10th congressional district candidates spar over military service

As Election Day nears, the race for the tenth congressional district has taken a bitter turn with the Democratic challenger, Bobby Saxon, questioning the military service of the Republican incumbent, Rep. Paul Broun.

Saxon says Broun is misleading the public by saying he served in the Marine reserves in the "pre-Vietnam War era."

He says 20,000 American troops died in Vietnam during Broun's time in the Marines.

The two argued about Broun's service in an Atlanta Press Club debate at GPB's studios on Sunday.

"Will you look into the camera and tell the people of the tenth district why you misled them about your military record?" says Saxon.

"Bobby, you're so full of it," Broun replied. "You've not only impugned me, but every single person who served in the military who did not go to war."

Broun says he served in the active duty marine reserves from 1964-1967. Broun was serving when thousands of the casualties noted by Saxon happened. About 8000 of those deaths happened during his first three years. Broun was never deployed to Vietnam, although he says his unit eventually was.

In interviews with GPB, Broun has characterized his military service as beginning before things in Vietnam "got hot."

The war escalated with 11,000 American troop deaths in 1967, the year Broun started school at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He says he changed his military commission to the Navy reserves because of school.

Broun strongly disputes any implications that he avoided the war or that his lack of combat experience renders him unqualified to be a congressman.

Broun says his decision to leave the marines was MCG's call, since a deployment would have interrupted his education.

"The medical school made me get out of active Marine reserves so I had a commission in the Navy as a general medical officer," Broun said in the debate.

But Dr. Lois Ellison, MCG's historian, says the school has never required students to avoid active duty.

"I can assure you that that has never been the case," says Ellison. She says the school allowed deferments to students if they were called up, and that the military badly needed medical personnel during the war.

But Ellison also adds that she cannot speak to what an individual, such as an advisor, might have personally said to Broun.

Ellison was unsure how many MCG students served in Vietnam.

Bobby Saxon is also a veteran, serving in the army and the national guard. He spent a year in Iraq as a combat battle major with the 3rd Infantry Division.

Saxon, meanwhile, released a video advertisement via YouTube today questioning Broun's service.

Governor Perdue speaks at fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Paul Broun in Augusta

The state's top official lent a hand to U.S. Rep. Paul Broun on Wednesday.

Governor Sonny Perdue spoke at a barbecue luncheon fundraiser for Broun in Augusta, where tickets were $25 each.

Perdue's appearance comes as Broun faces criticism for spending much of his office budget for mailings during his campaign.

A congressional report says Broun spent more than 80 percent of his annual congressional office budget, according to media reports. About half the spending went to mailings to constituents during the primary election season in which he was unsuccessfully challenged by a powerful state legislator, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

In an interview with WGAU radio in Athens recently, Broun apparently blames staffers for the spending. But he says the mailings are "still within the parameters" of his budget. He says that no congressional offices will close and that no one from his office will be fired.

Congressional candidate questions opponent's religious convictions in Augusta

U.S. Rep. Paul Broun (R-Athens) is questioning the religious convictions of his opponent in the Republican primary for the 10^th congressional district seat as the election on Tuesday approaches.

“It’s unfortunate that he doesn’t understand redemption and salvation and a changed life in accepting Jesus as lord and savior,” Broun says of state Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem) in an interview which aired Thursday on Georgia Public Broadcasting’s WACG 90.7 FM in Augusta. “It’s not about religion but about a relationship with Jesus.”

But Fleming is a Christian, and according to his website, is an active member of Harlem Baptist Church. He has served as chairman of the board of deacons there, among other duties, the website says.

“Paul is wrong on that,” Fleming says of Broun’s remarks in an interview scheduled to air on Friday. “My Christian faith is the center of my life and I’ve tried not only to witness to other people in my life but I’ve tried to live a life as an example for others, and I’ll continue to do that.”

Broun, meanwhile, repeatedly accuses Fleming of “bearing false witness,” as he put it, by distorting votes he’s made in Congress, adding that lying violates the Judeo-Christian Ten Commandments. Fleming denies he has lied and invites doubters to check the Congressional Record.

The candidates, who have similar positions on social and fiscal issues, have been distinguishing themselves by questioning each other’s integrity in a negative campaign spiral.

In a debate at the Atlanta studios of Georgia Public Broadcasting last week, Fleming hammered Broun over a bankruptcy and also a quibble Broun had over alimony with one of his three former wives. Both incidents happened nearly 30 years ago.

He suggested that those issues are a sign of bad judgment that lasts for Broun as he serves in Congress. It’s an assertion that Broun takes strong personal offense to.

Fleming has also criticized votes Broun has made against several issues, such as veterans benefits and making laws tougher on child predators and use of the internet. Broun has rebutted Fleming’s criticisms, saying he voted against the measures because they would needlessly expand government.

Broun speaks openly and frequently about his faith, in churches, candidate forums and interviews. He often says he lived a prideful life until he renewed his Christian faith as a middle-aged adult.

He also says Jesus is his number one constituent and speaks of how he once converted one of his former wives to the Lord via telephone.

