Blogging for Max

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.

Secures endorsements from the two major dailies in the new 12th District
From the Augusta Chronicle, 10/29/2006: 

Return Max Burns

He has proved himself once. Now we need his leadership again

There are many reasons why voters in Georgia’s redrawn 12th Congressional District should elect Max Burns to the U.S. House of Representatives next month, but this is the most telling: That seat, now held by Democrat John Barrow, could determine which party controls the lower chamber.

Max Burns was elected president of his Republican freshman class when he became a U.S. House member in 2002. Now he needs to bring his ideas and values to Washington in 2006.

If Democrats win, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi will be speaker and her far-left San Francisco values - gay marriage, cutting and running from Iraq, coddling terrorists, raising taxes, amnesty for illegals - will become the House agenda.

That would cripple our commander in chief’s ability to lead. This is surely why he plans to campaign for Burns on Monday in Statesboro - the second time this year the president has come to Georgia to help his fellow Republican.

Burns represented the 12th District with distinction in the 108th Congress, but lost to Barrow two years ago. Since then, the 12th was redrawn to be more competitive, and more geographically sensible. There is now a “community of interest” in the district that needs Max Burns to look after those interests.

Barrow may be proud of standing up to his party’s leftist leadership on occasion, but he’s clearly swimming upstream - and every time he goes under, so will Georgia. Under a Speaker Pelosi, the undertow would only intensify.

Why take that risk, when you can vote for Max Burns, who’s an authentic conservative with a record in the previous Congress that proves it. He was hailed as one of the most prolific freshmen representatives in history, writing and passing legislation to help farmers and the elderly.

Barrow, on the other hand, is listed on Congress.org as one of the 10 least-effective congressional members by a government relations management company - less effective, even, than Cynthia McKinney.

Burns, a former Screven County commissioner, is supported by groups concerned about taxes and the economy. The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation’s foremost small-business advocacy group, endorsed Burns on Thursday.

That’s the reality. Yet Barrow’s “Max Tax” TV ads have disingenuously accused Burns of supporting a 23 percent national sales tax increase without making it clear he’s referring to a replacement tax that gets rid of all other federal taxes, including income and payroll taxes. The FairTax, as it’s known, would also greatly simplify the tax code and scrap the IRS. Barrow’s smear of this innovative tax reform plan has been independently documented by a Savannah TV station as a gross distortion.

Burns has not committed to the tax revamp, but says he’s for considering it. Barrow should be too, unless he thinks the current monstrous tax code doesn’t need change. The FairTax deserves serious debate, but that’s impossible when one candidate distorts the issue for political advantage.

You don’t need to worry about Max Burns having to swim upstream toward Georgia values. He’s already there.

This might be the nation’s pivotal congressional race, upon which control of the House rests. Voters in Georgia’s 12th Congressional District may provide the entire nation with lower taxes, greater national security and rational immigration policy.

But only by voting for Max Burns on Nov. 7.

From the Savannah Morning News:

12th District Race
Return Burns to House

WHO ARE the two candidates running for Georgia’s 12th Congressional House seat? Judging from the advertising, one is a loony liberal and the other is a twisted conservative.

Fortunately for voters in this district, which includes portions of Savannah and southeast and eastern Georgia, that’s not the case. These ads are mostly caricatures. John Barrow, the Democratic incumbent, and Max Burns, the Republican who wants to regain his old seat, are thoughtful men who bear only passing resemblances to the negative images on TV and radio and in direct mail pieces.

However, differences do exist. Our recommendation in the Nov. 7 general election is Mr. Burns.

Voters sent the Screven County resident to Washington in 2002 to represent the 12th District, which at the time was the most Democratic district in the nation with a Republican congressman. In 2004, the Democratic National Committee made Mr. Burns’ defeat a top priority. It succeeded, despite the fact that Mr. Burns was an effective lawmaker who supported President Bush’s tax cuts and the president’s war on terror and who diligently tended his Georgia roots, especially in farm country. (Example: He supported the buyout of the state’s tobacco growers).

