Jim Martin

Jim Martin is an interesting candidate for the Georgia Senate race. First, he's running a campaign without money. Let me say that again, he's actually tied for winning a seat in the Senate of the United States of America, in the 21st century, from a campaign that has almost zero cash and is running literally , almost no television advertising.

Martin is supremely qualified to be the Senator from Georgia. First, he really understands the healthcare issues of Americans and in particular, the role that a normalized, sane universal healthcare system would play in stabilizing the prices charged for medical services, and vaulting the 20 million uninsured into the system. He helped create Peachcare, which is Ga.'s healthcare system for young children and others who have no coverage - and its a huge success. The GOP cutting into this system, are losing massive numbers of voters and they're turning towards Jim.

He's served served as chairman of a number of committees in the House, including the Judiciary Committee, the Ethics Committee, and a subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee overseeing state health care programs. And also - an active member of the Industrial Relations, Special Judiciary, and Children and Youth Committees. The guy's been in state congress for 18 years.

We elect senators to be our states attorney , if you will - to the Federal Government. The role of Senator is to be an advocate for states interests. Saxby did well in keeping the Military contracts going, but think about it - this was at a time of unprecedented military spending. Saxby has, otherwise - supported the Bush administration in almost everything they've done. This is a simple fact of the Chambliss legacy.

Saxby Chambliss, Martin's opponent - was elected to the Senate by running an expensive political advertising campaign that attacked Max Cleland's patriotic service to his country. Max, the former US Senator from Georgia, was and is, like Jim Martin, a war veteran with distinguished service records and commendations. Max Cleland lost an arm and both of his legs saving his fellow soldiers in combat. I met him once, and you'd be suprised to find how it really doesn't slow him down. He's a great guy, and honestly hes the last guy I'd ever question patriotics.

With Cleland in the lead, Saxby ran a political smear campaign ad (taking a page, as all Bush Republicans - McCain included, from Karl Rove) strongly insinuating (you know the story.. pictures of Osama Bin Laden) that Max Cleland was allied with the terrorists... I'm letting that sink in ... before I move on. Shades of William Ayers... but even worse.

The facts, which thanks to the Net, people now seem to have a command of - were far different. The ad called into question Max Clelands opposition of a Draft of the Bill that created the Dept. of Homeland Security, which was a response against the terrorists who attacked us on 9/11. But what Saxby left out, in high Bush Republican fashion - was that Max Cleland in fact, supported the creation of the Dept. of Homeland Security, and fought hard for it - and was only opposing a bill that ultimately the Bush Republicans crammed through congress - that carried a provision that eliminated a certain category overtime pay for a large class of workers who would be a part of the newly formed department. This was a big deal back then, and almost every democrat, in the minority at the time - opposed this draft of the bill, simply due to that provision. In the end, Max actually helped pass a stronger bill.

This is Saxby Chambliss who, while Max Cleland was fighting valiantly for his country - Chambliss was at home with mommy claiming he had a "football injury" . Esquire, endorsed Jim Martin, and called this out on Saxby .. Their version of the reason why they did it , was fairly eloquent. ..

Esquire featured the GOP's Saxby Chambliss very prominently in its list of "The 10 Worst Members of Congress" but I like how the editors take Chambliss specifically to task for his shameful campaign against Max Cleland in 2002.

"Chambliss is a senator today by sole virtue of the fact that in 2002 he attacked incumbent Max Cleland -- who lost both legs and an arm in Vietnam and earned Silver and Bronze stars -- as soft on defense and lacking in patriotism. Where was ol' Saxby during the war? Home, of course, claiming a 'football injury.' How you get elected reflects your character, and Chambliss should never be allowed to live down the shame of what he did in 2002. Never."

I for one, think its pretty cool to get endorsed by a Magazine with a cover like this..
To be perfectly honest, my answer regarding Saxby's slick, multimillion-dollar advertising campaign that he's trying to smear Jim Martin with in the next few weeks ... if I saw her next to Jim Martin. would be... what campaign? =)

Here's a link to Jim's campaign. If ever a 5.00 donation could change and election and perhaps the entire country's direction - this is it.