Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Southern politics

Georgia Democratic Party Chair Election The main focus shifts to the Georgia Democratic Party (DPG) chair election in Newnan. Catherine Smith, a member of the election committee who was present, reports that the meeting had a record attendance of 250 people on Labor Day weekend. A major source of contention was a last-minute push for a roll call vote, contrary to the party's usual signed-ballot process. This proposal caused a 40-minute interruption of "boos and screaming" until the candidates agreed that the printed and signed ballots would suffice as a roll call.In the first ballot, former House leader DuBose Porter received 125 votes, falling just one vote short of the required 50% plus one. After the candidate with the fewest votes, R.J. Hadley, was eliminated, a second ballot was held, which DuBose Porter won, becoming the new DPG chair.Analysis of the DPG ElectionThe hosts discuss the result, noting that in the second ballot, Porter retained his support and gained nearly all of Hadley's voters, while the other remaining candidate, Doug Stoner, actually dropped in support. Catherine believes Porter’s strength came from his personable style, authenticity, and long-standing respect in rural communities. She also suggests that Stoner’s strategy of relying on "big-name endorsements," such as Mayor Kasim Reed, was less effective as many state committee members, especially from outside Metro Atlanta, are not moved by those endorsements. The participants applaud the turnout and sense of unity following the election.New Democratic Gubernatorial CandidateFinally, the hosts express excitement over the announcement of Connie Stokes, a former state senator, as a candidate for Governor. While they acknowledge she's not a "top-tier candidate" due to likely fundraising challenges, they view her as a credible candidate with a record of public service. They discuss the difficulty for Democrats to win in the current political climate, noting that a standard candidate will likely only achieve 40% of the vote, and it takes massive resources and ideal circumstances to bridge the gap to 50%. They stress the importance of running strong candidates like Stokes to be prepared for future opportunities, such as a Republican scandal.

On this episode of The Kudzu Vine, hosts David McLaughlin, Catherine Smith, and Tim Shiflett preview their interview with R.J. Hadley, candidate for Democratic Party of Georgia (DPG) Chair and current Rockdale County Tax Commissioner. Before Hadley joins, the hosts analyze a new Public Policy Polling survey from Louisiana, where Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu leads Republican Bill Cassidy 50–40 despite the state’s increasingly conservative tilt. Smith and Shiflett agree the result is encouraging but unlikely to reflect the final margin since 78% of undecided voters disapprove of President Obama. Shiflett argues Landrieu’s history of attracting some Republican support and Governor Bobby Jindal’s collapsing approval ratings may still help her remain competitive. They also note the strong statewide influence of her brother, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. The hosts then highlight a bizarre poll finding: 29% of Louisiana Republicans blame Barack Obama—then an Illinois senator—for the federal response to Hurricane Katrina, exceeding those who blame President George W. Bush. All three hosts attribute this to partisan misinformation and Tea Party hostility toward Obama. R.J. Hadley then joins the show, offering a biography that includes his work as an Obama delegate, a 2010 U.S. Senate candidate, and a leader in Rockdale County’s Democratic sweep. He outlines his five-part “TRUST” plan for fundraising, emphasizing daily donor outreach, stronger internal giving, collaboration with county parties, and tying fundraising success to winning elections. Hadley stresses transparency, grassroots organizing, and improved communication between state and local parties, positioning himself as the candidate best able to rebuild unity and effectiveness within Georgia Democrats.

show