U.S. Justice Department challenges Georgia’s runoff calendar

1:26 pm June 22, 2012, by jgalloway

The U.S. Justice Department is threatening a legal challenge to the way that Georgia conducts federal – i.e., congressional — runoff elections, declaring that the state doesn’t give enough time for members of the military overseas to receive and return ballots.
Federal law requires that ballots be available to overseas personnel at least 45 days before the vote. That would require ballots for an Aug. 21 primary runoff to be issued by July 7 – or three weeks before the first round of voting.
Read the original notice, received last week, here. To make sure overseas votes are counted, the DOJ has proposed a consent order – click here to read it — that would require the state to hold off declaring official winners of an Aug. 21 primary runoff by seven working days, until Aug. 31. (A similar cushion would be added to any Dec. 4 general election runoff that involves federal office.)
Secretary of State Brian Kemp has declared he won’t agree to the DOJ demands, and implies that the action is simply an attempt by a Democratic administration to muddy a red state’s electoral affairs. From a statement:

Three days after sending notification of the DOJ’s authorization to sue the State of Georgia, the DOJ sent a proposed consent decree for the State to execute with the understanding that the DOJ would file the consent decree simultaneously with the DOJ’s lawsuit in federal court.
If the DOJ was earnest, they would have previously contacted us about their concerns rather than sending a notice of a lawsuit a month before the Primary Election. Georgia is literally in the middle of the 2012 Primary. Currently, ballots have been printed and absentee voters (military and overseas included) are voting, while the DOJ is attempting to twist the State’s arm into agreeing to a consent decree, the terms of which would place unnecessary stresses on the elections administration process, before even filing the lawsuit.
The DOJ has not previously expressed concerns about Georgia’s compliance with the MOVE Act, or Georgia’s ability to transmit absentee ballots to UOCAVA voters. In fact, the DOJ approved Georgia’s timing for run-off elections in 2005 after the General Assembly altered prior election laws.

Bottom line: If the DOJ gets all that it asks for, we could have a significant delay in a declared winner in two congressional races – the new 9th District and the 12th District. It makes little difference in the 9th District. There is a Democrat, Gainesville attorney Jody Cooley, but the district is very, very weighted toward the GOP.
But the Republican race for the 12th District is a contest to challenge Democratic incumbent John Barrow of Augusta. And a delayed or confused GOP finish could work

By Jim Galloway, Political Insider

June Meeting Invitation

Conservative Republican Women

of North Atlanta

invite you to attend our June meeting

Monday, June 18th,  Magnolia Café

5175 South Old Peachtree Road, Norcross, GA

Doors open at 7:00.  Meeting begins promptly at 7:30

Featured speakers are:

Candidate for Probate Court Judge

Marlene Duwell

and

Candidates for State Court Judge

Emily Brantley

Pam Britt

Norman Cuadra

Gregory Lundy

Richard Winegarden

Bring a friend

Keep up to date by with the latest news and events by subscribing to this blog.  Look in the

right hand column, add your email address and push the subscribe button then confirm via your personal email.

Invitation to Town Hall Meeting From Congressman Woodall

OUR NEXT OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER...

My next Town Hall Meeting will be in Gwinnett County at Brookwood High School in Snellville, on Thursday, June 14, from 7:00PM – 8:00PM.  This will be a great time for us to come together and discuss the issues that are on your minds.

Gwinnett County Town Hall Meeting
Thursday, June 14, 2012
7:00PM – 8:00PM
Brookwood High School
1255 Dogwood Road
Snellville, GA 30078

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  I hope to see you there!

APPROPRIATIONS

This week, Congress considered two more Appropriations bills: the “Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill” and the “Homeland Security Appropriations Bill.”  Both of these bills come in far below the President’s suggested spending levels and both came to the House Floor under an open debate process, meaning anyone who wants to change the legislation whether a freshman or a senior member, whether a Republican or a Democrat is allowed offer amendments and request votes on the House floor. 

We have seen the damage done when Congress bundles giant legislative packages together and rams them through the House and Senate Chambers.  I am proud that the 112th Congress is choosing a different course and allowing open debate and amendments often.  We must maintain an open process and allow the House to work its will, and I remain committed to ensuring it.

