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Brian Kemp Continues to Break with His Own Party, Throws Governor Nathan Deal Under the Bus

This past week, Brian Kemp slammed Governor Nathan Deal, a member of his own party, for his record on criminal justice reform. Deal signed Senate Bill 407 into law earlier this year, which included “cash bail” reform, allowing judges to avoid requiring poor nonviolent criminals to pay cash bail.

Deal said that the legislation would “make Georgia a safer place to call home for all of its citizens by recognizing that mercy and accountability are not mutually exclusive.”

Kemp, who remains at the far right of the Republican Party, disagreed with this common-sense legislation, saying in a press release that it would “flood the streets with criminals”.

This is not the first time that Brian Kemp and Nathan Deal have failed to see eye-to-eye, with Deal throwing his support behind Kemp’s opponent instead of Kemp during the Republican runoff. Deal worried about the direction Kemp would take Georgia, saying, “My concern is, let’s not undo, or transform in a negative fashion, the good reforms that we’ve put in place.”

When confronted with his long history of failing to do his job as Secretary of State, thereby putting women across the state of Georgia at risk, Kemp has repeatedly tried to blame none other than Governor Deal. As Secretary of State, Kemp was responsible for overseeing professional licenses, including those of massage therapists, but instead of regulating them, his office ignored 96% of sexual assault complaints over three years and allowed known abusers to keep their licenses.

“The contrast between Brian Kemp and Governor Nathan Deal could not be more stark,” said Democratic Party of Georgia spokesman Seth Bringman. “As Kemp pushes his fringe agenda and tacks to the far right, he gets further every day from representing the views of the people of Georgia, and further from the policies of mainstream republicans like Nathan Deal.”

Governor Nathan Deal and Brian Kemp may be from the same party, but they are worlds apart.

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After Putting Women At Risk, Brian Kemp Blames… Governor Nathan Deal?!?

ATLANTA — Throughout his deceptive and misleading campaign for Governor, Brian Kemp has continued to run away from his abysmal record of putting Georgians at risk, even throwing Governor Nathan Deal under the bus. As Secretary of State, Kemp’s job was to oversee professional licenses, including those of massage therapists. But instead of putting our safety first, his office ignored 96% of sexual assault complaints over three years and allowed known abusers to keep their licenses, putting women across Georgia in harm’s way.

But when called out for his failures, Kemp scrambled to pass the blame to a member of his own party, pointing the finger at Governor Nathan Deal instead.

“Brian Kemp is kidding himself if he thinks he can escape responsibility from putting women at risk when his office renewed the massage license of an abuser who pleaded guilty after assaulting a woman during a massage,” said Seth Bringman, spokesman for the Georgia Democratic Party.  

But while Kemp refuses to accept responsibility, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) makes clear that Kemp “holds sway” over dozens of licensing boards’ ability to conduct investigations, and notes that the massage board falls “under the umbrella” of the Secretary of State’s Office.

Brian Kemp has made it clear that he doesn’t take his responsibilities in office seriously.

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Oops! Brian Kemp Touts New Headquarters That Likely Would Not Exist if He Were Governor

Atlanta-Based Arby’s Restaurant Group Opposed Discriminatory Legislation Supported by Kemp

ATLANTA – Today on Twitter, Brian Kemp celebrated the announcement of a new Sandy Springs headquarters for Inspire Brands, the new restaurant company that grew out of Atlanta-based Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. and includes Buffalo Wild Wings and R Taco.


There’s just one problem with Kemp’s “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” tweet: Arby’s was among the Georgia companies at the forefront of the campaign against RFRA, legislation vetoed by Governor Nathan Deal, which would have enacted a license to discriminate against Georgia’s LGBTQ community.

Brian Kemp strongly supports RFRA, which has been a disaster for other states. In fact, states like Indiana and North Carolina that have enacted discriminatory legislation have seen major companies declining to create jobs within those states as a direct result of the new discriminatory laws.

Suffice it to say: If Kemp were governor, he would have signed RFRA into law, and Inspire Brands would probably have taken its headquarters elsewhere.

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RELEASE: At the 2018 Georgia Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Brian Kemp Proves Once Again That He Has No Plans for Georgia

Brian Kemp Lacks Real Plans, Differs with Nathan Deal on Important Policies

For the First Time in Decades, Georgia’s Chamber of Commerce Refuses to Endorse in this Race

ATLANTA — Today, at the 2018 Georgia Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Brian Kemp proved once again that he has no real, concrete plans for Georgia’s families and businesses.

Using his same redundant and tired playbook, Kemp attempted to tout his own business background while claiming the legacy of Nathan Deal, despite not receiving the governor’s endorsement in the primary.

