By: Maj. Gen Rick Goddard, USAF (Ret.)
June 18, 2008; 549 words

During the mid 1970’s we faced an oil embargo imposed by OPEC that gave us clear warning of how vulnerable we are to the whims of foreign interests.  In the intervening years, while we made little effort to establish a coherent energy policy, this nation has become even more vulnerable.  Today we face a growing energy crisis that could have been prevented.  Democrats and Republicans alike share in the blame for failing to implement a comprehensive energy policy.
 
Congress has failed the American people through neglect and inaction, and from the current political rhetoric it is clear the American people must speak loud and clear to force members of Congress to enact real and enduring solutions.  
 
While political posturing and contentious debate continues, our national security remains in jeopardy.  It is time those who represent us start doing the job we sent them there to do.
 
In April 2006, gasoline was selling at an average of $2.91 per gallon when Rep. Nancy Pelosi announced the Democrats “Had a plan to deal with skyrocketing gas prices.”   
 
On January 4, 2007, the Democrats took over both the Senate and House with the promise to lower oil prices, yet during their tenure they have presided over the highest oil price increase in history.  
 
Today gasoline prices average $4.08 per gallon, $1.17 higher than when Rep. Pelosi made her politically charged promise.   
 
It is clear the Democrats had no plan in 2006, and it is clear they have no plan now.  
 
In fact, today House Democrats revealed their true hidden agenda by recommending America’s oil refining facilities be nationalized and put under government control.  That may be the way they do business in Venezuela, but that will not happen in the United States of America.
 
For decades, Congressional Democrats and extremist environmental groups have obstructed efforts to increase domestic oil exploration, expand our refinery capacity, and to build new nuclear power plants.  Given the OPEC lesson of the 1970’s, these obstruction efforts are unconscionable.
 
We did not arrive at this point over night, and we will not overcome decades of neglect with hollow rhetoric and efforts to deflect responsibility. We must implement an energy policy that moves America away from our dependence on foreign oil, capitalizes on our own vast resources, and incentivizes American ingenuity and innovation to develop alternative energy sources for transportation, industry and basic living.
 
Congress must take immediate action to accomplish the following:
 
Develop and Pass Legislation to:
 
·       Open the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil exploration under stringent environmental protection measures.

·       Encourage increased oil refining capability in the United States.
 
·       Streamline the approval process and incentivize utility companies to begin building nuclear power plants nationwide.
 
·       Incentivize buyers of highly fuel efficient or alternative powered automobiles.
 
·       Encourage and incentivize ongoing research to develop economic production of bio-diesel and bio-fuel.

 
If developing our own resources and capability is not part of the plan to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, the plan is fatally flawed.  Our national security depends on leaders who are willing to apply judgment to the passions of extremists and do what is right for America.  To do less is inexcusable.
 
Excuses and inaction from the politicians in Washington have gone on for far too long.  Georgians and America deserve better.
 

Posted by Rick in News on 7/1/2008




Rick Goddard, the Republican candidate for Congress in Georgia’s 8th Congressional District, today praised the Supreme Court opinion on the case of District of Columbia vs. Heller—striking down the District of Columbia’s 32-year-old ban on handguns.
 
“The Courts decision today was a great victory for our Constitution and for law abiding gun owners across America,” said Goddard. “While today’s decision was a great step forward there is still a loud minority that continues to try and strip us of our rights. My hope is that this decision sets a strong precedent for future judges as well as sending clear message to our legislatures not to enact legislation that contradicts the principles of our Constitution. As a Congressman, I will always fight for our right to keep and bear arms guaranteed to us by the Second Amendment.”
 
The court's 5-4 ruling struck down the District of Columbia's 32-year-old ban on handguns as incompatible with gun rights under the Second Amendment. On March 9, 2007, in a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit overturned D.C.’s gun control law ruling it unconstitutional. This was the first time that the Supreme Court decided on a Second Amendment related case since the United States vs. Miller in 1931.

Posted by Staff in News on 6/28/2008




…he has missed 45 votes since writing in the Covington News that he doesn’t like missing votes?
 
For 6 years, incumbent Democrat Congressman Jim Marshall has avoided answering serious and legitimate questions about his record by playing the victim of “a negative attack.” However, Georgians have a right to just ask Jim why he has missed 45 votes since writing in the Covington News that he doesn’t like to miss votes.
 
Marshall claiming to not like missing votes
 
“I don’t like missing votes, even ones that should not be close.”
 
(Jim Marshall, Covington News, August 24, 2007)
 
Marshall missing 45 votes since writing in the Covington News that he doesn’t like missing votes
        
         From August 25, 2007- June 16, 2008 Jim Marshall has missed 45 votes
 
(Washington Post “Votes Database” as of June 16, 2008)
 
 
Please call Jim Marshall at (202) 225-6531 and…
 
…just ask Jim why he has missed 45 votes since writing in the Covington News that he doesn’t like missing votes?

Posted by Staff in News on 6/18/2008




…he has missed 229 votes since being elected to Congress…

For 6 years, incumbent Democrat Congressman Jim Marshall has avoided answering serious and legitimate questions about his record by playing the victim of “a negative attack.”  However, Georgians have a right to just ask Jim why he claims to not like missing votes, yet he so far he has missed 229 votes since being elected to Congress?

Marshall claiming to not like missing votes.

“I don’t like missing votes, even ones that should not be close.”

 (Jim Marshall, The Covington News, August 24, 2007)


Marshall missing 229 votes since being elected to Congress.
    
    From January 3, 2003 to June 13, 2008 Jim Marshall has missed 229 votes

(Washington Post “Votes Database” as of June 13, 2008)


Please call Jim Marshall at (202) 225-6531 and…

…just ask Jim why he has missed 229 votes since being elected to Congress.



Posted by Staff in News on 6/13/2008

For 6 years, incumbent Democrat Congressman Jim Marshall has avoided answering serious and legitimate questions about his record by playing the victim of “a negative attack.”  However, Georgians have a right to just ask Jim why he claims to not like missing votes, yet so far in this Congress he has already missed 122 votes?

Marshall claiming to not like missing votes

“I don’t like missing votes, even ones that should not be close.”

