Martin for Senate

VOTE TODAY - Reports indicate turnout is light, and your vote matters!

2008-12-02T16:56:15Z

Early reports indicate that turnout is extremely light today, making every vote that much more important.

Please remember to vote, and tell your friends and family to vote.

The polls close at 7:00 p.m. Please click here to find your polling place.

I also wanted to remind you to join Jim and Joan Martin after the polls close tonight at 7:00 p.m. at Park Tavern, 500 Tenth Street, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309 for our election night celebration.

Together we will bring change to Georgia.

25 Days, 25 Ways - Day 2: Georgia Veterans kicked to the curb

2008-11-30T20:20:20Z

Day 2: Today is the last day for 81 residents of the Georgia War Veterans Home domiciliary in Milledgeville to leave their homes - forced out because of budget cuts "in this cramped economy." The residents are war veterans with medical problems, but while Saxby Chambliss voted for a $700 billion blank check to bail out Wall Street, he's voted against increasing veterans' health care at least 23 times. As Jim Martin crisscrosses the state discussing the need to give our men and women in uniform the respect they deserve, Saxby has turned his back on our nation's veterans time and time again.

If he thinks it's OK to give billions to Wall Street while showing Georgia veterans the door, it's time for Saxby to pack his bags.

With Saxby Economics, nothing changes.

Georgia Veterans With Medical Problems Forced to Leave Their Homes. "This has created a seriously troubling situation in Milledgeville, where 81 Georgia wartime veterans ... live at the Georgia War Veterans Home, most of them over age 60 and all with health problems. They have been told they will have to be gone by Nov. 30. These veterans must vacate the premises even though the $2.7 million cut in the agency's $25.7 million budget has yet to be approved, according to Sen. John Douglas, a Republican from Social Circle who chairs the Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee." According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution all residents have now found homes but some like Michael Seamands will dip into his disability pension to pay $119 of the $370 monthly rent on his new apartment. [The Macon Telegraph, 9/7/2008, Atlanta Journal Constitution, 11/30/08]

Since Joining The Senate In 2003, Chambliss Has Voted Against Increased Funding For Veterans' Health Care Programs At Least 23 Times. [Vote 161, 6/26/08; Vote 114, 3/23/07 ; Vote 172, 5/17/07; Vote 222, 8/2/06; Vote 67, 3/16/06; Vote 63, 3/16/06; Vote 41, 3/14/06; Vote 15, 2/13/06; Vote 7, 2/2/06; Vote 343, 11/17/05; Vote 251, 10/5/05; Vote 114, 4/28/05; Vote 89, 4/12/05; Vote 90, 4/12/05; Vote 55, 3/16/05; Vote 145, 6/23/04; Vote 48, 3/11/04; Vote 40, 3/10/04; Vote 34, 3/9/04; Vote 379, 10/14/03; Vote 83, 3/25/03; Vote 81, 3/25/03; Vote 74, 3/21/03]

Chambliss On Fox News Sunday: Still Denies Tough Economic Times For Families, Veterans

2008-11-30T17:06:15Z

Chambliss tried to block new G.I. bill, voted 23 times against healthcare for veterans

]]> Chambliss tried to block new G.I. bill, voted 23 times against healthcare for veterans

ATLANTA – This morning, a tired and defeated looking Saxby Chambliss appeared on Fox News Sunday and defended his out of touch comments on the economic crisis that is hurting Georgia families and veterans. As unemployment rises, home values drop, and a record number of veterans are out of work, Chambliss has turned a blind eye to the needs of Georgia families and veterans, while giving billions in handouts to Wall Street.

Chambliss this morning again stated his opposition to an economic stimulus aimed at helping middle class families and veterans in Georgia. Chambliss also continued to falsely claim that he had been echoing Alan Greenspan when he said, “We may not be in a recession. I don't know what that term means.” But as Chris Wallace pointed out, Chambliss made that statement in July, but as early as April Greenspan said the US is “in the throes of recession.”

All weekend long, Jim Martin has been travelling the state with veteran leaders focusing on the Saxby Chambliss’ failure to take care of America’s veterans and men and women in uniform. As a Vietnam veteran, Martin has made veterans’ issues a central part of his campaign, and believes Washington has failed to give our veterans and men and women in uniform the respect they deserve.

In the days before American troops were sent to war in Iraq, Chambliss, a member of the Armed Services Committees, skipped an important hearing on military strategy and instead vacationed in Boca Raton, Florida on the special interest dime while raising cash for his campaign.

Following church services in Atlanta this morning, Jim Martin will continue to focus on veterans’ issues during his bus tour across Georgia today with stops in Columbus and Norcross this afternoon. See below for details.

FACT: Since Joining The Senate In 2003, Chambliss Has Voted Against Increased Funding For Veterans' Health Care Programs At Least 23 Times. [Vote 161, 6/26/08; Vote 114, 3/23/07 ; Vote 172, 5/17/07; Vote 222, 8/2/06; Vote 67, 3/16/06; Vote 63, 3/16/06; Vote 41, 3/14/06; Vote 15, 2/13/06; Vote 7, 2/2/06; Vote 343, 11/17/05; Vote 251, 10/5/05; Vote 114, 4/28/05; Vote 89, 4/12/05; Vote 90, 4/12/05; Vote 55, 3/16/05; Vote 145, 6/23/04; Vote 48, 3/11/04; Vote 40, 3/10/04; Vote 34, 3/9/04; Vote 379, 10/14/03; Vote 83, 3/25/03; Vote 81, 3/25/03; Vote 74, 3/21/03]

