By Larry Peterson
U.S. Rep. John Barrow has sent some voters campaign mailings saying he’s working “hand in hand” with President Barack Obama.

Meanwhile, the Savannah Democrat also sent materials – apparently to other voters – proclaiming he’s “stood up to … the Democrats in Washington.”

Barrow also is running a radio ad featuring an endorsement by Obama on radio stations that target mostly black audiences.

The first mailing has a cover with a picture of the Democratic president next to a headline, “NOW more than ever … .”

“John Barrow,” it says, “is working hand in hand with President Obama to create jobs and turn the economy around … .”

The other mailing has a headline that proclaims the 12th Congressional District lawmaker as “not another rubber stamp …”

It says he “stood up to (House Speaker) Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in Washington.” It also notes his vote against Obama’s energy bill and “the Wall Street bail-out.”

Although he has voted for Pelosi three times, Barrow won’t say whether he’d vote to re-elect her as Speaker next year.

Polls indicate the Californian is the most unpopular leader in Congress. Dozens of House Democrats in tough races have balked at endorsing her.

The radio ad, which the president made for Barrow in 2008, has run on – among other stations – E93, which describes itself as “Savannah’s hip hop and R&B leader.”

Tom Krause, a spokesman for Ray McKinney, Barrow’s Republican opponent, said the mailing featuring Obama went mostly to Democrats.

And the “rubber stamp” one went mainly to residents of rural areas and independents, Krause said.

“John is a smart politician,” said McKinney, nuclear power project manager from Vidalia. “He knows what the polls say just as well as I do.

“He’s been playing the middle for a long time. Now he’s playing both sides. Our hope is that both sides know they’re being played.”

Barrow spokeswoman Jane Brodsky didn’t deny that the mailings and the radio commercial targeted specific audiences.

But Brodsky defended them, saying they show Barrow is independent and above party politics.

“This not about party or ideology,” Brodsky said. “It is about doing what is best for the people Congressman Barrow represents.

“That means working with the president to get jobs at the Savannah harbor … and new energy and housing renovation projects.”

And it means voting against Obama and Pelosi when he disagrees with them on matters such as energy and the national health care bill, she said.

Asked about the radio message, White House spokesman Adam Abrams said Obama “has said many times there is an important election coming up, and he hopes Americans will vote for Democrats for Congress – including John Barrow … .”

University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock said Barrow’s approach could be risky.

“It lets the Republicans portray him as two-faced,” Bullock said. “They can run ads asking, ‘Who is the real John Barrow?’”

But Bullock also said Barrow’s willingness to send multiple messages may show he believes he is “in pretty good shape” for re-election.

He said Barrow’s posture contrasts with that of Democrats such as Macon Rep. Jim Marshall, widely considered in danger of losing.

Bullock said Marshall “is running from both Obama and Pelosi as fast as he can.”

We simply must send Ray McKinney to Washington.

This key House race has flown under the national radar for some reason. But in Georgia’s 12th, the grass-roots favorite McKinney has a great shot at unseating the entrenched incumbent — and possibly swinging the House of Representatives back to a coalition of Republican conservatives who respect the Constitution, understand that government has gotten way too big, and know that Washington’s role in job creation is to lower taxes, reduce regulations and then just get the heck out of the way.

Ray McKinney doesn’t merely understand the American dream; he’s lived it. An Effingham County native, McKinney worked his way from forklift operator to skilled craftsman and machinist — and to the vice president’s seat at a nuclear and chemical servicing company.

Indeed, when asked for the best case for supporting him, McKinney — a down-to-earth regular guy who also happens to have the brains for the nuclear energy business — says simply, “I get it.” Then he whips out a pen and paper to demonstrate how he gets it — showing in diagram form how American capitalism works, and how the country’s current leadership not only doesn’t get it, but has actively been thwarting it.

He’s absolutely right. The Democratic leadership is hostile to the very businesses that create jobs, and McKinney notes that their failure to extend the Bush tax cuts will add $250 a month to a family of six’s tax burden next year.

The Democrat answer is meager tax breaks for businesses that hire new employees. As McKinney argues, what business is going to take on the expense of a new employee in return for a minimal tax break? A business will hire when it has work; it will have work when it has demand for goods or services and the resources to provide them to customers.