From the beginning of his speech, one recurring theme emerged: Brian Kemp’s vague ideas fail to offer real solutions for Georgia businesses and families who need it the most.

The end result? For the first time in decades, The Georgia Chamber of Commerce refused to endorse in this race.

In less than a year, Georgia has already fallen from the 2nd best place to do business in America to the 7th. At the luncheon, instead of specifying any concrete proposals to reverse this trend, Kemp touted his personal business record –while conveniently neglecting to address the current lawsuit alleging he failed to pay back a $500,000 business loan he personally guaranteed.

Since the beginning of his campaign, Brian Kemp has made it clear that he would support policies consistently opposed by the business community.

For example, Brian Kemp said he would sign a religious liberty bill similar to one that Governor Deal vetoed in 2016. At the time, over 400 Georgia companies, including major employers such as Coca-Cola, Delta, Disney, and Home Depot opposed the bill, with some warning that they would take their business elsewhere if signed in to law. Studies have shown that a religious liberty measure would cost Georgia $1-$2 billion dollars in revenue.

During the primary campaign, Brian Kemp put personal politics over Georgia jobs when he attacked a jet fuel exemption for Delta Airlines, Georgia’s largest employer, stating “Kill the Delta tax break, pass sales tax holiday for guns and ammo.” But when Governor Deal signed the tax exemption in late July, like a typical politician, Kemp quickly shifted his position.

For obvious reasons, Governor Deal refused to trust Brian Kemp with his legacy, opting to endorse Lt. Governor Casey Cagle in the Republican primary instead. In reference to his endorsement, Governor Deal stated, “My concern is, let’s not undo, or transform in a negative fashion, the good reforms that we’ve put in place.”

What else did Kemp’s talking points lack today? Specific plans and proposals that will ensure that Georgia businesses continues to move forward.

With every passing day, more and more Georgians are realizing that they cannot trust Brian Kemp to look out for their interests over his own.

“The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s refusal to endorse Brian Kemp reveals one simple truth: Kemp’s tired talking points can’t mask the fact that he has no real plans to move our businesses and families forward. Stacey Abrams is the only choice for Governor for anyone who cares about fostering a pro-growth, pro-business environment in Georgia,” said Georgia Democratic Chair DuBose Porter.

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Deal and Democrats Agree: Brian Kemp and Casey Cagle are No Nathan Deal

As Deal Attempts to Protect His Legacy, Brian Kemp and Casey Cagle Have Yet to Earn His Trust

GEORGIA – Today, in an interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Nathan Deal revealed his reason for not offering an endorsement in the increasingly disruptive Republican Gubernatorial Runoff.

According to Deal, the reason is because “I’ve tried to let both candidates run their own campaigns” adding, “I do have an interest in trying to make sure that whoever my successor is does not go in and undo and destroy many of the great advances that we’ve made. That is my primary concern.”

On this, the Democratic Party of Georgia agrees: Deal has very valid reasons to be concerned and very little incentive to throw his hat behind either of the two Republican candidates running for Governor. Since the day they both declared their intent to run for Governor, Casey Cagle and Brian Kemp have been proposing policies that would precisely undo and destroy the advances that Georgia has made under the Deal Administration, particularly on Georgia’s business climate. See below:

Business Climate

A new CNBC report shows that Georgia has dropped from the #2 place to do business to the #7 place to do business in less than one year. Instead of following Deal’s lead of allowing Georgia businesses to foster and grow, Casey Cagle and Brian Kemp have consistently chosen their own personal politics over Georgia business.

Delta Removes NRA Privileges:

Nathan Deal: Called the Delta controversy an “unbecoming squabble” but said he would sign the broader tax legislation because of its wider cuts to Georgia’s income tax rate.

Casey Cagle: Tweeted “I will kill any tax legislation that benefits @Delta unless the company changes its position and fully reinstates its relationship with @NRA. Corporations cannot attack conservatives and expect us not to fight back.”

Brian Kemp: Stated “Now, it’s time for the Georgia Senate to kill the tax break for Delta and replace it with a sales tax holiday that benefits the same 2nd Amendment supporters that Delta – and other corporate cowards – are publicly shaming.”

Georgia Film Industry

Nathan Deal: “The State of Georgia should be very cautious on telling the film industry what their social policies should be.”

Casey Cagle: “Conservatives: join me in forever boycotting Judd Apatow’s work. Hardly have to ask as his movies are terrible.”

Meanwhile, in Macon, Georgia Democratic Leaders held a press conference that further highlighted the positions and rhetoric of Nathan Deal and contrasted them to that of Casey Cagle and Brian Kemp.

