Awesome event with Governor Palin and Congressman Price today
I want to thank Governor Sarah Palin for traveling 4 time zones to appear in Georgia for our campaign today. Her support of our conservative outsider message was tremendous and she really fired up our volunteers. More than 3,000 came today and made 14,000 phone calls to turn out our voters! On to victory tomorrow!
Karen Handel’s statement on the debates
Last April, I made the decision that I will not appear on stage at any event with Ray McBerry.
“…Georgia Professional Standards Commission released a summary of its investigation into McBerry, who resigned his position at Patrick Henry High School in Stockbridge in January 2003, shortly after Rachel’s mother filed a complaint… would suspend his teaching certificate… for abuse of a student, lying to administrators and violation of the commission’s standard of conduct for teachers.” (AJC, April 29, 2010)
Taking a stand – even if I have to do it alone – is not new for me.
I made a promise when I first ran for public office – I would not put politics above my principles, and I have kept that promise. As Fulton County Commission Chairman, I stood up against a powerful sheriff after uncovering corruption in her department. I called for her resignation and eventually she was removed from office by her peers. I stood firm again as the first Republican to say that the Speaker needed to resign for the good of our Party.
When we fail to take action in the face of this kind of behavior, our silence becomes acceptance. And what McBerry did is simply NOT okay. What he did was wrong, and he does not reflect the values of our Party – or Georgia.
We can all agree that McBerry’s actions are repulsive. Why would we give this individual the legitimacy that comes with a place on a Republican debate platform? We should not. We are better than that. It is disappointing. We can do better.
Karen Handel on Life and Planned Parenthood
Since my opponents and others continue to misrepresent my views on Life, I want to be abundantly clear about my core beliefs. I am staunchly and unequivocally pro-life. I believe in the sanctity and inherent dignity of human life, and I will be a pro-life governor who will work tirelessly to promote a culture of life in Georgia. With recent scientific advances and others on the horizon, our society is increasingly facing new and serious moral and ethical issues. In dealing with these issues, I believe that the sanctity of human life must be the priority and fundamental premise upon which all policies are based.
I believe that each and every unborn child has inherent dignity, that every abortion is a tragedy, and that government has a role, along with the faith community, in encouraging women to choose life in even the most difficult of circumstances. And while I will not seek to prohibit abortions in the extremely rare cases of rape, incest, or where there is a real threat to the life of the mother, I will do everything in my power to encourage and promote alternatives to abortion in these tragic situations. In this respect, I strongly support the noble work of crisis-pregnancy centers across the state and those who compassionately and lovingly counsel women on a daily basis. Finally, I oppose embryonic stem cell research, which creates life solely for the purpose of destroying it. I do, however, strongly support adult stem cell research, which has produced numerous scientific achievements without terminating innocent lives in the process.
My opponents have recently recycled old attacks against me concerning Fulton County’s funding of some programs through Planned Parenthood. They are doing so without providing any context and continue to omit several key and important facts. First, let me be clear, since I am pro-life, I do not support the mission of Planned Parenthood. During my time as Chairman of Fulton County, there were federal and state pass-through grants that were awarded to Planned Parenthood for breast and cervical cancer screening, as well as a “Healthy Babies Initiative.” The grant was authorized, regulated, administered and distributed through the State of Georgia. Because of the criteria, regulations and parameters of the grant, Planned Parenthood was the only eligible vendor approved to meet the state criteria. Additionally, none of the services in any way involved abortions or abortion-related services. In fact, state and federal law prohibits the use of taxpayer funds for abortions or abortion related services and I strongly support those laws. Since grants like these are from the state I’ll eliminate them as your next Governor.
I hope that this helps to clarify my views on this issue, and I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to get additional information from me. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 770-740-0010.
What pro-life leaders say about Karen Handel
Sarah Palin
Former Alaska Governor and Republican Nominee for Vice-President
“I’m proud to lend my support to a great commonsense conservative woman running for Governor this year in the Peach State. My recent visit back to this beautiful area allowed me to meet more of the patriotic Americans who call Georgia home and who are ready for a reformer to help strengthen their families, businesses, state and, ultimately, our United States.
