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Nov-04-2009Atlanta mayoral race 2009 results are murky on race in politics(topic overview)
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Polls open for Atlanta's general election at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Among the frontrunners to become the new mayor of Atlanta are city council President Lisa Borders, councilwoman Mary Norwood and state Sen. Kasim Reed. In all, six candidates are vying for the position, including Norwood, who would become the city's first white mayor in a generation if she is elected. If Norwood does not get a majority of the votes cast, she would face a Dec. 1 runoff, likely between either Borders or Reed, according to most political observers. [1] Reporting from Atlanta - Roofer Anthony Clark lives in Atlanta's historically black West End, in a little bungalow with a yard sign out front touting Kasim Reed, the city's leading black mayoral candidate. Clark, 41, said Monday that he wasn't sure he would be voting for Reed in today's election. He was thinking about supporting Mary Norwood, the front-runner, who is leading Reed by 20 percentage points in recent polls and, if elected, would become Atlanta's first white mayor in 36 years.[2]
The Georgia Republican Party has neither endorsed a candidate nor spent any money in an attempt to influence the outcome of the election. Given the challenges facing the City of Atlanta, I find it unfortunate that some candidates and the Democratic Party of Georgia have chosen to invoke partisanship as a tactical ploy." (This also comes after a robo-call, supposedly from a Republican group. Find the call by pasting this in your browser: http://www.peachpundit.com/2009/11/01/anti-norwood-gop-action-alert/ ) This week, Democrats sent out a mailer linking City Council woman and Atlanta mayoral front runner Mary Norwood to former Vice President (and Republican) Dick Cheney. Norwood's opponents, including former State Senator Kasim Reed, have been working hard to paint her as a closet Republican. Norwood pointed to her endorsement from 'Able' Mable Thomas, a former Democratic state legislator, during an interview with GPB as an indicator of her independent status.[3] One unspoken consequence of the state Democratic party's entry into the Atlanta mayoral race: It may have cost front-runner Mary Norwood any chance she had of striking an alliance with candidates left out of a run-off ''' if there is one. Based on their statements in Sunday's AJC/WSB debate, in which they accused Norwood of misleading voters on her party identification, it seems unlikely that Kasim Reed, Lisa Borders or Jesse Spikes would endorse Norwood.[4] Turnout was reported across the city as being light especially in the morning; but picked up in the afternoon. Lisa Borders conceded her race with an emotional speech to her supporters - she said she would not divulge who she would be supporting in the runoff. Mr. Reed said he was proud of the votes tonight and was very comfortable in a runoff with Mrs. Norwood. Mrs. Norwood was told by former Sam Massell that the run off would get rougher; and when asked if she would take off the gloves or continue on the high road, she immediately responded that she would continue the high road as she always had done. She said she just loved Atlanta people and she would continue in the runoff with that same attitude. When Lisa Borders was asked what she thought about the way the race went, she said that apparently the people were speaking; and they were interested in Mrs. Norwood's ground appeal of taking and solving one problem at a time. It will be at least another month before a clear winner emerges. The six way race between Lisa Borders, Mary Norwood, Kasim Reed, Jesse Spikes, Kyle Keyser, and Paul Brownlowe is now narrowed down to Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed ; both bringing a lot of experience and supporters to the table.[5]
Along with Reed and Norwood, Aaron Westwood and Amir Farokhi are also headed for a runoff for the Atlanta City Council Post 2 At Large. Lisa Borders had dropped out of the race, saying that she had taken the decision after much calculation. She said that she considered herself too behind the the others in the race to make it to the top, and feels that dropping out is a wise decision, as she would not be able to close the gap. When Norwood heard that Borders would not be participating in the elections any further this year, Norwood said that she would extend an olive branch to the supporters of Lisa.[6]
In a runoff, the of Atlanta deciding to extend the legacy of electing black mayors will probably play out.''' In a pre-dawn TV interview, Reed said the candidates "have run a high-road, high-minded campaign, and it's going to be left to us to make sure we do not divide this city during this very important election." Asked about the prospect of being the first white mayor of Atlanta in a generation, Norwood said, "I have said all along that this is about uniting Atlanta. Dr. King said we should be evaluated by who we are, not what we looked like, and I have been so gratified that so many Atlantans across the city have decided that they can support me because of the work that I've done, because of how much I care about all communities in this city."[7] The first question comes from a local television reporter, and it'''s about race. '''What do you think about the fact you could become the first white mayor of Atlanta in a more than a generation?''' Norwood, like she has many times before when answering this question during the campaign, pauses, before invoking Martin Luther King Jr. She tells reporters voters should pick her '''on the content of my character, not by the color of my skin.''' Her supporters begin cheering again, and Norwood turns to hug them and shake their hands as camera flashes pop. It is clear, however, that Norwood is getting some support simply because she is outside of the city'''s black political leadership.[8]
Mary Norwood could become Atlanta's first white mayor in a generation. In Atlanta, Mary Norwood is urging voters to look beyond race and choose her as the mayor of a city that remains more than 60 percent African-American. If they do, she would be the city's first white mayor in more than three decades. In Houston, Annise Parker urges voters to choose her as the first openly gay woman elected mayor of a major American city.[9] Liberal/conservative doesn't matter that much the more local the race, and Reed is conservative on all the right issues for the City of Atlanta. Mary Norwood's only chance, if she has one, is to come clean on her past and turn out more of her supporters in the run-off than Reed. No matter who wins this race, Atlanta's reputation matters most to me, and I don't trust the simplistic, operationally racist,''Drive-by media to be able to look past the skin color of the voters and the candidates. It makes me wonder if the purveyors of the racism charge are projecting their own racism, or that of their own institutions, onto others. Atlantans can, have and will, and they see major differences between Reed and Norwood under their respective skins. Let's let the coverage and conduct of this race leading to the run-off be an indictment of the racist media, and not Atlanta.[10] "Is that an official endorsement?" asked Lemon. "That's just telling you the truth," Franklin responded. "I'm going to vote for him. I think he has the best set of skills. He has really been there to do some tough things over the state. He has Republican and Democratic support. even though there are other candidates who have obviously some strengths, I think, through it all, he has the best chance of working in the region and the state." Franklin singled out Reed's work in helping Atlanta deal with its water shortage issues, adding that "there are reasons to support each of the candidates" - but added that she has previously said she does not think Atlanta City Councilwoman Mary Norwood has the skills to be Atlanta's chief executive.[11] "I think has the best set of skills," Franklin said in an interview with CNN that aired Monday evening. "He has really been there to do some tough things. He has Republican and Democratic support. Even though there are other candidates who have obviously some strengths, I think through it all, he has the best chance of working in the region and the state." Reed managed both of Franklin's successful mayoral campaigns in 2001 and 2005 and helped the mayor with legislation at the Capitol that resulted in money for Atlanta's ongoing $4 billion water and sewer improvements. For months, Franklin refused to say which candidate she supports. She's been clear she wouldn't endorse the front-runner, Councilwoman Mary Norwood. Franklin wrote a blog entry on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Political Insider column last week saying that Norwood has not demonstrated "vision, competence or integrity in her public life."[12]
Now this is funny ''' at least to me. My friend Mary Norwood spent this weekend in the Atlanta mayoral race promoting her Democratic Party credentials and explaining away why she occasionally voted in the Republican primaries in recent years at her Buckhead Atlanta residence. In 2004, Norwood voted in the Republican Primary and the Republican Primary Run-off; this race included U.S. House and legislature seats. According to Norwood's campaign manager Roman Levit, Norwood picked up a Republican ballot because in her State House district there was a competitive race between three or four Republicans and there was no Democrat in the race, so she voted for the least radical candidate.[13]
Atlanta mayoral candidate and state Senator Kasim Reed addresses supporters after forcing a run off with Mary Norwood, during his election night party Tuesday.[7] The candidates for the Mayoral elections are Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed. This is not the first time that the mayoral race in Atlanta is heading for a runoff. There have been many such instances in the history of mayoral races in Atlanta.[6] The four leading candidates for Atlanta mayor debated one another for the final time Sunday, and''many of the attacks again targeted the front-runner, Councilwoman Mary Norwood. Elissa Eubanks, eeubanks@ajc.com Mayoral candidates (from left) Jesse Spikes, Lisa Borders, Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed prepare minutes for their final debate at WSB studios in Atlanta.[14] I think that accurately describes things here in Atlanta the last few days judging from what was put out and said by all four leading candidates ''' Mary Norwood, Kasim Reed, Jesse Spikes, and Lisa Borders. They are all quality, serious candidates who could bring different strong credentials to the Atlanta mayor'''s office. Instead of focusing on our fiscal crisis, crime, water, economic development, and transportation, they and their surrogates each have engaged in petty finger pointing of one kind or another. I trust each will regain their sanity tomorrow.[13] You would think the media would have election-coverage fatigue. Elissa Eubanks, eeubanks@ajc.com Mayoral candidates (from left) Jesse Spikes, Lisa Borders, Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed prepare minutes for their final debate at WSB studios in Atlanta.[15] Among the leading three candidates to become Atlanta's next mayor,' Kasim Reed has the most supporters on Facebook. Tuesday morning, he had 5,085 supporters.' Lisa Borders had 4,045 supporters and' Mary Norwood had 1,444.[16] Tomorrow's election is supposed to be non-partisan. The second- and third-place candidates in the opinion polls, Kasim Reed and Lisa Borders, have been spending an awful lot of time trying to play up their Democratic connections and brand Mary Norwood as a Republican.[17]