Rep. Miriam Paris, Agricultural Commissioner Candidate Fred Swann, and Bibb County Democratic Chairman Harold Franklin had one simple message: Despite what you might hear and despite what Casey Cagle and Brian Kemp are desperately trying to sell, the reality is that Casey Cagle and Brian Kemp are simply too untrustworthy to be the heir to Nathan Deal.

“Georgia, for the longest has been the best place to do business. We have now dropped to 7th and that is a direct result of what the Republicans have done in placing politics over policy,” said Rep. Miriam Paris. “We need people that are going to be productive, positive and pushing forward to make sure that Georgia is the best place to do business, but not only that. Georgia will be the best place to live, work and raise your family [with Stacey Abrams as Governor.]”

“Brian Kemp and Casey Cagle are certainly not Nathan Deal. They see their own approval ratings going down, they both know the only way to win this race is to run as Deal’s third term. But Georgia voters see right through that. The reality is that there is the Kemp and Cagle party and the party of Nathan Deal,” said Agricultural Commissioner Candidate Fred Swann. “Through their actions, both of these men have shown that they are thoroughly embarrassing to Nathan Deal and the Deal administration. It is no wonder that Deal is staying as far away from them as possible.”

Bibb County Chairman Harold Franklin added “Are they (Cagle and Kemp) more concerned with exercising their power? Or with adopting policies that will create positive change for Georgia? How will Governor Deal protect his legacy? We hope he has made a choice to do what is best for Georgia.”

With the comments made by Deal and the Georgia Democratic Party today and the extremist positions of Brian Kemp and Casey Cagle, here is one thing both sides agree on: The policies and actions of Cagle and Kemp threaten to completely undermine the advances that Georgia has made over the past eight years.

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Democratic Party Response to Governor’s State of the State Address

Release:  Wednesday, January 10, 2017                                                                  

Atlanta, GA – Today the Chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia, DuBose Porter, issued the following response to the State of the State Address delivered by Governor Nathan Deal:

“This morning, Governor Deal delivered his State of the State Address. While we heard plenty of promises, we did not hear any meaningful solutions to several of the most pressing issues we face as a state.

“More than 300,000 Georgians live without health insurance, we have one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates, and we rank 49th in Medicaid spending per enrollee. Since 2013, five rural hospitals have shuttered their doors due to lack of funding, and scores more operate under the threat of closure. Yet the governor and his Party not only refuse to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act—they now boast the formation of a ‘repeal Obamacare’ taskforce. All the while, states that have taken advantage of Obamacare’s lifeline have slashed uninsured rates, saved tax dollars and—more importantly—saved lives.

“Georgia has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation, yet our state’s minimum wage remains at an embarrassingly low $5.15. Women comprise 51 percent of Georgia’s population, but we heard no plan to address the gender wage gap. We heard no plan to raise the minimum wage to a standard fitting for the year 2017. Too many workers hold two or more jobs while still living in poverty and are still left out in the cold when it comes to affordable child care, housing, access to health benefits and paid family leave.

“Georgia ranks 38th in per-student spending, investing $1800 less per student than the national average. State budget cuts to education have forced school districts to shorten their calendar year and furlough teachers. Even though voters overwhelmingly rejected Governor Deal’s school takeover plan at the ballot box just months ago, he is pushing another top-down proposal that leaves parents and teachers out of the discussion and does nothing to fully fund our public schools. All this talk about failing schools and still no real discussion about the causes that led to their struggles. Where is the proposal for universal Pre-K? Smaller classrooms? More spending for additional teachers and professionals in the classrooms? When a quality education is the single most power tool given to a child to rise above the economic or class barriers, our state must invest the resources needed to allow educators to equip students for a 21st Century economy.

“The costs to attain a college or technical school degree continue to skyrocket, yet we heard no indication that the governor will work with Democrats to guarantee hardworking students a HOPE scholarship that covers full tuition and the basic necessities on a needs-based system.

“Governor Deal discussed the threat of cybercrimes, but failed to acknowledge the recent attacks on our democracy by a foreign government. And he certainly didn’t mention cyberthreats much closer to home, like we saw just a little over a year ago when the Office of Georgia’s Secretary of State gave out the Social Security numbers and private data of more than six million Georgians, putting our own economic security at risk.

“In his inaugural State of the State Address six years ago, Governor Deal declared that we were ‘entering a new era of smaller government and greater personal responsibility’ and that ‘government must pull back.’ Six years later, we’ve learned that the governor and his Party didn’t just pull back—they pulled the rug out from underneath Georgia families.