We believe Mr. Burns deserves a return trip to Washington, and give him the edge over the incumbent for one major reason: tax reform, likely to be a major issue in the next Congress.

While both candidates rightly support the end of the “death” tax, Mr. Burns goes one additional step and wants to abolish the convoluted income tax and Internal Revenue Service. Instead, the revenue that the federal government needs to operate would be collected through a national sales tax.

Georgia Rep. John Linder has championed this proposal, which would slash the costs of complying with the existing tax code, boost real wages, give workers more control over their money and create more opportunities for business and job growth.

Mr. Barrow opposes it. Although the incumbent says he favors tax reform, we believe Mr. Burns would be a better advocate for the changes that would do the most good for the most working Georgians.

Mr. Burns’ advocacy of lower taxes is just one way to foster economic growth and investment. Another is his support for improving transportation, education and agriculture. He supports changes that would help move truck traffic into and out of the mammoth Georgia Ports Authority facility in Garden City and connect this vital resource with other areas of Georgia and the Southeast, largely through the construction of the proposed Interstate 3 that would run north from Savannah to Augusta.

The next Congress will reauthorize the farm bill, and Mr. Burns has a solid record supporting farmers. Pairing him with Georgia Sen. Saxby Chambliss, who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, would give Georgians a one-two punch in Congress on issues important to the state’s agricultural industry.

Mr. Burns had a solid record on supporting the military and supported the Bush Doctrine of pre-emption - engaging terrorists overseas. He supported the Patriot Act to give anti-terror agencies needed tools to better protect Americans.

Mr. Barrow, an attorney who relocated to Savannah from Athens, has a voting record of a Southern Democrat - not as hard left as the national party. For example, the ACLU graded him at 36 percent during the last session, compared to a perfect 100 percent for Democratic Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California and soon-to-be former Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney of Atlanta.

We also have supported some of his initiatives, such as hiking the mileage reimbursements to veterans who drive long distances for medical treatment from veterans’ health-care facilities.

However, we disagreed with him on the Central American Free Trade Agreement, which we supported and he opposed. We also disagree with him on raising the minimum wage, which will eliminate jobs.

He also voted for an unneeded “hate crimes” bill. He voted against the fiscal 2006 budget resolution to limit spending and impose tax cuts, and he voted against a bill that would help the United States become more energy independent by opening up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas exploration.

Mr. Barrow is no knee-jerk Democrat. He broke ranks with the party and voted to protect gun manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits, for instance.

However, we believe Mr. Burns would be a more effective representative. We support his candidacy.

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.

An amazing new web site has been created called “‘John the Con’ Barrow” at www.johnthecon.com. By far one of the best sites of the 2006 election cycle, it really does a great job of hashing out the Barrow lie machine for voters.

“You, or someone you know, right now is being targeted by ‘John the Con’ Barrow.”

The site features four “scam alerts” on issues about which Barrow is notorious for lying: Gay Marriage, National Security, Taxes and Immigration. Check it out, it certainly clears up a great deal regarding Johnnie Athens’ propaganda.

“Education is the best form of prevention. It would be wise for you and those you love to familiarize yourselves with ‘John the Con’s’ scams in order to avoid falling into his trap.”

Touche! The site, which is paid for by Friends of Max Burns, ends with the tag line, “Don’t buy what ‘John the Con’ Barrow is selling!”

Most voters know that the “Max Tax” commercials being run by Athens trial lawyer John Barrow and the DCCC present a distorted and misleading version of the Fair Tax, and a misappropriated link between Max Burns and the Fair Tax itself, but WSAV 3 in Savannah put the advertisements to the “truth test” and found that Johnnie Athens has been lying to voters.

In a segment that aired on Channel 3’s 6 pm and 10 pm news, WSAV’s Paul Ray did a great job of exposing the depth to which Barrow and the DCCC have lied in these commercials.