Less than 48 hours ago, polls showed Mary Norwood might be able to garner 50% plus one vote and succeed Shirley Franklin as Mayor of Atlanta. Then the''only poll that matters reared its head (Norwood 46%, Reed 36%), and it turns out that many Northern Atlanta voters in mostly Republican areas came in less enthusiastically than expected for their supposed Buckhead champion. She now faces a run-off against surging Kasim Reed. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is already peddling the racist line that is par for the course that has them regularly referred to as the Urinal-Constipation.[10] Whose idea was that? Wasn't yours I know but I bet every republican voter was chomping at the bit to vote for you but you kinda killed the great white hope with the whole screw the elephant speech. I think this month is going to be an eternity for the Norwood campaign. If the runoffs were tomorrow I would expect it to be close but they are gonna need a campaign manager like Kasim Reed to go the distance and unfortunately he is the opponent. Not only that he has made double digit gains in the polls in the last two weeks while Norwood was stalling out. She's got nothing left in the tank. She can't stand on her record in the Council. She doesn't want to talk about the City's finances. How many times can she say, "We are gonna make plans and look at those plans and execute those plans."[18] I know black voters who voted for Norwood, and white voters who voted for Reed (or Borders or Spikes). It's not a simple divide along racial lines. Regarding the comment above (by Aaron at 6:02) that neither Norwood or Reed "have a real prior record where they have helped change in either the city or state levels": as a state senator, Kasim Reed has sponsored and passed legislation increasing the homestead exemption for seniors in Atlanta; he went to his fellow legislators to acquire $500 million in low interest loans using the State'''s AAA bond rating for the City of Atlanta'''s water system, saving the city millions in interest payments; and he co-authored and passed legislation aimed at code enforcement and cracking down on crime caused by irresponsible bars that function as magnets for crime, increasing penalties for violations, in order to clean up neighborhoods and make the community safer. He has established excellent relationships with leaders of the state legislature (most of whom are rural, white Republicans). That's why this white guy decided to vote for Reed. (I think Norwood is a good and likeable person, just with less of a track record of effectiveness.)[19] Mary Norwood swept predominately white precincts of the city Tuesday, and also found support in key black precincts, while former state senator Kasim Reed dominated his base in southwest Atlanta and had a strong showing in predominately black areas of northwest and west Atlanta.[20] With 100% of the precincts in, it looks like it will be two Atlanta insiders running the City. Mary Norwood is showing a 7% lead over Kasim Reed who chose to leave his seat in the State Senate to run for the Atlanta Mayor position. Since she did not win the required 50%, there will be a run-off on December 1.[21] Feist is talking about frontrunner Mary Norwood, currently a member of Atlanta's City Council. Her chief competitors are City Council President Lisa Borders; former state lawmaker Kasim Reed; and Jesse Spikes, an attorney at the law firm of McKenna, Long & Aldridge.[15] City Council President Lisa Borders, Norwood, former state lawmaker Kasim Reed and Jesse Spikes, an attorney at the law firm McKenna, Long & Aldridge, dueled over ethics, party affiliation and which candidate's plan to combat crime can actually be funded.[14]
If Mary Norwood wins in a runoff, or avoids one all together, Kasim Reed and Lisa Borders can thank Mayor Franklin, and the State Democratic Party. Not to mention their own last minute partisan appeals.[22] Reed said that the reported numbers promised a run off. '''It looks like we are going to do this thing,''' June Reed told another supporter. '''It seems like even if we split (the votes that are left) we'''re in a run off and I can hardly wait.''' Where is the candidate himself? Mary Norwood, who is leading the race with Reed in second, has been at her party at the Varsity since nearly 8 p.m. Lisa Borders, currently running third, was at her event at the W Hotel downtown as well.[23]
Councilwoman Mary Norwood and state Sen. Kasim Reed will face off in a two-way race after the top two vote-getters in yesterday's election failed to garner 50 percent of the vote - the magic number needed to avoid a run-off. While the election generated headlines both locally and nationally, the race did little to draw voters to the polls.[24] ATLANTA -- Mary Norwood got up before dawn on Tuesday morning to begin campaigning. She was looking for those votes she needed to carry her over the 50 percent she needed to avoid a run-off. Kasim Reed woke up hoping turnout in Atlanta'''s mayoral race would top 40 percent, a number he believed was critical if he was going to have a shot at a run-off. Norwood didn'''t get the 50 percent she needed, nor did Reed get the 40 percent he needed.[25] Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed are headed to a run-off on Dec. 1, following tonight's Atlanta mayoral election in which Norwood pulled about 45 percent of the vote to Reed's 37 percent.[18]
Borders is pulling about 14 percent of the vote, compared to 45 percent for Mary Norwood and 35 percent for Kasim Reed. Borders just spoke at the W Hotel downtown where she thanked her voters, staff and supporters but said it wasn't enough.[26] Before the finish of Tuesday's vote, several strategists said the thing to look for on Tuesday would be Mary Norwood's performance in precincts with the highest percentage of African-American voters. If she topped 20 percent, they said, Kasim Reed would be in trouble.[27] With 100 percent of the precincts reporting early Wednesday, Mary Norwood received 45 percent of the vote, compared to Sen. Kasim Reed at 38 percent.[28]
". my second choice was Kasim Reed; seems like a very smart, engaged guy with some good political experience, so I had a hard choice between him and Mary Norwood, but ultimately, I think it came down to a pretty clear break with the past few years." All of those interviewed say they also voted for slates of candidates for city council and school boards.[29] Norwood will face Kasim Reed, who won 38 percent of the vote. Whoever wins, he or she will work with a city council that looks a lot like it did prior to yesterday's election.[30]
ATLANTA (CNN) - Atlanta's outgoing mayor announced Monday that she will not be voting for the candidate poised to become the city's first white mayor in more than three decades. In an exclusive interview, Mayor Shirley Franklin told CNN's Don Lemon that she plans to vote for former Georgia state lawmaker Kasim Reed in Tuesday's election.[11] Reed won endorsements from Atlanta's civil rights old guard, including former U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young and Brooke Jackson-Edmond, daughter of the city's first black mayor, Maynard Jackson. Norwood's commanding lead in the polls has raised the possibility that she may win more than 50% of the vote, obviating the need for a runoff. Her success has also prompted a new line of attack from foes, including Reed, who have accused her of being a closet Republican in a Democratic-leaning city. Norwood responded with a TV ad saying she had voted for Obama, Sen. John F. Kerry, Al Gore, President Clinton and independent Ross Perot. Clark, the roofer, said he was worried that Norwood might indeed be a Republican. That, he said, was the only reason he remained undecided.[2] Between 2000 and 2006, Atlanta'''s white population grew faster than that of any other U.S. city, according to a study by the Brookings Institution. Black voters remain the dominant political constituency, and efforts to win their allegiance have been, at times, transparent. Mr. Reed last week insinuated that Norwood is secretly a Republican ''' a dig aimed to disquiet African-American voters, who are primarily Democratic here. (Norwood replied in an ad that she voted for Mr. Obama in the last election.) In August, two Clark Atlanta University political science professors wrote a memo about the need for black Atlantans to hold onto City Hall, and how they should do that.[31]
Marvin Arrington by Bill Campbell. Borders''' middleness made her something different. She was a woman of Civil Rights heritage ''' her father had forced the integration of Atlanta'''s police department ''' who had excellent connections with the city'''s business community. She was a Democrat with high-flown Republican friends. Former Cousins Properties CEO Tom Bell, her ex-employer and her prime financial backer, dabbles on the presidential level. Borders was even divided at a level any voter could grasp: Though a woman of high ambition, 14 months ago she was forced to call a halt to her budding mayoral campaign. She couldn'''t handle the strain of work plus caring for two aging parents ''' one a double amputee with diabetes, the other with Alzheimer'''s. Before she called it quits, she'''d raised $232,000. By the time she rejoined the race seven months later ''' her parents''' demands were handled, she said ''' Norwood and Reed each had more than $275,000 in their campaign treasuries.[19] Ralph Dickerson, 52, voted for Reed Tuesday at the West Side Community Church on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. He said for him the issue was not race, but politics. He said Norwood struck him as a "closet conservative" who would try to privatize city services, something he opposes. He said Borders seemed unimpressive to him and he had not seen her in his community. With a run-off between Norwood and Reed set, their staffers will be poring over the precinct numbers in coming days to try to figure out how to capture Borders' voters. Expect frantic efforts to win their support. It's unknown how many of those voters, or any of Tuesday's voters, will show up again for the Dec. 1 runoff. Both campaigns also will have to scramble to fill depleted bank accounts.[20]