The Democrats’ government-centric approach has been an unalloyed disaster: Even after the much-vaunted “stimulus” bill of 2009, unemployment is still nesting at about 10 percent — closer to 20 percent in some rural Georgia counties. It’s just that now, thanks to the Democratic leadership, we have another trillion dollars in debt our children will have to pay off.

It’s pretty basic stuff. But the current crop of Democrats in Washington just doesn’t get it.

Ray McKinney gets it.

So much so that he recently released a 19-page jobs plan designed to stop the bleeding, especially in Georgia — where, he notes, the economy shed some 50,000 jobs from June 2009 to June 2010, more than any other state other than California.

When will the totally unacceptable status quo be laid at the Democrats’ feet?

Ray McKinney also won’t be under any pressure to support Democratic Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s strong-armed, job-killing, freedom-strangling policies. Even when the incumbent, John Barrow, does vote the 12th District’s values — although he’s got an American Conservative Union lifetime rating of an abysmal 36.20 out of 100, mind you — he has to go against the grain of his party to do it. Moreover, many suspect he only does it when the coast is clear — when his vote won’t swing the decision. The Confederate Powderworks could have learned a thing or two from him about keeping one’s powder dry.

Why send a representative to Congress who needs cover to do the right thing — especially when doing the right thing just may save this country? It’s anyone guess how long the dollar can hold out — or how long the taxpayer can survive — with this Congress’ unprecedented budget-busting policies. Mr. Obama’s health-care law is already spiking insurance costs, and has nearly half the states rebelling against it. Next session, he wants a congressional green light to police all carbon emissions — an Orwellian and unparalleled attack on individual freedoms.

It’s clear, too, what this administration would do on immigration with a compliant Congress: Our southern border will remain an untamed frontier where life is cheap and the laws are expendable. Can amnesty be far behind?

How will John Barrow vote on these things? He won’t even say whether he supports Nancy Pelosi for Speaker.

Well, the 12th District sure doesn’t. And neither does Ray McKinney.

Send Ray McKinney to Congress. It will be the most important thing you do this election.

The endorsement came shortly before 5 p.m. on Palin’s Facebook page.

Follow this link: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages#!/notes/sarah-palin/more-great-candidates-to-support-this-year/440080678434

“We can count on Ray McKinney to be a strong, independent voice for Georgia’s 12th Congressional District,” Palin wrote. “As Ray says, ‘If you like the way things are going now, vote for the other guy.’”

Palin also pointed out that Incumbent Democrat John Barrow recently skipped a televised debate with McKinney.

“Had enough?” Palin asks. “Join me in supporting Ray McKinney.”

The Palin endorsement comes in the same week that Ray McKinney is releasing his plan to create jobs, available on his Website, raymckinney.org, or in printed form distributed throughout the district.

This is the second large-scale national endorsement for McKinney in recent weeks. Late last month, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich endorsed his campaign.

“People in this country are tired of watching the Democratic Party spend our money and over-regulate our businesses,” McKinney said. “People in the 12th District are tired of watching John Barrow help. Although I am proud that national figures such as Sarah Palin and Newt Gingrich support my vision for America, I am much more excited about the many, many people I meet here in Georgia who say they’re going to vote for me on Nov. 2.”

Ray’s Television Ad

Click to Hear the Radio Ad: Barrow Agrees

Click to Hear the Radio Ad: Cash Register

Click to Hear the Radio Ad: Hard Hat

Click to Hear the Radio Ad: Lew Endorses

Click to Hear the Radio Ad: Tax Cuts

Georgia’s 12th Congressional District Candidates John Barrow & Ray McKinney.

“Vote Ray McKinney on Nov. 2 or they keep their jobs,” the billboards read.
Under the words are McKinney’s campaign logo next to pictures of Barrow and Pelosi.
The first billboard went up in Sandersville over the weekend. More are expected soon throughout the 12th Congressional District.

