Route 23 North (Sardis Highway) to Honey Ridge Road, approximately 3.5 miles from Millen. The plantation signs are very visable.

For more information, contact Friends of Max Burns at (912) 353-9626.

Max will participate in the Brooklet Peanut Festival parade Saturday, Aug. 19, at 9 am in downtown Brooklet, Ga.  If you have never been, the festival is a fun carnival-like event for people of all ages.  You can meet Max, see the parade, and enjoy the festivites - such as live music, vendors, food - with a hot bag of boiled peanuts!  But get there early because it will be packed.

Today, Bloggers for Burns, the grassroots organization that owns and operates BloggingforMax.com, issued a letter to

Athens Congressman John Barrow, which was delivered at his open house tonight, along with some other regional

goodies, satirically welcoming the freshman Democrat to Georgia’s 12th U.S. Congressional District.

Here is the letter, in its entirety. A press release will be issued later tonight:

Congressman John Barrow
Friends of John Barrow
P.O. Box 8166
Savannah, GA 31412

Dear Congressman Barrow:

It is an unusual state of affairs – the one in which we now find ourselves – that affords us this opulent occasion to

welcome you, via your extravagant Savannah open house, to Georgia’s picturesque 12th U.S. Congressional District.

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. Apparently, representative Democracy is the new “city on

a hill” and the 12th District voters are clamoring for its institution!

But we understand that this strenuous transition will be difficult and the alien surroundings of Southeast

Georgia might be, at first, disconcerting. So we would like to offer you a précis of the 12th; a glimpse of the heart of the

district – an area that you may have, perhaps, “overlooked.”

We will start our tour with your new “home,” Savannah. Founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe, the “Hostess City” is

well known for its hospitality and history. By the 1830’s, because it was a bustling port for cotton, Savannah was one of

the largest cities in America.

Airfield. But fret not if you miss these military destinations because, since they tend to vote Republican, they were

gerrymandered out of the 12th and cannot vote against you. Also, while you are visiting Savannah, be sure to stop by

River Street and the Historic District to get a real feel for the face of the city.

The 12th also features an assortment of local specialties. We highly recommend a trip to Claxton in Evans County.

Claxton is known as the “Fruitcake Capital of the World,” but is also highly respected for its poultry.

You may also want to visit Vidalia in Toombs County; renowned throughout the world for its trademark Vidalia Onions.

A trip to the beautiful campus of Georgia Southern University for an autumn football game may also be to your liking.

To assist you in developing a familiarity with the area, – and to exhibit just a few of the treats you can find here – we have

assembled a gift basket that includes a map of and travel brochure for Savannah, a bottle of Braswell’s Vidalia Onion

Steak Sauce, a 2006 GSU football schedule, a Claxton fruitcake, and a few other sundry items to aid in your initial

acquaintance with the district.

So on behalf of BloggingforMax.com, we cordially welcome you to the 12th District and invite you to make yourself at

home… until November anyway. Go gentle into that good night,

Per populus ex derideo,

BLOGGERS FOR BURNS 

From the campaign:

(Savannah, Georgia) – Max Burns will conduct an Agriculture Listening Tour across Georgia’s new 12^th District Tuesday, August 1 through Friday, August 4. The tour will take Burns to various farm facilities in the new district from Vidalia to Davisboro to Waynesboro to Statesboro and locations in between.

“It’s always good to get out in the community and listen to the farmers talk about the issues facing the agricultural community on a daily basis,” said Burns. “These visits with folks in the ag country will provide me an opportunity to hear firsthand what is working and what’s not working for them. I look forward to taking what I hear back to Washington and applying it to my work on the House Agriculture Committee during this next Congress,” Burns added.

Burns, a former 12^th District Congressman and member of the House Committee on Agriculture, is the only farmer and rural candidate in the race. Burns and his wife Lora still live today on the family farm in Screven County, where they have spent a lifetime working in and around agriculture, growing corn, soybeans, hay, oats, and timber, and raising beef cattle.

A complete listing of Burns’ Agriculture Listening Tour is listed below, and 12^th District farmers and agribusiness community members are invited to attend.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Members of the media are invited to attend all events. Please contact Tim Baker at (912) 353-9626 for more information.

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

8:00AM     Emanuel County Listening Session

Webb Brothers Transfer

3728 Highway 80 East ~Twin City

Coffee and Biscuits will be provided.

6:30PM     Toombs County Listening Session

Frogs Pad – South of Vidalia on Highway 15/29

Fish Fry Dinner will be provided.

Wednesday, August 2, 2006

9:00AM     Washington County Listening Session

AGrowStar

12389 Highway 24 East ~ Davisboro

Coffee and Biscuits will be provided.