Among the African Americans polled, Norwood received 34% support in the InsiderAdvantage poll -- a narrow plurality. The black support has helped place Norwood far ahead of three other serious contenders, all of them African Americans with impressive resumes. Her closest competitor is Reed, a former state senator, who had 25% overall support in the InsiderAdvantage poll. "Citizens are looking at who they believe can lead the city forward, rather than their skin tone," said state Rep. Tyrone Brooks, president of the Georgia Assn. of Black Elected Officials, who has not endorsed a candidate. "It reminds me of what we saw with Barack Obama's campaign last year. People were telling me, 'We're not going to look at him on the color of his skin. Norwood, a former radio executive and founder of a telephone marketing company, has never chaired a committee during her time in City Hall -- a point her opponents have noted. As a campaigner, that has given her an outsider's freedom to fiercely criticize financial and organizational problems particular to Atlanta that have compounded the kinds of troubles many municipalities are facing at a time of shrinking tax revenue.[2] Mrs. Norwood, who left Augusta for college and now lives in Atlanta's posh Buckhead neighborhood, has been on the Atlanta City Council for seven years but ran as an outsider who would make the city safer and more accountable. She began campaigning as early as last summer -- some say even earlier -- gathering support from white and black communities. Her closest opponents called her a Republican because of her connections in Buckhead, the GOP's only foothold in the state's largest city.[32]
The city has seen an influx of white residents after decades of white flight. Polls have consistently shown her getting large support from the city'''s whites, while receiving a strong portion of the black vote. While the polls don'''t explain why white voters overwhelmingly support Norwood, there'''s anecdotal evidence that in part, it does have to do with the color of her skin. '''I'''m voting for her because she'''s white,''' says David Massey of Ormewood Park. The white Atlanta resident says he supports her stance on the commuter tax, but other than that, he'''s '''pretty ignorant about this race.'''[8] Get real, folks. The reason why the suburbanites support Norwood is because they are convinced that she is going to fire a ton of black city workers and make the city more hostile to black business owners. Since these are the people that Norwood will be courting when she runs for Senate or governor later on, that is precisely what she will do. OK so where will all these black folks that Norwood kicks off the city payroll or drives out of business go? That's right: to the suburbs to find work or reopen their businesses. Well, I hope that the people who hate Atlanta will get what they want: a mayor who hates Atlanta as much as they do, and will give the city the leadership that the white flight crowd wants Atlanta to have as opposed to the leadership that Atlanta actually needs. You know, people like Wingfield, who prioritizes laying off city employees over addressing the crime wave.[17] Mary Bush Norwood, who grew up in Augusta before leaving for college and eventually Atlanta, has strong support across the city. Polls were to close at 8 p.m. If she wins, Ms. Norwood, would become the city's first white mayor in nearly 40 years.[33] Mary Norwood still has an opportunity to become Atlanta's first ever white female mayor and the first white mayor since Maynard Jackson broke the Southern city's racial ceiling in the 1973 election. The momentum, though, is not in her favor.[34] Some analysts has said the potential election of front-runner Mary Norwood as the city'''s first white mayor in 36 years would prove that America is undergoing a generational shift toward colorblind politics. Others saw the struggle for traction by African-American '''card carrying Democrats''' in a liberal, majority-black city as a sign that Mr. Obama'''s coattails have proven woefully short.[7] If front-runner Mary Norwood prevails in Tuesday's vote, she would be the city's first white mayor in 36 years. She promises to fix City Hall's shoddy bookkeeping.[2] Unofficial results show veteran city councilwoman Mary Norwood is earning the most support with 45 percent. She is seeking to become the city's first white mayor in nearly four decades.[35] In all, six candidates are vying for the position, including councilwoman Mary Norwood, who would become the city's first white mayor in a generation if she is elected.[1]
If elected, Norwood would become the city's first white mayor in a generation. Election officials are estimating voter turnout could be at its lowest in recent memory, with far fewer than the originally estimated 35 percent of registered voters casting ballots Tuesday.[36] For a city that has not had a white mayor since 1973 and sees itself as the iconic post-civil rights epicenter of African-American politics, the campaign has been a shock to the system. To some observers, it suggests that Ms. Norwood simply has used the levers of racial politics more effectively than her five African-American opponents. To others, though, it points to a generational shift toward political color-blindness ''' most prominently seen in last year'''s presidential election but now influencing voters even in this bastion of the Deep South. '''It'''s disturbing to some that you would have this change in a city where African-Americans have had a hold for over three decades ''' and it goes beyond politics,''' says Earl Ofari Hutchinson, author of '''How Obama Won.'''[31]
Norwood has polled 45% overall in the city, and 34% with black voters. This is particularly surprising since her nearest opponent, who's polling at 25% overall, has endorsements from Atlanta 's civil rights establishment and is Mayor Shirley Franklin's former campaign manager. Franklin hasn't endorsed anyone, but is explicit in her opposition to Norwood, who she says lacks "vision, integrity, and intelligence." In a city frustrated by its government, perhaps that non-endorsement is the best endorsement of all.[37]
The most racist aspects of this election so far are two things: (1) white Atlantans that presume Mary Norwood is somehow more competent and less susceptible to cronyism than her black competitors, despite all evidence to the contrary; and (2) the national media seizing on and repeating incessently the Norwood campaign's spin about how electing a white woman as Mayor of Atlanta is somehow the embodiment of MLK's dream. Both ideas are a gross perversion of the truth.[19]
Well isn't that interesting. Here in Atlanta, Mary Norwood doesn't really come close to winning without a runoff, and as I noted yesterday, that means she could be in real trouble against Kasim Reed, who closed with a lot of momentum. Nationally, it was a good night for the Republicans, winning the governor's office in both Virginia and New Jersey.[38] I believe in this particular race there has been a lot of openness towards Mary Norwood as a candidate on the side of African Americans. My mother was very much considering her as a candidate. Then she saw a commercial that stated that she was a Republican leaning Demorcrat and that changed her opinion. Instead she voted for Kasim Reed.[19] Lisa was the Corporate candidate. Do we not want a change? Kasim Reed ran Shirley's campaign and is connected at the hip with her there would not be a change. Mary Norwood IS the populist candidate in this race. It'''s a bit counter-intuitive, but it's interesting.[39] Mary Norwood told her supporters that the fight isn't over and likely won't be for nearly a month. Speaking to her backers at the Varsity, Norwood said she anticipates a Dec. 1 runoff versus Kasim Reed and that they will "hit the ground running" Wednesday morning. Knowing that Lisa Borders has already conceded she can't catch the top two finishers, Norwood said she would "absolutely" extend an olive branch to Borders' supporters.[39] Kasim Reed at 49 percent, Mary Norwood at 31 percent, Lisa Borders at 15 percent, Jesse Spikes, Kyle Keyser and Peter Brownlowe at 3 percent, 1 percent and 1 percent, respectively.[40]
With contender Kasim Reed snagging an "unexpected" 38 percent of the vote to Norwood's overall 45 percent, the December 1 run-off will be tight if the 14 percent garnered by Lisa Borders, the race's other top contender, is split between the two.[34]
For Lisa Borders and Kasim Reed, the two black candidates who were trailing Norwood in preelection polls, the primary focus has been bolstering the city'''s gutted police department.[31] Though I cast my ballot for Lisa Borders, a candidate I felt was most in touch with the very pressing social and economic concerns facing the city, and am very disheartened by her loss, I look forward to casting my next ballot for Sen. Kasim Reed. He is a candidate who understands the issues and can effectively lead this city.[39]
Reed countered it can train about 200. "We need somebody who can actually do the math in this job," Borders said during her verbal sparring with Reed on the issue. Borders said she would conduct a national search for a new police chief, but focus on local candidates. Norwood said she wants a chief who is familiar with the entire city. Reed said he'll focus on hiring a police chief who has experience fighting street gangs. Spikes said he'll conduct a national search for a new chief, but he also wants to hire a public safety director. The current chief, Richard Pennington, has said he will leave office at the end of the year.[14] Some pundits were beginning to surmise that Norwood would take the office without a run-off, but Reed's stronger than expected numbers in Norwood's own northside backyard helped keep Norwood below the magic 51 mark. In what may have been some clue as to what will become of the votes Borders and Spikes attracted, Reed said he wanted to offer his "profound gratitude" to Borders for "running a tremendous campaign" and to his "good friend" Jesse Spikes. If Reed manages to retain the 37 percent he got tonight--as of my last glance at the screen--and adds Borders' 14 to it, that will give him the 51 percent he needs to be mayor come Dec. 1. Among those in attendance was former Atlanta Police Chief Eldrin Bell.[18] I serve and believe in an awesome God, and am ready for the next 27 days.''' As he has in previous campaign speeches, Reed evoked biblical messages, delivered in an evangelical tone. '''And when those 27 days are done, we will move forward, united. We will run a campaign that unites this city,''' Reed said. Before taking a breath, he finished by saying, '''And for all of the pundits who said, '''Kasim Reed is only going to get votes in Southwest Atlanta,''' go check the numbers, baby. We got votes citywide!''' For her part, Norwood was also calling for unity. She told her supporters their hard work and dedication helped top her opponents. Her victory party, at the Varsity in downtown Atlanta, was packed with residents from all over the city. Norwood called on the diverse group to continue working hard so they could win in December and also build a united Atlanta.[25] all of Norwood’s information is now on display on the city of Atlanta web site. Opposing campaigns ''' Kasim Reed, in particular ''' are focusing this morning on an Oct. 9 payment to former state Rep. "Able" Mable Thomas for "consulting services."[22] In a Dec. 1 runoff contest, City Councilor Norwood will face off against Kasim Reed, a state senator with ties to hip-hop artists and the city's civil rights old guard.[7]
