Blogging for Max

…when it comes to getting tough on illegal immigration

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Athens Congressman John Barrow’s not on the straight and narrow when it comes to getting tough on illegal immigration. In the first debate of the election cycle, John Barrow claimed he voted for every anti-illegal immigration measures, but a closer look at the Congressional Record shows John Barrow actually opposed 4 measures that would get tough on illegal immigration.

John Barrow claiming to be tough on illegal immigration:

“’I voted for every measure that has been proposed and been passed out of the House to secure our borders and help us begin the process of enforcing our laws,’ said Barrow after the debate.” (Emphasis added) (Savannah Morning News, 8/29/06)

John Barrow voting 4 times against measures to get tough on illegal immigration:

John Barrow voted against an amendment that would prevent state and local governments from receiving funds if they refused to enforce federal law. These so called “sanctuary cities” refused to report immigration violations to the federal. (Vote 177, 5/17/2005)

John Barrow voted to extend temporary protected status (TPS) to hundreds of thousands of immigrants in the United States following natural disasters in Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua in 1998 and 2001. The countries have since rebuilt and recovered from the devastating effects of the hurricanes and earthquakes, yet because of John Barrow’s vote their citizens residing in the United States continue to enjoy amnesty and do not have to apply for legal residency as other would-be immigrants from around the world are required to do so. (Vote 222, 5/25/06)

John Barrow voted twice against legislation that included key provisions by fellow Georgia lawmakers Nathan Deal (GA-10) and Charlie Norwood (GA-09) that would require all Medicaid applicants to prove U.S. citizenship before being granted benefits. Illegal aliens currently siphon off somewhere between $300 million in Georgia Medicaid funds, intended to pay for health benefits for low-income Georgians. (Roll Call Vote 601, 11/18/05; Vote 670, 12/19/05)

but around here … we trust those who “walk the line”

For documentation, call Tim Baker at (912) 353-9626

For explanations, call John Barrow in ATHENS at (706) 613-3232

… 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, has been officially endorsed by the Georgia Right to Life. The announcement came Friday and is part of Burns’ bid to return to Congress.

Georgia Right to Life, a non-partisan organization established in 1971 to protect human life from abortion, said Burns received their support for his “willingness to stand for the sanctity of life.”

The announcement will likely deliver a major blow to Burns’ opponent, Athens trial lawyer John Barrow, who in recent months has attempted to appeal to the new 12th District by developing a more conservative image. By losing pro-life supporters, many believe that it is unlikely that Barrow can elude his liberal, pro-abortion image.

For Burns, the endorsement could not be any more important. “Life is precious, and I am honored to receive the support of the pro-life community,” said Burns. “While in Congress, I’ve fought for the protection of life and I am proud to have supported several initiatives, including the banning of the horrific procedure know as partial-birth abortion.

“I appreciate Georgia Right to Life’s endorsement and will continue to protect life in the 110th Congress.”

Georgia Right to Life defines their endorsement criteria simply as going to “those who believe abortion should be legal only to save the life of the mother.” And Daniel Becker, Director of the Georgia Right to Life PAC, believes Burns entirely meets their principles.

“I would like to thank you for your pro-life commitment to the protection of human life, born and unborn,” Becker told Burns. “As a candidate who has demonstrated a willingness to stand for the sanctity of life, we are especially pleased to commend you and look forward to working with you…”

With the nomination, Burns echoed the pro-life beliefs of more than 70 percent of Americans who find the act morally wrong except in extreme cases. “Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a home with loving and caring parents,” said Burns. “We must take every opportunity to offer alternatives to abortion by providing counseling and assistance to women with unplanned pregnancies.”

The role of the Georgia Right to Life is to encourage and support candidates who they believe provide the strongest and most effective voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. Georgia Right to Life represents over 240,000 households across the state.

For more information on protecting the right to life, call Georgia Right to Life at (770) 339-6880 or log on to http://www.grtl.org.