FACT: Chambliss Voted to Block the New GI Bill for Veterans of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2008, Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted against the new GI Bill for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. (The Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fair Education Benefits for Veterans second vote.) The emergency supplemental funding bill included an expansion of benefits to veterans, service members and some veterans' families wishing to pursue an education. The new “transferability” provision offers current service members who agree to remain in the military for ten years the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill benefit to their spouse or children. The expanded education benefit offers new veterans and their families much needed opportunities to get ahead. [http://www.iava.org; Senate Vote 161, 6/26/08; http://www.veteranreportcard.org/reportcard.pdf]

FACT: In April. Greenspan Said U.S. Was In A Recession; In July, Chambliss Said He Didn't Know What That Term Means. In the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey of economists, three quarters of respondents said that the weakening U.S. economy has further to fall and by a 3-1 margin said that the economy is in a recession. “We are in the throes of recession,” Alan Greenspan said. [Reuters, 4/8/08; WSJ.com, 4/10/08]

FACT: Georgia Has Record Unemployment, Veterans Hit Especially Hard By Economic Crisis. Georgia has the second highest unemployment rate in the country, losing 96,000 jobs since January. [BLS Unemployment Statistics; AP, 1/30/08; Atlanta Business Chronicle, 3/13/08] “Recently discharged veterans, though, fared worst of all. A 2007 survey for the Veterans Affairs Department of 1,941 combat veterans who left the military mostly in 2005 showed nearly 18 percent were unemployed as of last year. The average national jobless rate in October was 6.5 percent.” [New York Times, 11/18/08]

FACT: Chambliss Says No To Stimulus Aimed At Helping Middle Class, Veterans. “Martin said he would support a $300 billion economic stimulus plan proposed by national Democrats. Chambliss said he would oppose it until the current $700 billion rescue plan is given a chance to work.” [Atlanta Journal Constitution, 11/2/2008] Chambliss said “You're going to see an economic stimulus like you won't believe, and it's going to all be put on the back of taxpayers. The ones in place now need the opportunity to work.” [Fox News Sunday, 11/30/08]

MARTIN EVENTS TODAY, SUNDAY NOVEMBER 30

COLUMBUS, GA

Martin Hosts Roundtable with Georgia Veterans
3:00 PM

Martin Victory Office

3160 Macon Road

Columbus, GA

NORCROSS, GA

Martin Headlines Get Out the Vote Rally
6:30 PM

Location: The Global Mall

5675 Jimmy Carter Boulevard

Norcross, GA

Chambliss on Fox News Sunday: Still Denies Tough Economic Times For Families, Veterans

2008-11-30T16:56:37Z

Chambliss tried to block new G.I. bill, voted 23 times against health care for veterans

]]> This morning, a tired and defeated looking Saxby Chambliss appeared on Fox News Sunday and defended his out of touch comments on the economic crisis that is hurting Georgia families and veterans. As unemployment rises, home values drop, and a record number of veterans are out of work, Chambliss has turned a blind eye to the needs of Georgia families and veterans, while giving billions in handouts to Wall Street.

Jim Martin's campaign is airing a new ad focused on the importance of taking care of our nation’s veterans. While Saxby Chambliss has voted to against increasing veterans’ healthcare and voted to stop the new G.I. Bill, Jim Martin pledges to give our veterans the respect they deserve.

In the days before American troops were sent to war in Iraq, Chambliss, a member of the Armed Services Committees, skipped an important hearing on military strategy and instead vacationed in Boca Raton, Florida on the special interest dime while raising cash for his campaign.

FACT: Since Joining The Senate In 2003, Chambliss Has Voted Against Increased Funding For Veterans' Health Care Programs At Least 23 Times. [Vote 161, 6/26/08; Vote 114, 3/23/07; Vote 172, 5/17/07; Vote 222, 8/2/06; Vote 67, 3/16/06; Vote 63, 3/16/06; Vote 41, 3/14/06; Vote 15, 2/13/06; Vote 7, 2/2/06; Vote 343, 11/17/05; Vote 251, 10/5/05; Vote 114, 4/28/05; Vote 89, 4/12/05; Vote 90, 4/12/05; Vote 55, 3/16/05; Vote 145, 6/23/04; Vote 48, 3/11/04; Vote 40, 3/10/04; Vote 34, 3/9/04; Vote 379, 10/14/03; Vote 83, 3/25/03; Vote 81, 3/25/03; Vote 74, 3/21/03]

FACT: Chambliss Voted to Block the New GI Bill for Veterans of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2008, Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted against the new GI Bill for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. (The Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fair Education Benefits for Veterans second vote.) The emergency supplemental funding bill included an expansion of benefits to veterans, service members and some veterans' families wishing to pursue an education. The new “transferability” provision offers current service members who agree to remain in the military for ten years the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill benefit to their spouse or children. The expanded education benefit offers new veterans and their families much needed opportunities to get ahead. http://www.iava.org

FACT: In April. Greenspan Said U.S. Was In A Recession; In July, Chambliss Said He Didn't Know What That Term Means. In the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey of economists, three quarters of respondents said that the weakening U.S. economy has further to fall and by a 3-1 margin said that the economy is in a recession. “We are in the throes of recession,” Alan Greenspan said. [Reuters, 4/8/08; WSJ.com, 4/10/08]

FACT: Georgia Has Record Unemployment, Veterans Hit Especially Hard By Economic Crisis. Georgia has the second highest unemployment rate in the country, losing 96,000 jobs since January. [BLS Unemployment Statistics; AP, 1/30/08; Atlanta Business Chronicle, 3/13/08] “Recently discharged veterans, though, fared worst of all. A 2007 survey for the Veterans Affairs Department of 1,941 combat veterans who left the military mostly in 2005 showed nearly 18 percent were unemployed as of last year. The average national jobless rate in October was 6.5 percent.” [New York Times, 11/18/08]