“Government certainly isn’t the solution to everything. But it can be a powerful force for good, giving a voice to the voiceless, ladders of opportunity to those who need it most, and safety nets for those who fall. It is the Democratic Party’s mission to ensure that everyone willing to do their part is able to get a well-paying job, buy a home, have affordable healthcare, send their kids to college, and retire with dignity. Democrats in the Senate and House have put forward measures to make these promises a reality, but need willing partners on the other side of the aisle who are committed to working together for what is best for all Georgians.

“As President Obama said last night, we rise or fall as one. We are a community, and our successes and failures are shared. So it is our hope that Republicans work with Democrats to push Georgia down the path of progress.”

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While Republicans in Other States Flee Trump and Party, Deal and Perdue Set to Host Fundraiser for Donald Trump

Release:  Tuesday, June 7, 2016                                                                                          

While Republicans in Other States Flee Trump and Party, Deal and Perdue Set to Host Fundraiser for Donald Trump

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Days after Donald Trump made shocking, racist remarks that Hispanic-American judges and Muslim-American judges were incapable of ruling without bias, Republican leaders in other states are fleeing both the candidate and the GOP.

But not here in Georgia.

Gov. Nathan Deal and Senator David Perdue are set to host a private fundraiser for Trump next week in Atlanta.

Worse yet, Senator Perdue and Senator Johnny Isakson both refuse to denounce Trump’s comments. From the AJC:

“I think the sooner we get this behind us and we can talk about the issues where he does have the high ground the better off we’d be,” Perdue said. “And I think you may see that coming out in the next day or two.”

Meanwhile, Johnny Isakson, Georgia’s senior U.S. senator, said he didn’t make much of Trump’s comments.

“I just think talking about a pending case in court if you’re a defendant or a plaintiff, the conversations ought to be in the courtroom and not outside,” he said.

 

“How much more will it take for Governor Deal and Senators Isakson and Perdue to place decency and civility above politics. This is pretty cut and dry. Even Republicans in other states have called out these comments for what they are—racist and divisive. Georgia GOP leaders should condemn these remarks and hold their new standard bearer accountable.” – Michael Smith, Communications Director.

 

Iowa GOP lawmaker dumps party to protest Trump

Des Moines Register

State Sen. David Johnson, one of the senior members of the Iowa Senate, says he has suspended his Republican Party membership to protest “the racist remarks and judicial jihad” by presumptive GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.

… “I will not stand silent if the party of Lincoln and the end of slavery buckles under the racial bias of a bigot,” Johnson said, referring to Trump. His criticism was prompted by Trump’s comments that federal Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, who is presiding over a lawsuit involving the now-closed Trump University, was biased because of his Mexican heritage.

Graham calls on Republicans to un-endorse Trump

Politico

If ever there were a moment for Republicans to jump off the Trump train, now would be as good of a time, according to South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Graham wants fellow Republicans who have endorsed Donald Trump to take it all back in the wake of his repeated claims that Judge Gonzalo Curiel’s heritage make him unfit to preside over lawsuits against him.

“This is the most un-American thing from a politician since Joe McCarthy,” Graham told The New York Times. “If anybody was looking for an off-ramp, this is probably it,” he added.
Sen. Mark Kirk withdraws support for Trump

Chicago Sun-Times

Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill., facing a big challenge from Rep. Tammy Duckworth D-Ill., said Tuesday he will not support presumptive GOP nominee Donald Trump after earlier saying he will back him.

“I cannot and will not support my party’s nominee for President regardless of the political impact on my candidacy or the Republican Party,” Kirk said in a statement, where he also said Trump did not have the temperament to command the U.S. military or take control of nuclear weapons.

“After much consideration, I have concluded that Donald Trump has not demonstrated the temperament necessary to assume the greatest office in the world,” said Kirk…

 

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DPG Statement on Gov. Deal’s State of the State Address

Release:  Wednesday, January 13, 2016                                                                                         

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on Governor Deal’s State of the State Address

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on Governor Nathan Deal’s State of the State address.

 

“Governor Deal’s take on the State of our State is misleading. His administration has turned down a myriad of opportunities to share in our nation’s prosperity—from Medicaid expansion to investments in transportation and infrastructure. The Republican leadership’s stonewalling of smart policy has crushed the backbone of Georgia’s economy—the middle class.

 

“If Deal truly wants what is best for our state, and ensure that the State of our State is strong, he’ll work with Democrats to address the serious problems that plague the wellbeing of Georgia families. Together, we can work to increase stagnant wages and close the pay gap between women and men. We can work together to provide affordable healthcare to hundreds of thousands of the uninsured. We can reach across party lines to build an economy that’s meant to last and leaves no one behind.

