The Kudzu Vine’s Labor Day weekend episode opens with hosts David and Tim swapping stories—Tim recounting a sports-lover’s dream tour through Soldier Field, Wrigley Field, and Notre Dame Stadium, while David caught the Falcons–Ravens game closer to home.

After the warm-up, the show pivots to politics, previewing upcoming guest Virgilio Perez Pascoe, who will discuss Bill Richardson’s presidential campaign and the DNC meeting in Las Vegas. The hosts dive first into U.S. Senate leadership rumors, particularly speculation that Georgia’s Saxby Chambliss may rise in Republican ranks.

Tim and Bernita express skepticism, suggesting GOP leaders may see his seat as “safe” and may be boosting his profile ahead of reelection. Discussion shifts to Vernon Jones, whose Republican-linked donors fuel suspicions that he may be serving as a spoiler in the Democratic Senate primary—or possibly eyeing a congressional run against Hank Johnson.

Local political maneuvering also takes center stage: Jack Ellis potentially challenging Rep. Jim Marshall, a special election in Pike-Lamar-Upson counties featuring Democratic candidate Dr. Bonnie Burns Gardner, and former state Rep. Paul Smith seeking a Rome City Commission seat with an eye toward becoming mayor. Rumors even surface about former Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor considering a mayoral bid in Albany as a political comeback. 

Nationally, the hosts analyze the fallout from Sen. Larry Craig’s arrest and contrast GOP treatment of Craig, David Vitter, and Mark Foley—calling out inconsistencies driven by political self-interest. They note the Republican Party’s broader turmoil, including Sen. John Warner’s retirement and vulnerable GOP seats nationwide. Finally, they touch on 2008 presidential dynamics, highlighting John Edwards’ continued strength in Iowa despite lagging national momentum.

Title: Bobby Saxon on Iraq, Georgia Politics, and the Democrats’ Most Beatable Republicans On this August 25 episode of The Kudzu Vine, hosts David, Tim, and Bernita cover an active week in Georgia and national politics before welcoming congressional candidate Bobby Saxon. The show opens with discussion of progressive criticism aimed at Democratic Rep. Jim Marshall, with the hosts debating whether ideological accountability should extend to Democrats in conservative districts. They explore Marshall’s voting record—particularly on Iraq, civil liberties, and Bush-era policies—while weighing the broader dilemma of supporting conservative-leaning Democrats versus risking Republican victories.

The hosts then launch a feature called “Who We Can Beat,” assessing the most vulnerable Republicans at the statewide, congressional, and legislative levels. Picks include Saxby Chambliss, Karen Handel, and John Oxendine statewide; Dr. Paul Broun, Jack Kingston, and Lynn Westmoreland in Congress; and several metro-Atlanta state legislators whose districts are shifting demographically. They emphasize changing voter patterns, the importance of strong challengers, and the role of money and name recognition in down-ballot races.

The second half of the program features Bobby Saxon, who has just launched his campaign in Georgia’s 10th District. Saxon details his background as a Georgia native, Army officer, technology entrepreneur, and National Guard member who returned to service after 9/11. Drawing on tours in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the Pentagon, he outlines his position on Iraq: supporting a significant but not total troop reduction, continued security assistance for the Iraqi government, and sustained training and logistical support for Iraqi forces. Saxon stresses that his Democratic identity stems from long-held commitments to civil liberties, social issues, and responsible foreign policy.

US Senate Candidate Rand Knight joined us as our special guest.

Dr. Drew Westen is this week's special guest. He is the author of the Political Brain:http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1586484257/bookstorenow99-20 More info: http://www.westenstrategies.com/

Matt Weyant came in to discuss the DPG's 2008 JJ Dinner Plans and more. Also, Bernita was live from Chicago with a report for Yearly Kos.

Candidates for the GA female DNC post have been invited to appear for induvidual interviews.

Dekalb CEO and US Senate Candidate Vernon Jones & Mike Berlon & Angelia Knight of the GADCC.

John Drunkenmiller will come on to discuss money and politics in 2008 and Wendy Davis will give us an update from the DNC Southern regional meeting.

Congressional candidate Paul Broun comes on and Martin M. of the DPG tells us about the Punchline fundraiser.

Gordon County History teacher and Democrat Sean McKenzie comes on to discuss Immigration and Jesus Christ