Blogging for Max

SAVANNAH, Ga. – A new campaign advertisement by Athens trial lawyer John Barrow is catching a lot of flack from Southeast Georgia voters.  The Democrat launched the ad Tuesday which claims that his opponent, former Congressman and Educator Max Burns, would raise taxes if elected.

The Burns camp calls the advertisement a lie and says Barrow is using the same scare tactics he used when the two last met in 2004.  Burns’ Campaign Manager, Tim Baker, believes the Athens Democrat is lying in order to intimidate voters into believing Burns will raise their taxes.

“First and foremost, Max’s record on taxes is crystal clear: an honest tax code that is simple, fair and less burdensome to families and small businesses,” said Baker.  “Our current tax system is broken, too complex, and onerous.”

Burns served in the 108th Congress before narrowly losing to Barrow in 2004.

While in Congress, Burns introduced the Simple Tax for Seniors Act, which created the first-ever short-form “1040S” for America’s seniors and the Tax Simplification for Americans Act of 2004 which expanded the use of the short 1040EZ form to millions of Americans.  Both passed the House with strong bi-partisan support.

“Max knows we are well beyond rectifying the unfairness of the IRS by tinkering around the edges,” Baker said.  “Instead, the system is in need of transformation and Max is willing to examine any number of proposals that will lower the tax burden on Georgia’s working families.  What he cannot support is the IRS.”

Earlier this year, Burns signed the Tax Payer Protection Pledge, agreeing to oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and businesses.  In 2004, Burns was at the forefront of the “death tax” debate, working to repeal a system that Baker says “kills so many small businesses and family farms.”

Burns also voted for President Bush’s 2003 tax cuts and has said he supports making all of President Bush’s tax cuts permanent.

For his efforts in the last Congress, Burns earned the Friend of the Taxpayers Award by the National Taxpayer’s Union.  Barrow received an “F” from the National Taxpayers Union for his support in reducing spending, regulation and opposing higher taxes during the First Session of the 109th Congress.

“John Barrow knows he is lying about Max’s record to cover up his own miserable record, which supports the IRS and opposition to making President Bush’s tax cuts permanent,” said Baker.  “John Barrow should do the honorable thing and stop using these false attacks immediately, but based on his previous campaigns he will say and do anything to get elected.”

Burns represented the old 12th District from Jan. 7, 2003, through Jan. 3, 2005.  Prior to serving in the 108th Congress, Burns, a Fulbright Scholar and Army veteran, served two decades as a Professor of Information Systems at Georgia Southern University, as well as being a farmer.

He is a former Screven County Commissioner and served as its Chairman.  Burns earned the endorsement of the Business-Industry PAC for his commitment to a pro-growth agenda.

Burns takes to 12th District airwaves discussing Barrow’s support of assimilating illegals

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th District, today began airing his first radio commercial of the 2006 election cycle.  The sixty second radio ad, entitled “Bill, Tommy and Don,” features three 12th District voters discussing Athens Congressman John Barrow’s radio ads and his immigration policy, which includes assimilating illegal immigrants already in our country and making Georgia’s Medicaid benefits more accessible to them.  The ad began playing all across Georgia’s new 12th District today.
Text of “Bill, Tommy and Don”:

Tommy: Say, Bill.

Bill: Yep?

Tommy: You hear those fellas Earl and Eddie bad mouthin’ Max Burns, but claiming John Barrow hung the moon?

Bill: Yep.

Tommy: Well, I’ve never seen ‘em around here before.

Bill: They’re voice talents.

Tommy: Voice talents?  What’s that mean?

Don: Means paid actors.

Tommy: How’s that Don?

Don: Barrow’s payin’ ‘em to bad mouth Max Burns, but say good things about him.

Tommy: So Earl and Eddie wouldn’t know John Barrow if he bit ‘em on the you-know-what?

Bill & Don: Yep.  Umm hum.

Tommy: So they don’t know John Barrow said he’s for “assimilating” 11 million illegal aliens.

Don & Bill: Uh-Oh.  Yep.

Tommy: Or, that John Barrow’s voted to help illegal aliens get taxpayer funded benefits.

Bill: Yep.

Tommy: Well, my support’s not for sale.

Don: I understand that.

Tommy: John Barrow’s lost my vote.

Bill: Yep.

Don: Well, he never had mine.

Max Burns: I’m Max Burns.  I’m running for Congress and I approve this message because I’d appreciate your vote and I’m thankful for these ol’ boys.