“This message serves two purposes,” McKinney said. “First, it reminds Georgians that, if they do not vote, decisions will get made without their input. Second, I want voters to remember that so many Americans and so many Georgians are out of work, Nancy Pelosi and John Barrow haven’t done anything to remedy that and they might just get to keep their jobs anyway.”

-30-

The Atlanta event, sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club, is due to be aired live on Georgia Public Television.

It will be the second debate the Savannah lawmaker has passed over this year; he missed one with his primary opponent, Regina Thomas.

Barrow spokeswoman Jane Brodsky wouldn’t describe the family event other than to say it’s “something he has to attend.”

Brodsky said Barrow didn’t debate Thomas because he had a previously scheduled meeting with constituents.

He is seeking a fourth term in the 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Savannah.

McKinney, who’s not endorsing Barrow, said he deliberately ducked both debates – which Brodsky denied.

Whatever Barrow’s reasons, veteran incumbents often spurn debates with lesser-known challengers.

“If John Barrow thought missing the debate would do him any harm, he wouldn’t do it,” said University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock.

“A seemingly secure incumbent is seldom eager to give his opponent credibility by appearing on the same stage.”

McKinney, a nuclear power project manager from Lyons, acknowledged that.

“He’s a smart politician – I’ll give him credit for that,” McKinney said. “He knows he has high name identification. He doesn’t want to take the risk of having to answer questions.

“He should have to answer to his constituents. Instead, he’s just doing things like mailings, which he can control.”

Thomas, a former state senator, who also is not endorsing Barrow, said she’s not surprised.

“It’s typical Barrow.” she said. “It’s what he’s been doing for … years. He’s taking voters for granted and doesn’t want to answer for his voting record. It’s an insult to the district.”

But Brodsky said Barrow will participate in a forum with McKinney tonight in Milledgeville.

“How can you say he won’t debate or answer questions about his record when he’s going to tonight?” Brodsky asked.

She said the press club, which also sponsored the primary debate, gave Barrow dates that posed schedule conflicts.

“And Atlanta’s a long way away from the 12th District,” she said.

Moreover, she said, McKinney missed a press club debate with his primary runoff foe, Carl Smith of Thunderbolt.

David Cutbirth, McKinney’s spokesman, said the group contacted McKinney just a few days before the event.

“He would have had to miss a fundraiser and other campaign events,” Cutbirth said.

He noted McKinney debated Smith and two other primary opponents July 9, the same day Barrow was invited to face McKinney.

He also said the press club debates are more important than the Milledgeville one because people can watch them live throughout the district.

U.S. Rep. John Barrow won’t say whether – if re-elected – he’ll vote to retain Californian Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.

Barrow is one of a growing number of House Democrats distancing themselves from Pelosi as the Nov. 2 election approaches.

He is being challenged by Republican Ray McKinney, a nuclear power plant manager from Vidalia backed by many tea party activists.

Barrow’s 12th Congressional District takes in most of Savannah – where he lives – and has tilted only slightly Democratic in recent years.

Seeking a fourth term, Barrow has long sometimes bucked party leaders, including President Barack Obama.

His spokeswoman, Jane Brodsky, didn’t answer directly when asked last week whether he’ll back Pelosi if she seeks to keep her post.

“November is a long way off,” Brodsky said. “Congressman Barrow doesn’t even know who’s running.”

But Pelosi has offered no hint she plans to step down and remains a key target of the GOP’s strategy to wrest back a House majority.

Republican national chairman Michael Steel underscored that point in a recent appearance for McKinney.

“It will take 39 seats to gain a majority in the House and fire Nancy Pelosi,” Steele told McKinney supporters at a rally in Statesboro.

Last week, a Rasmussen Reports national poll found Pelosi is the least popular congressional leader – 59 percent of respondents viewed her unfavorably.

Barrow discussed the speakership vote in a recent interview with Zack Fowler, general manager of radio station WCTQ in Vidalia.

Barrow hinted he’ll have no practical choice if Pelosi is unopposed by any other Democrat. So far, no Democrat has stepped up to challenge her.

“I gotta support the results of the democratic system just like everybody else does,” he said, “and you can’t beat something with nothing.

“I’m looking for leadership that supports our values … When I have a choice, I’m going to make a choice that is in the best interests of the district, but you can’t beat something with nothing.”

