12th District debate gets testy

Sparks flew in a debate yesterday as the two Democrats seeking to represent the Twelfth Congressional district met in a televised debate. In a debate broadcast on GPB radio and television, the Democratic challenger to Congressman John Barrow, Savannah State Senator Regina Thomas, launched into the incumbent over veterans affairs, wiretapping and other hot-botton issues. Thomas accused Barrow of dragging his feet on reducing gas prices.

Thomas said, "Being in Congress for four years and still talking about what you're going to do, it already should have been done. I think we need to be honest to the American people, we need to tell them exactly what's happening, that the big oil companies and their executives are getting all the money, that we're being gouged."

The candidates disagreed over offshore oil drilling. Thomas said it wouldn't help to reduce gas prices much or soon, while Barrow said he voted for the measure. Thomas called herself the "true Democrat" in the race, while Barrow characterized his approach in Congress as one open to working with both Republicans and Democrats.

Barrow said, "In my time in Congress, I've earned a reputation for getting things done by working with folks on both sides of the isle and all sides of an issue to find solutions to the problems of the people of this country. I've taken this approach because I genuinely believe that that's what this country needs and I know it's what the people of this district want."

The Democratic debate was followed by a milder Republican face-off, with three GOP contenders on-stage. John Stone of Augusta and Savannahians Ray McKinney and Ben Crystal didn't stray far from the tax-reducing mantra. Whoever wins the GOP primary will face either Thomas or Barrow. Both party primaries are on July 15th. If no one wins more than 50% on the Republican side, there'll be a run-off on August 5th.

Obama supporting Barrow in state race

Presumptive Democratic nominee Barack Obama is throwing his support behind Georgia congressman John Barrow in his race against a state lawmaker.

Experts say Obama’s support could prove crucial for Barrow, a white incumbent from Savannah, who is running against black legislator, state Sen. Regina Thomas.

Black voters are a solid majority in the 12th Congressional District, which includes large portions of Savannah and Augusta.

Obama will soon begin airing his first TV ad in the state since clinching his party’s nomination.

The spot, which will also run 17 other states is a biographical sketch called, “Country I Love.”

Georgia has voted heavily Republican in recent years. The GOP believes the state will give its 15 electoral votes to John McCain, the GOP nominee in waiting, in November.

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the July 15th state race, and here for the presidential elections: http://gpbelectionnews.blogspot.com/