“Karen Handel is that reformer. Throughout her career in public office – from serving as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners to Georgia’s Secretary of State – Karen has brought the common sense fiscal discipline and positive change in government that is needed now more than ever.
“Though considered an underdog candidate (more power to her!), this pro-life, pro-Constitutionalist with a can-do attitude and a record of fighting for ethics in government is ready to serve in the Governor’s Office. She’ll balance budgets and help spur Georgia’s economy. Her plan will contribute to America’s roadmap which can benefit all of us.
“Please join me in supporting this good conservative reformer who will work tirelessly for the Peach State.
Sue Everhart
Chairman, Republican Party of Georgia
“Karen Handel is pro-life. I don’t care what any other group says.”
Adrienne Susong
Former Director, Georgia Right to Life PAC
“Karen is a loyal and trusted friend to conservatives in the pro-life, pro-family movement in Georgia. As Secretary of State, she championed conservative causes like Photo ID and Proof of Citizenship for Voting. I’m supporting Karen because I believe that she will be a pro-life, pro-family, conservative Governor. Please join me in supporting Karen Handel in the Republican Primary for Governor.”
Dr. Benny Tate
Senior Pastor, Milner, Georgia
“I have known Karen and Steve for a number of years. They’ve worshipped with me and my congregation often and are strong, committed Christians. I’m supporting Karen because I know she’ll be led by her faith as Governor and will hold true to her strong conservative values.”
Stephen Dillard
Georgia 8th Congressional District Chairman for Governor Mike Huckabee (2008)
“Karen Handel is absolutely committed to promoting a culture of life here in Georgia. And while I happen to share GRTL’s views on the issues in question, I am disappointed that it has chosen to make the perfect the enemy of the good. I have spoken with Karen at length about these issues, and I am convinced that she has a heart for protecting unborn children. Her willingness to permit abortions in certain rare circumstances is grounded in the reality of the current political landscape, and should in no way be interpreted as a belief on her part that children conceived by rape or incest are somehow less than fully human. Karen firmly believes that each and every unborn child has inherent dignity, that every abortion is a tragedy, and that government has a role, along with the faith community, in encouraging women to choose life in even the most difficult of circumstances. I am proud to support Karen Handel’s candidacy to be the next governor of our state, and I strongly encourage my fellow pro-lifers to do so as well.”
Elaine Boyer
DeKalb County Commissioner
“My husband and I got involved in politics through the pro-life movement in the 1980′s and I have been a pro-life office holder since 1992. I was shocked to see Georgia Right to Life’s endorsements yesterday and I found their comments about Karen Handel to be insulting. I have been and continue to be a proud supporter of my friend, and pro-life candidate, Karen Handel to be Georgia’s next Governor.”
New poll shows Handel surging to the lead
We have opened up a big lead! Don’t slow down, we are heading for a great election day! If everyone finds two more friends to vote with Team Handel, we will have plenty of buffer against the attack ads.
Handel: 32%
Oxendine:18%
Deal:18%
Johnson: 12%
CLICK HERE to see the poll details
Squealing Like a Stuck Ox
Reeling from media reports of federal and state corruption investigations, questionable fundraising practices and contributor shake-downs, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine is putting those funds to use in a desperate, last minute “Hail Mary” to stop Karen Handel’s momentum one week before the primary.
Utilizing campaign funds he strong-armed from insurance executives and others he regulates, Oxendine has launched a negative campaign attack against new front-runner Karen Handel. Recycling old and already debunked accusations concerning Karen’s views on life and spending, Georgia’s own “walking ethics complaint” hopes that by smearing Handel he can stop his own campaign’s free fall.
Oxendine’s new attack ad is laughably and provably false. A point by point debunking of its claims follows.
Claim:
“Under her (Handel’s) leadership, Fulton County spending has skyrocketed.” [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 29, 2004]
Reality:
The article cited was published on January 29, 2004, at which point, Karen had been County Commission Chairman for two months. In it, Karen is shown to be championing budget cuts and calling for less spending while Democrats on the Commission fight her. The article is clear, and it is attached in its entirety.
The article also says: “One faction on the county Board of Commissioners, led by new GOP Chairwoman Karen Handel, says the county’s spending is out of control and must be reined in before disaster strikes.”
