Mike Byrd: “I love Tom Price more than I love my own wife.”
by politicalvine
Rumors have it that Cherokee County Commission Chairman Mike Byrd is telling constituents in Cherokee County that “John Konop will be elected Congressman over my dead body.”
PV’s Analysis: Wow! And here we thought Mike Byrd was a pro-life guy. He’s actually willing to lay down his life for Tom Price. That’s really sweet of him.
But, more to the point, it also means Mike Byrd is more in love with Tom Price than he is with his own wife. Last year, when his wife Charlice (who is now State Rep. Byrd) was running for state rep against Gina Carr, Mike never made such utterances on the threat by Carr on his wife’s candidacy.
But now that fellow Cherokee County resident John Konop is daring to challenge Mike Byrd’s secret squeeze, Mike is willing to fight to the death on behalf of Tom Price. Ah, who says Republicans aren’t romantic? *Sigh!*
Taking Byrd’s statement and coupling it with the statement made by Mrs. Tom Price, Dr. Betty Price, in a Cherokee County forum in early December when she told Konop’s 11-year-old son that he “should be ashamed of his father” for daring to run against her husband, and we think this upcoming 6th District Primary has all the makings of an old-fashioned Hatfield v. McCoy shootout in absurdity displayed by the Price supporters.
January 31st, 2006 at 9:47 am
Using an unverifiable quote to smear someones character? Shameful! Please provide some evidence that this silly comment attributed to the good doctor was actually made. If you cannot, please issue a retraction and an apology!
January 31st, 2006 at 10:01 am
This “silly comment” wasn’t attributed to Dr. Tom Price. It was attributed to Mike Byrd…who is known in Cherokee County for making many such bombastic comments.
With regard to the comment made by Betty Price, I have verified it with John Konop that the comment was made because it was made in front of him and his son.
SO, the only person who should APOLOGIZE is Betty Price. And, it is doubtful that she will since she apparently thinks she’s the Queen of the 6th District.
January 31st, 2006 at 10:35 am
Bill,
I note the quote “should be ashamed of his father” attributed to Betty Price is incomplete and potentially taken out of context. For example (if we allow that the quote even in its short version is verbatim despite the unreliable source) maybe Mrs. Price went on to say, “for telling lies about my husband and his voting record”. Or “you should be ashamed of your father ‘for being a hypocrite who spent his entire career promoting credit card debt to enrich Saudi Arabian investors but now sanctimoniously attacks the very concept of debt, especially to foreign countries like China and Saudi Arabia.'”
Relying upon the word of a candidate in any political race to verify hearsay about his opponent is about as reliable as a front page story in one of those check out lane tabloids. One hopes PV will not become the Propaganda Vine in order to promote John Konop as the Daily KOS did for his brother Ben Konop (D-OH) who ran for Congress 2 years ago with the same platform.
Bart
January 31st, 2006 at 10:48 am
What lies are being told about Tom Price, Bart?
January 31st, 2006 at 10:56 am
Oh, and as far as his brother being a Democrat, so what? John Konop has a Republican voting record.
I’m surprised you didn’t bring in the fact that his father is also a Democrat.
But, no, you’re off on some whacko-tangent about credit-card debt and Saudi Arabia…yeah, Bart, you are certainly making a LOT of (NON) sense!
January 31st, 2006 at 2:12 pm
Bart,
You are right, Mrs. Price did say to my 11-year old son: You should be ashamed of your father for telling lies about my husband’s record.
I politely ask for an example and she could provide none. As for her quote, many people overheard the exchange, including Price’s staffer Matt.
January 31st, 2006 at 3:13 pm
Bill,
If indeed my point about Saudi Arabia is “(NON) sense” then you must really be confused by the following statement; “China takes U.S. dollars and buys oil from Iran who supplies weapons to terrorist that kill our troops China sells arms to Iran that is also given or sold to terrorist that kill our troops.
To wrap yourself around the flag while supporting policies that kill brave young men and destroys the middlle class is why I am standing up to Tom Price.”
Using this convoluted logic posted by your candidate that somehow results in Tom Price singlehandedly destroying the middle class while supporting terrorism, I contend that a self proclaimed highly successful former Citicorp employee by his singular action increased funding that ended up supporting Saudi Arabia’s ability to “buy America”. Might even have resulted in funding many of the 19 terrorists responsible for 9/11 attack. Prince Al-Waleed of the Saudi Royal Family is the largest shareholder in Citicorp. John Konop claims a very successful stint as a Citicorp employee/sales rep. thus Konop’s success provided Saudi Arabia with more revenue to “invest” in America which he now laments through his Chicken Little campaign strategy. And who knows how much of the dividend provided by Citicorp ended up in the bank accounts of those who conspired to attack America?
Bottom line Bill — Konop has no chance to win. He admitted just that to me in writing. He is dragging you into a mudslinging effort where he will have trouble affording the mud. Attempting to blame Tom Price for terrorism is absurd just as one could say tying Konop to the Saudi Royal Family is (NON) sense. Tom Price won a hard fought race just over a year ago against a very formidable field of good Republicans and IMHO deserves a second term.
bb
January 31st, 2006 at 4:06 pm
Bart,
Are you suggesting Tom Price is not responsible for the consequences of his trade votes?