Border'''s third-place finish, behind Councilwoman Mary Norwood and former state senator Kasim Reed, has left the theory in need of four weeks''' more proving.[19] Now, however, the race could get sharper and meaner. Both Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed will need to whip up supporters to energize them to return to the polls.[41]
No matter how incessantly the Drive-by media talks about white and black voters, the change in the relative fortunes of frontrunner Mary Norwood and runner-up Kasim Reed is about leadership qualities, and not the relative pigmentation of their skins.[10] Mary Norwood also must have forgotten that most all voters appreciate strength, leadership and honesty in an executive leader. Kasim Reed did not forget this. He knows who he is, what he stands for, and is proud of it. I left the Democratic Party nine years ago last summer, and so I have major problems with many of the positions of Reed, and Norwood for that matter, given her apparent liberal conversion in the 90s.[10]
I started to rethink my position. When Kasim Reed launched his last minute negative ads Don't vote for Mary Norwood the Republican, vote for Kasim Reed the Democrat, that sealed it.[22] Mary Norwood received 45 percent of the vote followed by Kasim Reed with 37 percent.[42]
The county is reporting Reed with 50.09 percent of the vote, to Mary Norwood's 30.83 pecent and 14.82 percent for Lisa Borders.[43] Norwood received 46 percent of the vote and Senator Reed 36 percent. Both candidates will aggressively go after those who voted for third-place finisher Lisa Borders, who received 14 percent.[7]
Moments ago, however, when it was 15 precincts, Norwood was above 50 percent. We're being told that none of those results have come from southwest Atlanta, Reed's strong hold. That's good news for Reed, but also bad news for Lisa Borders, who is holding on with 14 percent in the Fulton County precincts.[44]
In many southwest Atlanta precincts, more than 30 percent of registered voters turned out. Throughout the day in black sections of the city, Reed volunteers wearing T-shirts with his red and blue logo could be seen on street corners waving placards or driving down thoroughfares in trucks calling for people to vote. Borders' signs could be seen around the city, but her get-out-the-vote effort was far less apparent. Many voters on the fence about Reed seemed to be convinced in the end he was their man.[20] Keep watching. It's only 3 precincts in the Fulton County portion of the city of Atlanta, but Kasim Reed has 50 percent of those votes.[43]
Political gadfly Tom Houck was holding court with a table of somewhat familiar faces. His itinerary for the night includes Atkins Park to see Atlanta City Council District 6 candidate Liz Coyle and Shout in Midtown to see Post 2 At-Large hopeful Amir Farokhi. He also plants to drop by the Hyatt Regency to hobnob at mayoral candidate Kasim Reed's soiree. Emory Morsberger was also in attendance at Manuel's, but he's high-stepping to several parties as well.[40] Atlanta Progressive News, a liberal web site that has endorsed Norwood for mayor, says it has photos of a car with a Reed bumper sticker ''' loaded with yard signs for Norwood. Mark Alarcon, who is seeking a city council seat, and Lee Stuart, who is challenging incumbent Mayor R.G. Kelley, both said city officials have deliberately obscured their signs. Both signs are posted behind City Hall, located at 4640 North Henry Boulevard, next to Stockbridge Florist and Gifts. Alarcon said he put his sign up on Oct. 17, the day before City Hall held an open house. He said he passed by the sign later, and personally witnessed city employees stacking 25 bales of hay around his sign.[4] Norwood shortly afterward said the city should return to the original guidelines, which it did. Norwood and Spikes said they won't furlough any city workers. Borders and Reed committed that they would not furlough police officers and firefighters. In interviews afterward, Reed said he supports outgoing Mayor Shirley Franklin's effort to get a seven-year lease extension with Delta Air Lines at the city-owned Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport approved by the council before she leaves office in early January. Borders said she would support getting the extension passed now if it proves financially beneficial to the city. Spikes said he'll "take whatever is on my plate in January." Norwood will support the extension if it's a great deal for the city, said campaign manager Roman Levit.[14] We couldn'''t close the gap,''' Borders said. '''It was a mathematical decision.''' Borders, while never telling her supports that she was '''conceding''', said that minutes before she came onstage at 11 p.m., that she decided to give up the fight. '''God doesn'''t give you what you want,''' she said later. '''He gives you what you need.''' Borders noted that she is still city council president until December 31 and said that she will return to work at Grady Health Systems. She said she has not called Norwood or Reed to offer congratulations yet. She added that it is premature to offer an endorsement.[26]
Muller, a longtime councilwoman who represents the affluent area, might see a boost in support thanks to Norwood's solid grip on Buckhead. If Muller's successful in her race against Ceasar Mitchell ''' and Norwood in her own contest ''' the city could have a white mayor and a white city council president.[40] Uh, no. Bloomberg ran as a Republican for his first mayoral term in NYC because it was the only way he could avoid running in a crowded Democratic primary field, not because he was a member of the Republican Party. He's no more a Republican than a Democrat. Norwood is very much the same type of person, which is why she is getting a lot of support from all races and neighborhoods throughout the city. She'll win because she is getting votes outside of Buckhead and gentrified neighborhoods of young white professionals.[13] Though the mayoral election is nonpartisan, Democrats have captured the majority of Atlanta votes consistently in recent decades. Mrs. Norwood said she had voted in Republican primaries because there were few contested Democratic nominations in her precinct, but she has voted for more Democrats than Republicans in general elections.[32] In a very long interview yesterday with Atlanta Progressive News, Atlanta mayoral front-runner Mary Norwood explained why she's voted in Republican primaries and attended state GOP conventions.[45] Mary Norwood ''' the only white candidate in the Atlanta mayoral race ''' was leading in public opinion polls.[31] ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - Mary Norwood had been the frontrunner in most pre-election polls. While those predictions held true last night, the former city councilwoman failed to achieve the 50 percent necessary to avoid a runoff. An upbeat Norwood told supporters she'll spend the next month campaigning for unity, just like she always has.[46] ATLANTA -- During a campaign stop at the St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church in the southwest section of the city, City Councilwoman Mary Norwood talks small-ball politics. She tells the twenty or so supporters she'''ll make sure the litter gets picked up, that the potholes will get filled, and that police will be present in their community. Her supporters love it and break into a chant of '''Mary! Mary! Mary!''' The chanting stops so the press can ask questions of Norwood before she heads to her next event.[8]
Candidate for Atlanta Mayor Mary Norwood speaks to supporters at an election-night party in Atlanta, Tuesday.[31] The DPG's actions are a lose-lose for Atlanta Democrats. Let's just say that Mary Norwood does prevail as Atlanta Mayor, then what position does this place our Atlanta legislators? Ummmthat would be in the "kissing " position. Yeah, as much as the DPG wants to believe that Mary Norwood will have to come crawling to the Atlanta Democratic leaning legislative caucus to lobby for State money, I'm just not seeing how she won't remember their stupid last-minute stunt. I would go a step further and say this is potentially self-defeating for Atlanta.[17]
Bill, I know many black citizens of Atlanta that voted for Mary Norwood. People tend to vote for those who represent their issues.[19] Representative democracy means you CAN choose people who you think will best represent YOU. Politics 101. Most importantly, Mary Norwood could not have gotten 46% of the vote WITHOUT the enormous BLACK support that she garnered.[19]
If it comes down to a runoff, Mary Norwood can't win. The black vote is split now, but it will unify against her if the vote comes down to being between Norwood and Reed.[47] Lots of black citizens voted for Mary Norwood. Otherwise, there would have still been a runoff, but Reed would have finished first. There was not this huge black turnout to keep Norwood out.[19]
Mary Norwood and Kasim Reed led a field of several candidates in Tuesday's election.[36] Mary Norwood leads Kasim Reed 46 percent to 37 percent with 78 of the 161 Fulton County precincts and three of the nine DeKalb County precincts reporting.[47] With Fulton County reporting results from 31 precincts, or 19.25 percent of the total, Norwood is at 47 percent, compared to about 36 percent for Kasim Reed.[44]
Seriouslypeople congratulating Norwood? Have you ever heard her speak or listened to her stance on anythingprobably not since she never gives a real answer to anthing. As one reader said, she is the "Big White Joke" and I know that the only reason she received these votes was because she was white just like me. Its a SHAME because she is TERRIBLE. I'm just glad Kasim Reed still has a chance in the run off election.[39] It looks like Reed has just said to hell with running a clean campaign a while ago. I'd vote for Norwood if she wasn't such an idiot. G-d, I hope Borders ends up in this run-off for the sake of Atlanta.[4] A 7% lead may not be enough for Norwood since the 3rd place candidate Lisa Borders commanded 14% of the total vote. Caesar Mitchell will lead the Atlanta Council as its new President after his apparent win over Claire Muller. He has consistently maintained his progression in Atlanta politics through his relationships as an attorney and community leader.[21] With 38 percent of Tuesday's vote, Reed passed third place finisher city council President Lisa Borders.[48] City Council president Lisa Borders was a distant third with 14 percent and conceded early.[28]