Thursday, August 3, 2006

7:30AM     Screven County Listening Session

Old Gold Kist Store

201 Industrial Road ~ Sylvania

Coffee and Biscuits will be provided.

6:30PM     Burke County Listening Session

Southern Auto Store

551 Academy Avenue ~ Waynesboro

BBQ Dinner will be provided.

Friday, August 4, 2006

8:00AM     Bulloch County Listening Session

Agribusiness Center

151 Langston Chapel Road ~ Statesboro

Coffee and Biscuits will be provided.

Max will be speaking at the Savannah Exchange Club luncheon on Monday, July 31 at 12 pm.

KingOfBenHill here, live from the Ken Mehlman event at Johnny Harris’ in Savannah. As promised, we’re working hard to bring YOU the ONLY real coverage of the 12th. And with that… let the first of many, many Blogging for Max live blogs of this election cycle begin:

8:44 am: I am in position, Mehlman is here.

8:49 am: After a whole lot of handshakes and the usual, we are getting started.

8:56 am: Max has taken the podium.

8:57 am: Max is telling a great story… more on this later…

9:03 am: Max’s speech has ended and Mehlman is now speaking. He’s talking about Max’s achievements.

9:08 am: Melhman is drawing a parallel between the challenges faced by leaders of the past to those of today’s leaders.

9:15 am: “John barrow believes that when we listento terrorists we should hang up when they call there sleeper cells.” - Mehlman.

9:16 am: “Our troops should come home on a military time table not a political one.”

9:24 am: Mehlman’s speech just wrapped up, he’s now taking questions.

9:26 am: “Max winning makes it almost impossible for the Democrats to take the House.” - Mehlman

9:29 am: Mehlman thanks everyone for coming out.

9:30 am: Max and Ken shake hands… let the mingling begin.

10:06 am: Max is doing a radio interview… not sure with whom.

10:18 am: Things are wrapping up here… I might be back later with a few parting shots, thoughts, etc. That’s it for the first of a boatload of live blogging coverage on Blogging for Max! - KingOfBenHill.

The next big Max event will take place this Friday, July 28, at 8:30am, when Max will be hosting the Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Ken Mehlman. The breakfast will be held at Johnny Harris’ Restaurant in downtown Savannah. Tickets are $10 and are more than worth the price.

Mehlman, born in Baltimore, Md. in 1967, is a Harvard Law graduate and served as the Campaign Manager for President Bush’ 2004 re-election campaign.

For more information call Barbara at (912) 353-9626.

From the campaign:

BURNS AGREES TO DEBATES IN NEW 12TH DISTRICT

July 20, 2006

(Savannah, Georgia) Max Burns, former Congressman running to represent Georgia’s new 12^th District, sent Congressman John Barrow’s Athens-based campaign a letter agreeing to a debate schedule and challenged Mr. Barrow to join him in debates or forums across the new 12 ^th District.

“As you already know, our campaigns have agreed to participate in a televised debate in Milledgeville on August 29^th at 7:00 p.m. hosted by GeorgiaCollege and StateUniversity,” wrote Burns. “We also agree to participate in televised debates in Savannah and Augusta, as well as the Atlanta Press Club’s debate on Georgia Public Television.

“Since you just recently moved from Athens and are a new resident of the district, I propose additional debates in each of the remaining counties so the majority of the electorate may get to know you and your positions better. Limiting debates in just the three metropolitan areas reduces the participation in the political process for the folks in the rural communities that make up over half the registered voters in Georgia’s new 12 ^th District,” wrote Burns.

“To that end, I will join you in the debates you outlined in your letter and hope you will join me in other parts of the 12^th District so voters may see the clear distinctions between our positions, values and the way we want to represent their interests in Washington,” wrote Burns.

Burns’ letter is in response to a letter from Barrow outlining a debate schedule for the general election.

From one of our favorite writers down in Bulloch County:

Bulloch residents, families of troops enjoy festivities

By Luke Hearn, Statesboro Herald

July 17, 2006

Despite the extreme heat and impending clouds that hovered over Mill Creek Regional Park on Sunday afternoon, Bulloch county residents and military family members came out to celebrate the homecoming of troops from the 648th Engineering Battalion.

…

Former congressman Max Burns said after the ceremony that he was very thankful for the service of the soldiers.

“I’m proud of America and I’m proud of Bulloch County and Statesboro, but I’m very proud of the 648th and what they’ve done. This is America and this is what it’s all about.”

Burns said Sunday’s event was absolutely important, and was a very small way to honor the sacrifices of the troops.

“I’m grateful for their service,” he said.