 

“Perhaps most importantly, we can fully fund public education, making a smart investment in our children—our future—and provide our educators with the tools and support they deserve.

 

“It is past time for Georgia to live up to its promise. We can do better, and we can shape a better future. But there must be a willingness from the Deal administration to work with Democrats and forge a better tomorrow from the center out.”

 

DPG Statement on Affordable Care Act Decision

Release:  Thursday, June 25, 2015                                                                                      

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on Affordable Care Act Decision

 

 

Atlanta, GA – DPG Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement today on the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold health care subsidies as constitutional.

 

“Today brought a great victory for President Obama and his administration. But it also brought a greater victory for Americans insured under the ACA. The reason why millions of families now have health insurance is because of the subsidies that have finally made access to health care affordable.

 

“Yet, to this day, Nathan Deal continues to play politics with the issue, denying health care to hundreds of thousands of Georgians who fall through the coverage gap. The same governor who says that we can’t afford to expand Medicaid turns a blind eye to a $74 million tax bill owed by a company he sold—a transaction that pockets Deal $10,000 a month.

 

“People are sick and can’t get the health care they need, our rural hospitals are closing and other hospitals are hemorrhaging, and the fault of this lies at the feet of Nathan Deal.”

 

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Tell Nathan Deal to ditch the license plate

Today, Nathan Deal flip-flopped within a matter of minutes on the issue of the Confederate flag displayed on Georgia specialty license plates.

 

First, Deal said he wouldn’t support any changes to the license plate. Minutes later, Deal backtracked and said “It’s time we take a further look at it.”

 

Well, let’s make sure that “further look” is sooner, rather than later.

 

Send an email to Governor Deal with the message below, demanding that he take immediate action.

 

“I am offended that the State of Georgia issues official license plates bearing the Confederate battle flag. Georgia should not promote a symbol associated with organizations advocating expressions of hate. The act of making the Confederate battle flag available for display makes the State of Georgia complicit in promoting fear and hatred.”

 

 “Last year you removed the statue of a white supremacist from the Capitol steps. Today, you can remove a divisive symbol from our license plates.”

 

The Confederate flag is a divisive symbol, and represents a piece of Georgia’s history. And history belongs in a museum—not on a license plate. For Georgia to move forward, we have to let go of yesterday. Especially when all too many of those yesterdays were filled with violence and hate.

 

Tell Governor Deal to act NOW.

DPG Chair Issues Statement in Response to Gov. Deal’s State of the State Address

Release:  Wednesday, January 14, 2015    

                                                                                     

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Issues Statement in Response to Gov. Deal’s State of the State Address

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement in response to Governor Nathan Deal’s State of the State address.

 

“In his speech, Nathan Deal said the state of our state is ‘strong and growing stronger every day,’ but the facts clearly show us that the state of Georgia is at risk of getting even further behind.  Under Deal’s watch, Georgia’s middle class has withered, our school rooms are overcrowded, and the promise of opportunity has become a faded memory. Instead of laying out a path forward for our state, what Gov. Deal offered today are the same policies that crashed our economy and crushed our middle class.

 

“Georgia prospers when hard work pays off, responsibility is rewarded, and every single Georgian has a fair shot. If we’re to become competitive in the country once again, we need to invest in our teachers, keep our workforce healthy, help send more students to college and provide them with job training, and tap in to the greatest resource we have—the talent and grit of the people of Georgia. We’ve tried the GOP’s top-down approach for more than a decade. And while it has benefitted a handful of folks at the top, it has wrecked our economy and devastated the middle class.

 

“I urge Gov. Deal to work with Democratic leaders in the state House and Senate and craft a vision for Georgia that invests in our workers and grows our economy from the middle out.”

 

 

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How Nathan Deal made millions in office…

Today, Sen. Jason Carter released an ad detailing how Gov. Nathan Deal sold an auto salvage yard for $3,000,000 to a company that owes the state of Georgia $74,000,000 in back taxes.

 

From the ad:

 

He came into office with millions in personal debt. Now, after four years as governor, Nathan Deal’s worth millions.

 


How’d he get rich?

 

Deal sold his salvage yard for over $3 million to a company that owes the state of Georgia $74 million in back taxes.

 

Nathan Deal made $3 million. The company still owes $74 million.

 

And the middle class has fallen further behind.

 

Nathan Deal: Putting money in his pocket. Not ours.