You can read more about this week's appropriations bills by visiting the House Appropriations Committee website here.

NO PAIN NO GAIN

The CBO released a new report this week on the nation’s fiscal trajectory.  The report underscores the negative impact that high deficits and growing debt will have on our nation’s economy if Congress does not make some tough choices. 

The CBO report echoed what we already know to be true: we must not delay solutions to our fiscal problems.  However, the report also highlighted how much tougher the choices are today due to borrow-and-spend policies of the past and the current delays (i.e. the Senate hasn’t passed its own budget solution in over three years).  We must face the truth: damage has been done, but further delay will exacerbate it.  That is why I fight for each positive solution, no matter how large or small.  I don’t expect the Senate or the President to agree with you and me on everything.  However, I do expect both to keep trying.  Three yards and a cloud of dust—not a “Hail Mary”—is how we’ll get across the goal line for America.  It isn’t easy, but it is essential to do.

We must not make the same mistakes as Europe—and I believe slowly but surely those who have been in denial about the state of our nation’s fiscal affairs are coming around to see the truth.  I believe together—through principled, sustainable solutions—we can put our broken economy back together.  We are America; we know what it takes to build a better future for ourselves and for future generations.  Sweat and sacrifice.  These have always been key ingredients in America’s success, and they continue to be essential today.

Thank you for joining me on this important quest to preserve America’s future.  

Sincerely,

Member of Congress

 

GAGOP Chairman Everhart Statement on Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s Recall Election Victory

ATLANTA– This evening, Georgia Republican Party Chairman Sue P. Everhart released the following statement regarding Governor Scott Walker’s decisive victory in Wisconsin’s recall election:

“I would like to personally congratulate Governor Scott Walker on his victory in today’s gubernatorial recall election in Wisconsin. The voice of the Badger State was heard loud and clear at the polls: Governor Walker’s stellar record of job creation, tax reduction and bold reform has truly changed the way that Wisconsin does business, and voters have taken notice.

“From Georgia to Wisconsin, Republican Governors continue to champion pro-jobs policies, while simultaneously growing the economy and shrinking the size of government through common-sense reforms. As we move forward towards November and beyond, it is my sincere hope that our Party continues to elect strong, bold leaders in the likeness of Governor Walker from the top of the ticket to the very bottom.”

Walton County GOP Annual BBQ

This Thursday, June 7th is the Annual Walton County Republican BBQ. It promises to be a great time with a lot of elected officials, country music and of course, lots of yummy food. If you have questions for your elected officials, or want to get an update on the state of Georgia and hear what your elected officials have been doing -- This is the place to do it. Guests include:  Governor Nathan Deal Attorney General Sam Olens Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black Secretary of State Brian Kemp Labor Commissioner Mark Butler Public Service Commissioner Chuck Eaton

Thursday, June 7th @ 5pm - 8pm

54 Nunally Farms Road, Monroe

Tickets are $10 

Georgia Republican Candidate Qualifying and July 2012 Primary Voting Schedule

Georgia Candidate Republican Qualifying:
As many of you know,  last week was candidate qualifying for the the Georgia July 31st primary.  If you would like to see who qualified click here and you will be directed to the Georgia Secretary of State Web page.  305 Republicans were qualified by the Georgia Republican Party and 100's more were qualified by each Republican County Party.  It looks like it will be a great year for Republicans in Georgia.

State and Superior Court Judge Elections
Many of you may not know that we will also be electing State and Superior Judges on July 31st.  This is NOT a primary.  In Georgia  these judges do not run as Republican or Democrat.   Please make sure you attend as many Judge forums as possible; so, you can cast an informed vote. 

There will be a judges forum hosted by the Gwinnett GOP on June 25th at 7:00 PM  at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Building. For more info click here.

If you want to vote in the Primary or possible Primary Runoff, you must register to vote by July 2nd. Download the Voter Registration Application Form, and mail the fully completed form to:
Gwinnett County Board of Registrations and Elections
75 Langley Drive
Lawrenceville, Ga 30046


Primary Election – Absentee Voting begins June 15th through July 31st, 2012
Absentee ballots will be mailed starting on June 15th, and will continue until election day on July 311st. Absentee ballots must be returned to the Gwinnett Elections Office by 7 PM on July 31st. Request an absentee ballot here. Learn more about absentee voting in this FAQ provided by the Gwinnett Elections Office.