* Graph courtesy of the Georgia Right to life

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.

Yep… Blogging for Max now has a page on MySpace.  Check us out!

And be sure to add us as a friend and we’ll probably accept… unless you’re John Barrow… actually, once he concedes in November he can be our friend too… what the heck!

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.

An almost fair rundown of the two big Georgia U.S. House races, the 12th and the 8th, popped up in today’s Gwinnett Daily Post.

Of note was this tidbit toward the end:

But Democrats argue that Barrow showed voters a commitment to the district by relocating. The law doesn’t require House members to live in their districts.

First, let us grab our box of Kleenex as we weap for poor Johnnie Athens. Then, let us propose a better way to show commitment to this district: Commit to the “Straight and Narrow” by commiting to the issues that reflect this constituency.

Try these novel suggestions:

Perhaps NOT voting for restrictive gun laws might show commitment.

Perhaps NOT being an INEFFECTIVE Congressman might show commitment.

Perhaps NOT waiting until August to open an office WITHIN THE DISTRICT might show commitment.

Perhaps NOT abandoning Georgia’s students for pork barrel projects might show commitment.

Perhaps NOT fundraising outside the district with your “fearless leader” might show commitment.

Perhaps NOT begging for face time with cut-and-run liberals like Mother Sheehan might show commitment.

Or perhaps NOT resolving to be Nancy Pelosi’s lap dog might show commitment.

…when it comes to “protect[ing] our gun rights”

SAVANNAH, Ga. – In his new radio ad, Athens Congressman John Barrow’s not on the straight and narrow when it comes to “protect[ing] our gun rights.” John Barrow claims he “protect[s] our gun rights,” but John Barrow led the fight for some of the most restrictive gun laws in Georgia. Incredibly, John Barrow even proposed a ban on center-fired rifles.

“John Barrow voted…to protect our gun rights.” (Friends of John Barrow radio ad approved by John Barrow)

“…all of us on the commission appear to agree that we need some controls on shooting that are in addition to those provided for the State Law.” (Emphasis added) (John Barrow Letter to the Editor, 11/17/92)

“…Barrow wanted a ban on center-fire rifles altogether… Vote 5: “Barrow and Taylor proposed a total ban on center-fire rifles. It went down to quick defeat, 2-8.” (Emphasis added) (Athens Banner-Herald, 12/2/92)

…when it comes to “His Number 1 Priority”

SAVANNAH, Ga. – With Georgia students heading back to school this month all across Georgia’s new 12th District, Athens Congressman John Barrow’s not on the straight and narrow when it comes to “his number one priority” - education. Barrow decided during the 2004 campaign that Education was his top priority and would work to earn a seat on the House Education and Workforce Committee. But just one year later, Barrow abandoned Georgia students in order to bring home more pork barrel spending.

Congressman John Barrow on deciding “during the campaign season that the Education and Workforce Committee was his No. 1 priority”

“Barrow decided during the campaign season that the Education and Workforce Committee was his No. 1 priority and Agriculture came a close second. There’s not much point in specializing until he gets his subcommittee appointments, Barrow said…” (Emphasis added) (Athens Banner-Herald, 1/30/2005)

Congressman John Barrow ‘trading’ his ‘number one priority’ for “bacon for the 12th”

“He [Barrow] also said ‘most folks realize’ that his move to the transportation panel was ‘a trade up and an opportunity to bring home the bacon for the 12th.’” (Emphasis added) (Savannah Morning News, 2/21/06)

It appears that Athens Congressman John Barrow is not fully content with using minimum wage legislation as an election year issue, but now he has his sights on the internet and sites like MySpace and Facebook. Apparently, Barrow is under the belief that limiting the freedom of individuals to look at even appropriate content is a good thing.

H.R. 5319, which passed the House in July and will possibly be introduced on the Senate floor as early as this week, amends the Communications Act of 1934 to require all Federally Funded schools and libraries to “protect minors from commercial social networking websites and chat rooms.” In other words, this measure would force these public institutions to prevent people from looking at a number of appropriate and relatively harmless websites, further decreasing the public freedom of access to websites of their choice.