  (Jim Marshall, The Covington News, August 24, 2007)

 
Marshall latest missed vote

H. Res. 1235, Expressing Support for the Designation of National D-Day Remembrance Day, and Recognizing the Spirit, Courage, and Sacrifice of Men and Women Who Fought and Won World War II

(Roll Call Vote 402, June 11, 2008)

 
Marshall missing 122 votes so far in the 110th Congress.

  “Jim Marshall has missed 122 votes during the current Congress.”

  (Washington Post “Votes Database” as of June 11, 2008)

 
Please call Jim Marshall at (202) 225-6531 and…

…just ask Jim why he has missed 122 votes this Congress?

Posted by Staff in News on 6/12/2008




Why are so many veterans across Middle and South Georgia signing up to support Rick?

33+ years of service in the United States Air Force

227 Combat Missions in Vietnam

Former Commanding General of Robins Air Force Base

Served as Director of Logistics for all US Air Forces in Europe and Air Combat Command

Served as Deputy Director of the National Strategic Target List

Awarded Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, the Distinguished Flying Cross and twelve Air Medals

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY... he is a VOICE we can always count on to stand up for our veterans and troops in Washington

Get Involved!!!

Become a VETERANS FOR GODDARD CAPTAIN by recruiting 10 additional veterans to pledge their support for Rick and receive an exclusive Veterans for Goddard Lapel Pin. 

Want to organize veterans in your county, city or service post?  Become a VETERANS FOR GODDARD CHAIR! 

JOIN THE HUNDREDS OF VETERANS ALREADY SIGNED UP AND CLICK HERE TO BECOME A VETERANS FOR GODDARD SUPPORTER TODAY!

For more information please call: (478) 225-9690




Posted by Staff in Campaign Trail on 5/29/2008

ATLANTA, GA - Judy Goddard, wife of 8th District Republican candidate Rick Goddard, was selected by the Georgia Republican Party as one of Georgia’s 15 Republican Electors to the Electoral College.  Mrs. Goddard and the other 14 Electors qualified today at the state capitol in Atlanta.

“I am truly honored to be selected as a Republican Elector to the Electoral College,” Mrs. Goddard said.  “This is a wonderful opportunity, and when Senator McCain wins Georgia I will proudly cast my vote for him in the college.”

Each state is allocated a number of Electors equal to the number of its U.S. Senators plus the number of its U.S. Representatives.  Georgia has 15 electoral votes, based off its two Senators and 13 Representatives. 

On Election Day, voters in Georgia will cast their ballots for the party slate of Electors representing their choice for president and vice president.  Whichever presidential ticket gets the most popular votes will receive all of Georgia’s 15 Electoral College votes.

The Republican Presidential nominee has carried Georgia four out of the last five Presidential elections.

On the first Monday following the second Wednesday of December Georgia’s chosen Electors will meet in the state capitol and cast their electoral votes, one for president and one for vice president.

Once cast, the electoral votes are then sealed and transmitted to the President of the Senate who opens and reads them before both houses of the Congress.  The candidates with a majority of the electoral votes are declared president and vice president.

At noon on January 20, the duly elected president and vice president are sworn into office.

Mrs. Goddard is currently the Vice Chairman of the Houston County Republican Party and served the past four years as the Chairman.  She sits on numerous community boards and is active with several Middle Georgia charitable organizations.  The Goddards are members of the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce, Air Force Association and the Military Officers of America.

Posted by Staff in News on 5/2/2008




WARNER ROBINS - Rick Goddard, Republican candidate for Georgia’s 8th Congressional District, today called for the protection of voluntary prayer in schools. Today is the 56th year of the National Day of Prayer.

“Our nation was founded on religious freedom and I believe every child in America has the right for reflection, mediation or prayer during the school day,” Goddard said. “As Congressman, I support voluntary prayer in all schools and will oppose any restriction on the exercise of that right. Freedom of religion means just that, no mandates regarding a state religion, however it does not mean the expression of religious belief should be prohibited from all our public places.”

The National Day of Prayer is an annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, inviting people of all faiths to pray for the nation. It was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the U.S. Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.

Goddard officially qualified for Congress on Monday and is on the third day of his 21 county, “8th District Listening Tour.” Goddard has already visited 10 counties in an effort build the broad-based, most focused and highly disciplined campaign to return the 8th District to conservative and effective leadership. Goddard has raised over $574,000 from more than 1,100 contributors and has recruited 320 county volunteers. Goddard has a campaign organization in 15 of the 21 counties.

Georgia ’s 8th Congressional District strongly supported President George W. Bush, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and Governor Sonny Perdue, all earning over 60 percent of the vote in the last two election cycles. U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss overwhelmingly carried the district in 2002. Key campaign watchers rank this race as one of the two best opportunities for a Republican challenger to defeat a Democrat incumbent. Goddard’s candidacy has been called “A-team” and one of the “best recruiting successes of this election year.”



Posted by Staff in News on 5/1/2008

ATLANTA, GA - Governor Sonny Perdue reappointed Rick Goddard yesterday to the Georgia Military Affairs Coordinating Committee (GMACC).  Goddard, a retired U.S. Air Force Major General, has served on GMACC since he was first appointed by Perdue in 2003.

“I am honored to serve Georgia as a member of the Military Affairs Coordinating Committee and I appreciate Governor Perdue confidence,” said the former commander of Warner RobinsAirLogisticCenter.  “Georgia’s military bases, including Robins, are vital to our national security and house some of the most specialized and sophisticated weapons systems in all of our armed forces.  We must always remain vigilant when it comes to protecting these national resources.”

Perdue signed an executive order yesterday reorganizing the GMACC and announced that it will continue to serve as the state’s focal point for efforts to assist Georgia’s military facilities, support communities impacted by the 2005 Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) and prepare for any future BRAC.

The Georgia Military Affairs Coordinating Committee was created in 1994, at the behest of former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn, to help Georgia's bases deal with BRAC.  The committee was reappointed in 2003 and 2005 by Governor Perdue.

Goddard, a Republican, announced last June that he would run for Congress in Georgia’s 8^th Congressional District and officially qualified Monday in Atlanta.

“While I am proud of the success we’ve had at Robins and Georgia’s other military installations, expanding their missions will be one of my top priorities in Congress,” Goddard said.

