No Questions For Chambliss In Imperial Sugar Case

Georgia U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss will not have to answer questions from a lawyer suing Imperial Sugar on behalf of victims of the refinery explosion last year. Chatham County judge Hermann Coolidge issued a one-paragraph ruling that effectively stops a subpoena issued for Chambliss to testify under deposition. Savannah attorney Mark Tate wanted to question the Senator on whether Imperial Sugar sought Chambliss’ help to defend the company. The February 7th, 2008 explosion at the Port Wentworth refinery killed 14 workers and injured dozens more. Senate attorneys had argued the U.S. Constitution gives Chambliss immunity from taking questions on business in civil lawsuits.

Ludacris & Co. Rally for Martin

Martin, flanked by political and musical supporters at the state capitol, Monday, Dec. 1, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin got a boost from Atlanta's self-declared "hip-hop royalty" on the eve of the runoff race against opponent, Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss.

Veteran Democratic Party officials including Congressman John Lewis, state Democratic Party Chair Jane Kidd, and numerous others crowded the stage, taking turns rallying the crowd of several hundred supporters.


Rapper Ludacris called on the crowd to go and vote Tuesday morning for Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin, at a rally on the steps of the capitol, Monday, Dec., 1, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Braving chilly weather, Martin was joined on a stage set up on the steps of the capitol, by a bevy of acclaimed rappers including Ludacris and T.I (Clifford Harris).

Click here for more GPB News election coverage.

Senate candidates spar in final debate

Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley, Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, and Democratic candidate Jim Martin argued their respective positions at the Atlanta Press Club debate, held at Georgia Public Broadcasting's Television studios in Atlanta, Nov. 2, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Georgia's three U.S. Senate candidates faced off in their final debate last night. Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss is battling for a second term against a stronger-than-expected challenge from Democrat Jim Martin. The candidates clashed over economic policies.

The candidates faced off against a rotating panel of four journalists at the Atlanta Press Club debate, held at Georgia Public Broadcasting's Television studios in Atlanta, Nov. 2, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Chambliss who voted for the 700 billion dollar financial rescue package said he won't support a proposed second economic stimulus plan backed by Democrats. "Just saying that we need take another 300 billion dollars to distribute around the country will not get us out of this problem," said Senator Chambliss.

Jim Martin responded, "How outrageous... Saxby Chambliss economics is taking care of people at the top. We need to take care of the middle class and that's what this stimulus package would do."

The two candidates also traded spars over whether banks are using the bailout money effectively. Martin brought up criticisms that the money is being used by larger banks to buy smaller banks and to pay dividends to shareholders. Chambliss said it's acceptable for larger banks to buy smaller ones that are loaded with toxic loans, and challenged Martin to name one bank that was paying out dividends to no avail.

Libertarian candidate Allen Buckley also participated in the debate. He said both candidates would do little to nothing to address the larger economic picture--the burgeoning national deficit which is his main issue.

The latest polls show a tight race between Martin and Chambliss with neither candidate clenching a majority. If that bears out on election day, a run-off would ensue.

(Dave Bender)

Hear the entire debate tonight on GPB radio at 8:00 p.m.

Chambliss faces subpoena

U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss has been subpoenaed to answer questions about whether a sugar company enlisted him to escape blame in a deadly explosion at a Georgia refinery. Savannah attorney Mark Tate is representing four workers killed in the February 7th explosion in Port Wentworth near Savannah. Tate says his clients claim Chambliss tried to talk them out of suing the company. The subpoena comes just before the Nov. 4 election in which Chambliss is in a close race with Democrat Jim Martin.

(Associated Press)

Martin Gets Netroots Support

Democratic Senate candidate Jim Martin is closing in on incumbent Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, according to several recent polls. The stronger showing has prompted Democratic activists to pour money into the campaign.

Martin, who was behind by double digits in earlier polls, has been steadily improving. Meanwhile Chambliss has held a commanding 10-1 edge in money raised, according to the Federal Elections Commission. In an attempt to fuse money into Martin’s campaign, liberal activists at the Daily Kos website are aiding the Democrat through the Orange to Blue Fundraising network. In thirty six hours, about sixty thousand dollars was raised for Martin. That equals Martin’s last reported cash on hand statement. Despite the intervention, Chambliss is expected to maintain a huge financial advantage. According to the FEC, his core financial support comes from agricultural companies, lawyers and political action committees.

Georgia National Fair to host candidates

The Georgia National Fair in Perry has the rides, fair food, and concerts on its menu. For today, it’ll have politics on the schedule. The first face-to-face meeting for Saxby Chambliss and Jim Martin is set as time is ticking down toward next month’s election, when voters decide the Georgia U.S. Senate race. Republican incumbent Chambliss, along with Democratic challenger Martin, will be joined by Libertarian Allen Buckley in the candidates forum.