FACT: Chambliss Says No To Stimulus Aimed At Helping Middle Class, Veterans. “Martin said he would support a $300 billion economic stimulus plan proposed by national Democrats. Chambliss said he would oppose it until the current $700 billion rescue plan is given a chance to work.” [Atlanta Journal Constitution, 11/2/2008] Chambliss said “You're going to see an economic stimulus like you won't believe, and it's going to all be put on the back of taxpayers. The ones in place now need the opportunity to work.” [Fox News Sunday, 11/30/08]

25 Days, 25 Ways - Day 3: Veterans and Saxby Economics

2008-11-29T20:13:57Z

Day 3: We all know that Georgia's unemployment is at a record high, but for veterans the situation is even worse - the unemployment rate for recently discharged vets is three times higher than the national average. But Saxby Chambliss voted to stop the new GI Bill that would provide veterans the tools they need to get ahead when they return from war. Yes to bailing out Wall Street, but no to educating our troops?

As our sons and daughters return from crises abroad, they're facing an economic crisis here at home - but all Saxby seems to care about are his special interest friends.

With Saxby Economics, nothing changes.

Unemployment Rate for Recently Discharged Veterans Three Times Higher Than National Average. "Recently discharged veterans, though, fared worst of all. A 2007 survey for the Veterans Affairs Department of 1,941 combat veterans who left the military mostly in 2005 showed nearly 18 percent were unemployed as of last year. The average national jobless rate in October was 6.5 percent." [New York Times, 11/18/08]

America's Newest Veterans "Being Hit Especially Hard" By Economic Crisis. "While few Americans are sheltered from the jolt of the recent economic crisis, the nation's newest veterans, particularly the wounded, are being hit especially hard. The triple-whammy of injury, unemployment and waiting for disability claims to be processed has forced many veterans into foreclosure, or sent them teetering on its edge, according to veterans' organizations." [New York Times, 11/18/08]

Chambliss Voted Against the New GI Bill for Veterans of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2008, Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted against the new GI Bill for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. (The Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fair Education Benefits for Veterans second vote.) The emergency supplemental funding bill included an expansion of benefits to veterans, service members and some veterans' families wishing to pursue an education. The new "transferability" provision offers current service members who agree to remain in the military for ten years the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill benefit to their spouse or children. The expanded education benefit offers new veterans and their families much needed opportunities to get ahead. [http://www.iava.org; Senate Vote 161, 6/26/08; http://www.veteranreportcard.org/reportcard.pdf]

25 Days, 25 Ways - Day 4: Saxby's (virtual) reality

2008-11-28T20:06:06Z

Day 4: In this day and age, even our grandmas have taken to online shopping. But this week online sales posted their first-ever decline. Another sign of the slumping economy, yet Saxby Chambliss opposes an economic stimulus plan aimed at helping the middle class that could get consumer spending going again. This should be the biggest shopping season, but a market-research firm predicts that "online retail sales will be flat for the holidays."

Billions for Wall Street but nothing for Georgia?

When it comes to connecting to middle class Georgians, Saxby's still on a dial-up connection.

With Saxby Economics, nothing changes.

Online Sales Post First-Ever Decline, Flat Holiday Sales Expected. According to numbers released by market-research firm ComScore, "Online shoppers spent 4 percent less during the first three weeks of November than they did during the same period last year, and it looks like online retail sales will be flat for the holidays." [Associated Press, 11/25/2008] A ComScore spokesperson called the decline in growth "unprecedented" and attributed the sales slowdown to factors that included the unpredictable stock market and weak job market. [Wall Street Journal, 11/26/2008]

Chambliss: No to Working With Obama on Stimulus, Wait for Bailout to Work? "Martin said he would support a $300 billion economic stimulus plan proposed by national Democrats. Chambliss said he would oppose it until the current $700 billion rescue plan is given a chance to work." [Atlanta Journal Constitution, 11/2/2008]

NEW AD: Chambliss Has Failed Georgia Veterans

2008-11-28T17:16:17Z

Jim Martin served in Vietnam, will give Georgia veterans the respect they deserve

ATLANTA – Jim Martin’s campaign released a new ad focused on the importance of taking care of our nation’s veterans. While Saxby Chambliss has voted against increasing veterans’ healthcare and voted to stop the new G.I. Bill, Jim Martin knows the importance of serving our nation’s veterans because of his time serving our country. Chambliss, a member of the Armed Services Committees, missed an important hearing on military strategy the week before troops were sent to war in Iraq while he was vacationing on the special interest dime in Boca Raton, Florida and raising money from these same special interests.

]]> Jim Martin served in Vietnam, will give Georgia veterans the respect they deserve

“Georgia needs a leader who will fight for our men and women in uniform, not a politician who votes against critical funding for our veterans,” Martin for Senate spokesperson Kate Hansen said. “Georgians know that we must show our gratitude to our veterans in actions as well as words, but all Saxby Chambliss has given our men and women in uniform is empty rhetoric. As a veteran, Jim Martin knows firsthand the importance of caring for our men and women in uniform and he will work with Barack Obama in Washington to ensure we fully honor our veterans.”

On March 10, 2003 Chambliss proclaimed that the country was days away from war. But just three days later, Chambliss left on a four-day junket to Boca Raton Florida paid for by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and U.S. Sugar Corporation. While Chambliss’ colleagues on the Intelligence Committee were deliberating on whether to lead the country to war and the President was attempting to rally international support for the action, Chambliss raised nearly $140,000 in campaign cash, traveled to Boca Raton, and schmoozed with special interests.

