John Barrow is truly a brilliant politician, but don’t confuse brilliant politician with brilliant public servant. The simple fact is John is above all a politician and his real agenda is not the agenda of his constituents.

Let’s take a closer look. This was the same John Barrow who was one of Bush’s greatest supporters when Bush was popular and John was running a tight race with Max in ‘06. In ‘08 he was enamoured and a great supporter of Obama and rode a downticket wave to re-election. This is the same John Barrow who on one hand voted for Nancy Pelosi and on the other hand just voted NO on “Cap and Trade”. Now why would a person whole heartedly support two very powerful people who support C&T and then vote NO for C&T. Simple, it’s all a sham.

It’s all about numbers. For John Barrow to remain in power he has to be conservative he has to convince the people of Georgia’s 12th District but for the Democrats to rule the House, he has to be a Democrat. A conservative Democrat in today’s world of politics? If all of the so-called Blue Dog’s switched parties like the famous Arlen Spectar just did, Nancy Pelosi would not be in power and Obama would have to radically change his policies. This simple switch would change politics in Washington. If these so-called conservative Democrats were really conservative the solution is obvious. Since this will not ever happen the conclusion is simple. Blue dogs like John Barrow are straw man politicians whose only purpose is too secure “conservative” districts, put them safely in the “D” column, and secure power for a liberal agenda. Truly a brilliant move.

Remember in 2010 when you vote for your local congressman, you are also voting for the leadership they support, from Speaker to President. Your vote last year for Mr. Blue Dog Barrow was also a vote for Nancy Pelosi and the committee chairman that she will install.

Mr. Barrow, you may have voted NO on C&T to satisfy your home base but you know what the result will be.  While I admire the brilliance of your positions I cannot find any honor in your deception. You are truly a “politician” in every dishonest and despicable context.  At least Nancy has the honesty to be open in her agenda.

Rincon – Barack Obama’s endorsement of Congressman John Barrow is “hypocritical and nothing more than politics-as-usual� according to Candidate for Congress Ray McKinney.

“How can the presidential candidate who always talks about change now endorse the status quo candidate for Congress?� said McKinney (R-Savannah). “I can see how supporters of Regina Thomas might feel betrayed. Sen. Thomas and I disagree on several issues, but I admire her honesty and courage to speak what she believes. She deserves better than blatant hypocrisy from both Barrow and Obama.�

McKinney pointed out that State Sen. Thomas is much closer to Obama than Barrow on several important issues.

“It really looks like Obama is rewarding Barrow for being one of the first super-delegates to endorse Obama last February,� said McKinney. “Whatever the reason, Obama is supporting a candidate who disagrees with him on the Iraq War, Bush’s tax cuts and a number of other key issues. This isn’t change. It’s quite simply more politics-as-usual.�

McKinney said the Obama endorsement doesn’t bode very well for 12th District voters concerned about high gas prices. Obama has joined House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in denouncing calls by Sen. John McCain and President Bush to allow off-shore oil drilling.

“I doubt very much that Barrow will go against Obama on this issue, especially now that he has Obama’s endorsement,� said McKinney. “Until the U.S. starts tapping its own oil reserves, we’re going to see gasoline and diesel prices continue to hit all time highs, and we’ll have to keep depending on countries like Saudi Arabia and Venezuela for oil.�

Congressional candidate Ray McKinney issued the following statement:

Over the past two and a half weeks Republican Party activists in the 12th District, along with members of the media, have been receiving mailings containing negative personal details in regards to one of my Republican opponents. There are allegations circulating that my campaign is involved in this. I believe this is important enough that I need to personally address this issue.

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Over the past 2 1/2 weeks Republican Party activists in the 12th District, along with members of the media, have been receiving mailings containing negative personal details in regards to one of my Republican opponents.  There are allegations circulating that my campaign is involved in this.  I believe this is important enough that I need to personally address this issue.

At no time, not now, or ever, has anyone with my campaign had anything to do with this matter.

Almost immediately after my opponent’s announcement of candidacy over six weeks ago, I began receiving emails and text messages concerning that candidate but chose to ignore them. When my campaign manager, Clint Murphy, came on board the following week, I directed him to contact the candidate’s campaign manager, to let her know we had received the emails, our prayers were with the candidate, and that we considered it an issue out of bounds.  Furthermore, Clint also contacted the candidate’s political consultant, and relayed the same message to him personally.

However, some people have chosen this opportunity to politicize these unfortunate personal events by blaming the dissemination of negative information on my campaign.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

Clint specifically directed my staff to take a total hands-off approach to this issue, and I have been very pleased with his handling of the situation. In fact, one of my staff has received the packet and it has remained sealed and unopened.

Since starting this campaign, I have built support on the fact that I’m not a typical politician and that I got into this race because many people are frustrated, as am I, with politics as usual.  These allegations are being used to undermine that message.

I would also like to address the fact that I did authorize my campaign to put out a press release concerning my other Republican opponent on an issue concerning his residency and voter registration status, which I felt voters needed to be made aware. He responded, which was his right. Raising questions about who would be the best representative of the 12th District is a legitimate function of political debate.

However, personal issues, such as those being disseminated by anonymous sources, are, for me off limits, and I want to assure the voters of the 12th District that I have adhered to that principle.

I understand that unfounded allegations and accusations, such as those being directed at my campaign, are, unfortunately, part of politics. But I can ask those of you who hear these accusations to realize them for what they are, a concerted effort meant to draw focus away from the issues and who would be the best Republican candidate to represent the 12th District.

We’ve all heard the phrase “Fish or cut bait”. I never really gave it much thought, it’s pretty much self explanatory. We have tons of little witisms like this, “Put up or shut up”, “Poop or get off the pot” are just a few examples that comes to mind.

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