Tommy: These ol’ boys didn’t get paid a dime.

Bill: Yep.

Tommy: But this message was paid for by Friends of Max Burns

Burns’ campaign, which also began running television advertising on selected cable systems, has been running broadcast television since after Labor Day and will use this radio advertising to compliment its ongoing paid media campaign.

An article in Sunday’s USA Today featured in-depth coverage of Georgia’s 12th U.S. Congressional District race between Sylvania educator and former Republican Congressman Max Burns and Athens trial lawyer John Barrow. The piece highlighted Barrow’s vulnerability and confirmed that Democrats are all but counting this race out of their strategy for regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives. They need gain only 15 seats. From the story:

Elizabeth Billips is a Democrat who sticks with her party for president and voted two years ago to send John Barrow to Congress.

But Billips, 36, said she’ll vote on Nov. 7 for the man Barrow ousted from the House of Representatives in 2004: Republican Max Burns. Chatting as she sold T-shirts proclaiming this the “Bird Dog Capital of the World,” Billips said she likes Burns’ tough stance on illegal immigration and said he’s “personable and very available.”

Then, as if on cue, Burns ambled up to say hello. “See,” Billips said, “he shows up.”

Barrow, 50, also showed up at the recent Burke County Farm Festival. He dashed along the festival’s parade route just behind his rival, who waved from atop a huge “Farmers for Burns” tractor.

Judging by the numerous voters we’ve talked to in the last few months, there are A LOT of Elizabeth Billips’ in the 12th District. These few opening paragraphs also briefly capture the Max Burns that people know and love. “He’s personable and very available.” And that’s the truth.

The imagery of Barrow pathetically trailing along behind Max at the farm festival – acting as if he cares or even KNOWS ABOUT the area while Max waves to friends, family and scores of local well-wishers – is quite amusing. That’s local roots.

The article goes on to highlight the key points in the race like immigration, redistricting, Barrow’s sudden “conservative” change-of-heart, Barrow’s cut-and-run foreign policy, etc. Two paragraphs popped up on an issue that many people have overlooked but is absolutely vital to winning this race:

Chris Grant, a political scientist at Mercer University in Macon, said the race will be decided in rural towns such as Waynesboro and Vidalia, the sweet-onion capital, where Burns campaigned last week. Voters here are deeply religious and tend to vote Republican, though their loyalties to Georgia or Georgia Tech football may run deeper.

Many are concerned about a flood of illegal immigrant farmworkers who have taxed local schools and hospitals,” Grant said.

BINGO! We’re so glad to see the USA Today pick this up. Immigration, agriculture and other local issues will determine the outcome of this election. It quite literally comes down to a choice between a local guy with a record for standing up for the 12th, or an outsider who can’t find the 12th on a map.

…when it comes to Medicaid Funding

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Athens Congressman John Barrow’s not on the straight and narrow when it comes to fixing Medicaid funding for Georgians. This week, Barrow held a press conference touting legislation which he introduced yesterday to directly address the funding short fall in Medicaid. The problem, Barrow voted two times to make it easier for illegal immigrants to received Medicaid benefits, which is the leading cause of the financial crisis due to fraudulent claims by illegal immigrants.

John Barrow claiming to fix the PeachCare Funding Shortfall:

“Here in Georgia, PeachCare has helped hundreds of thousands of children get the health coverage they need,” Barrow continued. “It’s been extremely successful. That’s why it’s important that Congress fix the projected federal funding shortfall, so that we don’t turn back the clock on the progress that’s been made here, or keep any eligible child from enrolling…If states like Georgia are forced to cut enrollment because of funding shortfalls, many of the low-income children now enrolled in PeachCare will lose their health coverage,” Barrow said. “Congress created programs like PeachCare, and we have an obligation to adequately fund them. Now’s the time to act, and act quickly.” (Barrow Press Release, 9/18/06)

John Barrow voting 2 times to give illegal immigrants easier access to Medicaid benefits, which funds the PeachCare program:

Illegal aliens siphon off hundreds of millions of dollars a year in taxpayer funded Medicaid benefits intended to pay for health benefits for low-income Georgians. John Barrow voted twice to give illegal immigrants easier access to these taxpayer funded benefits. (Roll Call Vote 601, 11/18/05; Roll Call Vote 670, 12/16/05)

Just a reminder:

We have all of the campaign advertisements up and running on the videos page. Just click the link at the top of the site. We will be adding Max’s campaign ads as they are released for Internet use.