Jim Martin for Senate Fact Sheet

“Answered”

Facts

I’m Jim Martin and I approved this message.

Narrator:

They’ve answered their country’s call and when they come home, it’s an answered prayer.

But what can’t be answered is how could Saxby Chambliss vote 23 times against increasing veterans’ health care?

Since Joining The Senate In 2003, Chambliss Has Voted Against Increased Funding For Veterans’ Health Care Programs At Least 23 Times. [Vote 161, 6/26/08; Vote 114, 3/23/07 ; Vote 172, 5/17/07; Vote 222, 8/2/06; Vote 67, 3/16/06; Vote 63, 3/16/06; Vote 41, 3/14/06; Vote 15, 2/13/06; Vote 7, 2/2/06; Vote 343, 11/17/05; Vote 251, 10/5/05; Vote 114, 4/28/05; Vote 89, 4/12/05; Vote 90, 4/12/05; Vote 55, 3/16/05; Vote 145, 6/23/04; Vote 48, 3/11/04; Vote 40, 3/10/04; Vote 34, 3/9/04; Vote 379, 10/14/03; Vote 83, 3/25/03; Vote 81, 3/25/03; Vote 74, 3/21/03]

And how could he vote to stop the new G.I. bill that gave veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan full educational benefits.

Jim Martin served with honor in Vietnam and he’ll be a Senator that honors our veterans.

Chambliss Voted Against the New GI Bill for Veterans of the Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan . In 2008, Sen. Saxby Chambliss voted against the new GI Bill for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan. (The Post-9/11 GI Bill: Fair Education Benefits for Veterans second vote.) The emergency supplemental funding bill included an expansion of benefits to veterans, service members and some veterans’ families wishing to pursue an education. The new "transferability" provision offers current service members who agree to remain in the military for ten years the opportunity to transfer their GI Bill benefit to their spouse or children. The expanded education benefit offers new veterans and their families much needed opportunities to get ahead. [http://www.iava.org; Senate Vote 161, 6/26/08; http://www.veteranreportcard.org/reportcard.pdf]

25 Days, 25 Ways - Day 5: Saxby's turkeys

2008-11-28T04:36:18Z

Day 5: Thanksgiving is a day when we open our doors to family and friends and share our thoughts, prayers, and food. But the only door opened in Saxby Chambliss's office is the revolving door for his staffers turned lobbyists, and lobbyists turned staffers. At least 12 former Chambliss staff members were, or currently are, lobbyists. On top of that, Chambliss has taken over $345,000 from lobbying firms, clients and companies employing his former staffers in just his one Senate term. As unemployment reaches record highs, it's nice to know someone has a reliable job...

Lobbyists may have Saxby to be thankful for during their Thanksgiving feast, but all middle class Georgians get from Saxby's table is a wishbone and some scraps.

With Saxby Economics, nothing changes.

At Least 12 Former Chambliss Staff Are Lobbyists. According to Senate public records and the Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act Database, at least 12 former Chambliss staff members were, or are currently, lobbyists. The staff members include, Robert D. Leebern, Robert Underwood, Christopher Cox, Richard Goddard, Martha Scott Poindexter (nee Fisackerly), Michael Venet, Alexander Shively, Matthew Echols, Brad Gruehn, Julie Fields, J. Krister Holladay, and Jason Ouimet. [Senate Public Records, Senate Lobbying Disclosure Database]

Lobbying Firms, Clients and Companies Employing Former Chambliss Staffers Have Given Chambliss Over $345,000 Since He Entered the Senate. Since he has been in the Senate, lobbying firms, their clients who former Chambliss staff members lobbied for and companies that employ former Chambliss staffers as lobbyists have given Chambliss $345,799 through their employees and PACs. [Center for Responsive Politics; Senate Lobby Disclosure Database]

25 Days, 25 Ways - Day 6: Saxby's shopping special

2008-11-27T06:08:32Z

Day 6: This morning the Commerce Department reported that U.S. consumer spending dropped in October by 1% - the steepest decline since the post September 11 contraction. But Saxby Chambliss opposes an economic stimulus plan aimed at helping the middle class that could get consumer spending going again. With the busiest time for retail shopping approaching, Saxby's refusal to help the middle class could have disastrous results.

Saxby gives billions to Wall Street but says no to helping middle class Georgians this holiday season.

Now we know who the real Grinch is.

With Saxby Economics, nothing changes.

Commerce Department: U.S. Consumer Spending Dropped By 1 Percent Last Month. "Spending by U.S. consumers dropped in October by the most since the 2001 contraction, signaling the economy is sinking into a deeper recession. The 1 percent decline in purchases followed a 0.3 percent drop in September, the Commerce Department said today in Washington. A separate report from Commerce showed business investment also tumbled last month." [Bloomberg News, 11/26/2008]

"Biggest Consumer Spending Slum in Three Decades" Likely to Continue, Threaten Holiday Sales. Reporting on the third quarter report from the Commerce Department, Bloomberg News wrote "The biggest consumer spending slump in three decades is likely to persist as home prices fall and job losses mount, threatening the holiday sales outlook at retailers from Zale Corp. to Best Buy Co. Faltering demand has caused the Federal Reserve, Treasury and President-elect Barack Obama to ratchet up plans to ease the credit crisis." [Bloomberg News, 11/26/2008]

Thanksgiving Message from Max Cleland

2008-11-26T22:09:56Z

The Martin family and everyone at the Martin for Senate campaign would like to wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

Senator Max Cleland prepared a special Thanksgiving message that he asked us to share with you. Please take a moment to watch the video below and help the campaign out by clicking here.