Chambliss "surprised" by bailout vote

One of Georgia's Senators says he would have voted YES to the sweeping federal bailout bill defeated by House members Monday.

Chambliss says the plan’s current version contains adequate safeguards and oversight that he--and taxpayers--should feel comfortable with.

Chambliss spoke on Tuesday just back from Washington, where he and fellow GOP Senator Johnny Isakson met with House Republicans. As for GOP House members who voted against the recovery measure, Chambliss offered this:

"We all were opposed to the first two versions...I was hopeful that changes would be made that would convince them they need to support it. They represent different congressional districts...Johnny and I represent nine-and-a-half million people. Sometimes you see things a little bit differently".

As for Chambliss' office getting flooded with calls from Georgians opposed to a massive bailout?

"I can’t worry about politics. This is so important for my constituents and it’s so important for my children and my grandchildren and the economy that they’re going to inherit, that you’ve got to think about what’s in the best interest of the country first".

Democrat Jim Martin is vying for Chambliss’ seat in November. At a candidate forum Monday, Martin blamed the incumbent and the Bush administration for the economy’s condition. Martin says he does not support the current bailout bill.

Senators want to mint new coin

U.S. flag in front of the uncompleted National Infantry Museum at Fort Benning near Columbus. (Dave Bender)

U.S. Sens. Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson want the U.S. Treasury to mint a memorial coin for the Nation Infantry Museum, set to open early next year.

They are calling on the Secretary of the Treasury to mint 350,000 silver coins honoring soldiers and commemorating the creation of the new infantry museum, according to a statement.

Sale of the coins would raise $3.5 million for the museum.

NIF officials say they’ve raised over 80 million of the 100 million dollar project so far.

Click here for more GPB News coverage about the museum.

Latest statewide election results (Updated)

From the Secretary of State's Office:

Unofficial And Incomplete Results of the Tuesday, August 05,
2008 Primary Election Runoff

The results displayed are UNOFFICIAL AND INCOMPLETE until
certified by both county election superintendents and the
Secretary of State, a process that will not be completed until
the week of August 11.

Last Updated Wednesday, August 06, 2008 7:55:08 AM

United States Senator, Chambliss 97% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes Jim Martin 188,331 59.8% Vernon Jones 126,577 40.2% Totals 314,908 County Results
State Senator, District 13 91% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes John Dickey Crosby 1,779 33.6% Wally Roberts 1,193 22.5% Rusty Simpson 1,115 21.0% Horace Hudgins 695 13.1% Bob Usry 515 9.7% Totals 5,297 County Results
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%
State Senator, District 44 95% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes Gail Buckner 7,516 54.9% Gail Davenport 6,166 45.1% Totals 13,682 County Results
State Senator, District 50 96% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes Jim Butterworth 6,175 62.3% Nancy Schaefer 3,734 37.7% Totals 9,909 County Results
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%
State Representative, District 61 84% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes Ralph Long, III 1,357 57.9% Keisha Waites 986 42.1% Totals 2,343 County Results
State Representative, District 91 95% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes Rahn Mayo 2,795 55.2% Rita Robinzine 2,267 44.8% Totals 5,062 County Results
State Representative, District 93 100% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes Dee Dawkins-Haigler 2,374 60.8% Malik Douglas 1,530 39.2% Totals 3,904 County Results
District Attorney, Clayton Circuit 98% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes Tracy Graham-Lawson 15,148 60.7% Jewel Scott 9,825 39.3% Totals 24,973 County Results
District Attorney, Eastern Circuit 99% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes Larry Chisolm 5,790 65.9% Jerry Rothschild 2,992 34.1% Totals 8,782 County Results
District Attorney, Piedmont Circuit 98% of precincts reporting Republican Candidates Votes % of Votes Brad Smith 5,502 56.6% Donna Sikes 4,219 43.4% Totals 9,721 County Results
Democratic Candidates Votes % of Votes No Candidates 0 0.0%

Polls close as Georgia chooses

Polls closed across Georgia Tuesday as voters selected which Democrat will take on Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss in November.

DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones is facing off against former state lawmaker Jim Martin in what has been bitter three-week runoff race.

Both candidates predict the contest will hinge on turnout, which was sparse across the state.

Just 18 percent of registered voters made it to the polls in July's primary and elections officials say fewer than half of those voters were expected to return to the ballot box for the runoff.

The last U.S. Senate Democratic primary runoff, in 2004, posted 6 percent turnout.

Jones and Martin were the top vote getters in the five-man Democratic primary three weeks ago. Jones won 40 percent of the vote in that contest and Martin earned 34 percent.

The runoff race has featured a duel over voting histories.

Jones accused Martin of voting against presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. Martin voted for John Edwards in Georgia's Feb. 5 presidential primary even though the North Carolina Democrat had already withdrawn from the presidential race.

Martin has hammered Jones for voting twice for Republican George W. Bush in 2000 and 2004.

