Gore assails Chambliss, Bush policies at Martin rally

Former Vice-President Al Gore addressing supporters of Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin at a rally in Atlanta, Sunday, Nov. 23. (Dave Bender)

Former Vice-President Al Gore revved up a rally for Senate candidate Jim Martin Sunday night.

Gore urged the crowd of about 600 cheering supporters to cast their ballots this coming week, and not wait until December second.

Gore criticized economic policies of the Bush Administration, tying them directly to Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss:

“The Bush, Cheney, Chambliss philosophy has been tried and found not only wanting – it has been found out to be a catastrophe for the United States of America.”

The Nobel Prize winner heaped praise on Martin’s record and background as a state lawmaker.

Martin says remarks by Gore that “the eyes of the nation were on this race in Georgia,” indicate how crucial the runoff is for the incoming Obama administration.

Democrats hold 58 seats in the Senate, and the outcome of races in Georgia and Minnesota will decide if they will achieve a filibuster-proof Senate “supermajority.”

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FEMA aid for twister-struck counties

The twister's aftermath along Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, May 12th, 2008. (Josephine Bennet)

President George W. Bush on Friday approved a Federal Disaster Declaration for the 14 counties that Governor Sonny Perdue requested aid for following the Mother's Day tornadoes and severe thunderstorms on May 11-12.

“I am grateful to President Bush and FEMA Director Paulison for their quick action in offering assistance,” Perdue said. “This Federal Disaster Declaration will broaden our capability to recover from these devastating storms.”

Individual assistance is now available to disaster victims in 10 counties: Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, and Twiggs.

Bush also designated that Bibb, Carroll, Crawford, Emanuel, Glynn, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, Treutlen, Twiggs and Wilkinson counties will all be able to receive federal funds to help offset 75 percent the cost of the initial emergency response, debris removal and restoration of damaged public facilities.

Low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration will also be available to cover residential and business losses not fully compensated by insurance, according to a statement from the Governor's Office.

Perdue made the request May 16 for a federal declaration after touring the areas and reviewing preliminary damage assessment figures.

Residents and business owners in Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Emanuel, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh, and Twiggs counties who sustained losses can begin applying for assistance by registering online at http://www.fema.gov/ or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (local time) Monday through Sunday.

Click here and here for more GPB News coverage of the severe weather that struck much of central Georgia on Mother's Day.