Claim:
“She gave nearly a half a million dollars to an abortion provider.”
Reality:
These funds were a pass-through grant from Congress to the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health — ironically when Nathan Deal was in Congress and Eric Johnson was in the State Senate — to provide screening for sexually transmitted diseases, cervical and breast cancer. Federal and state law, as well as State DHR regulations prohibited the funds from being used for abortion services, referrals or information.
Claim:
Karen “supported taxpayer benefits for gay couples.”
Reality:
Fulton County’s Domestic Partner Benefits program was passed prior to Karen Handel taking office as Fulton County Chairman. When the issue came before her as Chair, Karen voted no. [Agenda Item 06-0558, Passed 4-2. Commissioners Pitts, Lowe, Boxill and Edwards voted Yes. Commission Chair Handel and Vice-Chair Darnell No. (August 16, 2006)]
“John Oxendine is the most corrupt politician in Georgia’s history and is far more likely to serve a term in prison than he is to serve as Governor,” Handel spokesman Dan McLagan said today. “He sees the campaign slipping away from him and he has hit the panic button to spend millions on false, negative ads. It’s pathetic and the voters will see right through him.”
###
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA)
January 29, 2004 Section: City Life Midtown Edition: Home; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Page: JN1 Commission’s budget bridges two factions D.L. BENNETT
Staff
Fulton County government is either a massive spendthrift or a prudent money manager. It all depends on whom taxpayers want to believe.
One faction on the county Board of Commissioners, led by new GOP Chairwoman Karen Handel, says the county’s spending is out of control and must be reined in before disaster strikes.
Others, including Emma Darnell, Nancy Boxill and Bill Edwards, say Fulton’s finances are strong and well-managed.
Fulton government spending has skyrocketed in recent years, with the rate of growth of government spending outpacing inflation and population growth since 1997.
In 1997, Fulton government’s two main operating funds spent $469 million. The 2004 budget proposal set spending at $755 million — a 60 percent increase.
Board members on Jan. 21 trimmed that proposed budget to $712 million. Still, that’s a $34 million increase over 2003 final spending.
Mike Kenn resigned as County Commission chairman last year, in part out of frustration over his inability to control the county’s finances and slow spending. He constantly warned board members they were spending recklessly.
“The crime here is that the Board of Commissioners is outspending its known revenue stream,” Kenn said last week. “Property taxes continue to go up. If this was a business, you’d be out of business.”
Fulton just wrapped up 2003 with about a $5 million deficit, the county’s third straight year in the red and its fifth since 1997. The 2004 budget proposal for the fiscal year that started Jan. 1 calls for a $50 million deficit that will be covered by dipping into reserves.
“I’m willing to say there are probably some increases that were justified,” Handel said. “But the county has been on a spending spree. We need to now take a hard, close look at the budget.”
Not all commissioners think county spending has been reckless.
At the board’s Jan. 7 meeting, commissioners boasted at length about how the county ended the year with $111 million in reserve between its two main operating funds. The $600 million general fund pays for services countywide, while the $100 million special service district fund covers extra services provided only outside city limits.
“We must be doing something right,” said Commissioner Tom Lowe. “I know we run a solid government. I don’t think we throw money away.”
Commissioners Darnell, Boxill and Edwards made similar comments. “Where is all the mismanagement?” Darnell asked at one meeting.
Handel proposed an alternative budget Jan. 12 that was balanced by taking $38 million out of county savings and making up the rest with cuts. Many of her suggestions won approval two days later during the commissioners’ all-day work session.
According to figures provided by the Fulton County budget office, spending between 1997 and this year’s proposed budget has outpaced inflation by $160 million.
In the same period, Fulton’s population has inched up by just 35,000 residents, or about 5 percent. Property tax revenues, meanwhile, have grown sharply but have not kept pace with spending. The 2004 budget calls for the generation of $460 million from property taxes, up 42 percent from the $325 million collected in 1997. Total revenues are up even less, 36 percent. Other sources of income include business license fees, sales taxes and development fees.
John Sherman, Fulton’s leading anti-tax activist, said the county needs to control spending before the county’s finances run aground.
“There is no professionalism in the spending process,” Sherman said. “It has gone haywire.”