 

 

 

Check out these stories detailing the governor’s sketchy business deal –

 

AJC – Deal sells controversial salvage yard as he prepares for 2014 election

 

Deal’s attorney, Randy Evans, said Wednesday that the governor and business partner Ken Cronan sold Gainesville Salvage & Disposal to a Texas-based auction firm for roughly $2 million apiece. The contract also requires the firm, Copart, to pay Deal and Cronan $120,000 each annually over 10 years to lease the land, which the two men still own.

With the sale, Deal is seeking to close the chapter on one of his 2010 campaign’s biggest controversies as he mounts a re-election bid that so far features no opponents. It also injects fresh capital into his bank account, itself a focus during the campaign as Deal tried to repay business loans for his daughter’s failed sporting goods venture.

 

AJC – Nathan Deal’s salvage yard could be fueling another controversy

 

Gov. Nathan Deal was hoping to rid himself of a controversy that plagued his last campaign when he sold off a lucrative salvage yard. Instead, the buyer’s multimillion-dollar tax woes have given fresh ammunition to critics.

The Texas-based car auction firm that agreed to pay $3.2 million each to Deal and his business partner Ken Cronan for Gainesville Salvage & Disposal is battling the state over nearly $74 million in disputed back taxes, and the company has been ramping up its lobbying forces as it wages the legal fight.

 

Creative Loafing – Accessing documents related to the governor’s controversial salvage yard deal could put you back nearly $4 million

 

Gov. Nathan Deal’s personal finances have drastically improved over the past four years. He’s managed to reduce his debt by $1.8 million and increase his net worth by $1 million. But the fortunate turn of events has led some groups to question how he rebuilt his finances – and whether he used his elected position for personal gain.

Last summer, Deal and his business associate sold their Gainesville salvage company for an estimated $4 million, plus $120,000 annually to lease the land, to Copart. In a separate legal dispute, the Texas-based car auction company that bought the governor’s business has fought with the state over an estimated $74 million in reported back taxes. After Deal sold his company, receiving $2 million for the transaction, that tax lien has remained unpaid.

NJ and GA Democratic Party Leaders Issue Statements Ahead of Christie / Deal Campaign Events

DPG Chairman Porter says Christie’s visit “makes as much sense as trying to wash Ebola off your hands with water.”

Release:  Thursday, October 16, 2014

Atlanta, GA – Just weeks from Election Day, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal can’t make the sale on the case that he deserves reelection. And it’s no wonder. Under Deal, Georgia’s economy is falling behind the rest of the country, eroding the middle class, and failing to recover from the economic crisis as quickly as other states.

With RGA Chair Chris Christie visiting Georgia to campaign for Deal, the big question is who’s been a worse steward of their states’ economy?

“A governor’s job is to improve the economy, not to stifle it. Unfortunately, just like Governor Christie’s record in New Jersey, Nathan Deal appears to be taking what’s good about the Peach State and making it rotten,” said John Currie, the Chairman of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. “Georgians should remind Chris Christie that he’s got his own messes back home, and that they don’t need him making theirs worse. Unless, of course, they want a politician who abuses power, mismanages resources and breaks promises, all while raising property taxes on the state’s most vulnerable. If that’s the case, they can keep him.”

Georgia and New Jersey economies under Deal and Christie paint a bleak picture.

  • Both states continue to be plagued by above-average unemployment rates. New Jersey’s unemployment rate is more than half a point above the national rate, and one of the worst in its region. Georgia’s unemployment rateis the highest in the entire country, sitting above eight percent while the national rate has dipped under six percent.
  • Both states have been plagued by unacceptable poverty levels. Nearly a third of New Jerseyans are living in poverty – including 780,000 children – the highest level in half a century. In 2013, New Jersey was one of only three states in which poverty rose. In Georgia, even many who work full time live in poverty because their wages are so low. About 120,000 working-age Georgians work full-time but live in poverty, 20 percent more than in 2010.

“There’s a special place for folks like Chris Christie and Nathan Deal, but it ain’t in Georgia,” said Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter. “I’m not sure why the governor of New Jersey is campaigning for Deal—it makes as much sense as trying to wash Ebola off your hands with water. But I guess when you’re at the bottom of every ranking that matters, you’ll take advice from just about anyone.”

Georgia can’t afford four more years of Nathan Deal. Christie’s visit is a reminder to Georgia voters that it is Republicans’ failed economic policies that are holding their state back.