“As the Truth Test found the ads present the sales tax as an increase when it is designed to replace all income and other payroll taxes. Another misleading element is referencing the tax as new, it’s been around for years and while support is growing the “new” tax is going nowhere fast.”

And these ads are essentially the hub of Barrow’s campaign.   With no record to run on, and a great deal of mistakes to hide, Barrow can do little more than lie.  He lied to voters about the tax itself, but he has also distorted Max Burns’ support of the tax.  Larry Peterson of the Savannah Morning News recently wrote:

“At a forum with Barrow last week, [Burns] said he still thinks it’s ‘a good idea,’ but he suggested it could use some tweaks.  ‘There are some things we can take from it and make it better,’ [Burns] said.” (emphasis added)

Even more outrageous is the notion that Barrow has gone so far off the deep end in lying to voters, that he is claiming that he is aligned with President Bush.  At the end of one of the ads he says “I’m John Barrow and I approve this message because I agree with George Bush on this one.”  But that could not be further from the truth.

“The fact is President Bush said ’send Max Burns back to the U.S. Congress,’” said Tim Baker, Burns’ campaign manager. “It’s Barrow trying to run from his true colors and his party.” (emphasis added)

Johnnie Athens lying to conceal his record?  Sounds familiar.  But WSAV saved the most damning evidence for last:

“One of Barrow’s ads claims, ‘President Bush’s commission on tax reform said Max Burns’ national sales tax would raise taxes on 75% of all Americans.’ Then the candidate intones, ‘I’m John Barrow and I approved this message because I agree with George Bush on this one.’  WSAV has confirmed the council looked at a national sales tax plan, but they did not look at the specific plan Burns and others support meaning this part of the Barrow ad is untrue.” (emphasis added)

The bottom line is that Barrow’s a liar.  It’s not quite libel, but it’s close.  Whatever the case, in the words of Ricky Ricardo/Dezi Arnaz, “Johnnie, you have a lot of ’splainin’ to do.”

Burns’ election extremely important to small-business owners across the country

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Max Burns, former Congressman and candidate for Georgia’s new 12th District, today received the endorsement of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).  NFIB’s Save America’s Free Enterprise (SAFE) Trust made the announcement at Very Vera’s, a member of the NFIB.

“It’s an honor to have the support of small business,” said Burns.  “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and are the ones that create good paying jobs in our communities.   This endorsement shows that the voters of Georgia’s new 12th District want a Congressman who will work for lower taxes, less government and less regulation so America’s small businesses can continue growing jobs and opportunities in Georgia.”

“Your election is extremely important to the NFIB member small-business owners across the country,” said Dan Danner, Executive Vice President of the NFIB Public Policy and Political.  “Hardworking and spirited entrepreneurs in your district are continuing to battle burdensome regulation, taxes and other unnecessary government intervention.  They need your support in Congress to defeat obstructionists and secure a pro-free-enterprise business environment that is vital to their success.”

While serving in the 108th Congress, Burns received a 100 percent rating from the NFIB and was awarded the “Guardian of Small Business” for his support in championing small business legislation.  With less than three weeks before Election Day, the endorsement is a major boost for the Burns campaign because Athens Congressman John Barrow is a member of the Small Business Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, which has oversight of all small business legislation that comes before the House.

“It’s shocking that a member of the Small Business Committee didn’t get the endorsement of small business,” said Burns Campaign Manager Tim Baker.  “But after taking a closer look at John Barrow’s voting record, one can understand their hesitation in supporting him.  John Barrow is masquerading around as a lower taxes, less government kind of candidate, but he’s really a liberal trial attorney that’s out of touch with folks in the district.  Small business saw through his disguise and so will the voters in Georgia’s new 12th District.”

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. – Athens trial lawyer John Barrow continues his pattern of lies by launching yet another false, negative attack ad against Max Burns.  Barrow’s latest ad continues the same negative tactics used in 2004 to scare voters into believing Burns will raise their taxes.  Burns will never raise taxes and has an extensive record of cutting taxes and simplification while in the 108th Congress.  On the other hand, Barrow voted three times to put the death tax back on the books and supports raising Social Security taxes and cutting benefits.