If elected in November, the House Republican Leader has said Goddard will serve on the House Armed Services Committee.

Goddard served nearly 34 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring in 2000 as Commander of Warner Robins Air Logistic Center, Robins Air Force Base.  He entered the Air Force in 1966 as a distinguished graduate of OfficerTraining School and is a command pilot with more than 3,500 flying hours.  He flew 227 combat missions in Vietnam flying the F-100 Super Sabre and was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action, Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement in combat and twelve Air Medals.  During his career he was also awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal and Legion of Merit. 

The text of the Governor’s executive order is below:

Whereas:                 Georgia’s Military Affairs Coordinating Committee (the “Committee”) was reestablished by executive order on August 22, 2003; and

Whereas:                The members of the Committee and its related Community Action Group Leaders have completed the part of their mission to prepare for the 2005 Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission (“2005 BRAC”) recommendations; and

Whereas:                Georgia continues to need a statewide focal point for efforts to assist Georgia’s military facilities, to support communities impacted by the implementation of the 2005 BRAC, and to prepare for any future BRAC.          

            Now, therefore, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Georgia, it is hereby

Ordered:                 That Military Affairs Coordinating Committee will continue to serve as the State’s focal point for efforts to assist Georgia’s military facilities, to support communities impacted by the implementation of the 2005 BRAC, and to prepare for any future BRAC.           

            It is further

Ordered:                 That the following individuals are hereby appointed as members of the Committee, replacing all previous members of the Committee and its related Community Action Group Leaders:

            James R. “Jim” Balkcom, Jr.
            Civilian Aid, Secretary of the Army
            78 Lindberg Drive NE
            50 The Parkside
            Atlanta, Georgia 30305 

            James A. “Micky” Blackwell, Jr.
            311 Hardage Drive
            Marietta, Georgia 30064 

            Brent C. Brown
            Chairman, President & CEO, Chesley Brown Companies, Inc.
            170 Nickajack Road
            Mableton, Georgia 30126 

            Lieutenant General (Ret) Thomas N. Burnette, Jr.
            32 Myrtlewood Drive
            Savannah, Georgia 31405 

            Lieutenant General (Ret) Carmen J. Cavezza, Ph.D.
            6301 Cape Cod Drive
            Columbus, Georgia 31904 

            Major General (Ret) Richard N. “Rick” Goddard
            213 Westbury Court
            Warner Robins, Georgia 31088 

            George M. Israel III
            President and CEO, Georgia Chamber of Commerce
            233 Peachtree Street NE
            Suite 2000, HarrisTower
            Atlanta, Georgia 30303 

            William H. “Bill” Linginfelter
            1410 Wesley Walk NW
            Atlanta, Georgia 30327 

            James P. “Jim” McNary
            242 Camden Road NE
            Atlanta, Georgia 30309 

            Sheila McNeil
            Chairperson/President, Friends of KingsBay Submarine Base
            117 City Smitty Drive
            Saint Marys, Georgia 31558 

            Thomas J. Ratcliffe, Jr.
            Ratcliffe & Smith, P.C.
            103 North Main Street
            Hinesville, Georgia 31313

            Major General (Ret) Rondal H. “Ron” Smith
            216 Falcon Crest
            Warner Robins, Georgia 31088          

            It is further

Ordered:                 That all such members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.          

            It is further

Ordered:                 That James R. “Jim” Balkcom, Jr., shall serve as the Chairman of the Committee.           

            It is further

Ordered:                 That members of the Committee shall serve without compensation, except that each member may be reimbursed by the Committee for expenses incurred as a result of their duties as a Committee member.

            Any inconsistent previous order is hereby rescinded.                      

            This 29th day of April, 2008.

Posted by Staff in News on 4/30/2008

FORSYTH, GA - Rick Goddard, Republican candidate for Georgia’s 8^th Congressional District, kicked off his “8^th District Listening Tour” at 8:45 am this morning in Forsyth’s at Jonah’s on Johnston.  The four day district-wide tour will take Goddard to all 21 counties in an effort to listen to voters and build the broad-based, most focused and highly disciplined campaign to return the 8^th District to conservative and effective leadership.

“I am running for Congress because people are tired of the excuses and inaction coming out of Washington and the only way to fix it is to send the professional politician home and replace him with a leader so Congress can get to work solving the most pressing issues facing our country,” said Goddard.  “We are taking our campaign to the people because I am convinced that to be successful I must do what the career politicians don’t – listen more and talk less.”

“My campaign gives Georgians an opportunity to vote for a someone who is willing to lead, willing to take political risk, willing to speak with conviction and willing to stand up for our core values,” said the retired Major General.

Goddard and his wife Judy filed papers yesterday in the Senate Chamber of the Georgia State Capitol to qualify for election.

Today, the Goddard “8^th District Listening Tour” will travel to Monroe , Jasper, Newton, Butts and Jones counties.

Goddard has attracted more than 1,100 contributors, recruited 320 county volunteers and has a campaign organization in 15 of the 21 counties.  He received the support of Governor Sonny Perdue, the entire Georgia Republican Congressional Delegation and the Republican House Leadership. 

Georgia ’s 8th Congressional District strongly supported President George W. Bush, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and Governor Sonny Perdue, all earning over 60 percent of the vote in the last two election cycles.  U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss overwhelmingly carried the district in 2002.  Key campaign watchers rank this race as one of the two best opportunities for a Republican challenger to defeat a Democrat incumbent.  Goddard’s candidacy has been called “A-team” and one of the “best recruiting successes of this election year.”

Posted by Staff in News on 4/29/2008




ATLANTA – Rick Goddard, retired Air Force Major General and former commander of Warner Robins Air Logistic Center, officially qualified today for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in Georgia’s 8th Congressional District.  Goddard, who was joined by his wife Judy, filed papers in the Senate Chamber of the Georgia State Capitol.
 
“Today we officially begin our effort to return conservative and effective leadership to Georgia’s 8th District,” said Goddard.  “My campaign is about sending the professional politician home and replacing him with a leader so Congress can get to work solving the most pressing issues facing our country.”
 
“Georgians tell me that they are tired of the excuses and inaction coming out of Washington,” said Goddard.  “Our borders are not secure.  Our dependence on foreign oil continues.  We spend money we don’t have.  And we are confronted by a brutal and determined enemy who we are unable to track because our intelligence capabilities have been marginalized by the current liberal leadership.”
 
