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Univ. alumnus competes for U.S. Senate position
DIANA PEREZ
Issue date: 6/26/08 Section: News
University alumnus Jim Martin plans to take on incumbent senator and fellow alumnus Saxby Chambliss this November - that is, if he first can win the Democratic nomination on July 15.
Martin said at a forum held at the Georgia Center on June 19 that he got into the race because he thought none of the Democrats running could beat Chambliss.
Candidates Rand Knight, Josh Lanier and former WSB-TV correspondent Dale Cardwell - who have deemed themselves the "outsiders" and "three amigos" - attacked Martin throughout the forum, a preview of the few weeks leading to the primary.
Democratic candidate and Dekalb County CEO Vernon Jones did not attend the discussion.
The forum, organized by area Democratic groups, was moderated by WUGA News Director Mary Kay Mitchell. Mitchell asked questions ranging from the war in Iraq to the impact of young voters. The questions were submitted by area Democratic Party committees, including two by the Young Democrats of the University and Athens-Clarke County.
Amy Martin, a junior from Tifton and a member of the Young Democrats, said the forum simply reinforced her support for Martin because she believes he has the "best chance of beating Chambliss."
Although Young Democrats Political Director Andy Lipscomb would not say whom he supports, he also said electability was one of his major concerns in the upcoming Democratic primary.
Lipscomb said he believes Georgia will be a swing state in the presidential election this year, thus giving the Democratic senatorial candidate a good chance at beating Republican incumbent Chambliss.
Young Democrats President Louis Elrod said he thinks Athens should be more relevant for Georgian Democrats as well.
"Personally, I would like to see the [Democratic candidates] come to Athens more often," he said. "Athens is a Democratic stronghold, but I hope they are not just taking us for granted."
Although the Democratic candidates did not differ much on most policies, the candidates were divided about accepting political action committee, or PAC, money. Cardwell and Lanier said they would not accept PAC contributions for their campaigns, and Knight and Martin kept quiet on the issue. Cardwell, Lanier and Knight took aim at Martin for accepting large donations from special interest groups to finance his campaign.
Martin, a former state lawmaker and the former head of the state Department of Human Resources, received his undergraduate degree from the University in 1967. By participating in the discontinued 3-3 Law Program, Martin was able to receive his Juris Doctorate from the University soon after. After his two-year service as an army lieutenant in the Vietnam War, Martin returned to Athens and earned a Master of Laws degree in 1972.
"I loved [the University]. I met a lot of great people, great professors and learned about Georgia here," said Martin. "I really am in debt to the University."
Martin said at a forum held at the Georgia Center on June 19 that he got into the race because he thought none of the Democrats running could beat Chambliss.
Candidates Rand Knight, Josh Lanier and former WSB-TV correspondent Dale Cardwell - who have deemed themselves the "outsiders" and "three amigos" - attacked Martin throughout the forum, a preview of the few weeks leading to the primary.
Democratic candidate and Dekalb County CEO Vernon Jones did not attend the discussion.
The forum, organized by area Democratic groups, was moderated by WUGA News Director Mary Kay Mitchell. Mitchell asked questions ranging from the war in Iraq to the impact of young voters. The questions were submitted by area Democratic Party committees, including two by the Young Democrats of the University and Athens-Clarke County.
Amy Martin, a junior from Tifton and a member of the Young Democrats, said the forum simply reinforced her support for Martin because she believes he has the "best chance of beating Chambliss."
Although Young Democrats Political Director Andy Lipscomb would not say whom he supports, he also said electability was one of his major concerns in the upcoming Democratic primary.
Lipscomb said he believes Georgia will be a swing state in the presidential election this year, thus giving the Democratic senatorial candidate a good chance at beating Republican incumbent Chambliss.
Young Democrats President Louis Elrod said he thinks Athens should be more relevant for Georgian Democrats as well.
"Personally, I would like to see the [Democratic candidates] come to Athens more often," he said. "Athens is a Democratic stronghold, but I hope they are not just taking us for granted."
Although the Democratic candidates did not differ much on most policies, the candidates were divided about accepting political action committee, or PAC, money. Cardwell and Lanier said they would not accept PAC contributions for their campaigns, and Knight and Martin kept quiet on the issue. Cardwell, Lanier and Knight took aim at Martin for accepting large donations from special interest groups to finance his campaign.
Martin, a former state lawmaker and the former head of the state Department of Human Resources, received his undergraduate degree from the University in 1967. By participating in the discontinued 3-3 Law Program, Martin was able to receive his Juris Doctorate from the University soon after. After his two-year service as an army lieutenant in the Vietnam War, Martin returned to Athens and earned a Master of Laws degree in 1972.
"I loved [the University]. I met a lot of great people, great professors and learned about Georgia here," said Martin. "I really am in debt to the University."
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zaid
posted 6/26/08 @ 4:19 AM EST
"Amy Martin, a junior from Tifton and a member of the Young Democrats, said the forum simply reinforced her support for Martin because she believes he has the "best chance of beating Chambliss. (Continued…)
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