International Brotherhood of Police Officers Endorse Martin for Senate

2008-11-26T22:01:53Z

Cite Martin's record of keeping our children safe; Slam Chambliss' votes to cut COPS funding

]]> The International Brotherhood of Police Officers today endorsed Jim Martin for U.S. Senate citing his strong record fighting for law enforcement and slamming Saxby Chambliss for voting to cut funding for COPS. Chambliss and his allies have attacked Martin’s record on crime, but the truth is that Martin has always fought to keep our children safe and ensure that law enforcement has the tools necessary to protect our families. While Martin has delivered for law enforcement, Saxby Chambliss has opposed critical funding to keep our children safe.

“I usually vote Republican, but Jim Martin’s commitments to support law enforcement have moved me to vote for him this time,” Sgt. Scott Kreher of the Atlanta Police Department and president of International Brotherhood of Police Officers local 678 said. “While Jim Martin has met the crime threat in our communities with action, all Saxby Chambliss has done is undermine us. Jim Martin has always worked to protect children from violent crime – because he knows firsthand what can happen. Saxby Chambliss shows his true character when he accuses a crime victim of being soft on crime.”

“For Saxby Chambliss to accuse me of being weak on crime is not only wrong, but it is offensive to both me and my family. Saxby Chambliss knows better,” U.S. Senate candidate Jim Martin said. “I am honored to have the support of so many of Georgia's finest and proud to be the only candidate in this race with a proven record of giving law enforcement the tools necessary to keep our families safe. Saxby Chambliss gave a $700 billion check to bail out Wall Street, but when it came time to keep our streets safe, he voted no. My campaign for U.S. Senate is about using our hard-earned taxpayer dollars for important priorities like keeping our streets safe – not for lining Wall Street with billions.”

Martin’s daughter Becky was kidnapped when she was eight years old. Fortunately she was let go, but Martin never forgot the way Becky trembled when she came face-to-face with her kidnapper in court. Over his 18-year tenure in the state legislature and during his service as Commissioner of Georgia’s Department of Human Resources, Martin built a reputation as a leading advocate for children.

Chambliss Voted At Least Six Times Against Increasing COPS Funding. Since coming to Congress Chambliss voted at least six times against increasing funding for the Community Oriented Policy Services (COPS) program. [Vote 110, 3/23/07; Vote 226, 9/13/05; Vote 70, 3/17/05; Vote 78, 3/21/03; Vote 386, 8/5/99; Vote 232, 6/17/99]

Chambliss Allies Continue Desperate, False Attacks

2008-11-26T20:25:10Z

Martin has come face-to-face with violent crime, spent career protecting children

]]>

Martin has come face-to-face with violent crime, spent career protecting children

ATLANTA – In a new ad released today, Saxby Chambliss’ allies attack with more of the same smears already disproven by nonpartisan FactCheck.org. The truth is that Jim Martin has always fought to protect children and families, because he knows what it’s like to have a child come face-to-face with violent crime. That’s why the International Brotherhood of Police Officers is endorsing Jim Martin today – because he is the only candidate in the race with a proven history of proving law enforcement with the tools to keep our families safe.

“Another day, another smear from Saxby Chambliss and his allies,” Martin for Senate spokesperson Kate Hansen said. “If Saxby Chambliss had spent more time fighting for Georgia families and less time fighting for corporate interests, maybe he wouldn’t be forced to resort to these desperate attacks. Georgians know that Jim Martin always stands up to protect Georgia families because he knows what it’s like to come face-to-face with violent crime.”

FACT CHECK: NRSC “Families”

TV: 30

11-26-08

Facts

Jim Martin, he’s working against Georgia families.

Voting for what was the largest tax increase in state history.

Raising the sales tax 32%.

Jim Martin Voted for the "Largest Tax Cut in Georgia History" – Saving Billions for Georgia Families Since 1996. In 1996, Jim Martin voted to remove groceries from the statewide sales tax. Former Governor Zell Miller called it the "largest tax cut in Georgia history" and predicted that the savings would amount to $500 million over the final three years of his term as governor (1996-1998). At that rate, Martin's vote to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries has saved Georgia families almost $7 billion dollars since 1996. [1996, HB 265, Martin "AYE"; State of Georgia Archives, Gov. Zell Miller Accomplishments (http://www.state.ga.us/archive/governor/Accomplishments/taxcut.htm)]

The Cited “Largest Tax Increase In State History” Was A One-Penny Increase In Alcohol and Tobacco Taxes To Fund Schools. In 1989, the Georgia House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation that increased the tax on alcohol and tobacco by one penny. The increase was needed in order to fund public schools. The bill was supported by two-thirds of the Georgia State House of Representatives. The net amount raised for schools was $371 million. [Georgia House Journal, p.2143-50, HB 474, 3/8/1989]

Saxby Chambliss Proposed A Tax Increase On All Retirees and Middle Class.

Retirees Would Pay Up To 50% Double-Tax Under Chambliss Plan, Poor And Middle Class Would See Tax Increase. In April of 2007, S en. Saxby Chambliss introduced the Fair Tax Act of 2007. Fact-check organizations and editorials placed such a national sales tax at no less than 30% and closer to 50% after state sales taxes are incorporated. The so-called "fair tax" would also "negatively impact people who've saved, especially senior citizens." All retirees, who have paid taxes on a lifetime of earnings, would be double-taxed at that rate for all future purchases made from their savings. Also, according to the Washington Post, an advisory panel to President Bush's rejected the so-called "fair tax" because it would "create the largest entitlement program in history" or shift the overall tax burden from the rich to the poor. [PolitiFact.com, 1/23/08 ; The Wall Street Journal, Editorial, 12/5/07; Washington Post, 12/27/07; U.S. Federal News, 4/6/07; FactCheck.org, 3/31/07 ]

Jim Martin, working against our children's safety.