“I’m running because the 8th District needs a Congressman who is willing to lead, willing to take political risk, willing to speak with conviction and willing to stand up for our core values.”  
 
Goddard announced last June that he would run for Congress and has been actively campaigning since.  He received the support of Governor Sonny Perdue, the entire Georgia Republican Congressional Delegation and the Republican House Leadership.  He announced earlier this month that he has already raised more than $574,000 from over 1,100 contributors.
 
Tomorrow Goddard begins his 8th District Listening Tour, visiting all 21 counties in an effort to build the broad-based, most focused and highly disciplined campaign to return the 8th District to conservative and effective leadership.  Goddard has attracted over 320 county volunteers and has a campaign organization in 15 of the 21 counties.
 
Georgia’s 8th Congressional District strongly supported President George W. Bush, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and Governor Sonny Perdue, all earning over 60 percent of the vote in the last two election cycles.  U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss overwhelmingly carried the district in 2002.  Key campaign watchers rank this race as one of the two best opportunities for a Republican challenger to defeat a Democrat incumbent.  Goddard’s candidacy has been called “A-team” and one of the “best recruiting successes of this election year.”

Posted by Staff in News on 4/28/2008




RICK GODDARD TO HOLD "LISTENING TOUR" ACROSS 8TH DISTRICT

(WARNER ROBINS, GA) – 8th District Republican candidate Rick Goddard will participate in a “Listening Tour” on Tuesday, April 29 through Friday, May 2. Goddard will visit all 21 8th District counties on the “Listening Tour” after he officially qualifies for Congress at the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta on Monday, April 28.  For more information regarding the “Listening Tour,” or if any member of the press is interested in riding along, please contact campaign headquarters at (478) 225-9690.
 
WHO:                         Republican 8th District candidate Rick Goddard
 
WHAT:                      8th District “Listening Tour”
 
WHEN:                      Tuesday, April 29 through Friday, May 2, 2008
 
WHERE:                   All 21 8th District Counties (See Schedule Below)
 
Tuesday, April 29th:
 
8:45am:           Monroe County
                        Jonah’s on Johnson
                        26 E Johnston Street
                        Forsyth, GA 31029
 
10:30am:        Jasper County
                         Monticello Visitors Center
                        119 West Washington Street
                        Monticello, GA 31064
          
 
1:15pm:         Newton County
                        2140 Newton Drive
                        Covington, GA 30014
          
2:15pm:         Butts County
                       Butts County Administration Building
                       625 West 3rd Street
                      Jackson, GA 30233
 
4:00pm:           Jones County
                        Ingle’s Shopping Center
                        261 West Clinton Street on Gray Highway
                        Gray, GA 31032
 
 
Wednesday, April 30th:
 
7:00am:           Twiggs County
                         Martha’s Kitchen
                         5590 GA Highway 57
                        Macon, GA 31217
 
9:30am:           Wilkinson County
                        Maybobs Diner
                        115 High Hill Street
                        Irwinton, GA 31042
 
                          Bibb County
11:30am:         Knapp-Bars & Associates
                         149 Lamar Street
                          Macon, GA 31204
 
12:30pm:       Jeneane’s Café
                        524 Mulberry Street
                        Macon, GA 31201
 
2:15pm:         Baldwin County
                        Front Campus
                        Georgia College and State University
                        Milledgeville, GA 31061
          
 
5:00pm:           Laurens County
                         Moe’s Southwest Grill
                        1831 Veterans Blvd, Suite 1
                         Dublin, GA 31021
 
 
Thursday, May 1st:
 
8:15am:           Bleckley County
                        The Grill
                        119 North 2nd Street
                        Cochran, GA 31014
 
9:45am:           Dodge County
                        Coleman Hardware
                        215 Main Street
                        Eastman, GA 31023
 
12:00pm:         Houston County
                        Pecan Growers Association
                        Georgia National Fairgrounds
                        401 Larry Walker Parkway
                        Perry, GA 31069
          
2:30pm:           Pulaski County
                        Harveys Supermarket
                        10 Surrey Plaza
                        Hawkinsville, GA 31036
 
4:30pm:           Wilcox County
                        Rochelle Drugs
                        600 2nd Avenue
                        Rochelle, GA 31079 
 
7:00pm:           Turner County
                          Education in Georgia 8th District Meeting
                          Turner Count Middle/ High School Cafeteria
                           316 Lamar Street
                            Ashburn, GA 31714

Friday, May 2nd:
 
9:00am:           Ben Hill County
                        The Grand Plaza Park
                        115 South Main Street
                        Fitzgerald, GA 31750
 
10:30am:         Irwin County
                        Irwin County Courthouse
                        301 South Irwin Avenue
                        Ocilla, GA 31774      
 
11:45am:       Tift County
                        Pit Stop BBQ
                        1112 8th Street West
                        Tifton, GA 31793
 
2:15pm:          Colquitt County
                        “The Square”
                        Main Street
                        Moultrie, GA 31768
 
4:15pm:          Worth County
                        Worth County Library
                        205 E. Pope Street
                        Sylvester, GA 31791
 
6:30pm:         Houston County
                        Municipal Complex
                        702 Watson Blvd
                        Warner Robins, GA 31099


Posted by Staff in Campaign Trail on 4/26/2008

Two-faced on illegals

Editorial
The Washington Times
April 14, 2008

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the House Democratic leadership have apparently come up with a new strategy to prevent the House from approving the SAVE Act (H.R. 4088), an enforcement-only approach to the illegal immigration issue. The bill, introduced by Reps. Brian Bilbray, California Republican, and Heath Shuler, North Carolina Democrat, has garnered more than 160 cosponsors. The SAVE Act aims to reduce illegal immigration through such methods as employer sanctions and strengthened border security.