Few will argue that certain sites with pornography, explicit violence, and other radically inappropriate things have little place in a public facility, but attacking Facebook and MySpace is going too far, and is unconstitutional. Perhaps even in pre-secondary and secondary facilities, this may be an acceptable measure, but in adult public facilities, this is a drastic reduction on individual rights.

Worse than the bill itself though, is the notion that Barrow is once again using a piece of as a mid-term item to sway a few swing votes at the cost of the 12th District rather than approaching it with the unbiased, representative initiative that people expect of a Congressman.

From a Saturday Augusta Chronicle story:

In July, the U.S. House passed the Deleting Online Predators Act. The bill would require public libraries and schools receiving federal funds that pay for Internet access to block social networking Web sites. The Senate could take up the legislation this month.

Supporters say the bill will protect children from predators who use the online sites to lure victims.

Critics argue that the legislation would be ineffective and is driven by election-year politics.

U.S. Rep. John Barrow, D-Ga., who represents Augusta, voted for it.

“Schools and libraries are important points of access for kids in getting to the Internet, and we want to encourage that for educational purposes,” Mr. Barrow said. “But we want to make sure that sexual perverts aren’t using that as a way of getting at our kids.

“This strikes the right balance between allowing schools and libraries to provide access to the Internet so that kids learn while at the same time keeping them from falling under the spell of some sexual predator somewhere.”

Sexual predator? These are community sites that allow people access to personal communication and BOTH strictly forbid explicit material. Barrow is attempting to make a river out of a campaign drought, and his constituency will end up drowning unless we stop him first.

Should Barrow have his way, it would be up to legislators to decide what we can and cannot view online. Is that really the kind of representative the people of Southeast Georgia really want… or deserve?

Use your freedom of speech to help stop John Barrow before he legislates that away too!

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.

Barrow hides liberal, San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi in Atlanta. Why?

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th District, Friday asked why Athens turned Savannah Congressman John Barrow would campaign with his party’s leader in Atlanta instead of Georgia’s new 12th District. According to an Associated Press article, Barrow hosted liberal, San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi in Atlanta Thursday in an attempt to raise money for his campaign.

“John Barrow voted for Nancy Pelosi to be Speaker of the House and said his vote for Speaker was one of the most important things he would do as a Congressman, but what’s he afraid of now?” asked Burns. “Is John Barrow afraid that voters in the new 12th District might learn that Nancy Pelosi voted against the creation of the Department of Homeland Security? Is it that she voted against the $87 billion for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan? Or is it that Nancy Pelosi voted against a national energy policy, legislation to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower gas prices?

“Is John Barrow hiding Pelosi from 12th District voters because he doesn’t want to have to explain why his party’s leader voted for a budget to cut military funding and increase taxes? Is John Barrow hiding Pelosi from voters because she voted for a budget amendment to raise taxes and increase federal spending? Or is he hiding her because she supported amendments to weaken the Patriot Act and withhold 25 percent of the 2004 intelligence budget? Is John Barrow hiding Nancy Pelosi because she voted for a budget in 2001 that cut defense spending by $65 billion?”

“Mr. Barrow, why would you not bring Ms. Pelosi to Savannah, your new hometown? Voters in Georgia’s new 12th deserve to know why.”