Voting against making it a felony to sell drugs near schools.

Against making it a felony to solicit a child for prostitution

Jim Martin, a record of extremes Georgia just can’t afford.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee is responsible for the content of this advertising.

Selling drugs near school is a felony and Martin supports that. Selling drugs to our kids or near them has always been a felony and it is simply false to say that Martin voted against a bill making it a felony to sell drugs near schools. [www.martinforsenate.com]

Martin Voted for Zell Miller’s “Two Strikes and You’re Out” Law – One of the Toughest Anti-Crime Laws in the Country. Martin supported Zell Miller’s two strikes and you’re out law. Martin also co-authored the law requiring criminals to pay restitution to their victims, and he passed the law that allows law enforcement agencies to use the money they seize from drug dealers to fight crime. [SB 441, 1994; HB 1165, 1998; HB 244, 1987]

Martin Voted To Make Child Solicitation A Felony. It is patently false to say that Jim did not support making child solicitation a felony. He voted for legislation to make it a felony to solicit a minor. Chambliss and his friends in Washington are just deliberately misleading people. [Georgia House Journal, pp. 1,165, 1,166-67, HB 1221, 2/17/88]

FactCheck.org: “A Tall Tale on a Selective Vote” Noting Martin Voted For Child Solicitation Bill Once Language Distinguished Whether It Was Done For Money. Factcheck.org wrote, “An NRSC ad claims Martin was "one of three to vote against making it a felony to solicit a child for prostitution." Actually, Martin eventually supported the child prostitution bill after it was rewritten. He objected to language that would have allowed willing teenagers to be prosecuted as felons for engaging in oral sex… We looked at the votes and language of both versions of the bill published in the Georgia House Journal. The Senate version stipulated that a solicitation of sodomy must be "for money" to be a felony. Other than those two words, the House and Senate versions were identical. The Senate version passed the House unanimously.” [FackCheck.org, 11/25/08]

25 Days, 25 Ways - Day 7: Southern hospitality for Rudy

2008-11-26T05:05:05Z

Day 7: Today, Saxby Chambliss welcomes New Yorker Rudy Giuliani to Georgia. We're known for our Southern hospitality here, but Saxby's already shown his generosity to Rudy in Washington D.C. - and vice versa. Rudy Giuliani lobbies on behalf of Saxby Chambliss's biggest donor, oil speculator Southern Company, which benefits big time from Saxby's deregulatory zeal. Rudy lobbied for Southern Co., Southern Co. donated $125,000 to Saxby, Saxby voted to deregulate oil speculation, and Southern Co. and Rudy made big profits.

And middle class Georgians? We got record oil prices and summer staycations.

Deregulation for donors, tight budgets for the middle class.

With Saxby Economics, nothing changes.

Southern Co. Is Saxby Chambliss' Largest Donor Ever, Donating $125,000 Over His Career. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, energy firm Southern Co.'s PAC, its employees, and their immediate family members have donated at least $125,000 to Saxby Chambliss over the course of his political career--making Southern Co. his "top donor." The totals include subsidiaries and affiliates, according to the website. [Center for Responsive Politics, opensecrets.org, accessed 11/24/08]

Giuliani's Firm Has Lobbied For Southern Co. On Energy. According to lobby disclosure reports, Giuliani's firm, Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP, has lobbied on behalf of Southern Co. from 2004 through 2008. The reports show that Bracewell & Giuliani lobbied on a variety of energy and environmental issues. [Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP, Lobbying Disclosure Forms, 2004-2008, Senate Office of Public Records]

Chambliss Co-Sponsored Bill Deregulating Energy Markets. Chambliss voted to pass The Commodities Futures Modernization Act, of which he was one of three original cosponsors, which included the Enron loophole and specifically exempted over-the-counter (OTC) electronic exchanges from any oversight or regulation by the CFTC or any other regulators. Chambliss: Y. [2000 House Vote #540 on HR 4541, 10/19/00; 2000 House Vote #603 on HR 4577, 12/15/00; Washington Post, 8/20/08]

Chambliss Denied Oil Speculation Was Cause Of Doubling Gas Prices. Despite the sudden doubling of energy prices between September and July, the CFTC and Chambliss claimed that there was no evidence that speculation was responsible and insisted that supply and demand changes might account for the rising price. [Chambliss floor statement, 7/22/08; Chambliss press release, 6/17/08]

Report Concluded That Speculation In Oil Commodities Led To Gas Price Spikes. "Speculation by large investors -- and not supply and demand for oil -- were a primary reason for the surge in oil prices during the first half of the year and the more recent price declines, an independent study concluded Wednesday." [Associated Press, 9/10/08]

Oil Speculation Has Cost American Households $1,500 Since 2006. "The speculative bubble in petroleum markets has cost the average American household about $1,500 dollars in increased gasoline, natural gas and electricity expenditures in the two years since the Senate committee on investigations first called attention to the problem. The Senate knew about this problem two years ago." [Mark Cooper, Consumer Federation of America, (Senate Commerce Committee Testimony, "Energy Market Manipulation and Federal Enforcement Regimes,") 6/3/08]

NEW AD: Martin Responds to Chambliss' False Attacks

2008-11-25T20:46:04Z

Martin voted for largest middle class tax cut in Georgia's history

ATLANTA – In a new ad released today, Jim Martin responds to Saxby Chambliss’ false, vicious attacks on Martin’s record. The truth is that Jim Martin voted to return $100 million of surplus taxes to taxpayers and voted for the largest middle class tax cut in Georgia’s history. While Jim Martin will go to Washington to fight for the middle class, Saxby Chambliss has spent his time there fighting for CEOs and lobbyists.