Tuesday's winner will face an uphill climb against Chambliss, who has $4 million in his campaign warchest even after a massive media buy to blanket television airwaves statewide with his first re-election ad. The ad will debut after Tuesday's runoff.

Chambliss on Tuesday sent letters to both Jones and Martin saying he looks forward to debating whoever emerges as his opponent.

"After today's vote, the people of Georgia have a right to know what distinguishes their United States senator from the other candidates," Chambliss wrote. "A crucial part of that process for Georgians will be public debates."

He did not commit to specific debates.

Chambliss sent a similar letter to Libertarian Senate candidate Allen Buckley, also on the ballot in November.

Runoffs are also being held Tuesday night in six legislative races. Three of them are incumbents facing challengers.

Click here for more GPB News election coverage.

(The Associated Press)

Martin says he's ready to take on Chambliss

When Jim Martin took over Georgia's Department of Human Resources in 2001, some friends were surprised. Running the state's unwieldy social services bureaucracy is seen as a sure ticket to political oblivion.

But for Martin it was a no-brainer.

"I've always taken the hard jobs where I thought I could make a difference," Martin said.

Labeled "a nice guy" by friends and foes alike, the bespectacled Martin is soft-spoken and almost professorial. Even supporters quietly worry he lacks the fire to make a serious run at Republican Saxby Chambliss in November. Martin, 62, already lost one statewide race - the 2006 contest for lieutenant governor - to Republican Casey Cagle.

Still, Martin insists that he's the best Democrat to defeat Chambliss and that he's up for the fight.

First he'll have to get past DeKalb County Chief Executive Officer Vernon Jones in Tuesday's runoff. Martin pulled 34 percent of the vote in the five-man Democratic primary held July 15. Jones earned 40 percent of the vote.

Martin has been portrayed as the hand-picked candidate of the Democratic leaders in Washington. He only entered the Senate race in April after being lobbied by party leaders who also pledged financial backing.

But Martin said he's no reluctant campaigner. He held out, he said, because he figured former Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes might enter the field.

"I knew what it was going to take to run statewide and I was willing to take that on because Saxby Chambliss needs to be defeated," Martin said in an interview with The Associated Press. "If someone with the stature of Roy Barnes had decided to get into the race there was no sense in me getting in."

He won his first campaign for the statehouse in 1982 - a 10-way race for a legislative seat representing parts of Atlanta. He went on to spend the next 18 years in the Legislature, rising to chair a key legal committee, while also maintaining a private law practice.

In 2001, his political track changed when then-Gov. Barnes called Martin to tell him that the state human resources commissioner had resigned.

"I said well, governor you need to do a national search but I want to apply. And the line sort of went dead he got so quiet," Martin recalled. "It was seen as a political dead end. But I had a passion for all of those programs."

He took over the department in September 2001 and soon had to implement deep budget cuts as the nation's economy struggled in the aftermath of the terror attacks.

Martin said he worked to streamline department operations, such as child support collections, to save money and help alleviate the impact of budget cuts on the children the department served.

But Jones and other political opponents have criticized Martin for heading the department at a time when children died under his watch.

Martin responded by saying those figures stayed flat while he was commissioner, and that he worked to make the investigations more transparent.

Normer Adams, executive director of the Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children, praised Martin's leadership of the department.

"He was instrumental in moving DHR into the modern era when it came to child welfare," Adams said.

Still, Martin resigned under pressure following the beating deaths of two young children in state care. The deaths came after child welfare officials had received repeated complaints. He said he has no ill feelings about his departure and is proud of his tenure.

He said it's that experience - combined with his campaign for lieutenant governor - that prepared him for the Senate bid.

"I am plenty tough enough to take on Saxby Chambliss, make no mistake about it," he said.

(The Associated Press)

Click here for more GPB election coverage.

GA Gets $5 Million Workforce Development Grant

The funding will support two Georgia Work Ready regions affected by the Army's multi-year Base Realignment and Closure program (BRAC).

U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao gave the grant to Governor Sonny Perdue, U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss (R), and U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson(R) in a ceremony in Atlanta.

The funds will assist in planned expansion of Fort Benning and the transitions of Fort Gillem, Fort McPherson and the Navy Supply Corps School, as part of regional workforce development projects.

“Over the years, Georgia has shown its deep commitment to support our military troops and their families,” Perdue said. “This grant will help ensure that Georgia’s bases impacted by the BRAC process continue to be valuable assets for our state.”

• Fort Benning will get $3 million to develop a workforce for industrial construction; automotive maintenance and aerospace advanced manufacturing; and information and communication technologies
• Fort Gillem, Fort McPherson, Navy Supply Corps School will get the remaining $2 million to transition the workforce at these facilities with a focus on new jobs associated with the life sciences industry cluster, according to a statement from the Governor's Office.
  

Click here for more GPB News coverage of the BRAC project, and its effect on the state.