Pelosi has accrued a very long, very detailed, far-left voting record. Below is a small sample of votes and positions detailing this out-of-the-mainstream record:

AGAINST prescription drugs for seniors

AGAINST the tax cuts of 2001 and 2003

AGAINST reforming our medical liability system

AGAINST a budget to curb waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayers’ money

AGAINST relief from the Alternative Minimum Tax

AGAINST Marriage Penalty Relief

AGAINST an expanded 10% tax bracket

AGAINST an extended, increased per-child tax credit

AGAINST a ban on partial-birth abortion

AGAINST the Unborn Victims of Violence Act

AGAINST the creation of Association Health Plans

AGAINST Personal Re-employment Accounts for laid-off workers

AGAINST barring obesity suits against the fast food industry

AGAINST the American flag protection amendment

AGAINST a repeal of the Death Tax

AGAINST the Social Security Protection Act

AGAINST the Defense of Marriage Act

And…

FOR using taxpayer money to fund development of an abortion pill

FOR allowing abortions at taxpayer-funded overseas military hospitals

FOR giving free needles to drug addicts—six times

FOR increasing Social Security benefit taxes from 50 to 85%

FOR increasing motor fuel taxes by 30 percent

FOR extending a 2.5-cents-per-gallon increase in the motor fuels tax

FOR a prohibition of drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge
FOR restricting the Department of Homeland Security’s decision making power in shaping personnel policy

FOR cutting defense spending on multiple occasions

SAVANNAH, Ga. – In light of the terror plot which was prevented this week, Max Burns Friday asked why Athens Congressman John Barrow would campaign with liberal, San Francisco Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and questioned why he believes Pelosi’s election to Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives would be “historic” when she has called for the end of the National Security Administration’s wire tapping program and other programs used to fight the War on Terror.

“At a time when our country needs to clearly remain on the offense against terrorists, John Barrow supports leaders who want to retreat and take away the programs necessary to win the global War on Terror,” said Burns. “We are fighting an unconventional enemy who has proven they will use unconventional warfare in order to kill innocent Americans to destroy our way of life. If John Barrow had his way, Nancy Pelosi would be Speaker of the House, and she would have stripped the tools which help those fighting the war uncover terror plots.”

At the beginning of the 109th Congress, Barrow voted for Pelosi to lead the U.S House of Representatives as Speaker, a position that is third in line for the Presidency, and in September 2004 bragged about what an historically event it would be if she was elected, telling the University of Georgia College Democrats, “… I don’t know how long it’s going to take for Nancy Pelosi to get the Speaker’s Chair. But that’s going to be a historic event when it happens.” Pelosi has voted against authorizing these programs designed to help track down terrorist who plan to do harm to American citizens. Barrow just this week campaigned with Pelosi in Atlanta in an attempt to raise campaign cash.

“The terror plot uncovered yesterday shows why America must remain on the offensive in fighting the War on Terror,” said Burns. “These surveillance programs play a vital role, and I support giving the President and the authorities the tools they need to win this struggle for freedom, and support leaders who believe the same. John Barrow should immediately call for Nancy Pelosi to be replaced as his leader or 12th District Georgians will be left to conclude that John Barrow supports his party’s position to “cut and run” and weaken our ability to track the terrorists. There is no gray area here.”

Yep, that’s right. In a piece discussing the aftershocks of psycho McKinney’s Tuesday loss in the 4th District Democratic primary runoff, it was mentioned that Athens Congressman John Barrow, Mr. “Conservative Democrat,” has been running around with House Minority Leader and Ultra-Liberal Nancy Pelosi trying to raise some easy dough outside the district. Not only is it well known that Barrow would vote for Pelosi for Speaker should the opportunity arise, but now he’s courting her to raid the Atlanta liberal campaign war chest?
From WTVQ Columbus:

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California, who was visiting Atlanta to raise money for Savannah Democrat John Barrow…

There are three things of note here:

1. Nancy Pelosi is an “unabashedly liberal” socialist. Someone like Barrow, desperately trying to pass as a conservative, has no business running around with these types.

2. Why is Barrow once again raising cash outside the district? Is he SO out of touch with this district that he isn’t even bothering to spend time fundraising WITHIN the district?

3. John Barrow is NOT a Savannah Democrat. There are few people who are as “Athens” as he. Barrow has spent a total of about 96 hours in Savannah… in his lifetime. End of story.

We’re still open for business, and all of our content and comments are still up, but bear with us as we work on the site’s look in order to bring you the best BloggingforMax.com we possibly can!