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BACKGROUND

 

CNN (10-14-14) – Gov.’s Ebola myth: Water kills it

AJC (10-13-14) – Nathan Deal’s administration defends ‘water kills the Ebola virus’ remark

 

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Salon (9-22-14) – GOP governor has hilarious theory for his state’s terrible unemployment rate

 

NJ.com (9-10-14) – Citing Christie’s pension cuts and budget issues, S&P downgrades N.J. debt rating

NJ.com (9-9-14) – N.J. budget shortfall was $275 million worse than Christie thought, document shows

DPG Chair Issues Statement on Senate and Gubernatorial Debates in Perry, GA

Release:  Wednesday, October 8, 2014                                                                                           

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Issues Statement on Senate and Gubernatorial Debates in Perry, GA

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement after solid debate performances in Perry by democratic candidates Michelle Nunn and Jason Carter.

 

“After last night, there is no doubt that Michelle Nunn and Jason Carter are the right leaders to move our state forward.

 

“While Michelle Nunn offered a strong, decisive vision for our future, David Perdue proved that his campaign plan is centered around running against two people who aren’t even on the ballot. When put on the spot, David couldn’t defend the fact that he has built an entire career sending jobs out of the country at the expense of hardworking Americans. After last night’s debate, maybe he should take a play out of his private sector credo and consider outsourcing his campaign. It is evident that Perdue is more interested in picking fights with windmills and running for Senate than serving the people of Georgia.

 

“Georgians saw a true leader in Jason Carter last night—one who will fight for the middle class and build our economy from the middle out through education and job training. Nathan Deal’s best defense of his administration was ‘we haven’t been indicted.’ What the incumbent governor offered us last night was a sketchy deal—a deal that comes up short on vision but long on excuses. Facts matter—no matter how grizzly they are—and Nathan Deal can’t hide the facts that Georgia has the highest unemployment rate in the nation, ethics scandals plague his administration, our transportation system has become a national cartoon, he wrecked HOPE and underfunded our education system.”

 

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DPG Issues Statements on State’s Recent Jobless Report and Georgia Republicans’ Economic Failures

Release:  Friday, September 19, 2014                                                                                            

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Issues Statements on State’s Recent Jobless Report and Georgia Republicans’ Economic Failures

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter and Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Labor Robbin Shipp issued the following statements in response to news that Georgia now has the highest unemployment in the country—dead last behind all other states and the District of Columbia.

 

At a press conference yesterday, Gov. Nathan Deal floated a bizarre conspiracy theory that outside influences were to blame for his economic failures.

 

Said Deal: “It’s ironic that in a year when Republican governors are leading some of the states making the most progress, that they almost, without exception, are classified with having a bump in unemployment rates. And states under a Democratic governor’s control are all showing that their unemployment rate has dropped. And I don’t know how you account for that. Maybe there is some influence here that we don’t know about.”

 

“Nathan Deal has cut job training, cut education funding, and refused to make serious investments in our state’s infrastructure—particularly transportation—and this is the result,” said Chairman Porter in a statement. “You know it’s bad when Mississippi is saying ‘Thank goodness for Georgia.’”

 

“Governance is about accountability and priorities,” continued Chairman Porter. “Anytime Nathan Deal is held accountable for his failures, he shirks responsibility and blames someone else. His priorities have nothing to do with working Georgians or those seeking jobs—but he definitely makes the time to scheme new ways to shift responsibility.”

 

“Jason Carter has his priorities straight—putting Georgians and their families first,” concluded Chairman Porter. “I look forward to the day that we finally have a governor who believes in a Georgia that works for everyone.”

 

Yesterday, Democratic candidate for Commissioner of Labor Robbin Shipp said of the current administration: “Our current Labor Commissioner has squandered his opportunity to help the citizens of Georgia. Instead of working with federally funded programs aimed at helping small businesses or helping out veterans get back to work when they return from battle, he has failed to implement the changes necessary to get Georgia’s economy back on track…The choice is clear: Butler and Deal must go.”

 

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BACKGROUND

 

Bureau of Labor of Statistics – Unemployment Rates for States

 

AJC 9/18/14 – In a surprise, Georgia unemployment rate rises again

 

AJC 9/18/14 – Three candidates, three views on jobless rate hike

 

Nathan Deal’s Pathetic Pinnacle: 8.1% Unemployment Rate

Release:  Thursday, September 18, 2014   

 

Nathan Deal’s Pathetic Pinnacle: 8.1% Unemployment Rate

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, the Georgia Department of Labor announced more bad news for job-seekers—Georgia’s unemployment rate has spiked to 8.1 percent. Last month, Georgia was ranked with the nation’s 2nd-worst jobless rate at 7.8 percent.

 

From the AJC:  The Georgia Department of Labor released figures just before midnight Thursday showing the unemployment rate increased from 7.7 percent in July to 8.1 percent in August. Analysts and Gov. Nathan Deal expected the rate to drop that month as more workers temporarily laid off for the summer were rehired.

