Rumors have it that the AJC ("Atlanta Journal & Constitution") is trying to reinvent itself as the "Political Vine" of print newspapers.

Last Friday, Jim Galloway reported in the AJC's METRO section that Ralph Reed was going to bow-out as state GOP Chair. An e-mail sent by Reed on Friday afternoon stated merely that he "wasn't going to seek re-election."

However, in-between Galloway's printing of the false rumor and Reed's afternoon clarification e-mail, havoc in the grassroots was wreaked as phone calls from reporters and activists poured into 1st Vice-Chair's Linda Herren's house asking when she would be taking the reins, etc. Complaints were made statewide in e-mail on how typical it was of Ralph to communicate with the press before he communicated with his own party members as to his intentions.

Staff at the GOP, upon reading the newspaper, went about throwing away anything with Ralph's name on it, thinking that someone new was going to show-up on Monday morning. (Oops!)

Rumors are that at the Foundation Breakfast this (Monday) morning, Alec Poitevint was officially identified as the Governor's pick for Reed's successor come the May 17 convention. John Watson was named to replace Chris Nedza as Foundation Chair.

PV Provides Some Dirt For The Hungry Activists: Rumors have it that at the RNC meeting in December, Ralph Reed stood-up and said "Look, I don't want to brag or anything, but look at what we accomplished in Georgia. We elected the first Republican Governor, we elected a Republican Senator, we elected Republican Congressmen in districts drawn for Democrats, and all this was due to my grassroots training and organizing ---"...

Reports are that Georgia's National Committeeman Alec Poitevint stood-up and walked-out in disgust of Reed's speech. Reed's actions in December, we believe, cemented, and hastened, his demise. Reports further have it that, contrary to Ralph's letter on Friday, The White House isn't too keen on allowing Reed a very significant role in Bush's reelection campaign.

PV Ponders The Questions On Everyone's Mind:
1) If Alec is designated to be the next state chairman, what is now the purpose of the State Convention?

2) Will people running for all of the offices below state chair have to pay homage to the Governor and Alec in order to get their blessing or curse? Or, will Alec and the Governor stay out of the grassroots' races?

3) If Alec becomes the next state chairman, what He-Man will throw himself into the National Committeeman's race to replace Alec?

4) Since when did iceberg lettuce and Jello (officially designated in the Sloppy Floyd Building's cafeteria as "Sonny's choice") become high on the list of nutritional quality foods?