Are you arguing that China does not feed off of our economy due to poorly negotiated trade deals?
Are you arguing that China doesn’t supplies arms, nuclear technology, and money (via oil purchases) to Iran using money siphoned off of our economy?
Are you arguing that Tom Price did not have a chance to vote against this “Race To The Bottom” policy which is selling out our middle class?
To compare his level of accountability as a congressman to my level of accountability as a former employee of CES; someone who had no voting rights and was merely working to feed his family, is absurd.
You keep making my point: Tom Price has no defense and therefore will never debate me.
January 31st, 2006 at 7:28 pm
Bart,
As you sit as a Vice-Chairman of the Cherokee County Republican Party, YOUR “humble opinion” doesn’t mean jack to me.
If you have something of substance to offer rather than attacks on a GOP challenger to your congressman, then say your piece. Otherwise, shut-up.
January 31st, 2006 at 11:19 pm
Give em hell Harry!!! uh,,, Bill
February 1st, 2006 at 12:10 am
Shut up??? Great concept for a blog…encourage contributors to “shut up” because they offer an opinion contrary to that of the host.
Being a pro-choice Republican, I choose to side with President Bush’s “compete with confidence” trade philosophy vs. the Konop fringe isolationist concept. Konop is the personification of pessimism offering doom and gloom rhetoric hoping to achieve personal gratification. The 6th District deserves someone with an optimistic outlook reflective of the families and business people who make this area such a desirable location to live, work and play. Price vs. Konop; Price is the optimist, Konop the pessimist.
bb
February 1st, 2006 at 8:54 am
Bart, I’m still waiting for details of how Konop has lied about Price’s record.
You apparently can only talk trash without specifics whereas Konop can list specifics about Price’s record.
As far as quoting the Bush mantra, pardon me while I Yawwwwnnnnn…
February 8th, 2006 at 6:54 am
I do not know the exact words or context of Betty Price’s comment to John Konop’s son, nor do I care. For anyone to scold a child because that child’s parent is exersicing his or her right to seek political office is fundamentally low, base and un-Christian. John, both you and your son are owed a public apology.
Bart, there is nothing pessimistic about an Americans-first trade policy. Free trade with democratic nations which have similar wage, labor and environmental laws is fine and a benefit. Where trade and competition is fair, the American labor force will always triumph. The problem is that China DOES NOT PLAY FAIR, on any level. Why you would consider a policy change so unthinkably wrong makes me really question your loyalties.
When there is a choice to be made between corporate profits and what is right for the U.S.A., my country wins, every time! Can you say the same?
February 8th, 2006 at 7:25 am
Charley,
You hit it in the nose why I am running. This is not about Democrats or Republicans, it is about being an American. Charlie Norwood is right that anyone like Tom Price or John Lewis who supports policies that sell-out our country should pay the price with the voters. Finally Lynn Westmoreland is right that this is not about free trade; it is about fair trade.
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ga09_norwood/WTO.html
http://www.house.gov/westmoreland/news.shtm
Thanks jk
February 8th, 2006 at 9:05 am
No, Charley, Bart can only say anything that supports ANY position his “honey,” Tom Price, supports.
The only thing sicker than Bart’s devotion to Tom Price (and anything he says or does) is anyone who is a Ralph Reed sychophant.
February 8th, 2006 at 11:39 am
Still rather be a Price sychophant than a Konop kook.
While Charley, John and Bill speak for the poltroon isolationist fringe, American business will continue to bravely lead the world in innovation, production and results. Bitching about China’s “unfair” trade advantages hoping big nanny government will solve the perceived problem fits right in the with attitude of defeatism personified in leftists like Ted Kennedy, John Kerry and Howard Dean.
So using Charley’s theory, America can only trade when it is “fair”. Maybe the same should be applied to everyday life; everybody gets a “fair” wage, “fair” benefits, hell let’s even guarantee a “fair” outcome erasing all risk from our short existence on the planet.
Life ain’t “fair” Charley, neither is trade. It is competitive creating an atmosphere where ideas are generated, products created and revenue generated. I believe America has all the advantages in this world and as always will prevail in a battle with an oppressive Communist led country like China. Free enterprise has a way of making things happen that government can only hinder by imposing restrictive regulations.
But if you believe in that sort of trade practice, by all means vote for Konop and be ready to pay the price.
Bart
February 8th, 2006 at 12:44 pm
Bart,
You got it wrong again. The Republican running agianst Kennedy is ripping him for lack of enforcement of trade deals.
http://www.massforscott.com/record.html
So are Norwood and Westmoreland both out of touch liberals, who make the same point ? I would say they are real patriots.
February 8th, 2006 at 1:15 pm
So, Bart, if you’re so pro-China, you, of all people, should be VERY pro-Ralph Reed.