The uptick comes at an inopportune time for Deal, who has built his campaign for re-election against Democrat Jason Carter on an optimistic message that Georgia’s economy is improving thanks to his pro-business philosophy.

 

Last month, Gov. Nathan Deal blamed Georgia’s shockingly high unemployment rate on “a surge of job seekers”, even though the DOL found that the labor force decreased by 4,824.

 

Deal isn’t the only Georgia Republican in denial about the state’s economic crisis. Last month, Republican Senate candidate David Perdue told attendees at a meet and greet “I agree with whoever said…don’t worry about that unemployment number.” (Huffington Post 8/26/14)

 

Georgia’s top Republicans continue to prove their reckless ambivalence toward the financial well-being of their constituents—while the state suffers from stagnant job creation and Georgians fortunate enough to have jobs earn less per hour and per week than workers in most of the rest of the country.

 

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Declaración del Comité Latino del Partido Demócrata de Georgia, a los comentarios del gobernador Deal acerca de Los Estudiantes

Jueves, Agosto 28, 2014  

 

Declaración  del Comité Latino del Partido Demócrata de Georgia, a los comentarios del gobernador Deal acerca de Los Estudiantes

 

Atlanta, GA –Hoy, el Presidente del Comité de Latinos del Partido Demócrata de Georgia Antonio Molina rindió la siguiente declaración a los comentarios presentados por el gobernador Nathan Deal sobre el estatus legal de los estudiantes presentes en una junta de Republicanos Universitarios que tomó lugar en la Universidad de Georgia en Athens.

 

“El comité de Latinos está perturbado y alarmado de que el Gobernador asumiera que los estudiantes presentes fueran indocumentados, basándose en su apariencia y por el tipo de preguntas que le estaban formulando. Esta presunción  es un claro indicio de perfil racial.

 

“La comunidad Latina—que en un tiempo fue bienvenida y ha contribuido a crear un mejor Georgia—ahora se ha convertido en una herramienta política llena de odio y división en la mano del Partido Republicano de Georgia.  Los comentarios del gobernador Deal me llevan a pensar que él, simplemente está interesado en servir a una sección del estado de Georgia y no todos los habitantes del estado.

 

“Yo tuve el placer de servir a mi país en las fuerzas armadas por seis años, participando en un sinnúmero de misiones para la defensa de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos. ¿Si yo hubiera estado presente sin mi uniforme, y le hiciera la misma pregunta al gobernador, podría ser posible que el gobernador también pensara que yo soy indocumentado?

 

“Para que Georgia prospere, nuestros líderes tienen que asegurarse que vivamos en un estado unido no dividido—una Georgia que acepta la diversidad cultural, recompensa el trabajo fuerte y provee oportunidades para todos sus habitantes.  Aparentemente Nathan Deal no puede proveer este tipo de liderazgo.”

 

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ANEXOS

Latino Caucus of the Democratic Party of Georgia Responds to Gov. Nathan Deal’s Comments to Activists

Release:  Thursday, August 28, 2014         

 

Latino Caucus of the Democratic Party of Georgia Responds to Gov. Nathan Deal’s Comments to Activists

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Latino Caucus Chair Antonio Molina issued the following statement in response to Gov. Nathan Deal’s remarks regarding a student’s legal status at a College Republican event held at the University of Georgia.

 

“The Latino Caucus is appalled and disturbed that our current Governor would profile young students based on their appearance and presume that they are undocumented. Such a presumption is at the very heart of racial profiling.

 

“The Latino community—a once welcomed community that has contributed to the very best of Georgia—has now become a political tool of hatred and division at the hands of the Republican Party. And Gov. Deal’s comments lead me to believe that he is not about serving the state of Georgia, but rather a select few.

 

“I had the pleasure of serving my country in the United States Navy for six years, conducting multiple deployments in the defense of the Constitution of the United States. If I were out of uniform and asked the same questions, would the governor presume that I was undocumented as well?

 

“In order for Georgia to thrive, our leaders must ensure that we live in an inclusive Georgia—a Georgia that welcomes diversity, rewards hard work, and provides opportunity for all. It is apparent that Nathan Deal cannot provide this kind of leadership.”

 

 

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BACKGROUND

 

Flagpole 8/26/14 –  Gov. Nathan Deal Presumes UGA Immigration Activists Are Undocumented

 

Flagpole 8/27/14 – Watch Video of Gov. Nathan Deal Telling UGA Students He Presumes They’re Undocumented

 

AJC 8/27/14 – Nathan Deal’s run-in with immigration activists at UGA