See this poll on: https://poll.fm/3411003/embed
Give others the chance to vote.
Share this poll, because the more votes the better.
Create your own.
Opinions! We all have them. Find out what people really think with polls and surveys from Crowdsignal.
closed
Tony, I agree with you. I too, was called to the Tea Party for the very same reasons. I was also called to support Ray McKinney for the same reasons. As to allegiances, I have none with Ray or anyone else here as I am not from Savannah and have only lived here for eight years. I do not play the political games that most do around here. I will stand by principles and values. In fact, there are candidates which I supported a couple of months ago that I do not support any longer. This is also why I will not vote until the very last minute.
With regard to Ray running for president and vice-president, consider those in history who have stepped out in faith and appeared crazy to the rest of society: Noah and the ark, Benjamin Franklin and his key, kite and lightening; Rosa Parks on the bus, Martin Luther King, the Framers and Founders, etc. They all stepped out in faith and courageously took a stand and did something that seemed strange to everyone else but they felt called to action. Maybe they didn't even understand it at the time. I imagine Noah wanted to quit several times. It paid off. Ray felt called to do something strange because he saw a complacency in his community with the political process. He saw a disengagement with the citizenry and voting. He wanted to find a way to get the people involved and engaged. If you want to know more about the story Ray would love to sit down with you and tell you all about it. It is indeed a great story of courage, history, action. What is America all about? Where else can a citizen go toe to toe with the highest level politician and not have to be an established politician himself? Is that not what America is about? Are we not tired of the same old politicians running the game? I don't see a crazy man who did something goofy. I see a many full of conviction, bravery, and love for his country who stepped out in total faith and did something that NONE of us can say we have NEVER done. What courage?! Ray McKinney is a man of faith, honor, and hard work. Yes, he lives on his family farm with his parents. His father has Althzeimer's at a very advanced stage and needs medical care 24/7. Instead of placing his father in a nursing home or in the hands of the government, he and his wife, who is a nurse, chose to take care of his father and help with the farm. Who can tell me what is wrong with that? Is that not what America was built on? Is this not what any of you would do? I know I sure would. This is itself proves Ray's dedication to family and pride in what he and his family have worked for. This also is an indication as to what Ray knows America to be all about, family and friends working together to protect what is great and valuable. This was a major step he and his wife took. They could have chosen to remain on their own kept their lives private, but instead they gave up their privacy for the sake of what is right and sacred. They have sacrificed their time together for family. They truly know what hard work and sacrifice are. This is the man I want representing Savannah and going against Barrow. This seat is so important to Georgia. We must choose the right person with the right convictions who understands personal sacrifice, hard work, stepping out in faith, and trusting in God for divine wisdom and guidance. Carl is a great man and knows things too. I like Carl well. I think Carl has a lot of great characteristics. I personally want Ray for the job.
I'm not privy to all "trash" that's being thrown out there against any of these candidates. I have heard the rumors and the accusations but find most of this just "methods of mass distraction." I have however interviewed Carl Smith (several times), Jeanne Seaver (several times) and Ray Mckinney (many times) on my radio program. I have also heard them all speak and believe I have a good grasp of where they stand on the important issues facing the 12th District and the nation.
Carl and Jeanne spoke at the Augusta Tax Day Tea Party which my wife and I along with help from others organized (and paid for). We also organized and paid for the first Tax Day Tea Party here in Augusta in 2009. I do not represent the 4,500 people who attended (each of us have our own opinions and I wouldn't suggest that I speak for them). I was appalled, however, when I found out that one of the people who was supposed to be helping line up speakers at this year's Tea Party did not return phone calls from Ray McKinney who also wanted to speak at our event and recently discovered that that person was now a staffer for Carl Smith here in Augusta. It is regrettable that anyone who claims to be a Tea Party person would intentionally deny the opportunity for those attending to hear from ALL the candidates (especially one that is likely to win the primary). I also recently heard that the same person claiming to speak for the Tea Party in Augusta suggested that Carl had our support. That is patently not true. The Tea Party Movement is not an individual or a small group of organizers. It is comprised of "We the People" and no-one should claim to speak for them. I was not "elected" to organize the Tea Party here is Augusta and promote in on our radio station, I was "moved" to do it because I saw our country heading in a direction that I knew was wrong and felt the need to give Augustan's an opportunity to speak out against the tryanny that many of us saw coming. I am not a politician nor do I support either party blindly. I do hope to help move the Republican party back to it's roots of Constitutional Conservatism because I see that as our best hope to return our country to the ideals and values that our Founding Fathers that so many generations of Americans have fought and died for.