February 8th, 2006 at 4:29 pm
John,
Why not just run as a dem or independent? Admit the truth John, face reality:
– You will not win the GOP primary, said so yourself.
– You are running out of issues (single issue candidates always do) as Congress is acting to increase border controls and decrease spending.
– $100K would be much better spent if donated to a reputable charity.
This has been a blast, but this string started with a ridiculous accusation and should end. Happy to continue under a new string titled, “John Konop says America is no longer able to compete with China”
February 8th, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Bart, you appear to be very scared of Konop challenging your sweetie-pie.
February 9th, 2006 at 6:42 am
It is American businesses which are moving production to China and other cheap labor markets, Bart. They do this because they are allowed to by politicians like Tom Price, ‘leaders’ who sell out American workers for increased corporate profit margins. What the hell does it matter how creative and innovative American businesses are when the actual products are made by people earning $5.00 a day and a ocean away? Even capitalism must be secondary to patriotism, no matter how un”fair” it may be to the zillionaires you and Price represent.
A slight, respectful correction, John. John Lewis voted against NAFTA, CAFTA, MFN with China, and GATT. I’ve never seen him vote for a major trade deal submitted by Bush 41, Clinton, or Bush 43, though he may have supported some minor ones regarding Africa.
February 9th, 2006 at 7:38 am
Charley,
I agree with your points. The vote of John Lewis I was referring to was not withdrawing from WTO last year. The majority of Republicans and Democrats in Georgia voted to withdraw over the problems with China.
February 9th, 2006 at 8:33 am
Bart,
I did vote for President Bush.
You once again forget your spin. As you pointed out to me, both parties supported the trade policy. As you know, Kerry did vote for NAFTA and WTO.
The problem is that the Republican party is pushing away Americans like Charley.
If you were honost, you would tell Charley that his complaints about out-of-control spending bills and trade deals that sell-out America to countries like communist China, is a complaint of many in the party. How many Republicans do you think support being in hock to communist China for 1 trillion dollars?
The reason I have so much cross-over support is our message. As I said many times, the problem with the Republican party is not the Democrats; it is Republicans who do not follow less government,local control and fiscal responsibility. Something is wrong when people like Charley no longer feel welcome in the party.
February 10th, 2006 at 6:32 am
John, thank you for your understanding of my position. I did not know there was even a recorded vote on a WTO withdrawal proposal; I’ll take your word for it that Lewis voted no.
Personally, I feel it would do more good to expel China from WTO than withdraw ourselves. Beijing, not Washington, is guilty of massive violations of WTO rules. That way, better trade arrangements can remain intact. That said, if WTO rules cannot be impartially enforced, then American withdrawal does become our only option. Are we there yet? If not, we’re darned close!
Believe me, I voted for John Kerry DESPITE his votes for NAFTA and GATT, not because. That said, of the two candidates, Kerry seemed far more sensitive to worker displacement than Bush, and his 120-day review policy seemed to me a measured and proper first step.
Also, (I strongly suspect this will be an area of disagreement between us) I have come to believe that it is not government’s job to regulate same-sex relationships. If Roswell Street Baptist Church refuses to conduct same-sex weddings, that is their right. If a Unitarian Church does wish to conduct the ceremony, that too is their right. Since we have an Establishment clause in our Constitution, there is no legal way to pick and choose which church’s wedding can be validated by the state. They must both be valid or voided.
Further, as we have an Equal Protection clause (the clause that gave us Brown v. Board of Education), I would argue that not should gay marriage be legal, IT IS LEGAL NOW, given a strict, constructionist view of the Constitution. Only an ideological activist would throw out gay marriage on constitutional grounds, hence another layer of Republican hypocrisy is revealed.
I have not always felt about this issue as I do now, thusly, it is not just a matter “I didn’t change, the party changed.” I have reevaluated some issues, as is my right, your right, and everyone’s right to do so. With the Libertarians and Greens still mired in irrelevance, and the Republicans…….well, I think my point has been made, my political choices seem a little limited right now. Once again, thank you for your understanding, John.
Disclaimer: My position on gay marrriage does not reflect on any Democratic candidate, the Democratic Party, or geographical subdivision thereof.
February 10th, 2006 at 9:49 am
Charley,
I do not believe the federal government should pass laws on either side on issue’s like abortion,gay marriage…… This should be decided by states and local communities for the following reasons:
1)This leads to unfunded mandates. As in gay marrige, the health insurance alone would cripple many cities and state budgets.
2)Why not force local standards back to the communities, so that neither party can use this as a wedge issue,giving Congress a pass to talk about federal issues like trade and budgets? Bart comments prove that many people don’t know that both parties sold us out on lobbyist driven trade and budget deals.
3)An overreaching federal government leads to policies like No Child Left Behind, that has federal,state and local officials pointing fingers at each other while our kids fall further behind. Why not hold local officals responsible for schools ?
By the way, feel free to call my office at 770 – 852 -2222. We may not agree on everything , but it is obvious you are not blinded by party loyality.
Thanks jk
February 26th, 2006 at 11:44 am
Unlike Bart Brannon, for example…