Family connections. Two of my father’s best friends were former state Rep. Fred Aiken (who later went on to work for both Newt Gingrich and Bob Barr) and Babe Atkins, later Babe Atkins-Byrne (so you can imagine my feelings about the 2002 gubernatorial primary). As long as I was living in the old house, I felt bound by those connections. Moving changed a lot.

Moderate Johnny Isakson. I felt that with Republicans like Isakson, there was a chance to change the party from within, make it less harsh on social issues, and more welcoming of diversity (not just racially). With gay marriage and immigration issues breaking down as they have, and Sen. Isakson’s rightward lurch, none of that is possible now.

Randy Sauder. What Sauder did in 2000 was WRONG, and I make no apologies for helping defeat him (something I have shared openly with my Democratic colleagues, without any counter-argument from them). His machinations encapsulated the arrogance of Democratic power in Georgia, and their blind faith in government power for its’ own sake, rather that for the sake of the people. This led to my frienship with Ginger Collins, and my support of her 2000 and 2002 candidacies. Like Isakson, I felt Collins was ultimately a moderate Republican, committed to broadening the base and leaving the phobic elements behind. Here again, I was disappointed in due course.

The promises failed to match the results. Tax cuts spurring economic growth became merely the agency for the widening gap between rich and poor, and for the resumption of unsustainable deficits. The war over Iraqi WMD’s became something else, and something else again, and the post-”Mission Accomplished” deaths mounted. Less government? Didn’t happen, did it?

Hopefully, Bill, this answers your question.

Josh, calling my posts bull…. is high praise from you indeed. From such an expert as yourself, the honor is greater than the words to express it. At least we know Gail Buckner isn’t being bought, right?

Typical GOP pay for play. How much did Barnes and the Dem’s raise when they were in power? Where did that money come from.

Once again show me some proof, on either of your bull s… charges.

If there is any credible proof, why didn’t Buckner release facts after her charges, why hasn’t she released anything yet. Seems like desperate bull s… from a desperate candidate. Who just put another $101k of her own money in.

You did used to be a Republican, though. Why were you that?