Primary Election – Early Voting

July 19th through July 27th, 2012
You can vote early in person at the Gwinnett Elections Office, 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville. Early voting is available Monday through Friday from 8 AM through 5 PM.

Primary Election – Saturday Early Voting

July 21st, 2012
If you would like to vote early, but cannot visit the elections office Monday through Friday, you can vote on Saturday, July 21st at the Gwinnett Elections Office, 455 Grayson Highway in Lawrenceville from 8 AM through 5 PM.

Primary Election – Satellite Early Voting

July 23rd through July 27th, 2012
On the Monday through Friday immediately prior to the Primary election, you can vote at one of Gwinnett’s Satellite voting offices between 9 AM and 7 PM. Satellite voting locations are at:

Centerville Community Center
3025 Bethany Church Road
Snellville, GA 30039

Dacula Activity Building
2735 Old Auburn Road
Dacula, GA 30019

George Pierce Community Center
55 Buford Highway
Suwanee, GA 30024

Lucky Shoals Community Center
4651 Britt Road
Norcross, GA 30093

Primary Election Day

July 31st, 2012
Polls are open on Election Day from 7 AM until 7 PM. You can find your poll location here.

Primary Election Runoff Early Voting

TBA – August 17, 2012
If a runoff election is needed to settle a primary election contest, early voting will be available at the Gwinnett Elections Office. Satellite voting will not be available for a primary runoff.

Primary Election Runoff Election Day

August 21st, 2012
Polls are open on Election Day from 7 AM until 7 PM. You can vote in the runoff election even if you didn’t vote in the original Primary Election. If you did vote in the primary, you must vote in the same political party you did in the primary. You can find your poll location here.

Mitt Romney Clinches Republican Presidential Nomination

By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Mitt Romney clinched the Republican presidential nomination Tuesday with a win in the Texas primary, a triumph of endurance for a candidate who came up short four years ago and had to fight hard this year as voters flirted with a carousel of GOP rivals.

According to The Associated Press count, Romney surpassed the 1,144 delegates needed to win the nomination by winning at least 97 delegates in the Texas primary.