Go to savannahnow.com/elections [1] to get voter tools, candidate profiles and the latest news.

Republican McKinney says that means Barrow will vote for Pelosi when the dust settles.

“John just doesn’t want to paint himself into a corner,” Mckinney said. “But he voted for her in 2005, 2007 and 2009.”

Pelosi lost in 2005, before the Democrats had a majority in the House, but won in 2007 and 2009.

“I can guarantee you that I will not be voting for Nancy Pelosi or any other liberal speaker,” McKinney said.

Brodsky said Barrow “will continue to vote against the leadership when they are wrong on the issues.”

She cited as examples his votes against Obama’s health care and energy bills and for tax cuts.

That’s not good enough, McKinney said.

“He’s the most conservative congressman around for about eight weeks every two years – before the election,” the challenger said.

At least 10 other House Democrats – including Jim Marshal of Macon – have declined to endorse Pelosi. Most – including Marshall – are in tough races.

Claiming to be undecided is basically a political ploy, said University of Georgia political science professor Charles Bullock.

“One criticism Republicans direct at Democrats, especially in marginal districts is, ‘the first vote my opponent will cast will be for Pelosi.’

“You can counter that by saying, ‘No, I’m not, I haven’t made up my mind.’ It sort of closes the door on one line of attack.”

But historically, the professor said, majority-party House members have almost always voted for the speaker.

“It would be extraordinary if Barrow didn’t,” Bullock said.

“Ray and I spoke a few months ago while we both attended the Southern Republican Leadership Conference,” Gingrich said. “His background in energy infrastructure and his conservative approach to economics will ensure growth and strength in the 12th District and in all of America. I stand with Ray in his fight to restore conservative leadership to Washington.”

Gingrich applauded McKinney’s solution oriented-campaign to unseat Incumbent John Barrow (D-GA-12) and increasing competitiveness.

McKinney said support from such a prominent fellow Georgian is one more sign of the great momentum seen in his campaign. The Gingrich name is sure to increase the frenetic energy of McKinney supporters throughout the district, he said.

“Newt Gingrich is a great Conservative and a great American,” McKinney said. “He has heard our message and has lent his name to this campaign because he knows real solutions will bring industry and bring jobs to Southeast Georgia. Now is the time for the people to be heard. We can no longer allow our Washington leadership to spend us into massive debt that will be passed to our children and our grandchildren.”

“As the son of a Vietnam War veteran, it only makes sense that people who are willing to die for their country should be able to have a beer or glass of wine on base, especially in time of war,” said McKinney.

HR 5958, introduced by Rep. Jack Kingston (R-Savannah) in July, would allow active duty service members aged 18 to 20 to consume beer and wine at restaurants and enlisted clubs on military bases. The bill would not allow sale of beer or wine to minors at convenience stores and base exchanges on base.

“I certainly believe men and women who are responsible enough to risk their lives in defense of their country can be trusted to drink responsibly,” said McKinney. “I understand some GOP House members don’t agree, but I support my friend Jack Kingston on this issue.”

Kingston represents the neighboring First Congressional District.

“In 2007, John Barrow took to the floor of the House to declare his opposition to the troop surge initiated by President Bush,” said McKinney (R-Lyons). Now President Obama and the Democrats are taking credit for ending the war. It’s disingenuous to take credit for an accomplishment brought about by a military action they opposed by a President they tried to thwart at every turn.”

McKinney continuted, “If Obama and Barrow had been successful in their opposition to the surge, more troops and civilians would have been killed and the U.S. would have left Iraq in disgrace and defeat. They would have had blood on their hands.”

McKinney said he’s very concerned that as combat troops leave, violence is continuing and escalating and the Iraqis have failed to form a government six months after the election.

“Frankly, I think the President is declaring victory prematurely,” said McKinney. “I believe there’s a real possibility U.S. combat troops will have to return to quell violence and stabilize the situation so an effective government can be formed.”

In his speech to the nation from the newly redecorated Oval Office, Obama called on the country to turn to solving its domestic problems, especially the economy.