For this reason I am supporting Ray McKinney in Georgia's 12th Congressional Districk Congressional race. After interviewing and getting to know the major candidates in this race, I feel it is important that we put forth the best "citizen servant" with the strongest business background possible and the best Conservative ideas to help repair the damage that the democrats have done to our economy and job market. Ray McKinney is by far the most experienced in business, is a true Constitutional Conservative and has the best chance of beating Jon Barrow in the general election. He is articulate and well versed on the issues. He knows the problems our country and this district are facing and he offers real solutions and not just "talking points." He is an excellent debator and our best chance for victory in November.
We need to move beyond all of the name calling and nasty politics that I see happening in this primary race. Republicans too often snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with the "circular firing squads" of inter-party devision. We must make sure that in this and all primary contest that we put forth the strongest Constitutional Conservative possibe for the general election in November.
We cannot afford another choice between the "lesser of the two evils" during this all important mid-term. This could be the most important election in our lifetimes. Let's not let dirty "inside politics" and ambitious politicians distract us from what we must do to save our country.
We need 41 seats to take back the House from Nancy Pelosi. Ray McKinney is our best hope in Georgia's 12th district. Let's not blow it.
Tony Powers
Augusta Tea Party Org
I *may* be voting for McKinney but wanted to say regarding his experience heck our president didn't have experience and that didn't stop him. Course he is totally screwing up... but at a congressional level all I want to see is experience in business. You can learn the ropes of politics later and it doesn't take experience to read a bill (that would beat most in office now) and then decide if it makes sense or not.
Chrissy, I was in no way referring to the back-and-forth taunting about Carl Smith. I was just noticing the huge margin McKinney was leading by in this poll and was a little suspicious of the notion that it represented some sort of spontaneous grass-roots support.
Wow. The McKinney camp must really be nervous to send out this many people on a blog to attack Carl Smith. I don't have a dog in this fight, however, some things are very clear to people not even involved in the day to day political process. One of those being Carl Smith losing his job.
Chrissy, if you are so on top of this organization to prevent Carl from taking office, why not give us your contact information out in the open, for everyone to see. What's the big secret? What or WHO are you hiding behind? Sounds very suspect to me.
Typical McKinney ploy. We've seen him in action before. This time is no different. As far as I'm concerned, anybody by McKinney. Or Barrow for that matter.
Chrissy -- talk about an out and out mistatement -- "that your organization doesn't support or endorse any candidates in the race" is nonsense! Did you read the post by your friend Deb? It is clear your organization supports Ray McKinney's campaign. And that the only way you win is by spreading half-truths and mis-statements about Carl's campaign.
Ray McKinney's campaign is a disgrace and is staffed by people who have questionable backgrounds and allegiences. A vote for McKinney, Horner or Seaver will only guarantee a John Barrow victory in the fall! Carl Smith is the only person who has any chance to beat Barrow. Carl Smith has my support and vote
I heard Jeannie Seaver on the radio today. She sounded a bit more like a kindergartener answering the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" than a congressional candidate. Carl Smith doesn't have the strength to stand up against Barrow. I'm voting Ray & telling everyone else to do so too.
Can anyone please tell me what experience Ray McKinney has in his professional or personal life that makes him qualified to be a Congressman? He is a machinist who has run for President of the United States, Vice President of the United States and Congress -- all in 2008. Now, he is at it again in 2010. This sounds like this person has an image problem! It is also my understanding that Mr. McKinney is financing his own campaign with the proceeds of the sale of his own home and he is now living with his Mom on the family farm. Do we really want a person who is trying to buy this election representing us in Congress? I have watched the debates and seen Ray in action. He doesn't impress me in the least. He doesn't have an original thought in his head as he keeps looking at notes to form his answer.