City Council President Lisa Borders saw support collapse throughout the city, giving her a weak third-place showing.[20] City council President Lisa Borders was trailing in third and conceded about three hours after polls closed Tuesday.[35] City Council President Lisa Borders, once considered to be a front runner, finished a distant third.[25]
Norwood, a veteran City Council member, hails from the tony and largely white neighborhood of Buckhead. Clark, who is black, said that her race didn't matter -- even in this majority-black city. He said Norwood, an at-large councilwoman for the last eight years, had paid attention to black neighborhoods too. Even more importantly, he liked Norwood's clarion promise to fix the notoriously shoddy bookkeeping at City Hall.[2] The Atlanta mayor's race Tuesday, which resulted in a runoff election, failed to yield many clues about whether President Obama'''s historic election a year ago has staying power in terms of voters' views about race in politics. If anything, Atlanta voters seemed hesitant to say much of anything about the mayoral field, which included a black man, a black woman, and a white woman, as only 24 percent of them came out to cast ballots in the off-year municipal election.[7] Borders recoiled. '''The color of skin of our next mayor is not the issue,''' she said. (Reed said much the same thing.) The memo did have its effect. From that point onward, the Atlanta mayoral race moved toward its traditional dynamics of black and white.[19]
The verbal jabs at Norwood began early. Spikes asked Norwood why the council hasn't voted her to chair any committees during her nearly eight years on the legislative body. "It was a system where you did not have a lot of control," Norwood said of committee chairs. She added that it was more productive for her to work with council members on key issues. The biggest dispute during an hour-long debate on WSB-TV, which sponsored the event along with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, came when Borders and Reed attacked Norwood over her political affiliation.[14] We have been recently mislead by prior administrations (Mayor Campbell) who have left us in financial trouble which could had been devastating, but Mayor Franklin should us by example how not to toss the blame on others, but effectively lead by higher standers and got to work to handle all the issues that was needed to be done. I think Ms. Borders would have done the same thing for city, she would have continued the work she was a major part of as Council President and been an effective successful leader for the city. I am not sure if Ms. Norwood can bridge that cap needed between local, state and national business leaders whom are needed to help her grow the city.[19] I'm not actually a member of the DPG but you get the idea. If the DPG thinks the next Mayor will have to go through them to get state-funding they need to cut down on the kool-aid. Mostly because this is an election year and there is zero chance that the State GOP will do any "favors" for the City. Such as let Atlanta keep more of the taxes generated here or let MARTA control its funds. The State GOP wouldn't even take a vote on a message to Obama congratulating him on being elected President.[17] ATLANTA — An Atlanta councilwoman could become the city's first white mayor in a generation, facing off against a black state senator in a runoff next month.[28] ATLANTA Augusta native Mary Bush Norwood's bid to become Atlanta's first white mayor since 1973 appeared headed for a runoff Tuesday night.[32] The wind is still blowing in Norwood's favor. Tonight, or after a runoff election, she could become Atlanta's first white mayor since 1973.[9] With so many contenders, it was likely from the beginning that a runoff would be necessary. If Mrs. Norwood proves to be successful, she will be the first white mayor since Sam Massell in 1974. He was followed by Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young, Bill Campbell, and Shirley Franklin - all African Americans. She has been waiting with her supporters at the Varsity in Atlanta.[5]
The race garnered national attention because Norwood could become Atlanta's first white mayor since the 1970s.[42]
Between a never-ending Democratic presidential primary to an animated Republican vice presidential nominee, the press spent countless hours and big money following the 2008 election. "It's the first time in decades that a white candidate may be poised to win the mayoral race in Atlanta," said Sam Feist, the political director for CNN.[15] I think Mary Norwood has proven time and time again that she has an issue with transparency. No one cares if she's a Democrat or a Republican. Everyone cares if she's a liar and with Bill Campbell as a mayoral backdrop, honesty is very important in this town. I and many Atlantans have serious concerns not just about her political affiliation but her ability. The other candidates seem to share those concerns.[4] Don't believe a word of it. This conservative Republican knows better, which is why I announced my support for Reed yesterday. Mary Norwood blew it by being equivocal about her Republican past. Mary must have forgotten that conservative Republicans are proud to be so, and proud of the candidates they have supported at least beginning with Ronald Reagan.[10]
Fact: Mary Norwood WILL NOT represent the interests of most Atlantans, but instead will represent the interests of suburbanites who detest most Atlantans. Fact: the only reasons why Mary Norwood has a shot are A) because Bush and Perdue made a mess of the national and state economy and B) Shirley Franklin did a good enough job governing the city that white voters including those from the suburbs felt comfortable moving into the city. Fact: a Mary Norwood administration, which again will be used as a springboard for Norwood's higher office aspirations, will cause many residents ignored by her administration to move not only to DeKalb, but to Gwinnett and Cobb counties seeking leadership that is actually responsive to their needs.[17] Mary Norwood has promised to clean up Atlanta 's notoriously bad books, and that goal appears to cross racial lines. "Citizens are looking at who they believe can lead the city forward," a state pol tells the Los Angeles Times, "rather than their skin tone."[37] Good luck Mary Norwood! It's long overdue that the city of Atlanta needs positive change.[39]
When local reporters where composing their final stories on campaign finances and the Atlanta mayoral race, the campaign of front-runner Mary Norwood released a summary that disclosed how much she had raised and how much she had spent ''' but did not identify individual donors or expenditures.[22] One moment Mary Norwood was above the magic 50 percent treshold to become the next mayor of Atlanta, the next she's merely close.[44] Update 9:03 p.m.: Now, Mary Norwood has moved ahead in the race for mayor with 46 percent and 5 precincts reporting.[43]
Norwood did not get 50 percent of the vote plus one to avoid a runoff. Election officials estimated voter turnout could be at its lowest in recent memory, with far fewer ballots cast than the 35 percent of registered voters who participated in recent mayoral races.[28] In recent weeks, the candidates' race gained national attention. If Norwood is elected, she'll need much of the city's African-American community to vote for her in a runoff. That's set for December 1st.[46]
With 100% of the vote in, the totals according to 11Alive news was Norwood 30,915 (46%) and Reed 26,112 (39%) - a difference of a mere 4,803 votes in a city as large at Atlanta.[5] Reed, who counts as fans the rapper Ludacris and much of Atlanta'''s civil rights power base, did capture much of the vote on the largely black Southwest side. Norwood, a former radio executive and neighborhood booster, made surprisingly deep inroads into the black community, and she is viewed by many as a gung-ho proponent of rich and poor neighborhoods alike.[7]
The '''black agenda''' memo turned out to be a coup for Ms. Norwood. Both Mr. Reed and Ms. Borders denounced the memo as racist and divisive, but never addressed its merits. In the meantime, Norwood stayed above the fray while making several moves to appeal to black votes: using the voices of people who are obviously black in her radio ads, setting her campaign office in the former office of Martin Luther King'''s old office building, and visiting closed fire stations in poor, black parts of the city.[31] In the beginning of the campaign, polls consistently showed Reed in third place behind Borders and frontrunner Norwood. In his election night speech, Reed said pundits underestimated his candidacy. "But what they didn't know is how much I love this city. What they didn't know is how many doors I would knock on for this city. What they didn't know is how many streets I would walk for this city. I'm ready to go for this city."[48]
The race also includes candidates Peter Brownlowe, Kyle Keyser and write-in candidates Tiffany Brown and Duke Lewis. Borders, Norwood, Reed and Spikes were invited based on how they're doing in the polls. Reed defended his plan to hire 750 police officers in his first term, although Borders and Spikes said it is not realistic.[14] Tuesday morning,' Reed had the most followers with 2,813,' Borders had 2,534 and' Norwood had 282. Throughout the morning Tuesday all three top candidates were sending messages to their supporters and followers, encouraging them to vote.[16] Conventional wisdom, based on race alone, says that Reed will gain almost all of Borders' votes and will move past Norwood easily on December 1.[34] With more than 80 percent of precincts reporting, we've got Norwood at 45 percent, Reed at 37 percent, Borders (who has conceded the race) at 14 percent.[40] In the top black precincts, Norwood ran as high as 28 percent. Prying those voters away from Norwood is likely to be one of Reed's top priorities in the coming days. Turnout in those black precincts was also down significantly ''' and that could be a killer five days after Thanksgiving.[27] Since whites are still a minority in the city, Norwood cannot afford to alienate black voters with appeals to whites. What about Reed?''He's not been the kind of legislator who resorted to racially-coded tactics, but the stakes are higher for him now. Perhaps Reed can prove that both he and the city are more mature than that.[41] Norwood is a surprise. She lives in the middle of "old money" Atlanta, in the city's Buckhead neighborhood, and despite that, she has more than a third of the city's black voters supporting her in the nonpartisan campaign.[9] Norwood has been described as a threat to black leadership in a controversial memo. She'''s also been characterized as a closet Republican by her opponents. Both charges have failed to derail her campaign in the majority-minority, heavily Democratic city. Norwood says it'''s a testament to the relationships she'''s cultivated over the past eight years during her tenure on the on the council. Norwood says she will continue serving constituents if elected mayor.[8] Norwood has also subtly '''racialized''' the campaign, using, for example, obviously black voices in radio ads, says Oglethorpe University Prof. Kendra King. '''By running this attack on Norwood as being a Republican who would set the city back, is speaking directly to the idea that this candidate may be a danger to the city and to black interests,''' says Michael Leo Owens, a political scientist at Emory University here.[7]