Mrs. Pelosi wants to bury the bill, but many members of the House Democratic Caucus are under pressure from their constituents to take a tough stand against illegal immigration, so the speaker has sought to find a way to pretend to be taking action while ensuring that H.R. 4088 never sees the light of day. The legislation has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which is expected to hold hearings on the issue in the coming weeks. In all likelihood, the very liberal committee will find that the legislation has serious problems and requires further "study." Mr. Bilbray and Mr. Shuler have launched a campaign to circumvent the obstructionists by getting 218 signatures on a discharge petition that would permit the legislation to come to the floor for a vote. As of Friday, some 40 House members had cosponsored the SAVE Act, but under pressure from the Democratic leadership had not signed the discharge petition.

According to a list compiled by the office of Mr. Bilbray, chairman of the Immigration Reform Caucus, the "Frightened 40" are one Republican, Rep. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, and the following 39 Democrats: Reps. Jason Altimire (Pennsylvania); Michael Arcuri (New York); Brian Baird (Washington); Melissa Bean (Illinois); Marion Berry (Arkansas); Sanford Bishop (Georgia); Dan Boren (Oklahoma); Leonard Boswell (Iowa); Rick Boucher (Virginia); Allen Boyd (Florida); Steve Cohen (Tennessee); Jim Cooper (Tennessee); Bud Cramer (Alabama); Artur Davis (Alabama); Lincoln Davis (Tennessee); Kirsten Gillibrand (New York); Bart Gordon (Tennessee); Brian Higgins (New York); Baron Hill (Indiana); Paul Hodes (New Hampshire); Tim Holden (Pennsylvania); Steve Kagen (Wisconsin); Ron Klein (Florida); Jim Marshall (Georgia); Jim Matheson (Utah); Jerry McNerney (California); Charlie Melancon (Louisiana); Patrick Murphy (Pennsylvania); John Murtha (Pennsylvania); Ed Perlmutter (Colorado); Ciro Rodriguez (Texas); Mike Ross (Arkansas); Tim Ryan (Ohio); Joe Sestak (Pennsylvania); Zachary Space (Ohio); Bart Stupak (Michigan); John Tanner (Tennessee); Mark Udall (Colorado); and Peter Visclosky (Indiana).

Posted by Staff in News on 4/15/2008

WARNER ROBINS – As 8^th District Georgians pull out their checkbooks today in order to pay their tax bill to Uncle Sam, House Republican will try and provide them future tax relief by forcing a procedural vote to stop the largest tax increase in American history.

The Democrat-controlled Congress passed their Fiscal Year 2009 Budget on March 13^th that included a whopping $683 billion increase in taxes.  The Democrat budget fails to extend the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts past their current 2010 expiration; cuts the $1,000 child tax credit in half to $500; lets Republican reforms expire so that some married couples would pay more in taxes than if they filed separately; and resurrects the death tax which penalizes families for passing down small businesses or family farms to the next generation.

House Republicans will force a vote during consideration of the rule for H.R. 2634, a debt relief bill, and use U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg’s proposal, the Tax Increase Prevention Act (H.R. 2734), as a way to stop the $683 billion tax increase.

“I can’t imagine Jim Marshall would oppose this, but he’s voted to raise taxes on Georgians in the past,” said Goddard.  “With the sluggish economy and Georgians already struggling to pay higher prices at the pump and the grocery store, now is not the time to raise taxes.”

Marshall has voted for higher taxes numerous times, including five times against permanent repeal of the death tax.

According to House Budget Committee Republicans, the Democrats’ budget raises taxes on over 3 million Georgians, increasing taxes on average by over $2,700.

“History has proven time and time again that higher taxes strangle the economy, drive down revenue and ultimately lead to higher unemployment,” said Goddard.  “I vigorously oppose any effort to increase the tax burden on Georgia families, businesses and farms, and given his record of raising taxes Jim Marshall needs to reassure us that he won’t do so again by voting to stop this massive tax hike.” 

Posted by Staf in News on 4/15/2008

U. S. Rep. Kingston voices support for Goddard

WARNER ROBINS -- U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston came to Warner Robins on Tuesday to voice his support for the candidacy of fellow Republican Rick Goddard for Congress.

Goddard, a retired Air Force major general, is running for his party's nomination to oppose 8th District Rep. Jim Marshall, D-Macon.

Kingston, who represents the 1st District, said Goddard is the best choice to protect Robins Air Force Base. Goddard served as commander of the Warner RobinsAirLogisticsCenter on base.

"I know him to be a man of his word," the Savannah congressman said of Goddard in a news conference at Warner Robins' E.L.GreenwayWelcomeCenter. "He's the kind of man we need in difficult times."

Goddard is so far the only Republican to announce his candidacy to represent the 8th District, which stretches from Newton County to Colquitt County and includes the midstate counties of Bibb, Houston, Monroe, Jones, Bleckley, Twiggs, Pulaski, Laurens, Dodge, Wilcox and a portion of Baldwin.

Qualifying begins April 28.

By Wayne Crenshaw, The Macon Telegraph, April 8, 2008

Posted by Staff in News on 4/10/2008




WARNER ROBINS – Rick Goddard, the Republican candidate in Georgia’s 8th District, today appointed Jeff Davis IV chairman of his campaign in LaurensCounty. Davis will coordinate Goddard’s grassroots efforts in LaurensCounty.

“Jeff is a hard worker and a well respected leader in his community,” said Goddard. “His extensive knowledge and deep roots in LaurensCounty will be invaluable to our efforts. I am very proud that he has taken on the role as our Campaign Chairman for LaurensCounty.”

“Rick is a man who has been a public servant all his adult life, standing in harms way so that his fellow citizens could be safe and free. He is a good man with a great family, and is the most qualified candidate for the Georgia 8th Congressional District there could ever be,” said Davis. “Rick will take his career experience and personal values to Washington, and there is no one I would rather have speaking for myself and my family, and defending the principles we believe in. I am honored to serve him as his Laurens County Campaign Chairman.”

Jeff Davis is a life long resident of Dublin and a 1993 graduate of DublinHigh School. In 1998 he graduated from the University of Georgia, where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Economics. In 2003 with the encouragement of his family, he founded Alterra Networks, an Information Technology consulting and implementation firm. He has been married to the former Jennifer Wynn of Rockledge, GA for three years, and they have one son, Jeff V. He and his family attend EvergreenUnitedMethodistChurch where he serves as their treasurer. He also is on the Board of Directors for the Dublin/Laurens Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Dublin Rotary Club and the Laurens Free and Accepted Masons. Davis has long been active with the Laurens County Republican Party.