As for Carl's firing by the Democrats on the Thunderbolt Town Council -- an action which was against the city charter, not put on the public calendar as required by state law and if discussed by these council members in private before the vote took place, could be a possible a violation of the Georgia Opens Meetings law. Oh, did I forget to mention that these were the same four Democrats who tried to get Carl disqualified from this race by claiming he was in violation of the Hatch Act - which of course election officials in Washington, DC said did not apply to him. These were the same four Democrats who conducted not one, but two audits of Carl's fire department and found no irregularities. And if Carl is such a bad person as Deb says, then why did the firemen in Carl's firestation unanimously vote him as the Volunteer Fire Captain. This was a political hatchet job if ever there was one! And when the appeal process is completed, Carl will have his job back! As for Carl's dismissal from the Savannah Fire Department, I am complete satisfied with his response and bellieve that he was "punished" for someone other failure to report to the job on time. Also, I noticed that Carl has received numerous awards and is supported by hundreds of fireman throughout the district.
Last night, there was a debate in Ray's hometown in which he received less than 50 percent of the votes cast. This says a lot about a person that more than 50 percent of the people who know Ray personally voted for one of the other candidates! Moreover, I keep waiting to see a list of people who know Ray, worked with Ray or is an elected official in Ray's own county who would be willing to endorse Ray's candidacy ... too date, not one mention on his web site of a local, county or state official has come forward (to the best of my knowledge) to endorse Ray. Not one! To me, that says a lot about a person. What makes matters worse is that the only organization that has given their "public" support for Ray has received letters of non-compliance of federal law from the FEC.
Jeannie Seaver doesn't even live in the district, which automatically disqualifies her in my judgement. Plus, after watching her in the debates - a root canal procedure is less painful!! I honor and respect Mike Horner and his service to the nation, but he is not ready for prime time. I hope he considers running for local or county elected office because I feel he has a lot to offer the people of our community.
There is no question that Carl is the most qualifed person to take on John Barrow in the general election. That he is the frontrunner in this race - otherwise, why is everyone trying to knock him off the pedistal? Come July 20th, Carl has my vote!
Mr. Patrick our organization Thunerbolters Against Carl doesn't endorse or support any of the candidates in the race you see. We are concerned citizens in Thunderbolt and we are familiar with Carl firsthand and we think he'd be an awful representative in Congress. It is for this reason we have formed an organization to prevent this from happening. If you want to learn more please contact us at tboltagainstcarl@gmail.com. Mr. Horner, Mr. Mckinney, Ms. Seaver or Ms. Thomas would all be better than Carl. We are trying to help you not make a huge mistake!
Wow the McKinney camp is out in force I see. I think this is anybody's election to win at the moment.
Democrats, James? You seriously believe Carl's campaign's amateur talking points? You're hilarious. Barrow is more afraid of losing to Regina Thomas than to Carl "I keep getting fired so please elect me to office" Smith. Carl's problem with Thunderbolt is that it won't give him a cushy salary. The newspaper said that three jobs were saved by firing Carl. And that the city was having budget issues. I'd have a lot more respect for Carl Smith if he was actually the fiscal conservative he tries to claim he is. He's just another selfish big spending RINO and we've got enough of those in Washington.
The taxpayers of Thunderbolt are happy to have a city council who realizes they need to tighten their belt while minimizing the impact to its citizens and employees' families. That's just what they did. Carl Smith ought to man up and stop running around town whining. It honestly makes him look like a 12-year-old girl. I would know, I've got one at home. (And even SHE thinks Carl is immature.)
Deb
T'bolters Against Carl
I reckon leaving a active fire scene against orders is politically motivated as well.
Come on Deb, Carl's problem with Thunderbolt was political driven by the Democrats. Poll or no poll, Carl is the best person for the Job.
Boy, for calling himself a "frontrunner" that Carl fella hasn't won a single poll. Maybe it's because he has completely embarrassed himself and the town of Thunderbolt with his disgraceful actions after getting canned for the third time. We don't need or want the same repulsive, narcissistic political personalities in Washington that got us into this mess to begin with.
I don't care who yall vote for even Barrow or Thomas would be better than this guy.
Deb
T'bolters Against Carl
Ray McKinney is the best
Go Ray McKinney, most qualified Republican to take on Incumbent John Barrow!