Atlanta City Council President candidate Clair Muller might owe Norwood a thank you card tomorrow morning, one political observer said.[40] Ceasar Mitchell is really close to the 50 percent mark in the Atlanta City Council President race against Clair Muller.[49] Caesar Mitchell won just shy of 50 percent (49.78 %, according to unofficial Fulton County resutls) of the vote for Atlanta City Council President.[30]
One democrat is as bad as another democrat, regardless of color or gender. If the people of Atlanta were smart and really wanted a great city to live in, they would vote in a republican mayor. (Like that'll happen.)[11] The AJC's Margaret Newkirk wrote a couple of weeks ago about how current Mayor Shirley Franklin's participation in an incendiary robo-call to Fulton County voters in which voices other than Franklin's warned that a vote for Republican candidates was a vote for returning the county to the pre-civil rights era greatly damaged the city's relationship with the GOP-dominated state legislature. I can't see how this sort of intervention, successful or not, will win the city any favors from what is sure to remain a Republican-controlled statehouse.[17]
After months of declining to endorse anyone, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin now says she will vote on Tuesday for former state lawmaker Kasim Reed to succeed her.[12] Even former mayor Andrew Young is encouraging black residents to unite behind Kasim Reed, one of Norwood's black opponents in the race.[9] Norwood, a white candidate will face second-place finisher Kasim Reed, a black candidate.[46]
Over the weekend, I had about a dozen Norwood signs taken from in front of rental properties I own in SW Atlanta. They were replaced by Kasim Reed signs in every instance.[4] Brant Sanderlin, bsanderlin@ajc.com Atlanta mayoral candidate Kasim Reed speaks to supporters.[50] Kasim Reed and his supporters have been awaiting the news of the election at the Hyatt Regency Downtown. He had some pretty impressive endorsements in former Mayor Andrew Young, the daughter of another former mayor, Maynard Jackson, Brooke Jackson-Edmond, Gwen Keys-Flemming, C.T. Martin and celebrities like Usher, Ludacans and Jazze Pha.[5]
Reed got the better deal, as the former State Senator is headed to a run-off with the Atlanta City Councilwoman. In his election night speech, Reed told supporters '''I do not fear.[25] Check there for news and analysis about races around the city, state and country. Galloway will be back in the morning -- he's busy with other election duties. Those ballots will be hand-counted. All other voters, for all other races, are using machines. City of Atlanta voters in DeKalb County will still use machines. (This information was corrected at 7:36 p.m.)[49]
Norwood's success among black voters has become the most important dynamic in the closing days of the contest to succeed second-term Mayor Shirley Franklin. In a poll Thursday of registered Atlanta voters conducted by local firm InsiderAdvantage, Norwood received 45% support overall. (A SurveyUSA poll showed her with 46%.)[2] Georgia Equality, the gay rights group, also backed her. Her middleness again did her in. Borders became the alleged beneficiary of the '''black mayor first''' memo ''' a document written by pair of Clark Atlanta University professors who suggested that because of her No. 2 standing in the polls, African-American voters should rally behind her.[19]
I've lived in Atlanta with white and black mayors, it makes no difference and it's a non-event. While dontlikeyou's hypocrisy is on full display (yeah, who was it that read and decided to comment on this first again? Oh yeah its the person who comments on EVERY race-based story here. ), change "liberals" to "the conservative mainstream media" and it has a point -- they care about race FAR more than most non-Faux viewers do.[37]
Many black voters decided that there was no real difference between the three candidates and stayed home. "conservatives" who have spent decades race-baiting Atlanta and black people in general are intent on making this a racial controversy. This from the same group of people that have never so much as nominated a black person for a significant office, not even Republicans like Hermain Cain and Dylan Glenn. Instead of voting for the true conservative businessman Cain, the Georgia GOP elected the pro-abortion RINO and career politician Isakson and then patted themselves on the back about what a big tent they are.[19] Look, the Georgia GOP built itself up over bashing Atlanta. It was never about corruption, because the GOP (and the Democratic Party that conservatives like Perdue switched over to the GOP from in the 80s and 90s) were notorious for corruption. It wasn't about incompetence, because hey this is Georgia we are talking about. It wasn't crime, because crime has always been a problem in Atlanta, and it is also a problem in Columbus, Macon, Savannah, Augusta, and even Albany. It was resentment against the middle and upper class blacks: professionals, business owners, etc. And that was how people like Newt Gingrich built the Republican Party up from five or six guys to taking over the legislature.[17]
The state Democratic Party has even gotten in on the act by mailing some overtly partisan, anti-Norwood fliers. Blog for Democracy, which is decidedly not a conservative site, calls this a bunch of rubbish. It details Norwood's primary ballot selection and suggests that the Democratic Party of Georgia would brand her a Democrat if she weren't running for Atlanta mayor.[17] I vote democrat more than republican, but it wouldn't bother me one bit if the mayor of atlanta was a registered republican. It actually wouldn't bother me if she was a member of any party. Political parties, whether they be Republican, Democrat, green, Libertarian, Communist, or whatever, are generally not concerned with local politics.[17] I'm pretty liberal, and I vote in both the Republican and Democrat primaries. Especially when the other party has a really good shot of winning. (Handel over Oxendine any day of the week, btw) They should lay off Norwood for exercising her rights.[13] Atlantans typically vote Democratic. Norwood said she has voted for each Democratic presidential nominee since 1996, but said she went to a Republican Party convention in 1999 and never went back because of the "distasteful party politics" she said she saw there. "We all know that I am not a Republican," she said.[14]
White Atlantans voted in a block for Norwood, while the African-American vote was necessary for Norwood's strong showing even with two strong candidates of race.[19] The showing and votes for Mary Norwood show that Blacks ARE willing to vote for a White candidateand did.[19] Because a huge percentage of black Atlantans voted for Mary Norwood. It is the same reason you see very few articles about the lack of white people in Iowa voting for Barack Obama and why you do not see articles about mutant space hamsters taking over Milledgeville.[19]
After I finish my sandwich I'm going to walk around some more and talk to some people." UPDATE: 9:35 p.m. This is what I'm hearing from Scott Henry, who was en route from Lisa Borders' party (at the W) to Mary Norwood's (at the Varsity): "Not a lot of people there, maybe 100, maybe 80.[40] Heck, look at where the election night parties were: Lisa was at the W the most exclusive people-wearing-black-turtlenecks kind of place you could find. I went to meet & greets where she was polished, but certainly NOT about the middle. Lisa Border lost this election because she didn't go for the middle while Mary Norwood did.[19]
I think Lisa Borders ran a great campaign! I was shocked that she only pulled in 14% of the vote. She had my vote and I think she would've made a great mayor for Atlanta.[26] Lisa Borders has dropped out of the race for Atlanta mayor, conceding that she is too far behind the front runners to make it to the runoff.[26] Lisa Borders concedes defeat in the Atlanta mayoral race. When the issue of race poked its inevitable nose into the Atlanta mayoral contest, Lisa Borders ''' without fanfare or elaboration ''' declared herself a woman in the middle.[19]
Norwood, Reed and Borders were the front-runners in the crowded field for much of the campaign and battled for weeks over public safety and open government, as the issue of race loomed over the contest.[28] Norwood sounded upbeat. "I am really focused on this city and our citizens and the issues that matter to our citizens," Norwood said. "So I have been totally focused on winning this campaign tonight or 27 days from now. This has been a totally unified, united campaign across the city and that's what I have wanted and that's what it is." Reed, whose momentum has swelled in recent weeks, told cheering supporters he was "ready to go for this city."[28] '''I am running for mayor to focus on the issues that our citizens care about. That is public safety, fiscal accountability, service delivery, and prosperity coming to all the city,''' Norwood said shortly before hugging a few more supporters, shaking a few more hands, and then heading out to the next campaign stop.[8]
While the candidates disavowed the memo ''' Ms. Borders, the city council president, notably said, '''The color of skin of our next mayor is not the issue''' ''' it still marked a turning point in the campaign.[7] There is nothing wrong with Cousins, nor Border's previous employment. It was the hypocrisy that turned off voters. The voters didn't buy her "throw the bums out" rhetoric, given she is one of the bums. Had Borders run on specific accomplishments achieved while City Council President, voters might have thought she had actually done something while in office. It seemed she was always giving an excuse for not being able to do something. As City Council President, shouldn't she have been in charge? Would Nancy Pelosi claim to have no control over Congress? Borders seemed to be claiming her own ineffectiveness, and voters noticed. She chose to highlight silly stuff, like "we need a Democrat" and "I was a crime victim," so voters realized she has been dead weight in her present position. Borders started out the frontrunner, but as voters listened to her and watched her, they came to the conclusion she had nothing to offer.[19] Border'''s loss also continued the string of losses for Atlanta city council presidents trying to reach higher.[19] The race for Atlanta's city council president also ended in a runoff between Ceasar Mitchell and Clair Muller.[42] Mary Norword simple doesn't have the leadership capabilities to run a city the size of Atlanta. She plays a game of waiting until the last minute before making decisions so she will be able to go with what is the most popular viewpoint or the safest political move. When has she ever taken a stand and made change happen herself? She holds a city council position and she hasn't even used it to introduce legislation the city needs. It's nice that she makes public appearances in neighborhoods, but she is not getting anything done as a city council member. I don't care how much she talks about how she has "tried", a real leader makes things happen and doesn't simply try.[4]
