Georgia Democrats Say "Yes We Can" in 2010

Conyers, Georgia - The Blues are a-brewing in the central corridor of Georgia, and I'm not talking music.

Georgia Democrats, still celebrating their party's 2008 victories, now eye additional political posts in the traditional Red landscape of Georgia.

More than 40 people attended a regularly scheduled meeting of Rockdale County Democrats on Saturday, May 22. Rockdale County reports 60.473% of its population (82,052 in 2009) as registered Republicans, according to Sperling's Best Places. Democrats claim 38.921%, with the remainder aligning with independents.

What this county, located just southeast of Atlanta, lacks in numbers, it appears to make up for in zeal. The meeting drew State Superintendent of Schools candidate Beth Farokhi as its speaker. Her presence reflected the party's apparent focus on two of Georgia's hottest topics: education and jobs. In addition to touting her qualifications for the state's top education post, Farokhi reminded attendees of the state of the current school system.

"Georgia is 49^th in per capita spending for our schools," she said. "Georgia is first in per capita spending for our prisoners. I think that needs to be reversed."

Farokhi also touched on the fiery subjects of standardized testing, teacher retainment, and curriculum. She drew nods of agreement from both parents and teachers as she proposed eliminating the currently used Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) in favor of national standards; creating a teacher-valued work environment; and providing necessary classroom resources currently being cut from budgets.

The unannounced appearance of incumbent U.S. Rep Hank Johnson (GA-4) extended the meeting as he listed his two-term accomplishments , including his appointment to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. While Rockdale County may trend Red, the Congressional 4^th District also encompasses Dekalb County, a Democratic stronghold.

Johnson stated that this position will give Georgia a must-needed voice at the (transportation) table and will mean jobs for the area. Rockdale County, according to Sperling's, currently holds a 10.3% unemployment rate. He also alluded to extending Atlanta's public transportation system (MARTA) to Rockdale County.

"People will tell you that government is bad," he said. "Don't believe them. Government is good. We need government to protect the rights of the people."

He avoided mentioning the March "joke" that made him an unlikely internet sensation. In a Congressional hearing, Johnson expressed his concerns that Guam would "tip over and capsize" if a planned deployment of 8,000 military personnel and their families took place.

On Tuesday, May 25, in McDonough, Georgia, the same platforms of jobs and education were being delivered by candidates who showed up for neighboring Henry County's monthly Democratic Party meeting.

From local Board of Education candidates to Frank Saunders, Democratic hopeful for the District 3 U. S. Congressional seat currently held by Republican Rep Lynn Westmoreland, three-minute plugs were delivered emphasizing Georgia's need for jobs and improved education system.

Saunders, a teacher and coach in the Chattahoochee County public school system with 20 years of classroom experience, has no prior political experience, but he demonstrated an emotional drive and concern for the citizens of the 3^rd Congressional District.

"When was the last time you saw Lynn Westmoreland?" he queried the audience. "I'll promise you one thing. You will see Frank Saunders."

Saunders quickly tied the education and job platforms together, taking another swing at Westmoreland's positions on the issues.

"Westmoreland wants to dismantle the Department of Education," Saunders said. "The elimination of free public education dovetails nicely with (Westmoreland's) support of vouchers. This will take us back 50 - 60 years, to the days of segregation. We need to make Georgia competitive, not only in the nation but globally, for jobs. In order to do that, we must have a workforce that has been adequately trained and educated to fill those jobs."

Georgia's historical voting record seems not to deter these Democats who live in the shadow of Atlanta and, for many, under the political leadership of Republicans. As in 2008, they are not only calling for change, they are expecting it.

"We want to make this central corridor blue," said Rockdale's Democratic Party Chairman Stan Williams. "Not just blue, deep blue."

Sources:

Sperling's Best Places, http://www.bestplaces.net/County/Rockdale-Georgia.aspx#