Proposed highway may be rerouted

A proposed controversial highway may be rerouted to avoid the Georgia mountains. The road called I-3 would extend from Savannah to Augusta to Knoxville, Tennessee.

To the dismay of conservationist groups, U.S. Representative Charlie Norwood got Congress to earmark 1.3 million dollars for a study on building the highway before his death. His successor Paul Broun opposed the road while running for election. Now he says he sees its importance for the Georgia cities and is trying to reroute its path through South Carolina so it won't affect fisheries in the mountains.

Some conservationists are still concerned the road will spur development that will affect the region.

U.S. Rep. Broun opens Augusta/Evans office

U.S. Rep. Paul Broun (R-Georgia) opened a district office in Evans on Monday.

The office will serve constituents in Columbia, Richmond, McDuffie, Wilkes, Lincoln and Elbert counties.

The office is located at 4246 Washington Road, Suite 6, in Evans. The phone number there is 706-447-3857.

Broun will host a grand opening at another district office in Athens from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

That office will serve constituents in Clarke, Oconee, Jackson, Oglethorpe, Putnam, Greene, Morgan and Madison counties.

It is located at 3706 Atlanta Highway, Suite 3B in Athens. The phone number there is 706-549-9588.

Broun represents Georgia's 10th Congressional District. He took office in July, after a special election to replace U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood, who died in February. Broun is up for re-election next year.

Republican money shifts to Fleming

Republican money in the 10th Congressional District is again lining up against newly elected GOP Representative Paul Broun of Athens. Broun was a surprise winner in the July election to succeed the late Charlie Norwood in Congress. Fundraising reports show he had less than $35,000 in the bank this quarter. In contrast is state Representative Barry Fleming, a Republican challenger from Harlem who raised $273,000 in September alone.

New Congressman already has challenger

Newly-elected Congressman Paul Broun already has a challenger. Today Republican state Representative Barry Fleming announced he will challenge Broun next year for northeast Georgia's 10th District congressional seat. Fleming is an attorney from Harlem who has been in the state House for six years. Broun was sworn in to the seat in July. He is a doctor in Athens.

Whitehead spent $1M on losing bid

A finance report filed today says former state Senator Jim Whitehead spent nearly a million dollars on his losing bid for Congress. That’s more than twice what victor and fellow Republican Paul Broun spent. Broun defeated Whitehead last month in a run-off election to replace the seat left vacant by the February death of Congressman Charlie Norwood. He represents Georgia's 10th Congressional district that spans from Augusta to Athens.

Broun's first vote breaks party ties

Georgia's newest congressman is wasting no time in showing that he's willing to buck his party's leadership now that he's made it to Washington.

In his first vote as a lawmaker this week, Paul Broun, a Republican from Athens, broke with his party and supported an amendment that would block the Justice Department from prosecuting medical marijuana cases.

Broun sent out a statement saying he broke ranks because of a campaign promise that he would make the constitution his primary guide. He said the Justice Department's prosecution of these cases would have interfered with states rights.

New congressman takes oath tonight

Georgia’s newest Congressman will be sworn into office tonight. Athens Republican Dr. Paul Broun is set to take an oath of office on the floor of the United States House of Representatives at 6PM. Broun narrowly beat former state Senator Jim Whitehead in last week’s runoff. Only 394 votes separated Broun from Whitehead, but yesterday Whitehead decided against a recount. Broun fills the seat that opened in February when Charlie Norwood passed away from cancer. He will represent northeast Georgia's 10th Congressional district.

Whitehead concedes to Broun

Former state Senator Jim Whitehead has decided not to seek a recount in the race to replace the late Congressman Charlie Norwood. Whitehead’s concession clears the way for Athens doctor Paul Broun to be sworn in as Georgia's next congressman. He will serve northeast Georgia’s 10th Congressional district. Just 394 votes separated Whitehead from Broun in last week's runoff. Whitehead would have been entitled to a recount with the margin so close. Whitehead said today that he decided against it after learning the process could take up to a week.

Recount expected in congressional race

The loser in the race to fill the late Georgia Congressman Charlie Norwood's seat wants the votes recounted.

A campaign consultant for Jim Whitehead says he will ask for a recount because he lost to physician Paul Broun by just 394 votes. That is less than one percent of the total vote.
Under Georgia law, Whitehead is entitled to a recount.

Given such a small margin, Whitehead's campaign says, an error could have determined the outcome of the election.

Broun and Whitehead are both Republicans. But, Whitehead, a former state senator, was expected to win the race. He was endorsed by Georgia's Republican establishment, and the family of Congressman Norwood.

Meanwhile, Paul Broun is preparing to be sworn in to office in Washington. His campaign says the recount will not interfere with those plans.

Survey: Broun will win Congressional seat

A new survey shows there aren't enough military and overseas ballots to boost former state Senator Jim Whitehead to a win over Paul Broun in Georgia’s 10th Congressional District. The Associated Press surveyed county elections officials throughout the northeast Georgia district. Unofficial results from Tuesday’s runoff give Broun 395 more votes than Whitehead. The Secretary of State is expected to certify results early next week once all ballots have been counted. They are vying to fill the seat left vacant by the late Charlie Norwood.