]]> Martin voted for largest middle class tax cut in Georgia’s history

“Saxby Chambliss has resorted to false, vicious attacks because Georgians know there’s only one candidate who will work with Barack Obama to cut middle class taxes, and that’s Jim Martin,” Martin spokesperson Kate Hansen said. “Voters are rejecting Saxby Chambliss’ tired, bitter politics because they know that in these perilous times we need a fighter for the middle class, not a politician who stands up for special interests. In Washington, Jim Martin will get to work fixing America’s economy for middle class Georgians again.”

Watch the ad:

Jim Martin for Senate Fact Sheet

“Go To Work”

Facts

Jim Martin to Camera:

I’m Jim Martin. You might have seen Saxby Chambliss’ ad attacking me…

Chambliss ad:

“Martin refused to return $100 million of surplus taxes to you.”

Jim Martin to Camera:

Well Saxby’s just not telling the truth.

I voted to return the surplus to taxpayers.

I also voted for the largest middle class tax cut in Georgia history.

Jim Martin Voted To Return The Surplus. Chambliss’ ad cites HB 596. The bill reduced state income taxes on families by $83 million and on retirees by $17 million. Jim Martin voted for the bill. The House vote was 174 - 0. The Senate vote was 51 – 0. [HB 596, 1994; House Journal for 2/22/1994, page 1166]

Martin Voted for the “Largest Tax Cut in Georgia History” – Saving Billions for Georgia Families Since 1996. In 1996, Jim Martin voted to remove groceries from the statewide sales tax. Former Governor Zell Miller called it the “largest tax cut in Georgia history” and predicted that the savings would amount to $500 million over the final three years of his term as governor (1996-1998). At that rate, Martin’s vote to eliminate the state sales tax on groceries has saved Georgia families almost $7 billion dollars since 1996. [1996, HB 265, Martin “AYE”; State of Georgia Archives, Gov. Zell Miller Accomplishments (http://www.state.ga.us/archive/governor/Accomplishments/taxcut.htm)]

In the Senate I’ll help Barack Obama pass a middle class tax cut.

Saxby’s against it.

I approved this message because we need a Senator who is ready to go to work on the economy not stand in the way.

Jim Martin Committed To Helping Obama Cut Taxes For Middle Class And Get The Economy Going Again. Jim Martin said in a November 5, 2008 Press Conference, "This race is going to be about helping President-elect Barack Obama get our economy back on track and making the economy work for the middle class again. America has elected Barack Obama President, and I say now is the time for all of us to help him succeed. Let's take some time off from partisan politics - we face the biggest challenges of the past 60 years now - let's work together to solve them." [Martin For Senate, Statement on U.S. Senate Run Off, 11/5/08]

Chambliss Spokesperson: Got to Be One Senator, Saxby Chambliss, Standing Against New Administration. "We've got to have a firewall," Chambliss spokeswoman Michelle Grasso said. "There's got to be one senator, and that would be Saxby Chambliss, standing against the new administration's liberal agenda." [ Athens Banner Herald, 11/15/2008]

Chambliss Doesn’t Support Obama’s Plan To Stimulate The Economy. In a WMAZ interview when asked if he supported President-elect Barack Obama’s stimulus plan Chambliss said he did not. “I think that's not a good expenditure of taxpayer money.” [WMAZ Interview, 11/19/08]

Chambliss: No to Working With Obama on Stimulus, Wait for Bailout to Work. "Martin said he would support a $300 billion economic stimulus plan proposed by national Democrats. Chambliss said he would oppose it until the current $700 billion rescue plan is given a chance to work." [ Atlanta Journal Constitution, 11/2/2008]

Martin Campaign Calls On Chambliss To Donate Contributions Raised Week Before War

2008-11-25T15:23:24Z

In lead up to war, Chambliss raised cash, vacationed on special interest dime in Boca Raton, Florida

]]> The Martin campaign is calling on Saxby Chambliss to donate nearly $140,000 of campaign contributions he inappropriately raised in the days leading up to the war in Iraq to a charity or charities aimed at helping veterans returning from war. While the country was deliberating on whether to go to war, Saxby Chambliss, a member of the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, was vacationing on the special interest dime in Boca Raton, Florida and raising money from these same special interests to fill his campaign coffers.

On March 10, 2003 Chambliss proclaimed that the country was days away from war. But just three days later, Chambliss left on a four-day junket to Boca Raton Florida paid for by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and U.S. Sugar Corporation. While Chambliss' colleagues on the Intelligence Committee were deliberating on whether to lead the country to war and the President was attempting to rally international support for the action, Chambliss raised nearly $140,000 in campaign cash, traveled to Boca Raton, and schmoozed with special interests.

“Saxby Chambliss' colleagues on the Armed Forces Committee were raising serious questions about war strategy, while Chambliss was raising campaign cash,” said Kate Hansen, Martin campaign spokesperson. “When leaders in Congress and the President were carefully deliberating on whether to send our troops to war, Saxby Chambliss was on vacation and padding his campaign coffers. This was wrong and Senator Chambliss should immediately donate the money to an organization aimed at helping our men and women in uniform when they return home.”