Nearly 62 percent support Republican in 12th race

By Adam Fogle, Editor-in-Chief
Blogging for Max

SAVANNAH, Ga. – For Kelly Gagne, the day is not complete without logging on to Facebook.com. In fact, the 20-year-old Georgia Southern University student said she visits the site roughly six times each day.

“I use it for a lot of things,” said Gagne. “I use it to promote my employer, connect with friends and other stuff.” And Gagne is not alone. She is one of more than 9 million people who log on daily to the networking phenomenon Facebook.

Besides instant access to an enormous network of friends and colleagues, subscribers can use their profile to keep friends updated on their whereabouts, relationship status, interests and even who they are supporting in the upcoming elections. All of the election information is automatically compiled in a section on the Web site called “Election Pulse.”

And that election data has unveiled a few surprises about student voters. Most notably, in Georgia’s hotly contested 12th Congressional District race, the traditionally left-leaning 18-to-30 crowd is overwhelmingly supporting the Republican candidate.

As of Wednesday morning, Sylvania educator Max Burns was backed by 61.33 percent of Facebook users while his Democratic opponent, Athens trial lawyer John Barrow, held only 38.67 percent support.

Gagne, who said she holds “moderate beliefs,” was not surprised by the results. “Max Burns is a home grown tomato. He’s not out looking for publicity; he’s just trying to do the right thing,” she said. “He was raised to do that and he raised his kids to that.”

The Georgia Election Pulse displays polling for the gubernatorial race and each of the 13 U.S. Congressional races “based on users supporting that candidate on their profile.”

Hayden Brantley, 20, a Political Science major at Georgia Southern University, thinks the results show student initiative. “A lot of people are starting to think clearer,” Brantley said. “They want to find a candidate who knows what he’s doing.”

Facebook has recently expanded the Web site to include high school students and young professionals.

Elizabeth Hilderbrand, 25, is one of those young professionals. The Armstrong Atlantic State University alumna said she believes the 18-to-30 demographic is strongly supporting Burns because the upcoming election is vital to her generation and that, “[Burns] supports the same things that [we were] raised to believe in.

“In my group of friends, defining marriage as one man and one woman is important,” she said. “And immigration is important.”

But admittedly for Hilderbrand, it is Burns’ economic platform that she feels entices student support. “His stances on taxes and the workforce mean a lot to us,” said Hilderbrand. “Planning on what to do once you graduate is important to students because we don’t know if social security is going to be there when we retire.”

Although 18-to-25-year-olds are the least likely to vote in elections, the addition of young professionals – generally 25 to 30 years old – to Facebook means that a large number of the Web site’s Burns supporters are apt to hit the polls.

The impact that Burns’ strong 62 percent showing will have on the election is yet uncertain. But the revelation already has South Georgia Democrats worried they are losing a critical base.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Athens Congressman John Barrow continues his pattern of lies when he claims he voted against amnesty in his latest television ad and refuses to explain to Georgians in the new 12th District what he meant when he told the Boston Globe that “We have 11 million illegal aliens we need to do a good job of assimilating into the country first.”

“John Barrow claims he voted against amnesty, but H.R. 4437 did nothing to address amnesty for the illegal immigrants in our country,” said Burns Campaign Manager Tim Baker. “In fact, the word amnesty appears no where in the 257 pages of the bill. However John Barrow did tell folks in Boston that ‘We have 11 million illegal aliens we need to do a good job of assimilating into the country first.’ Assimilate means ‘absorb,’ which beyond a shadow of doubt means amnesty. He is a Harvard-educated lawyer. He knows what assimilate means.”

On an April 9, 2006, Barrow told the Boston Globe, when asked what should be done with the illegals already in the country, “We have 11 million illegal aliens we need to do a good job of assimilating into the country first.” Barrow never said a single word about amnesty until after April 10, 2006, when Max Burns criticized Barrow’s plan to assimilate the illegals already in the country. Barrow then ran back to the district and tried to clear up any confusion by claiming his opposition to amnesty and now claims he voted against amnesty.

“John Barrow can claim he’s against amnesty till he’s blue in the face,” said Baker. “It’s been 159 days and John Barrow has never explained what he meant when he told his college’s hometown newspaper he’s for “assimilating” 11 million illegal immigrants. What did this Ivy Leaguer think ‘assimilate’ means – round’em up and send’em home?”

