Rick Goddard for U.S. Congress

RICK GODDARD, REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS:

Rick Goddard has spent a lifetime serving his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force, retiring in 2000 as a Major General after nearly 34 years on active duty.

Rick commanded Warner Robins Air Logistics Center, Robins Air Force Base, located in the heart of the 8th District, and the largest industrial complex in Georgia. Rick managed an annual budget of nearly $5 billion and nearly 25,000 employees. 70% of Robins AFB employees reside in Houston County, Rick's home county.

Rick currently serves as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Mercer University. During his tenure, he has been responsible for Information Technology and Technology Support, Distance Education, Web Management, Physical Plant, Mercer Police, and all major University construction projects. His area of responsibility includes both Macon and Atlanta campuses, as well as Academic Centers in Douglas, Henry, and Dodge counties.

Rick and his wife Judy have worked tirelessly together to give back to their community. Judy is the Vice Chairman of the Houston County Republican Party and served four years as its Chairman. She sits on numerous boards throughout the community while Rick serves on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Military Coordinating Committee. The Goddards are members of the Warner Robins Chamber of Commerce, the Air Force Association, and the Military Officers of America.

While Rick's candidacy has received national attention, he is receiving strong support from voters all across the 8th District who are interested in fresh, new, hardworking, conservative representation in Congress.

RICKS PRIORITIES:

Get new members in Congress ready to lead and willing to bring new ideas to solve the biggest challenges facing America – immigration, global war on terror, health care, social security, out of control spending, tort reform, and rebuilding the American military.

Cut the deficit and balance the federal budget by eliminating excess government bureaucracy wasteful spending.

GEORGIA'S 8TH DISTRICT BY THE NUMBERS:

Georgia's 8th District is one of the most winnable districts for Republicans in the country.

During the last two presidential elections, President Bush overwhelmingly won the 8th District. In 2004, Bush received over 60% of the vote, over two and a half points higher than his statewide percentage, and in 2000 Bush garnered 57%.

In 2002 and again in 2006, Governor Sonny Perdue carried the 8th District by a wide margin. Governor Perdue received 57% in 2002 and 58% in 2006.

During the last two U.S. Senate races, U.S. Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson both easily won the 8th District. Senator Chambliss received 56% and Senator Isakson received 60%. Senator Chambliss will again be on the ballot in 2008.

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle won the 8th District with 56% during the last election.

Bibb and Houston Counties, where the Goddards work and live, accounted for over 42% of the vote in the 8th District. Governor Perdue received 59% and Lt. Governor Cagle received 53% of the vote in these two counties in 2006. Outside of those two areas, Governor Perdue and Lt. Governor Cagle each received 58%.

2008 ELECTION:

In a presidential election year, turnout favors the Republican candidates in the 8th District.

There were over 77,000 additional 8th District voters in 2004 election than in the 2006 election. Of those voters, nearly 67% of those voters cast their ballots for President Bush.

In Houston County alone – Rick's home county – there were over 14,000 additional voters in the 2004 election than in the 2006 election, and President Bush received 60% of those additional voters.