"I support candidates with vision, integrity and intelligence," Franklin wrote on the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's political blog. "Mary Norwood has none of these."[2] Norwood has promised an independent audit of all city finances. As she wrote on her website: "We do not know how much the city really has or how much money the city really owes." Franklin, who is facing term limits, has declined to endorse a candidate -- not even Reed, her former campaign manager. She has strenuously criticized Norwood, particularly Norwood's refusal to support a tax increase in June that ended furloughs for police and firefighters.[2] Thomas and Scott will continue partying. (Thomas just showed up at Kyle Keyser's gathering at Noni's.) You'll hear more from them soon, I'm sure. UPDATE 11:33 p.m. Kasim Reed tells the crowd gathered at the Hyatt that in the "darkest days" of his campaign, Andrew Young was there to help by assuring him, "If you're not sleeping, I don't want to sleep." Reed also says, "Several weeks ago, not many people thought we would be here with 37 percent, did they? I'm ready to go for this city.[40] I disagree with that definition, but that's just me. Great post, Mr. Galloway! One would have to question whether Ms. Borders' heart was actually in this race. The months Ms. Borders was out of the race were the death knell to her campaign. Those months were filled by Kasim Reed capturing a lot of the support Ms. Borders would've had for this race. This was too big a hurdle to overcome.[19] I don't think the AJC is necessarily unbalanced in its reporting, but why intentionally spin headlines? Another way to read these statistics are that Lisa Borders plus Kasim Reed combined have over 50% of the vote, making a non-runoff impossible at that level.[44] Third place contender Lisa Borders got 14 percent of the vote, with Jesse Spikes pulling in the single digits. Reed, in a speech that came late in the evening to a capacity crowd at the Hyatt Regency on Peachtree Street, took aim at the polls that have dogged him, putting him in third place until just a couple of weeks ago when he pulled ahead of Borders.[18]
No one else is above 3 percent. Still, according to our colleague Ernie Suggs at the W Hotel downtown, Borders channeled her best Yogi Berra declaring, '''It ain'''t over til its over,''' as polls started to come in showing her in 3rd place, behind Norwood and Reed. '''This has been a journey for my team and my supporters,''' Borders said.[47]
Pre-election polls indicated that about 30 percent of black voters intended to vote for Norwood.[7] Between 52 and 70 percent of white voters intended to vote for Norwood, depending on which poll is cited.[7]
Norwood said that the fight wasn't yet over. She sounded quite optimistic as she met with her supporters at the Varsity. If she gets 50% votes, there would be no need for a runoff. She still seems to be on pretty thin ground as of now, as the results haven't yet come from southwest Atlanta, which is Lisa's strongest vote base. Early results do show that the public are in her favor. [6] ATLANTA — The race for the next mayor of Atlanta is headed for a runoff after no candidate in a crowded field received a majority of the vote.[35] Campbell won with 53 percent of the vote. Atlanta's next mayor, Shirley Franklin, avoided runoffs in her two successful campaigns.[50]
The low turnout and indecisive result point in part to the fact that no superstar candidates were in the offing, unlike the case when 41 percent of the electorate ushered the city'''s first female black mayor, Shirley Franklin, into office eight years ago.[7] Days before the city too busy to hate would elect its first black mayor, incumbent Sam Massell placed a dramatic two-page ad in the Atlanta Constitution depicting a vacant downtown.[50]
A milestone came in August, when a memo penned by two Clark Atlanta University professors brought race into the campaign by pointing out the importance of keeping blacks in control of City Hall.[7] Race stands out where ever there is a large black population. A white person doesn't stand a change, but lets hope all those who are blind when it come to race, will vote for the best qualification person which means, not a smooth talker or looks, but ability to take the city in the right direction.[19] Most white citizens will not vote for a black candidate. They are not racist, but race does play a part in their decision. I do not believe any citizen is unwilling to vote for a candidate of a different race than their own.[19] Why do I not see comments about black citizens of Atlanta unwilling to vote for a white candidate.[19] You don't "see comments about black citizens of Atlanta unwilling to vote for a white candidate," because there obviously are many willing to vote for a white candidateeven if she's willing to lie about her being George W. Bush's undercover-Republican cousin.[19]
There were white voters who did not vote for either black candidate as well.[19]
Many younger African-American voters don'''t feel less allegiance to black candidates than did African-Americans who lived through the Civil Rights era, some experts say. '''There'''s no longer any such thing as incumbency advantage or shoo-in candidate in Atlanta,''' says Kendra King, a political science professor at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.[31] As long as city elections are non-partisan, the candidates and political parties need to avoid the partisanship. Editor'''s note: Given the impending Atlanta mayoral election, instant commenting has been closed for this post. Readers are invited to submit comments on this post, which will be published as soon as possible after review.[17] I think Atlanta needs a change just like the United States needs a change; so I think that we need to go up and up instead of down and down." "I watched some of the debates and it seemed like a couple of the other candidates might be competent, but they seemed very much like they were a part of the political machine."[29]
OK, so I'm reflecting on my above post, and I feel like I need to clarify something: I don't give a flying fark what the skin color of the mayor of Atlanta is, as long as the person does the best job he/she knows how to do. That said, the above remark is simply a tongue-in-cheek jab at those (and there were not a whole lot) who simply thought that the fact that the current president would be good for America based SOLELY on the fact that he was a black man.[37] There was the infamous memo, written by two Clark Atlanta professors, which declared an urgent need to keep a black person in the mayor's office. To their credit, the top candidates all disavowed it.[41]
ATLANTA'-- In the race to become the next mayor of Atlanta, candidates have taken their message to social media. Twitter and Facebook allow candidates to connect directly to their supporters. It's a chance to express ideas, and ask for support. Judging by the raw data, some of the candidates have been more aggressive in their recruitment of followers and supporters.[16] The GOP will never forgive or forget on that one. Just shows that she can be a petty person. I could support a Republican for Mayor of Atlanta but they'd have to find a moderate Republican in Georgia, a rare species. A Georgia Republican cannot admit to anything like moderation on social issues, tax policy, transit, etc. We only get Wingnuts like Westmoreland and Broun and they don't have a chance ITP.[17]
Norwood could struggle in a run-off against Mr. Reed, who has won the endorsement of several members of Atlanta'''s old civil rights guard as well as popular entertainers like the rapper Ludacris.[31] The city is at a crossroads - there are more new, chic restaurants and other "big city" businesses than ever but the booming nightlife Atlanta was once known for is in serious jeopardy. Norwood voted to curtail those hours from 3:30 a.m. for last call to the current 2:30 a.m. and some argue that the city's economy has suffered as a result.[34] City Council Post 2 At-Large: Aaron Watson, 43 percent; Amir Farokhi, 41 percent. UPDATE 10:23 p.m. With 48 percent (yes, I double-checked this time) of precincts reporting ''' Norwood: 46 percent.[40] UPDATE 10:29 p.m. In other city races (with 52 percent of precincts reporting) City Council Prez: Ceasar Mitchell, 48 percent; Clair Muller, 42 percent.[40]
City Hall gadfly Dave Walker has managed to pull nearly 10 percent of the votes counted thus far. That's surprising, considering that Walker's reported zero funds raised in this race. (CL's profiled Walker before. Here’s a video interview shot.) Where'd he get the support? It's worth considering that some of those are protest votes.[40]
Oh, and Giuliani didn't drastically reduce the size of the New York City workforce either. He only cut the departments that had the most black workers. The departments that had the most white workers, he actually expanded those AND increased spending on them. That was why he endorsed Mario Cuomo for governer he wanted more money from the state so he could keep buying the support of the Irish and Italian dominated unions with new jobs.[17] Atlanta! Atlanta! Atlanta! It seems that the city to busy to hate has made a way out of no way. As a 40ish former Atlantan I am convinced that what is limiting the city is an inability to get past these old sectarian ideas. The Blacks have there side and leadership, the Whites have their side and leadership, now the hispanics/Latinos have their side and leadership. Each is looking out for their own at the expense of the total community.[4] A white woman led the field in Atlanta mayoral race 2009 results, but she'll face a black opponent in a runoff.[7] I never thought I would live long enough to see a black President of the U.S. or another white mayor of Atlanta.[47] Deep in many black neighborhoods in Atlanta, there is still a great distrust of many white elected officials, and there's also the sense that black residents might be surrendering the mayor's office.[9]
"I think we need the best mayor," said Marla Jones, a black voter. "I don't think it makes a difference whether they're black or white."[9] White Republicans accusing black voters of being racist need to take a look in the mirror.[19]
