29 OCT 08: SHOW YOUR I-D
In all my years in Columbus, I don't recall an election year with so many "political forums." The next one is planned today during lunchtime, at Sugga's Restaurant on Wynnton Road. Now this could get interesting - as mudslinging could be exchanged for an outright food fight.
The latest meeting in what the late wrestling announcer Gordon Solie might have called the "television political forum" occurred Tuesday. This one brought together long-time state Rep. Calvin Smyre and challenger Zeph Baker -- a man who took office at age 27, and an opponent critics call too young for the job at age 32.
Zeph Baker is running for the Georgia House as an Independent, while incumbent Calvin Smyre is a longtime Democrat. That explains our title today - as voters in District 132 need a "photo ID" to choose between an I and a D.
(If only Sigmund Freud was alive to see this race. He could analyze two ID's trying to suppress their egos.)
But I digress: Zeph Baker declared during Tuesday's telecast that he is NOT an inexperienced political candidate. No, he's a "first-time candidate with experience." So is he ready to start right away, like Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan? Or does he need to sit on the sidelines for awhile first, like David Price did in Columbus?
Zeph Baker explained his "experience" comes from developing education centers on both sides of the state line. That's interesting experience for a man whose web site says majored in biology at Columbus State University. I can't imagine a church pastor's son opening centers to teach sex education.
Zeph Baker justified his Independent campaign for the Georgia House by saying, "A bird needs two wings to fly." He'll never win an endorsement from the Disabled American Veterans with phrases like that....
Zeph Baker says an Independent House member can work to unite Democrats and Republicans. He accused Calvin Smyre of being part of a "do-nothing legislature" this past year -- the sort of legislature which might make Lynn Westmoreland wish he'd never left for Washington.
In response, Rep. Calvin Smyre said he's worked across party lines in Atlanta for years. I suspect those years didn't really begin until Republicans began winning elections and claimed a House majority.
Calvin Smyre wondered during the telecast which side Zeph Baker might take, when the parties hold caucuses in Atlanta. If an Independent House member tried to sit in the middle of the aisle, one of two things would happen. Either the fire marshal would intervene, or a civil rights protest would break out.
Rep. Calvin Smyre also said education is a major priority for him. He claimed he's spent years "trying for smaller classrooms" - which could be a big mistake, if the child obesity reports are true.
The Georgia Democratic Party rallied to Calvin Smyre's side Tuesday. It issued a statement blasting Zeph Baker for putting Barack Obama's picture on his campaign literature. But maybe the Independent had no choice. Maybe Green Party candidate Cynthia McKinney turned him down.
So after all this, you may be wondering if I'm predicting a winner in House District 132. Sorry, I really can't. Who do you think I am, the Wizard of I-D?
People in several countries have visited our other blog, which starts with poker and expands from there. Visit "On the Flop!"
E-MAIL UPDATE: Our Monday post about a different forum brings this reaction....
I heard a lot of negative comments today about Sheriff Johnson having town meetings about the Walker case right at election time. I hope his plan was to inform and no capture votes. I think he is an honorable man,but his shadow grew a little longer.
Sheriff Ralph Johnson denied at the start of Sunday's meeting that the timing was "purely political." And you'll notice the Walker family hasn't called a news conference yet to respond to the forum. If John Darr showed up with them, I think THAT might be political.
Now for other items of interest from the Tuesday news:
+ The high temperature in Columbus was only 53 degrees F., and an overnight freeze warning was issued. But the weather was NOT the reason why I took a day from running. I chose to rest after Monday evening's long run -- and settled for walking into Taco Bell for free tacos.
+ The price of gasoline dropped below $2.50 a gallon in parts of Columbus, reaching $2.45 around 14th and Veterans Parkway. But one station in Alpharetta has cut its price all the way to $1.79 - which tells me it must be the only place in that city selling cigarettes.
+ Columbus Mayor Jim Wetherington announced Fort Benning's Commandant will retire from the Army. General Walter Wojdakowski will hand over his position 18 November - and only then can young privates joke out loud that he's Wojo-a-go-go.
(I didn't realize until Tuesday night that a complaint is pending in Germany to put Gen. Wojdakowski on trial, for alleged war crimes in Iraq. If Congress hadn't passed that big financial rescue plan, Fort Benning's Commander might be behind bars eating sauerkraut.)
+ Mayor Wetherington publicly objected to City Manager Isaiah Hugley bringing up a proposal to use some Local Option Sales Tax money for an ice skating rink. The mayor said he never knew the idea would be mentioned. Pssst, Mr. Hugley - the City Manager's job is about to come open in Phenix City.
(The mayor doesn't seem to like the idea of skating rinks being added to a "public safety" sales tax project. But he should think creatively about this. If the Police Department can have officers on bicycles, why not one on a Zamboni?)
+ The Russell County Commission voted to establish rules for electronic bingo halls. WRBL reported promoters will have to make an investment in the county of at least $150 million. Wow - I don't think even St. Patrick Catholic Church can afford that.
(WRBL reported the company planning Dothan's Country Crossing development wants to open an electronic bingo hall on U.S. 431. It would have not only bingo machines, but some kind of sports facility. At last - a domed baseball stadium, to recruit more players to Russell County High School.)
+ Instant Message to Zell Miller: O brother, where art thou? I haven't seen you make any campaign appearances, or endorse any candidates in commercials. Are you planning the ultimate "zig-zag" surprise this weekend, by backing the Georgia Libertarian slate?
COMING SOON: An election survey, and why I do NOT plan to fill it out....
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