Sen. John McCain Names Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as Running Mate

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin won the Republican VeepsStakes. The Gov. Appeared with John McCain at a press conference earlier today.

In what I can only characterize as a near upstage to Barrack Obama’s nomination last night, Sen. John McCain has tapped Alaska’s Governor, Sarah Palin to be his Vice Presidential running mate. Gov. Palin is a 44 year old mother of five, one of whom has Down syndrome. The Governor is considered a fiscal conservative, and a political outsider. She is the youngest Governor in Alaska’s history.

It’s more than obvious that McCain wants to use Gov. Palin’s naming as his running mate to reach those angry Hillary Clinton supporters who have vowed not to vote for Sen. Obama. It’s a gutsy and very bold and smart move for Sen. McMcain. I don’t think he will be able to lure many Clinton supporters. Gov Palin and Sen. Clinton have totally different values. Gov. Palin is Pro-life and has a lifetime membership with National Rifle Association.

The next hurdle John McCain will have to overcome is the lack of experience Gov. Palin has in office. She is only in her first term as Governor. Are people really going to be comfortable having a VP, with very little experience within reach of the Presidency? McCain will have to work overtime spinning the Governors lack of experience versus all the benefits she brings to the campaign.

VeepStakes MiStake????

Last night I watched Hillary Clinton's speech at the Democratic National Convention. I have to tell you, if I didn't know any better I would have thought she was the presumptive nominee for President. She not only sounded Presidential but she looked Presidential. From her suit, posture, her walk, tone of voice, and her words, she wore the role like it was natural to her. It makes me wonder why she isn't the nominee. Well I'm pretty sure her supporters have asked that question a million times. With so many people watching and listening, this is probably the most important speech she will ever give. So much was riding on what she said. I think her words got through to many of her angry supporters. While a few are still on the fence or being courted by the Republicans.

Hillary Clinton was greeted by a standing ovation. She not only energized but she laid the case out on the table why you should vote with her for Obama for President and not McCain. I think that it is remarkable, just simply amazing that this woman is so gracious having lost the chance at the world's most powerful job, to lend her support to her former rival. She put it all out there on the line for him, and she came through big time. I'd definitely say that Sen. Obama owes here a favor or two. Perhaps Attorney General or Secretary of State now that VP is filled???

Only time will tell whether Barrack Obama's choice in a running mate was a mistake. Sen. Biden is a distinguished statesman, and I'm sure he has all the right qualifications, but he's no Hillary Clinton. And that's biggest thing this campaign has to over come fast to stay a float. It's day three at the DNC convention and we get to hear from Sen. Biden. Over the coming weeks we are going to know more than we wanted about him, his wife and kids. I guess in the back of my mind I will always wonder What if....

North Georgia Politics Is Starting To Get Interesting

Last week could you tell that it’s getting down to wire for some of the political races as we approached the Run-off election? Among the offices up for election was the Clayton County Sheriff. The incumbent Victor Hill went up against former Clayton County Deputy Sheriff, Attorney Kem Kimbrough. In a recent debate with Sheriff Victor Hill, Kimbrough cited Hill’s numerous conflicts with other law enforcement agencies and local leaders. Basically Kimbrough raked Hill over the coals about his ego and personal agendas. I found the exchange to be pretty interesting considering recent events between the Sheriff and Clayton County Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell. I think by calling out the Sheriff’s antics, Kimbrough put the pressure on Victor Hill to come up with a better defense than he has previously. Apparently voters didn't care for Hill’s “skirmishes” with local officials. County residents booted Hill out and Kem Kimbrough to face the republican challenger.

And speaking of egos, Dekalb County CEO Vernon Jones battled for the democratic nomination for a U.S. Senate seat with Jim Martin. Over the years Jones has been at the center of controversies including illegal campaign contributions and an accusation of rape. Despite the controversies he’s managed to retain strong support from Dekalb citizens. In what may be a huge blow to the Jones for Senate campaign, civil rights icon Rev. Joseph Lowery Endorsed Jim Martin. Both candidates lobbied for the endorsement, however Jim Martin won out. In a press conference Rev. Lowery talked about Vernon Jones conservative views and support of President Bush. Jim Martin defeated Vernon Jones bid for the U.S. Senate seat by nearly 20%. They say change is good, and any change from the previous will be a much needed improvement.

Vernon Jones’ vacated office of Dekalb County CEO will go to Burrell Ellis. Ellis won yesterday’s run-off election by a landslide. At 50 years old, Ellis who served eight years as a County Commissioner will be the fourth Dekalb County CEO. Ellis beat his opponent state representative Stan Watson by a vote of 63% to 37%.

And finally, there will be a new Sheriff elected in November. The embattled Fulton County Sheriff Myron Freeman lost his re-election bid last night to Ted Jackson a former FBI agent. The Sheriff has been under fire his entire term regarding courthouse security, safety and staffing at the jail. A few weeks ago a federal judge threatened to hold him contempt of court because of the lack of improvement at the Fulton County Jail. All of that including the highly publicized trial of Brian Nichols has caused Fulton county voters to kick the sheriff to the curb and elect new leadership. Ted Jackson will face republican challenger Michael Rary.

And one quick note, the effort to recall Lithonia Mayor Joyce McKibben has until this Monday to collect 330 valid signatures. Last I heard they needed 35-40 more signatures on the petition. And if that wasn’t enough trouble for Mayor McKibben, it’s also being reported in the AJC, that The Mayor’s home is in foreclosure. I’ll keep an eye out for any more information regarding the recall.