Documentation:

H.R. 4437: The Border Protection, Antiterrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005:

This legislation only strengthens enforcement of our immigration laws, but does nothing to address the unauthorized immigrants currently in the United States. In short this bill:

· Requires every employer to ensure their employees are legal residents

· Strengthens and coordinates border security operations in order to prevent would-be terrorists from sneaking into the United States

· Boosts penalties for individuals found guilty of smuggling illegal immigrants across the border

· Subjects illegal immigrants to criminal penalties

· Protects against detained illegal aliens from being released back into American communities

(Source: House Committee on the Judiciary and the House Committee on Homeland Security)

John Barrow’s response when asked what should be done with the illegals already in the country:

“We have 11 million illegal aliens we need to do a good job of assimilating into the country first.” (Fence Sitters, Boston Globe, April 9, 2006)

as•sim•i•late:

· to absorb (groups of different cultures) into the main cultural body (Webster’s New World Dictionary, Second College Edition)

· to absorb (a minority) into the prevailing culture (The American Heritage College Dictionary, Third Edition)

It appears that people outside of Georgia are beginning to notice the struggle for Democrats in Georgia. In both of the state’s highly competitive U.S. House races, the Democrats are losing ground. In the 12th District, Athens trial lawyer John Barrow is desperately pleading with swing voters to ignore his two-year leftist voting record and accept his “conservative” change of heart.

Barrow has tried to dodge the “limousine liberal” tag with recent campaign ads in which he sells out his party and liberal idealogy for a more “rural traditional” look, but it seems that voters are seeing directly through the facade.
Eric Kleefeld of The Coffee House had this to say about the race:

While Dems are poised for big gains in House races around the country, there’s one place where Dems are struggling: Georgia. That’s because a recent redistricting —- which immediately followed a GOP takeover of the Legislature in 2004 -— has left two Democratic Congressman, Jim Marshall and John Barrow, fighting tough challenges from former Reps. Mac Collins and Max Burns, respectively. In Barrow’s case, the redraw actually removed his longtime hometown, Dem stronghold Athens. As Larry Sabato told the Los Angeles Times: “I really don’t think there is another state where there are two Democratic seats that are at least somewhat vulnerable.”

Five years ago today the world changed. America was attacked, and the course of human history was forever altered. As we solemnly mark the five-year anniversary of September 11, 2001 and reflect upon the heartbreaking events of that awful day, we must reaffirm our sincere promise that “We will never forget.”

We will never forget the heroes of Flight 93. We will never forget the valor of first responders who rushed into the World Trade Center buildings time and time again – many sacrificing their own lives to save others. We will never forget those who simply went to work in the twin towers and never made it home. We will never forget those lost at the Pentagon. We will never forget the innocent people who boarded four flights that would never arrive at their destinations.

And we will never forget the courageous men and women of our armed forces and law enforcement, past, present and future, who continue to protect us from ever having to experience a tragedy like that again.

We will never forget those who lost their lives that day. Today - and every day - we remember their sacrifice.

As you join with us in remembering, as you too mourn and as you too honor the victims that died five years ago today, please join us in once again promising that “We will never forget.”

May God bless us all, and God bless America.

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.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th U.S. Congressional District, today began airing his first television commercial of the 2006 election cycle.  The ad, entitled “Max,” focuses on Max’s family, his local roots in the 12th District and highlights Max’s support for lower taxes and his commitment to a safer, secure America.  The ad began airing this morning in the Savannah and Augusta media markets.

“Today our campaign began taking my message of who I am, where I come from and my goals for a strong, secure nation directly to the voters in the 12th District,” said Burns.  “I’m confident that once the voters see who I am, the lifetime I’ve spent in our community and my commitment to Georgia families’ way of life, they’ll vote to return me to Congress.”

Burns begins his advertising well in advance of the November election, allowing voters to learn about him and the successful work that he will do when he returns to Congress.

“Our advertising will show voters in the 12th District who Max is, the lifetime he has spent in our community and his desire keep taxes low, grow the economy and protect our way of life,” said Burns’ Campaign Manager Tim Baker.  “Max has always been there for the people of the 12th District, no matter if he’s in Congress or out of Congress, and this ad reflects that commitment.”

BloggingforMax.com should have the advertisement posted this evening or tomorrow.

The voice-over of the TV spot, called “Max,” says:

Max Burns. Devoted to his family, and our community, he and Lora raised two boys here.  And some timber and cattle on the side.

For twenty years, Max taught at Georgia Southern.  And still made time to referee high school football.

In Congress, Max cut taxes for our families and small businesses.

To defend our way of life, Max will secure our ports and control our borders.

I’m Max Burns and I approve this message.