Georgia ’s 8th Congressional District strongly supported President George W. Bush, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and Governor Sonny Perdue, all earning over 60 percent of the vote in the last two election cycles. U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss overwhelmingly carried the district in 2002. Key campaign watchers rank this race as one of the two best opportunities for a Republican challenger to defeat a Democrat incumbent. Goddard’s candidacy has been called “A-team” and one of the “best recruiting successes of this election year.”

Goddard is committed to building the broad-based, focused and highly disciplined campaign to return the 8th Congressional District to conservative and effective leadership. Goddard has raised over $436,000 from more than 800 contributors and has recruited over 250 county volunteers. Goddard plans to have campaign organizations in all 21 counties.



Posted by Staff in News on 4/3/2008

(WARNER ROBINS, GA) – Republican Congressional candidate Rick Goddard today called on Democrat incumbent Jim Marshall to sign a discharge petition to force Speaker Nancy Pelosi to bring a critical immigration enforcement bill to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for an up or down vote, or explain why he won’t.

H.R. 4088, the bipartisan Secure America through Verification and Enforcement (SAVE) Act of 2007, would address America’s illegal immigration and border security crisis by improving border security, boosting immigration law enforcement and mandating an employee verification program.

Marshall has failed to join other Democrats and sign the discharge petition despite being an original co-sponsor of the SAVE Act when it was introduced by Congressman Heath Shuler (NC-11) last November. 

“Jim Marshall should immediately sign his name to the discharge petition and force Nancy Pelosi to bring the bill to the floor for a vote, or explain to Georgians why he won’t” said Goddard.  “As one of the first co-sponsors of this legislation, Jim Marshall should be doing whatever it takes to get this bill to the full House, so it’s surprising that he has failed to show leadership and sign his name to the discharge petition. 

“Leadership is about doing the right thing even when no one is watching.  Jim Marshall will tell Georgians that he supports this bill, but in Washington he’s failing us.  If the Congressman refuses to sign the discharge petition, it will be yet another example of where Jim Marshall’s actions in Washington don’t match his rhetoric in Georgia.”

A discharge petition, if signed by 218 members of the House of Representatives, is a special House rule that allows a bill to come to the House floor for immediate consideration.

Republican Congresswoman Thelma Drake (VA-02) introduced this discharge petition on March 11 in hopes to force the SAVE Act to the floor for a vote.  184 Members of Congress have signed their names to the petition, including all of Georgia’s Republican Congressmen and Democrat Congressman John Barrow (GA-12).

“Common sense says you turn the faucet off if the water is overflowing,” said Goddard.  “The SAVE Act does just that by putting procedures into place to stop the flow of illegal immigrants into this county.  Career politicians are blocking reforms that are needed to secure our borders and protect this country.  Jim Marshall needs to lead by example, sign the discharge petition today and get this anti-illegal immigration bill enacted into law.”

Posted by Staff in News on 4/1/2008

For weeks now, 8th Congressional District Republican candidate Rick Goddard has simply asked incumbent Democrat Jim Marshall why he has blocked the Senate's bi-partisan terrorist surveillance bill from being brought to the House for a vote.  And for weeks now, Marshall has remained silent.

Early this week, a reporter in Newborn, Georgia asked Marshall to, “State your current position on FISA, because your opponent, Mr. Goddard, has sent out a lot emails mentioning that.”

 

To which Marshall responded only, “Part of it is, he just doesn’t understand what is going on.”

 

Goddard said in response, “It’s about time for Marshall to quit playing politics with National Security and simply answer the reporter’s question.”

 

“This is another example of Jim Marshall avoiding answering legitimate questions about his record in Washington,” said Goddard.  “As I travel the 8th District, Georgians tell me they are fed up with this do-nothing Congress whose members head for cover when their actions in Washington differ from their rhetoric at home.  Too often they hide behind procedural votes and other loopholes.” 

 

Marshall and the Democrat Congress left town last month for a two week vacation after letting the Protect America Act expire and refusing to consider the Senate’s terrorist surveillance bill that passed with broad bi-partisan support and the President said he would sign into law.

 

The Protect America Act temporarily modernized America’s foreign intelligence surveillance laws and the Senate’s bi-partisan bill would have made permanent reforms to close critical gaps in our intelligence gathering capabilities.

 

Since then, Congressional Republicans have used parliamentary procedures in an attempt to bring the Senate’s terrorist surveillance bill to the floor for a vote, but Marshall and the Democrats have repeatedly blocked Republicans from bringing the bill to a vote.

 

Goddard has called on Marshall to explain his opposition to the Senate’s terrorist surveillance bill.

 

“Because Marshall refuses to answer pertinent questions about his representation in Washington, we closely examined the Congressional Record ourselves,” said the retired U.S. Air Force Major General.  “We found that in the 39 days since the Protect America Act expired, Jim Marshall voted procedurally to block the bi-partisan Senate terrorist surveillance bill from being brought to the floor for a vote seven times; he resigned from the Board of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies after they actively started campaigning for the passage of the Senate’s bill; and failed to join 21 fellow Blue Dog Democrats, including Georgia Democrat Congressman John Barrow, in calling on Speaker Pelosi to bring the bill to the full House for a vote. 

 

“Now, in response to weeks of questions all Jim Marshall can muster is that I don’t understand what is going on.  Well if I don’t understand what is going on, then, please Jim, explain to us why you have ignored advice from our top intelligence leaders and 25 state Attorneys General and refused to give a straightforward, honest answer to the people of Georgia on why you don’t support the Senates Bi-Partisan Terrorist Surveillance Bill.”

 

If Marshall stands by his statement that “[Goddard] just doesn’t understand what is going on” then he should simply answer the following questions:

 

1)      Why did he vote 7 times to block the Senate’s bi-partisan terrorist surveillance bill from being brought to the full House for a vote?

 

2)      Why didn’t he sign the letter 21 fellow “Blue Dog” Democrats, including Georgia Democrat John Barrow, sent to Speaker Pelosi asking her to bring the Senate version of the terrorist surveillance bill to the full House for an up or down vote?