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…on being an “Effective” Congressman

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Athens Congressman John Barrow’s not on the straight and narrow when it comes to being an “effective” Member of Congress for Georgia’s 12th District.  Last week, John Barrow sent out an email claiming his record in Congress was “effective.” According to Knowlegis, a government affairs knowledge management company which surveyed all U.S. Senators and Congressman and ranked them in accordance of how “effective [they were] in advancing an agenda,” John Barrow was the least effective Congressman in the entire Georgia Congressional Delegation.  Even Atlanta Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney was more effective in Washington.  John Barrow’s “effectiveness” was so bad; he was ranked 430 out of the 438 Members and delegates in the 109th Congress.

John Barrow Claiming to be an “Effective” Congressman for Georgia’s 12th District:

“And in the two years since taking office, I believe my record in the House of Representatives is summed up best by two words: ‘Independent’ and ‘Effective.’” (Barrow Campaign email, 8/3/06)

Knowlegis Power Ranking John Barrow the Least Effective Congressman in the entire Georgia Congressional Delegation and at the bottom among all Members and Delegates in the 109th Congress.

Georgia Rankings
State Delegation Average Score: 13.27	State Rank: 50
Senate: Name Rank in State Score Rank in Senate Sen. Chambliss (R-GA) 1 26.37 64 Sen. Isakson (R-GA) 2 19.50 84 House:   Name Rank in State Score Rank in House Rep. Kingston (R-GA-1) 1 21.38 77 Rep. Linder (R-GA-7) 2 21.00 87 Rep. Norwood (R-GA-9) 3 18.50 123 Rep. Deal (R-GA-10) 4 14.88 209 Rep. Bishop (D-GA-2) 5 13.50 247 Rep. Price (R-GA-6) 6 11.62 271 Rep. Lewis (D-GA-5) 7 10.89 287 Rep. Westmoreland (R-GA-8) 8 10.37 296 Rep. Gingrey (R-GA-11) 9 9.25 325 Rep. Scott (D-GA-13) 10 7.25 364 Rep. Marshall (D-GA-3) 11 5.25 407 Rep. McKinney (D-GA-4) 12 5.25 408 Rep. Barrow (D-GA-12) 13 4.00 430

(Knowlegis Power Rankings)

That might work in Athens, John Barrow, but around here … we trust those who “walk the line.”

For documentation, call Tim Baker at (912) 353-9626.

For explanations, call John Barrow at (706) 613-3232.

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.

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 

The fallout from Monday’s debate between incumbent Cynthia McKinney and former DeKalb County Commissioner Hank Johnson for the Democratic nomination in the Georgia 4^th U.S. Congressional District continued Wednesday with an article published on GoDeKalb.com.

The article hit on issues from the fiery debate and noted a few facts regarding the callous quotes from the McKinney-Johnson brawl. Among the best was this exchange:

Johnson later talked about McKinney’s Congressional record saying, “If you look at Congresswoman McKinney’s record, she has absolutely failed to deliver any meaningful legislation. She has a pitiful record for 12 years in Congress.

“Mr. Johnson has been given some talking points but they don’t conform to the facts,” McKinney retorted. “The fact of the matter, Congress.org did a ranking of members of Congress and I rank highest of legislative activities of all the Democrats in the Georgia delegation, including Congressman John Lewis.”

Well, believe it or not, Cynthia was actually telling the truth! But it’s not exactly something she should be too proud of, at all. GoDeKalb did their homework, and found this:

A review of Congress.org rankings shows that in the category of Legislation, McKinney ranks 285 out of 437 representatives. Rep. John Barrow (D-12) ranks 332 in the Legislation category, Rep. John Lewis (D-5) ranks 350, Rep. Jim Marshall (D-3) ranks 386, Rep. David Scott (D-13) ranks 419 and Rep. Sanford Bishop (D-2) ranks 437.