The former Massachusetts governor has reached the nomination milestone with a steady message of concern about the U.S. economy, a campaign organization that dwarfed those of his GOP foes and a fundraising operation second only to that of his Democratic opponent in the general election, President Barack Obama.
Romney would be the first Mormon nominated by a major party. His religion has been less of an issue than it was during his failed bid four years ago.
"We did it!" Romney proclaimed in a message to supporters, noting that "it's only the beginning."
"An honor and a privilege and a great responsibility," Romney told supporters at a fundraiser in Las Vegas. "And I know the road to 1,144 was long and hard, but I also know that the road to 11-06 — Nov. 6th — is also going to be long and it's going to be hard and it's going to be worth it because we're going to take back the White House and get America right again."
Romney must now fire up conservatives who still doubt him while persuading swing voters that he can do a better job fixing the nation's struggling economy than Obama. In Obama, he faces a well-funded candidate with a proven campaign team in an election that will be heavily influenced by the economy.
Romney's campaign went on the attack Tuesday, releasing a Web video citing the Obama administration's loan-guarantee investments in four renewable-energy firms that lost money and laid off workers.
The message — "President Obama is fundamentally hostile to job creators" — has been a theme of the Romney campaign since he launched his presidential bid. But sensing an opportunity to reach a new audience, the campaign planned to highlight Obama's support for the failed renewable energy company Solyndra, among other private ventures the Obama administration helped support.
"We need to have presidents who understand how this economy works," Romney told reporters Tuesday. "Sometimes I just don't think he understands what it takes to help people. I know he wants to help, but he doesn't know what he's got to do."
Romney's message and his big day, however, were somewhat overshadowed by real estate mogul Donald Trump and his discredited suggestions that Obama wasn't born in the United States.
Romney spent Tuesday evening at a Las Vegas fundraiser with Trump, who had toyed with the idea of running for president. Romney says he believes Obama was born in America but has yet to condemn Trump's repeated insinuations to the contrary.
"If Mitt Romney lacks the backbone to stand up to a charlatan like Donald Trump because he's so concerned about lining his campaign's pockets, what does that say about the kind of president he would be?" Obama's deputy campaign manager, Stephanie Cutter, said in a statement.
Both Trump and Romney steered clear of the issue at Tuesday's fundraiser. Asked Monday about Trump's contentions, Romney said: "I don't agree with all the people who support me. And my guess is they don't all agree with everything I believe in." He added: "But I need to get 50.1 percent or more. And I'm appreciative to have the help of a lot of good people."
Republicans won't officially nominate Romney until late August at the GOP national convention in Tampa, Fla. Romney has 1,183 convention delegates.
He won at least 97 delegates in Texas with 33 left to be decided. The 152 delegates in Texas are awarded in proportion to the statewide vote. The other delegates were sprinkled among several candidates.
Texas Republicans also voted in a Senate primary to choose a candidate to run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and state Solicitor General Ted Cruz were headed to a runoff in July.
With about three-fourths of precincts reporting, Dewhurst led with 45 percent of the vote compared to 33 percent for Cruz. Dewhurst, however, fell short of the majority he needed to avoid a runoff. The nominee will be strongly favored to win in November in heavily Republican Texas.
Romney, 65, is clinching the presidential nomination later in the calendar than any recent Republican candidate — but not quite as late as Obama in 2008. Obama clinched the Democratic nomination on June 3, 2008, at the end of an epic primary battle with Hillary Rodham Clinton. Four years ago, John McCain reached the threshold on March 4, after Romney had dropped out of the race about a month earlier.
This year's primary fight was extended by a back-loaded primary calendar, new GOP rules that generally awarded fewer delegates for winning a state and a Republican electorate that built up several other candidates before settling on Romney.
Rick Perry, Herman Cain, Newt Gingrich, Rick Santorum and Trump — all of them sat atop the Republican field at some point. Minnesota Rep. Michelle Bachmann peaked for a short time, too. But Romney outlasted them all, even as some GOP voters and tea party backers questioned his conservative credentials.
The primary race started in January with Santorum, the former Pennsylvania senator, narrowly edging Romney in the Iowa caucuses. Romney rebounded with a big win in New Hampshire before Gingrich, the former House speaker, won South Carolina.
Romney responded with a barrage of negative ads against Gingrich in Florida and got a much-needed 14-point win. Romney's opponents fought back: Gingrich called him a liar, and Santorum said Romney was "the worst Republican in the country" to run against Obama.
Gingrich and Santorum assailed Romney's work at Bain Capital, the private equity firm he co-founded, saying the firm sometimes made millions at the expense of workers and jobs. It is a line of attack that Obama has promised to carry all the way to November.
On Feb. 7 Santorum swept all three contests in Missouri, Colorado and Minnesota, raising questions about Romney's status as the front-runner. After a 17-day break in the voting, Romney responded with wins in Arizona, Michigan and Washington state before essentially locking up the nomination on March 6, this year's version of Super Tuesday.
Romney has been in general-election mode for weeks, raising money and focusing on Obama, largely ignoring the primaries since his competitors dropped out or stopped campaigning. Santorum suspended his campaign April 10, and Gingrich left the race a few weeks later.
Both initially offered tepid endorsements of Romney but Gingrich is now actively promoting Romney's campaign.
Texas Rep. Ron Paul said on May 14 he would no longer compete in primaries, though his supporters are still working to gain national delegates at state conventions.
Rich Galen, a Republican strategist who has been unaligned in the 2012 race, said the long, sometimes nasty primary fight should help Romney fine-tune his campaign organization so it can operate effectively in the general election. Galen doesn't, however, think it was relevant in toughening up Romney for the battle against Obama.
"Romney's been running for president for six years. He is as good a candidate as he's ever going to be," Galen said. "Whatever you say about him, he was better than everybody else in the race."
___
Associated Press writer Steve Peoples contributed to this report from Las Vegas