 

3)      Does he disagree with FBI Director Robert Mueller and Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell in their assertion that liability protection for telecommunication companies needs to be an essential part of the terrorist surveillance bill?  If so, why?

 

4)      Does he disagree with Georgia Attorney General Thurber Baker and 24 other State Attorneys General in their declaration that the House needs to pass the Senate’s terrorism surveillance bill?  If so why?

 

“Georgians deserve to know where their elected officials stand and the 8^th District is waiting to understand why Jim Marshall is opposed to providing our intelligence officials the tools they have requested to keep this country safe,” added Goddard.

 

Goddard is a decorated Vietnam fighter pilot who served 34 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a Major General in 2000.  He is a former commander of Warner RobinsAirLogisticCenter, Robins Air Force Base.

Posted by Staff in News on 3/31/2008

Republican Congressional candidate Rick Goddard released the following statement regarding today’s consideration of the House Democrat’s bill to modernize the Foreign Surveillance Intelligence Act:

 

“After nearly a month of obstructing critical national security legislation, the House will vote today on their bill to modernize our terrorism surveillance laws.  Unfortunately, Jim Marshall and the Democrat House leadership have put politics above our nation’s security and ignored the advice of twenty-one of their fellow Blue Dog members, our senior intelligence leaders, the Democrat Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and twenty-five state Attorneys General by crafting a bill that fails to provide liability protection for private telecommunications companies that assist our intelligence professionals with legal foreign surveillance.

 

“After seven votes to block consideration of the Senate’s bipartisan terrorism surveillance bill, Georgians will be closely watching to see if Jim Marshall will continue these partisan games by voting for a bill that makes our intelligence community’s job more difficult and potentially leaves America vulnerable or will he reject this bill and call on his leadership to immediately bring the Senate’s bipartisan terrorism surveillance bill to the floor for a vote.”

 

Goddard is a decorated Vietnam fighter pilot who served 34 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a Major General in 2000.  He is a former commander of Warner RobinsAirLogisticCenter, Robins Air Force Base.

 

 

Posted by Staff in Campaign Trail on 3/14/2008

…he ignored warnings from senior intelligence officials and voted 7 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

 

For 6 years, incumbent Democrat Congressman Jim Marshall has avoided answering serious and legitimate questions about his record by playing the victim of “a negative attack.”  However, Georgians have a right to just ask Jim why he claims to be “rock solid” against terrorists, but ignored warnings from senior intelligence officials and voted 7 times against the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

 

Marshall claiming to be “rock solid” against terrorists

 

“He’s [Jim Marshall] rock solid on terror and our security”

 

(Jim Marshall TV ad, 2006)

 

Marshall voting 7 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill

 

House Roll Call Vote 48 (2/13/08)

House Roll Call Vote 53 (2/13/08)

House Roll Call Vote 73 (2/26/08)

House Roll Call Vote 77 (2/26/08)

House Roll Call Vote 82 (2/27/08)

House Roll Call Vote 107 (3/6/08)

House Roll Call Vote 116 (3/11/08)

 

Marshall ignoring warnings from senior intelligence officials on the need to pass the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill that provides liability protection for telecommunication companies

 

 “…we explained that ‘the expiration of authorities in the Protect America Act would plunge crucial intelligence programs into a state of uncertainty which could cause us to delay the gathering of, or simply miss, critical foreign intelligence information.’ That is exactly what has happened since the Protect America Act expired six days ago without enactment of the bipartisan Senate bill. We have lost intelligence information this past week as a direct result of the uncertainty created by Congress’ failure to act.  …allowing the Act to expire without passing the bipartisan Senate bill has had real and negative consequences for our national security. Indeed, this has led directly to a degraded intelligence capability.”

 

(February 22, 2008, letter to Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Silvestre Reyes (D-TX), from Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell’s letter to the detailing the dangerous state of our national security, absent the Protect America Act)

 

"Lack of liability protection would make it much more difficult to obtain the future cooperation of the private-sector partners whose help is so vital to our success." 

 

(Director of National Intelligence Mike McConnell, Select Committee on Intelligence, Hearing, U.S. Senate, 2/5/08)

 

"[I]n protecting the homeland … it's absolutely essential we have the support, willing support of communication carriers. … My concern is that if we do not have this immunity, we will not have that willing support of the communication carriers." 

 

(FBI Director Robert Mueller, Select Committee on Intelligence, Hearing, U.S. Senate, 2/5/08)

 

Please call Jim Marshall at (202) 225-6531 and…

 

…just ask Jim why he ignored senior intelligence officials and voted 7 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

 

 

Posted by Staff in Campaign Trail on 3/14/2008

(WARNER ROBINS, GA) – Republican Congressional candidate Rick Goddard announced today that Katie Miller, John Rowlands and Jason Lawrence have joined his campaign team. Miller directs the fundraising activities, Rowlands oversees the campaign schedule and Lawrence is a field representative working with the Team Goddard grassroots organization.

“Judy and I are extremely proud of the team we are putting together,” said Goddard. “The additions of Katie, John and Jason will compliment our efforts to build the finest and hardest working campaign staff. Team Goddard is growing everyday and voters in the 8th District are responding to our message and with the help of this team, we will return the 8^th District back to conservative and effective leadership.”

Miller began working for Goddard last June after he announced his candidacy and has overseen the daily fundraising efforts. Previously, Miller served as the Finance Director for Gary Black’s 2006 campaign for State Agriculture Commissioner. She graduated from the University of Georgia in 2006 with a Bachelor of Journalism in Advertising and a Bachelor of Science in Spanish. She is originally from Newnan.

Rowlands joined Team Goddard last June as well and assumed scheduling responsibilities for Goddard in October. He retired from the Air Force in 2007 as a Lieutenant Colonel after serving his country 35 years and spanning five continents. As a logistics officer, Rowlands served in various capacities including selection for command twice and a tour in Iraq in 2004. Originally from Rochester, New York, he holds a Masters of Business Administration degree.

Lawrence joined the Goddard campaign last month after completing his Masters of Public Administration from Georgia Southern University. He graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Justices Studies. Lawrence has worked on several congressional campaigns and interned in Washington, DC for Congressman Jack Kingston (GA-01). He is originally from Camilla.

