Democratic Party of Georgia

Help Move Georgia Forward

DPG Chairman Mike Berlon Statement on Senator Saxby Chambliss

Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman Mike Berlon releases the following statement regarding Senator Saxby Chambliss’ decision to decline a run for re-election in 2014:

“Today’s announcement by Senator Chambliss that he has decided to retire presents a great opportunity for Georgia Democrats to reclaim one of our US Senate seats.  This development gives us the time we need to field an exceptional candidate for the race.

 “We began our candidate recruitment process on this race several months ago. We have consulted with the national party and are continuing to vet potential candidates, both within the DPG and the DNC. This process is important and we are not interested in rushing it. We are interested in getting it right.

 “It is clear that the politics and demographics within Georgia are changing. In November, President Obama received more than 45.5% of the statewide vote with little national help. With the significant changes that are taking place, we believe that we could win this seat even if it were against an incumbent.  With this being an open seat, our odds have improved significantly. This is especially true because it appears that there may be a significantly divided primary on the republican side.

“There is no question that Georgia is on the way to turning blue.  This is the first step in reclaiming the House and Senate on a national level across the south.

 “We’re looking forward to next year.”

Statement on the American Jobs Act

Georgia – With the United States Senate prepared to vote on the American Jobs Act today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Mike Berlon released the following statement:

 “The President and the American people stand in agreement; it is time for Congress to put this country over their political party. Our Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson must vote for the American Jobs Act, which will get more Georgians working while cutting payroll taxes in half for employers.

“Our state is 49th in job creation out of 50 states, and was one of only six states to post job losses in July. Our unemployment rate has been higher than the national average for over four years running. With nearly every state more competitive in job creation than we are, it is clear that the policies of our state’s Republican leadership aren’t working.

“Today’s vote in the Senate is a critical step forward. The American Jobs Act will put construction workers on the job to rebuild our schools, roads and bridges. It puts more money in the pockets of middle class families and keeps teachers in the classroom. It will help police and firefighters stay on the job and protect our communities.

“Isakson and Chambliss must pass this bill in the US Senate immediately.”