“The problem with that is the policies being pushed by Obama, Barrow and the Democrats are killing jobs, and many economists believe we are on the verge of a double dip recession,” said McKinney. “What is needed is for our leaders to embrace solutions that work: cut spending, reduce taxes, and ease burdensome regulations. Only then will our country be able to get back on track.”

“I have a message for Mr. Barrow—we’re coming for you next!” McKinney told cheering supporters at his victory party in this suburb of Savannah. McKinney, 48, a nuclear energy project manager from Lyons, garnered over 62 percent of the vote and won 20 of 22 counties in the Republican primary runoff against Thunderbolt volunteer fire chief Carl Smith. McKinney creating jobs is the main issue of the general election campaign.

“Jobs are fleeing the 12th District, tackled by higher taxes, and our energy dependence is greater than when Barrow took his seat from a real conservative,” said McKinney in his victory speech. “We the people are tired of these politics and these job killing policies. John Barrow must go!”

Over 22,000 voters participated in the Republican congressional runoff, an 80 percent retention rate from the July 10th primary vote. McKinney pointed out the re-election results show the conservative base in the district is energized and poised to win in November. “Our campaign will be one of positive solutions. Getting my neighbors theirjobs back is priority one. My platform is simple: cut spending, cut taxes,create jobs, and protect liberty. I will get the job done.”

Vidalia, GA—After finishing a notable first in Tuesday’s Primary Election, Ray McKinney took time to express his overwhelming gratitude to the many people who supported him.

According to unofficial results from the Secretary of State’s office:

• Ray received 42.6 percent of the vote, nearly 15 percentage points higher than his nearest competitor.
• Ray carried 18 of 22 counties in the district.
• The strongest county percentage-wise was Toombs, where he received 67 percent of the vote.
• In Chatham, Ray finished in second place, just 119 votes behind the leader. That was much better than expected, since his three challengers were all from Chatham.
• 27,458 people voted in the Republican Primary compared to 16,686 in 2008. That’s an increase of nearly 40 percent!
• Turnout in the Democrat Primary was down 43 percent! In 2008, 59,190 Democrats voted compared to only 33,666 in 2010.

A McKinney victory over Barrow is very possible, but who turns out to vote is the key. What’s needed is an energized conservative base combined with support from Democrats and independents who are tired of high taxes, record deficits and high unemployment.

The Tea Party Express (website: www.TeaPartyExpress.org) announced its endorsement of Ray McKinney (R-GA) for congress today.

“Ray McKinney is a true conservative and a homegrown Georgian,” said Amy Kremer, Chairman of the Tea Party Express. “We are proud to support someone who will fight for the constitutionally conservative principles we stand for.”

McKinney is vying for the opportunity to face incumbent Democrat John Barrow in this year’s general election. Barrow has voted with Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in congress on countless times, rebuffing the conservative leanings of his district.

“We cannot stand idly by as John Barrow continues to support Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat agenda,” said Bryan Shroyer, Political Director of the Tea Party Express. “Unlike his opponent, Ray McKinney does not support bailouts or Obama’s stimulus plans, and we’re glad to support his campaign for congress.”

The Tea Party Express has been active in 2010, endorsing conservative candidates across the country.

The organization is perhaps best known for its three national Tea Party Express bus tours, with well over 100 tea party rallies taking place as part of these tours. The rallies have drawn several hundred thousand participants and featured the likes of Gov. Sarah Palin, Joe The Plumber, Rep. Michele Bachmann, conservative author and pundit Ann Coulter, Rep. Joe Wilson, and many others.

Bryan Shroyer
Political Director
Tea Party Express
Mobile:  (916) 596-0299
E-mail: Bryan@TeaPartyExpress.org
Website: www.TeaPartyExpress.org

“Garden City depends on trade and manufacturing, and I’m pleased Mayor Quinney believes I’m the best candidate to take on the Democrats in November.. I am committed to bringing about a better economy that creates jobs by reducing government spending, easing regulation, extending the Bush tax cuts, and simplifying the tax system.”

McKinney, a nuclear power project manager, an Effingham County native and former long time resident of western Chatham County, said he is very pleased with this key endorsement.