Georgia’s 8^th Congressional District strongly supported President George W. Bush, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson and Governor Sonny Perdue, all earning over 60 percent of the vote in the last two election cycles. U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss overwhelmingly carried the district in 2002. Key campaign watchers rank this race as one of the two best opportunities for a Republican challenger to defeat a Democrat incumbent. Goddard’s candidacy has been called “A-team” and one of the “best recruiting successes of this election year.”

Goddard is committed to building the broad-based, focused and highly disciplined campaign to return the 8th Congressional District to conservative and effective leadership.  Goddard has raised over $436,000 from more than 800 contributors and has recruited over 250 county volunteers.  Goddard plans to have campaign organizations in all 21 counties.

Posted by Staff in Campaign Trail on 3/12/2008

…he ignored “degraded” intelligence warnings by the Democrat Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee and voted 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

 

For 6 years, incumbent Democrat Congressman Jim Marshall has avoided answering serious and legitimate questions about his record by playing the victim of “a negative attack.”  However, Georgians have a right to just ask Jim why he claims to be “rock solid” against terrorists, but ignored warning from the Democrat Chairman of the Senate Intelligence about “degraded” intelligence and voted 6times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

 

Marshall claiming to be “rock solid” against terrorists

 

“He’s [Jim Marshall] rock solid on terror and our security”

 

(Jim Marshall TV ad, 2006)

 

Marshall voting 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill

 

House Roll Call Vote 48 (2/13/08)

House Roll Call Vote 53 (2/13/08)

House Roll Call Vote 73 (2/26/08)

House Roll Call Vote 77 (2/26/08)

House Roll Call Vote 82 (2/27/08)

House Roll Call Vote 107 (3/6/08)

 

Marshall ignored “degraded” intelligence warnings from the Democrat Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee

 

“Let me say something more. What people have to understand around here, that the quality of the intelligence that we are going to be receiving is going to be degraded. Is going to be degraded. It’s already going to be degraded.”

 

(Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), 02/14/08)

 

Please call Jim Marshall at (202) 225-6531 and…

 

…just ask Jim why he ignored “degraded” intelligence warnings by U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and voted 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

Posted by Staff in News on 3/12/2008

…he failed to join moderate “Blue Dog” Democrats and then voted 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

For 6 years, incumbent Democrat Congressman Jim Marshall has avoided answering serious and legitimate questions about his record by playing the victim of a “negative attack.”  However, Georgians have a right to just ask Jim why he claims to be “rock solid” against terrorists, but has failed to join moderate “Blue Dog” Democrats in asking Speaker Nancy Pelosi to “quickly consider” the Senate’s terrorist surveillance bill and then voted 6 times to block it.

 
Marshall claiming to be “rock solid” against terrorists

“He’s [Jim Marshall] rock solid on terror and our security”

(Jim Marshall TV ad, 2006)

 

Marshall failing to join moderate “Blue Dog” Coalition members in calling for quick consideration of the terrorist surveillance bill

“The Rockefeller-Bond FISA legislation contains satisfactory language addressing all these issues and we would fully support that measure should it reach the House floor without substantial change.  We believe these components will ensure a strong national security apparatus that can thwart terrorism across the globe and save American lives here in our country.”

(January 28, 2008, letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi from 21 Blue Dog Coalition members: Congressmen Boswell (IA-03); Berry (AR-01); Ross (AR-04); Cramer (AL-05); Shuler (NC-11); Boyd (FL-02); Boren (OK-02); Matheson (UT-02); Davis (TN-04); Holden (PA-17); Moore (KS-03); Carney (PA-10); Pomeroy (ND-AL); Bean (IL-08); Barrow (GA-12); Baca (CA-43); Tanner (TN-08); Cooper (TN-05); Ellsworth (IN-08); Melancon (LA-03) and Space (OH-18))

Marshall voting 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorism surveillance bill

House Roll Call Vote 48 (2/13/08)

House Roll Call Vote 53 (2/13/08)

House Roll Call Vote 73 (2/26/08)

House Roll Call Vote 77 (2/26/08)

House Roll Call Vote 82 (2/27/08)

House Roll Call Vote 107 (3/6/08)

Please call Jim Marshall at (202) 225-6531 and just ask Jim why he failed to join moderate “Blue Dogs” and then voted 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

Posted by Staff in News on 3/11/2008

…he voted 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

For six years, incumbent Democrat Congressman Jim Marshall has avoided answering serious and legitimate questions about his record by playing the victim of “a negative attack.”  However, Georgians have a right to just ask Jim why he claims to be “rock solid” against terrorists, but has voted 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill.

 

Marshall claiming to be “rock solid” against terrorists

“He’s [Jim Marshall] rock solid on terror and our security”

(Jim Marshall TV ad, 2006)

Marshall voting 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill

House Roll Call Vote 48 (2/13/08)

House Roll Call Vote 53 (2/13/08)

House Roll Call Vote 73 (2/26/08)

House Roll Call Vote 77 (2/26/08)

House Roll Call Vote 82 (2/27/08)

House Roll Call Vote 107 (3/6/08)

 

Please call Jim Marshall at (202) 225-6531 and just ask Jim why he voted 6 times to block the Senate’s bipartisan terrorist surveillance bill?

Posted by Staff in News on 3/11/2008

Warner Robins – Democrat Congressman Jim Marshall voted for a fourth time today to block the U.S. House of Representative from considering the U.S. Senate’s bipartisan terrorism surveillance bill.  Marshall cast today’s vote despite calls this week from Georgia Attorney General Thurber Baker to pass the bill.

“Each day that passes, I become more shocked at Jim Marshall and the liberal House Democrats’ unwillingness to give our intelligence professionals the tools they need,” said Goddard, a retired Air Force Maj. General.  “We are at war with an enemy who uses unconventional warfare and our ability to protect our citizens from another terrorist attack depends on the intelligence we are able to collect.  If our intelligence agencies don’t have the tools they say we need to protect ourselves, then we leave ourselves vulnerable to another attack.  Jim Marshall knows this and he knows better than to block this legislation time and time again.”

Marshall ’s vote comes after Baker and 24 other Attorneys General sent a letter Tuesday to Democrat and Republican House leadership asking for the House to vote on the Senate bill. 

The letter, signed by both Democrats and Republicans, said, “As Attorneys General, we ar