Congress.org gave McKinney an overall ranking of 408 out of 438 legislators, with the overall ranking based on position, influence and legislative activity. In the overall category, McKinney ranked fifth out of the six Georgia Democratic representatives. Rep. Bishop received an overall ranking of 247, Rep. Lewis 287, Rep. Scott 364, Rep. Marshall 407 and Rep. Barrow 430.

That’s right, amongst the lethargic Georgia Democratic delegation, Athens Congressman John Barrow actually ranks lower than McKinney in inactivity, and last in overall power. In fact, of the 13 House members of the Georgia delegation, the top four are Republicans – the bottom four are Democrats.

So we decided to further search Congress.org and see how Barrow stacked-up… and we found bolstering ineptitude.

First things first: It’s understandable to be toward the bottom of the power rankings as a freshman, but being the 8^th least powerful Representative out of 438 is pitiful. He scored four measly points out of 100. Even the Representatives from the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands outrank Barrow.

Max Burns’ previous tenure in office, as well as his influence, zeal for positive legislation and devotion to the people of the 12^th District would automatically dwarf what little power Barrow has squandered in his 18 months in office.

But worse than Barrow’s disgraceful power ranking, is his indolent legislative performance. The 109^th Congress has been called the “do-nothing-Congress.” And Barrow’s inefficiency in an already unproductive Congress further reinforces his legislative uselessness.

A rank of 332 out of 438 in legislative failure implies, well, failure. Barrow’s job is to represent the interests of his constituency through preferable legislation and legislative activities. To fail in that capacity is to fail… period!

ABC PAC, a “conduit” for donations to Conservative candidates, recently announced that Max has been added to their slate of endorsed candidates for 2006. The endorsement, one of only 18 to date, is part of the PAC’s “Rightroots” movement to create an online hub for supporters to donate to some or all of the selected campaigns.

“Rightroots is a broad coalition of conservatives joining together in support of a solid slate of Republican candidates for the US House and Senate,” the ABC PAC website says. “Properly funded, these candidates represent our best chance to retain control of Congress and to enact a conservative agenda.”

So far, Rightroots have raised nearly $500 for Max, and almost $14,000 for the total slate.

For questions about ABC PAC, contact info@abcpac.com. Donations can be made here.

BloggingforMax.com has uncovered a Sept. 22, 2005 article from FrontPageMag.com linking Athens Congressman John Barrow to anti-war fundamentalist Cindy Sheehan. The article, written when Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) agreed to meet with Sheehan at the height of her infamy, discusses the fervor created by leftist Democrats during “Mother Cindy’s” 15 minutes of fame.

The FrontPageMag.com piece lists a number of Democratic Members of Congress that followed Clinton in boarding the radical Gold Star Family anti-war tour:

No fewer than 17 Congressmen have heeded the call and scheduled face time with “Mother Sheehan,” including such Democratic Party statesmen as:

• House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-CA;
• Sen. Robert Byrd, D-Kleagle;
• Sen. Russ Feingold, D-WI, another likely 2008 Democratic presidential hopeful;
• Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-CA;
• Rep. Cynthia McKinney, D-GA;
• Rep. Barbara Lee, D-CA;
• Rep. Sheila Jackson-Lee, D-TX;
• Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-CA;
• Rep. Fortney “I said you are a little fruitcake” Stark, D-CA;
• Rep. Shelley Berkeley, D-NV;
• Rep. John Barrow, D-GA;
• Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-TX;
• Rep. Frank Pallone, D-NJ; and
• Rep. Neil Abercrombie, D-HI

So we are reasonably curious as to why Barrow, who feigns distance from the liberal cut-and-run club, would be begging for face time with Sheehan?

Perhaps he was – and still likely is – desperate for a chance to develop some form of identity. Was he just once again showing his spineless adherence to the Democratic Party line? Or has he joined Sheehan in forsaking our troops fighting the war in Iraq?

Whatever Barrow’s reasoning, we all know that actions speak louder than charlatan rhetoric.