“Even liberal Democrats are admitting that Barrow is vulnerable, with one blogger saying a ‘true Republican’ will beat him in November,” said McKinney.  “President Obama’s press secretary has admitted that Democrats could lose the Congress this fall. If that’s to happen, Republicans need to win Georgia’s 12^th, and Mayor Quinney”s support will help in that goal. I’m glad that he trusts me to do what’s right.”

Vidalia, GA—Describing Republican Congressional candidate Ray McKinney as a “real fiscal conservative in the Reagan image,” Lew Uhler, president and founder of the National Tax Limitation Committee is supporting the nuclear power project manager in Georgia’s 12th Congressional District.

“I had the pleasure of working closely with Ronald Reagan; we brought about some very real fiscal change,” stated Uhler. “I see that same commitment in Ray McKinney, a true, seasoned, proven job creator. He can beat the Obama and Pelosi choice, incumbent liberal Democrat John Barrow.”

Uhler has been a pioneer at the head of national movements for tax limitation and a Balanced Budget Amendment to the United States Constitution. The National Tax Limitation Committee is a grassroots organization devoted to limiting spending in state and federal government.

“Mr. Barrow earned a ‘D’ on the National Tax Limitation congressional scorecard for his voting record over the last two sessions,” said Uhler. “He clearly doesn’t represent the fiscal conservative dimension of the district where he’ll say one thing, but votes with Pelosi when he’s in Washington, D.C.”

McKinney said he is very pleased to have Uhler’s support.

“For over four decades, Lew Uhler has been fighting the battle to reduce taxes and cut runaway government spending,” McKinney said. “Barrow voted for bailouts, increased spending, faux budgets, and new entitlement programs which damage our economy and working families. I will work to be a tireless champion of the taxpayer. My goal is to create new jobs through a restored economy.”

“Ray McKinney is the ideal conservative candidate,” said Kelly S. Eustis, Executive Director of One Nation PAC. “With a professional career in the energy industry and civic involvement as a Tea Party activist, Ray truly understands the values that Georgians and Americans are seeking in a U.S. Representative in Congress. He is the best choice to defeat vulnerable incumbent John Barrow, a tax-and-spend Democrat.”

McKinney was a candidate for the 12th Congressional District in 2008, but came in second in the Republican primary against an establishment candidate who was heavily-funded. Knowing his calling was to fight against out-of-control spending in Washington and bring the Republican Party back to its conservative roots, Ray became an activist and was once again called upon to run for Congress earlier this year.

“We are behind Ray 100% and look forward to seeing him elected this November,” said Eustis. One Nation PAC is a conservative political action committee dedicated to the ideals of lower taxes, limited government, strong national defense, energy independence, common sense healthcare, and family values.

For more information, please visit OneNationPAC.org.

McKinney received national attention last month by releasing a concise plan for resolving the gulf coast BP oil spill, earning the endorsements of two tea party-related organizations, Liberty First PAC and and One Nation PAC. Liberty First founder Eric Odom, a national tea party leader, has given his personal endorsement.

Most recently, Ray locked in an official endorsement from Tony Powers of the Augusta Tax Day Tea Party. While many tea party organizations in Georgia do not endorse candidates, local tea party activists behind Ray include Ken Baxley of Effingham County, Ann Lindholm of Chatham County, and Cheri Wagner among others.

“I guess you could say I was tea party before there really was a tea party,” said McKinney. “In the fall of 2008, I donated and worked with groups that organized on the internet to protest the bailouts and the Democrats’ refusal to pass energy legislation.“

In April 2009, McKinney was keynote speaker at the first ever Effingham County Tea Party and also that year was a featured guest at a private gathering of leaders among the free-market advocacy movement.

“I appreciate the civic involvement of tea party activists around the country,” said McKinney. “Even in the face of negative press coverage in the mainstream media, their energetic commitment to fiscal conservatism is an inspiration to all who care about the future of this country.”

McKinney recently won a debate hosted by the Vidalia Tea Party Patriots, where, in his closing remarks he said, “On July 20th, you’re going to pick one of us to take on John Barrow … and hopefully in November you’ll pick one of us to take on Nancy Pelosi.”

The Georgia primary takes place July 20th.