joined us to discuss LA and FL primary elections this week

http://bluearkansasblog.com/ joins us to discuss AR Politics

will join us to preview next week's GA Democratic Convention

Also, Steve Anthony guest hosts and political consultant Chris Smith will join us to discuss Tuesday's TN primary elections.

joins us to talk Florida politics

In this segment, the hosts debate Florida politics, beginning with speculation about Jeb Bush’s potential 2012 presidential run. They question how Bush could launch a national campaign when his endorsement of Marco Rubio conflicts with Charlie Crist’s competitiveness in the U.S. Senate race. Tim argues a Bush candidacy is unlikely because the family name remains politically damaged, while Catherine agrees that the Bush brand is still “sullied.” The group jokes about Bush’s Spanish fluency and discusses whether he could position himself as the “smart brother,” though Tim doubts any campaign could escape the weight of the family legacy.

Conversation turns to the Republican Party’s weak 2012 bench—Palin, Gingrich, and Romney—and whether Rubio losing would further harm Bush’s prospects. They note GOP tendencies to nominate the “next in line,” yet Romney’s ideological baggage and religion may hamper him in early primaries.

Shifting to Alabama, they analyze Robert Bentley’s surprise victory over Bradley Byrne, crediting crossover Democratic voters and the Alabama Education Association’s anti-Byrne effort. This leads back to Georgia politics as guest Eric Gray, Communications Director for the Georgia Democratic Party, joins the show. Gray discusses the party’s neutrality during primaries, the focus on the governor’s race, and plans to deploy organizers statewide. He addresses low early-voting turnout, potential advantages of a May primary, and whether national Democrats might campaign in Georgia. Gray outlines post-primary messaging strategy, concerns about intra-party divisions, and evaluations of Republican gubernatorial contenders, while Catherine raises challenges in down-ballot races such as Attorney General and School Superintendent.

FL State House Candidate

and polls, polls, polls!

On this episode of The Kudzu Vine, guest host Tim Shiflett and co-host Catherine navigate a full evening of political discussion during a hot June night in Georgia. The show opens with updates on the Atlanta Press Club debates, which include 21 televised events covering statewide and congressional races. Catherine underscores how down-ballot debates—such as the Republican Insurance Commissioner forum—can be especially informative for voters since many of these candidates lack the resources for broader exposure.

 A notable moment in the insurance commissioner race surfaces when Republican candidate Ralph Hudgens is caught on a live mic claiming that the insurance commissioner “can’t do squat about healthcare.” Democrat Mary Squires responds sharply, framing the comment as evidence of unpreparedness and predicting it will loom large in the general election, especially as healthcare remains a central concern across party lines.

The episode’s first guest, Tim Cairl of the Atlanta Stonewall Democrats, explains the group’s mission to advance LGBTQ+ equality within the Democratic Party and outlines their endorsement process, which relies on detailed questionnaires and candidate vetting. This cycle, they endorsed Michael Mills for Secretary of State and Rob Teilet for Attorney General—standing out for their strong grasp of equality issues. 

Next, Amy Morton, representing Georgia’s WIN List, discusses the PAC’s decade-long mission to elect pro-choice Democratic women to state office. She introduces the new WinCorps program, designed to train young operatives and build a long-term bench of female candidates. Morton details their rigorous endorsement process and notes that this cycle they’ve endorsed 22 candidates, including Mary Squires for Insurance Commissioner, with an emphasis on strategically winnable districts where women can flip seats from Republican control.

and the Southern ad round-up