"Anti-establishment" sends Broun to Washington

It appears an odd coalition of Athens voters and the Christian right helped dark-horse candidate Paul Broun win a seat in Congress Tuesday. With 98 percent of the votes counted, he received 50.4 percent of the votes to Jim Whitehead's 49.6 percent.

It was not supposed to be this way. Whitehead, a former state senator, had the backing of the Republican establishment, and the Tenth Congressional District is solid GOP territory.

The problem with that, says Matt Towery, political analyst and CEO of Insider Advantage, is that voters, especially Republicans, are disillusioned.

"They're going heavily for the anti-establishment or new breed of Republican, whatever that might be," he says. "I don't know if they knew about Paul Broun, or they just knew he wasn’t the establishment candidate."

Towery says the heavily Democratic city of Athens supported its local doctor, Broun, even though he is a staunchly conservative Republican. Broun also won the support of religious voters in the rural parts of the district.

It appears Broun will serve out the rest of the late U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood's term in Washington But, as of noon Wednesday, Whitehead had not conceded the race. He may request a recount because he trails Broun by less than one percent.

Recount likely in 10th Congressional District

The 10th district runoff election results appear headed for a recount. Out of Tuesday night, Athens doctor Paul Broun held a narrow lead over former state Senator Jim Whitehead of Evans. The margin was just under 400 votes, from a total of more than 46-thousand cast. It means the results are within the one-percent margin needed for the trailing candidate to be granted a recount if requested. Ballots from military, overseas, and provisional are still outstanding.

Voters to polls today in 10th district and Macon

The polls are open this morning in the cities and areas around Augusta, Athens, and Macon.

Augusta and Athens are included within the 10th Congressional district, where today’s runoff election will decide matters between Jim Whitehead and Paul Broun. The two Republicans are hoping to win the seat of the late Charlie Norwood.

In Macon, residents today will choose between seven mayoral candidates in primary voting. Five Democrats and two Republicans are in the mix. Winners from each party will face-off in November.

10th District to elect US Representative tomorrow

Tenth Congressional District residents head to the polls Tuesday to elect a replacement for late Congressman Charlie Norwood.

Two conservative Republicans are in this run-off: former State Senator Jim Whitehead of Evans, and physician Paul Broun of Athens. They beat out eight other candidates in June’s special election.

Athens-Clarke County Election Supervisor Gayle Schraeder is predicting an eight to 10 percent voter turnout. Columbia County Registration Coordinator Nancy Gay has a slightly more optimistic forecast.

"For the July 17th run-off, we’re predicting anywhere from 10 to 15 percent of the registered voters to come out and participate in the run-off."

The main campaign issues revolved around local politics. Whitehead said he would favor the Augusta area for any funding opportunities, while Broun said he would serve the entire district and not just the needs of his hometown, Athens.

Advance voting for 10th Congressional District election

Advance voting begins today for the 10th Congressional District runoff election. Voters will choose between Republicans Jim Whitehead of Evans, and Paul Broun of Athens. The runoff election is scheduled for July 17th, a week from tomorrow.

The election will fill the seat of the late Charlie Norwood, who died in February. The 10th district covers all or part of 21 counties in northeast Georgia.

Whitehead raised more money than Broun in 10th congressional

Financial disclosure statements in Georgia’s 10th congressional district show that Jim Whitehead has raised four times as much as his opponent Paul Broun.

Both candidates for the July 17th runoff in the north Georgia district are Republican. They are seeking to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Charlie Norwood.

Jim Whitehead, a tire salesman from the Augusta area has the endorsement of Norwood’s widow and is favored by Georgia’s GOP establishment. Since June 1st, he has raised over 188 thousand dollars. His opponent Paul Broun, a physician from suburban Athens, has raised just over 47 thousand dollars.

With little difference in ideology between the candidates, the race has grown into a regional competition between the districts largest cities, Athens vs. Augusta.

Whitehead did get twice as many votes as Broun in the June election, but not enough to avoid a runoff. Voter turnout in the middle of the July heat is expected to be very low. Political analysts say in such cases, the candidate with the most money for ads and flyers is likely to win.

10th District Race is Augusta vs. Athens

The race to represent Georgia's 10th congressional district is turning into a spat between two cities.
Both Candidates for the July 17th runoff are Republicans. So what sets them apart more than anything is their home towns.
Jim Whitehead who was the frontrunner last month is From Suburban Augusta and Paul Broun is from Suburban Athens.
In a speech to the Augusta Kuwanis Club earlier this week White head said that his priorities in congress would be Fort Gorden, The Savannah River site and The VA hospital and the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.
He made reference to his ongoing dispute with the Athens Banner Herald which has issued several editorials critical of Whitehead.
Broun sent out a release accusing Whitehead of being a regional candidate.
Broun was also quick to point out that he did graduate from the medical college of Georgia in Augusta. The two candidates are scheduled to debate on GPB Monday evening.