Saxby Chambliss campaigns on his dedication to our veterans and men and women in uniform, but he voted twice against giving them more time with their families between tours. Chambliss voted 23 times against increasing health care funding for veterans, even with the deplorable conditions facing Iraq war veterans at Walter Reed Army Hospital. He even voted against funds for body armor and bullet-proof vests to keep our troops in Iraq safe.

CHAMBLISS’ CONDUCT PRECEDING IRAQ INVASION:

MARCH 10, 2003. Chambliss tells Georgians War Is Days Away. Speaking to a gathering of state legislators, Chambliss suggested that he realized war was imminent. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that Saxby told them, “A decision to go to war with Iraq could come "in days," and Iraq is a greater threat than North Korea, U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) said Monday at the state Capitol.” [AJC, 3/11/2003]

MARCH 11-13, 2003. Chambliss Raised Almost $140,000. On March 11, 2003, Chambliss' campaign raised $70,500, making it the biggest day of contributions for his campaign from 2003-2004. On March 13, 2003, the same day Chambliss left to go to Boca Raton, his campaign raised $39,275, making it the fourth biggest day for Chambliss during the 2003-2004 cycle. Between the time that Chambliss announced that the Iraq war was imminent and the time the United States invaded Iraq, Chambliss raised an additional $29,000 from Political Action Committees. [Political Moneyline, Accessed: 11/21/08]

MARCH 13-15, 2003: Chambliss Traveled to Boca Raton, Florida on a Trip Paid for by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. The Chicago Mercantile Exchange paid $4,166 for Chambliss’ trip to Boca Raton from March 13-March 15, 2003. [Political Moneyline, Accessed: 11/20/08]

MARCH 13 2003: Chambliss skips Armed Services Committee Hearing on Military Strategy. According to committee records, Chambliss was not present at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee on “military strategy and operational requirements.” At the hearing, commanders of the Southern and Pacific Command and the Commander in Chief of U.N. and U.S. forces in Korea. The hearing’s business included discussions of the effect of the buildup in Iraq on readiness and manpower in Korea and the two joint commands. [Transcript of SASC FY 2004 DOD Authorization Hearing, 3/13/2003]

March 16-March 17, 2003: Chambliss Stayed in Boca Raton, Florida on Trip Paid for by the US Sugar Corporation. The US Sugar Corporation paid $561 for Chambliss to continue to stay in Florida to meet with their members. [Political Moneyline, Accessed: 11/20/03]

MARCH 17, 2003: President Bush Gives Hussein 48 Hours To Leave Iraq.
“President Bush tonight gave Saddam Hussein 48 hours to go into exile or face attack from the United States and a handful of allies. In an address to the nation from the White House, made hours after he had abandoned attempts to forge a united diplomatic front against Iraq, Mr. Bush made clear that hostilities could begin as soon as his two-day ultimatum expires, perhaps sooner if Mr. Hussein openly spurns the demand from the United States that he go and take his two sons with him. Mr. Bush warned diplomats, aid workers and journalists in Iraq to get out of harm's way immediately.” [New York Times, 3/17/03]

CHAMBLISS DISASTEROUS RECORD ON VETERAN ISSUES:

Chambliss Opposed the Webb Amendment Guaranteeing Troops Time At Home Between Deployments

Chambliss Twice Opposed Guaranteeing Troops Time At Home Between Deployments. In 2007, Chambliss twice voted against the Webb dwell time amendment. The amendment guaranteed active duty forces as much time at home as they served while deployed. Further, it guaranteed National Guard and reservists three years at home between deployments. [CQ Bill Summary; Vote 241, 7/11/07; Vote 341, 9/19/07]

Chambliss Has Voted Against Veterans Programs at Least 23 Times Since Joining the Senate

Chambliss Has Opposed Vets’ Program Funding At Least 23 Times in the Senate Alone. Since joining the Senate in 2003, Chambliss has voted against increased funding for veterans’ health care programs at least 23 times. [Vote 161, 6/26/08; Vote 114, 3/23/07; Vote 172, 5/17/07; Vote 222, 8/2/06; Vote 67, 3/16/06; Vote 63, 3/16/06; Vote 41, 3/14/06; Vote 15, 2/13/06; Vote 7, 2/2/06; Vote 343, 11/17/05; Vote 251, 10/5/05; Vote 114, 4/28/05; Vote 89, 4/12/05; Vote 90, 4/12/05; Vote 55, 3/16/05; Vote 145, 6/23/04; Vote 48, 3/11/04; Vote 40, 3/10/04; Vote 34, 3/9/04; Vote 379, 10/14/03; Vote 83, 3/25/03; Vote 81, 3/25/03; Vote 74, 3/21/03]

Chambliss Repeatedly Voted Against Additional Funding to Give the Men & Women in Uniform the Armor and Equipment They Need

Chambliss Twice Voted Against Funding for Armored Vehicles. In October 2005, Chambliss joined the majority of his Republican colleagues and voted against an amendment to the Defense Appropriations for $360.8 million to provide armored vehicles to American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. In April 2005, Chambliss voted against an amendment offered by Senator Kennedy which would provide an addition $213 million to ensure that Humvee production remained at its maximum level through the fiscal year. [Vote 248, 10/5/05; Vote 108, 4/21/05]

Chambliss Opposed Funding For Equipment And Armor For Troops. In 2003, Chambliss voted against providing an additional $322 million for safety equipment, including body armor, to troops in Iraq. Earlier that year, Chambliss voted against providing an additional $1.047 billion for procurement of National Guard and Reserve equipment. According to Mary Landrieu, the bill’s sponsor, much of the money would have been used for protective gear for Guard and Reserve troops. [Vote 376, 10/2/03; Vote 116, 4/2/03]