The amount of spending growth can’t be attributed to any one agency.
Courts spending is up 107 percent. Public safety spending has climbed by 61 percent. Administrative costs are up 42 percent. Service agencies are also up 47 percent.
This year, Fulton plans to spend $105 million on courts, $152 million on public safety, $209 million for administrative agencies and $252 million to deliver services.
The budgets for a dozen agencies have at least doubled since 1997. Among those agencies are the Board of Commissioners. The offices for the seven members cost Fulton taxpayers $1.5 million in 1997. They get $3.1 million in the 2004 budget.
Commissioner Bob Fulton said commissioners’ salaries have increased, as have those of staff. The number of staff members also has increased.
“The people working for me have taken on significant responsibilities,” Fulton said.
Sheriff Jackie Barrett would get $80.3 million in the current budget. Her agency spent $55 million in 1997. Barrett said spending has jumped because the agency hired 50 new jailers and opened two new overflow facilities for inmates.
Inmate medical costs have nearly doubled, to about $14 million, she said. “We’ve had a steady bit of business since 1997,” Barrett said. The number of prisoners booked into the jail jumped from 29,930 to 38,600 over the period.
County attorney O.V. Brantley said the jump from $1.7 million in 1997 to $3.7 million this year represents a change in how her office does business. The agency used to farm out much of its work but now relies on an in-house team of 22 lawyers. Outsourced lawyers show up on the budgets of the departments for which they work, not the county attorney’s, Brantley said.
“There was an outside lawyer doing practically everything,” Brantley said. “It was impossible to manage.”
Photo: Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Karen Handel
Copyright 2004 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Getting a Handel in Georgia benefits the state and, ultimately, the entire country
Honored to have Governor Palin’s endorsement.
Here’s what she had to say:
“I’m proud to lend my support to a great commonsense conservative woman running for Governor this year in the Peach State. My recent visit back to this beautiful area allowed me to meet more of the patriotic Americans who call Georgia home and who are ready for a reformer to help strengthen their families, businesses, state and, ultimately, our United States. Karen Handel is that reformer. Throughout her career in public office – from serving as Chairman of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners to Georgia’s Secretary of State – Karen has brought the common sense fiscal discipline and positive change in government that is needed now more than ever. Though considered an underdog candidate (more power to her!), this pro-life, pro-Constitutionalist with a can-do attitude and a record of fighting for ethics in government is ready to serve in the Governor’s Office. She’ll balance budgets and help spur Georgia’s economy. Her plan will contribute to America’s roadmap which can benefit all of us.
Please join me in supporting this good conservative reformer who will work tirelessly for the Peach State. You can visit Karen Handel’s website at www.karenhandel.com and follow her onFacebook and Twitter.
- Sarah Palin”
The mystery voice is…
Marilyn Quayle
Thank you for the outstanding response to our new ad, and the guess the voice contest. If you qualified for a tee shirt, please keep a look for an email in the next few days.
The winner of the drawing for the day on the bus tour with Karen is:
Heather Alvarez
Fulton County Family Vote Day is Saturday, July 10th
If you are a Republican voter in Fulton County, cast your ballot early for Karen Handel.
The polls will be open from 8:30 to 5:00 PM at the following locations in Fulton County on July 10.
- Adamsville Natatorium, 3201 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30311
- Fulton County Government Center, 141 Pryor St. Suite 4064, Atlanta, GA 30303
- Ocee Library, 5090 Abbots Bridge Road, Johns Creek, GA 30005
- Roswell Library, 115 Norcross Street, Roswell, GA 30075
- Sandy Springs Library, 395 Mount Vernon Hwy, NE, Atlanta, GA 30328
- South Fulton Annex, 5600 Stonewall Tell Road, Room 108, College Park, GA 30349
Tired of boring old Political TV? Check out Karen’s new ad
Can you guess who provides the voiceover for our new ad?
All correct answers in the first 6 hours will receive a Karen Handel T shirt.
One person chosen randomly from the correct answers will get to spend the day with Karen and the team aboard our state-of-the-art RV during next week’s bus tour!
CLICK HERE to see Karen’s new ad
Please enter you submission in the comments, be sure to include your email address, and only one submission per person!
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