“It’s absolutely laughable to think Max will raise your taxes,” said Burns Campaign Manager Tim Baker.  “Max will never raise taxes.  It’s pitiful John Barrow has resorted to lies and false attacks in order to cover up his votes to renew the death tax and raise Social Security taxes and cut benefits.  Voters in Georgia’s new 12th District are much smarter than he gives them credit for and will reject these shameful, negative campaign tactics.”

Burns established a solid record of tax cuts and reforms during his term in the 108th Congress.  Burns voted for H.R. 2, the Economic Growth and Jobs Act of 2003, which cut taxes for millions of Americans and small businesses; voted to end the death tax once and for all; introduced and the U.S. House passed with bi-partisan support the Simple Tax for Seniors Act (418-0), 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.  Burns supports making all of President Bush’s 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent.

Burns earned the Friend of the Taxpayers Award by the National Taxpayer’s Union while in Congress.  However, Barrow was named “Unfriendly to Taxpayers” by Citizens Against Government Waste for his support of wasteful programs and pork-barrel spending and received a failing grade of 12 percent from Americans for Tax Reform.

“John Barrow wants you to believe that Max Burns will raise your taxes, but that’s a joke,” said Baker.  “Max Burns will always vote to cut your taxes and never vote to your raise taxes.”

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.

The National Association of Manufacturers, one of the manufacturing industry’s most powerful voices, today released its Congressional Voting Record for the 109th Congress. The rankings are based on 24 recorded floor votes on “pro-growth, pro-job” bills. The NAM is non-partisan, does not have a political action committee and does not endorse candidates.

In a Monday press release, NAM President John Engler said the record was a way to “honor” legislators that have been “champions for a pro-growth, pro-job agenda.” Engler also reiterated the non-partisan nature of the report.

“Manufacturing is the cornerstone of American innovation and economic strength, and this program is a clear record of those who safeguard a robust manufacturing economy,” said Engler. “On behalf of the nation’s manufacturers, I’m proud to say ‘thank you’ to the lawmakers who have given their support and crucial votes toward American competitiveness.”

Not surprisingly, Athens trial lawyer John Barrow is at the bottom of the Georgia House delegation in 3rd-to-last place; finishing just ahead of his liberal pals John Lewis and Cynthia McKinney. During the 108th Congress, Sylvania Educator Max Burns received a perfect score.

The Georgia House rankings:

1. Jack Kingston (R): 100%
1. Tom Price (R): 100%
3. John Linder (R): 96%
3. Lynn Westmoreland (R): 96%
5. Nathan Deal (R): 91%
6. Phil Gingrey (R): 88%
7. Charlie Norwood (R): 86%
8. Sanford Bishop (D): 58%
8. Jim Marshall (D): 58%
10. David Scott (D): 50%
11. John Barrow (D): 42%
12. John Lewis (D): 5%
13. Cynthia McKinney (D): 0%

Johnnie Athens is once again proving to be “quite the effective Congressman.”

The NAM’s mission is to “aggressively seek to influence the terms of public-policy debates, to reward members of Congress who have supported our agenda and to tell those who have been on the wrong side of the issues that America’s manufacturers and workers expect better from our elected officials.”

For more information on the NAM, visit www.nam.org.

Our buddy Erick over at Peach Pundit made an interesting observation. In a brief post directed to Athens trial lawyer John Barrow, he claims that Johnnie Athens is campaigning on misleading facts. This certainly fits Barrow’s m.o.

From Peach Pundit:

NOTE TO JOHN BARROW

You’ve been going around trumpeting the appropriation of $7 million for Air Force Construction and Land Acquisition Projects. But, you might want to check with Congress, which attributed that earmark to Reps. Jack Kingston and Jim Marshall in the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007.

Perhaps this is just another example of Barrow being ranked as the least influential member of Congress from Georgia — behind even Cynthia McKinney.