A look at the top black and white precincts in fact shows a serious racial split. In those five top white precincts, Reed never topped 7 percent.[27] State Sen. Kasim Reed, who is black, is in second place with 38 percent with 100 percent of precincts reporting and with early voting totals.[35]
With no line, he was in and out in eight minutes. Before he arrived, poll workers said 140 people had voted at that site. Reed told reporters that he was happy to have the endorsements of Mayor Shirley Franklin and former Mayor and UN Ambassador Andrew Young, but "I'm going to need 50,000 more votes." He said he expects there will be lower turnout -- about 37 percent - than the 2001 election, which had a 41 percent turnout.[49] Loaf's endorsement of Reed is looking good. I don't recall all their endorsements down the line, but Brackman lost big to Bond. The only people who have a problem with Reed are the ones who haven't looked at him or what Atlanta needs in a candidate.[40]
Reed insisted Norwood's past votes in GOP primaries tell a different story about the candidate. "I believe it shows a pattern of Ms. Norwood misleading the voters," he said.[14] With all the votes counted early Wednesday, Norwood led with 46 percent of the vote; Reed garnered 36 percent.[36] With 76 percent of precincts reporting, Mrs. Norwood led with 46 percent of the vote. She needed more than 50 percent to avoid a runoff in December.[32] A runoff seemed virtually guaranteed ''' but Keisha Lance Bottoms currently leads the pack of nine with little over 50 percent of the vote. District 12: It appears Joyce Sheperd has a solid lead, with 57 percent of votes. 85 percent of precincts reporting. UPDATE 10:47 p.m. It's now up to 60 percent of precincts reporting, folks ''' Norwood: 45 percent.[40]
With six candidates in Tuesday'''s election, a runoff is likely, which could be problematic for Norwood. Her polling numbers have surged close to 50 percent in recent days, putting an outright win within her grasp.[31]
Never mind the fact that Norwood happens to not be a Republican. She says she attended a Republican convention years ago and didn't like it. Then she names every recent Democratic presidential candidate that she has voted for.[51] Sorry Bill, but Norwood isn't a republican, she's an independent and horror of horrors, voted for Obama! Go check out her website. She came out as his supporter early during the presidential election. I hope she wins, and I'm a democrat.[43] Bill is a bit confused because Mary Norwood is not a Republican and did in fact vote for Obama.[43] For Jane Kidd to explicitly proclaim that, '''As far as we are concerned, Mary Norwood'''s a Republican,''' grossly misrepresents a position '''or the lack thereof''' of the state Democratic Party.[17] State Democratic Party officials have sent several glossy fliers to voters in recent weeks accusing Norwood, who has described herself as a political independent, of being a Republican.[14]
The shocker of the evening came in New York's 23rd congressional district, where voters defied the pollster predictions by electing Democrat Bill Owens over conservative movement favorite Doug Hoffman. That could turn out to be the most important victory of the night for Republicans. It injects life back into what remains of the GOP's moderate wing, and it forces the conservative movement to swallow a little humble pie and possibly reconsider their self-destructive, smaller-is-better strategy. In recent weeks, the conservatives have touted the race as a referendum on Obama and the Republican Party's future; instead, it turned into a referendum about themselves and their tactics, and the voters' verdict on those matters was pretty clear.[38] The "Conservative" didn't have ANY party support from a local level, which is how you win elections. It was local party officials who anointed the "Republican" in the first place. At that, the "Conservative" got just a few thousand less votes than the Democrat did.[38] The "Republican" got about 6% of the vote. The "Republican" hand-picked candidate was so bad and so far from being one, that party representatives split from her weeks before the election.[38] Given the performance of the two parties, one can hardly see affiliation with EITHER party as a badge of honor. What a tragedy for america that americans allowed their two parties to morph into basically just one party that now has passed such horrible ballot access laws that we have no hope of ever being saved from this two headed monster by a savior like the libertarian party or constitution party. Just like every election, the typical party approach is not to focus on the great platform of their candidate (since there isn't one) but rather to say "vote for us we're not them".[17]
With 129 out of 165 precincts reporting, as of 11:15PM on election day, I saw the count of votes for the top three candidates was about 40,000 votes. HUH?! WHAT?! Could this be the lowest percentage of votes cast by registered votes in the history of this fine city? I was brought up to believe that if you did not vote, you gave up your right to complain about whatever those in office do once they have been elected.[39]
There was an expected low turnout of about 35% according to Barry Garner - based on an average of the past three city elections. It will be interesting to see who will receive Ms. Border's supporters. We will be seeing a whole lot more of these two in the next few weeks, as they empty their coffers and bring out the big guns in their last chance at City Hall in Atlanta.[5] Political observers say the race will continue to polarize voters along racial lines in the weeks before an anticipated Dec. 1 runoff. Borders thanked supporters at her Election Night headquarters downtown.[28] Cesar Mitchell ends up with 49.95% of the vote after taking out the write-ins,.05% short forcing a runoff thanks dave walker (who I voted for, but I never thought it would matter). Could Borders have run a worse campaign? With luck, her office and campaign staff will become personae non gratae in future elections.[40] I've done it several times, especially when there is some particularly loathesome candidate to vote against. No one is required to vote in the general election for the nominee of the party in whose primary they voted.[13] To Bill: Why are white citizens NOT called racists when they are unwilling to not vote for a black candidate??? Whites have always voted for whites.[19] Far more blacks have voted for Republicans than white Republicans have voted for black candidates.[19]
Anyone with a bit of knowledge about Atlanta politics would know that African-Americans have always voted for white candidates more than the reverse.[19]
'''In the non-partisan mayoral election in Atlanta, voters will choose between six candidates.[3] I can see the same problems in Atlanta if the voters are not willing to put color aside and vote for the best candidate.[19]
As a Black person, I can tell you that I cast my vote for mayor SOLELY based on that candidate's positions on key issues.[19] Many Black citizens did vote for Mary Norwood which is why she received so many votes.[19] Mary Norwood has a LARGE percentage of the Black Community support. She has been in the community, working for several years.[39] Galloway, your crusade to ruin Norwood re-enforces our convictions to support and vote for Mary Norwood.[22]
I hope Mary Norwood will be our new Mayor. We need a mayor that has concentrated her career on COMMUNITY and neighborhoods.[39] When Mayor Franklin announced that Mary Norwood was unqualified (I am pretty sure the voters get to decide that), I thought that was unfair and unnecessary.[22] "Katherine Turner Carter- and I'm 90. I voted Mary Norwood for mayor, because her track record speaks for itself."[30]
It's on now with Mary Norwood! Mary will do this and we will finally have the change this city desperately needs. Link[26]
Reed accused Norwood of attempting to weaken the city's ethics guidelines by voting in 2006 in favor of allowing council members to receive gifts.[14] Norwood's significant black support is largely older and female. Reed, on the other hand, is more Obama-esque in his appeal to young voters, especially African Americans.[34] Atlanta's escalating crime may play out with most voters but nightlife is at the heart of the appeal for many younger voters who support Reed.[34]
In many black areas away from Reed's stronghold in southwest Atlanta, voter turnout was extremely low.[20]
A week before the election, rapper Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, along with others hosted a fundraiser at Bridges' Asian restaurant Straits. Basketball player Shaquille O'N eal didn't show up but contributed $2500 to Reed's campaign while Sean "Diddy" Combs, who attended Howard University when Reed was also a student there, sent tweets urging his Atlanta base to head to the polls.[34] I think it is funny she had the GOP backing with tools and money and she could not pull it off (norwood). I cannot tell you how many robo call I've gotten from her over the last couple of years. She even used Atlanta fire trucks cruising Buckhead with her campaign signs plastered all over them.[26] Ms. Norwood was born in 1952 in Augusta to Bill Bush, a brick manufacturer, and Frenchie Battey Bush, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is the oldest of six children. She spent two years at Sweet Briar College in Virginia, then transferred to Emory University, where she graduated in 1974 with a degree in history. She has been married for 25 years to Felton Norwood, a pediatrician for Piedmont Hospital. We're working to restore access to this feature as quickly as possible.[33]
Kyle you lost all credibility re Atlanta politics the moment you said Norwood should be elected Mayor. Have you MET this woman? Spent any time with her? Seriously? She is a nut and unintelligent.[17] Glenn got fired from the city. Aside from his hot minute in the spotlight in the Atlanta Mayor's race, how does his "endorsement" (whether bought or free) mean anything? Please.[22] Dubbed the Motown of the South by many, Atlanta's music industry has kept it constantly in the spotlight. With platinum and Grammy-winning artists such as Usher and India.Arie as well as emerging newcomers like Keri Hilson claiming Atlanta as their home base, Atlanta attracts many aspiring entertainers, not to mention awards shows like the recently revamped Soul Train Awards. With an older mayor, will Atlanta be a less attractive site for such modern day dreams? Or will Atlanta be better served with a young man with ties to Washington DC? These are the questions being overshadowed by the media's attention to race.[34]
We have nearly half of all the votes counted in the race for Atlanta mayor and the trend is solidifying: it's a two-person race.[47] Election Day is Tuesday, and the Atlanta mayor's race has become one of the most watched contests in the nation.[14] I am shocked that the ajc has chosen to sit out what may very well be the most important election in Atlanta over the last 40 odd years. Why? The AJC has refused to cover with their own reporters the corruption trial of the Mayor of Birmingham, despite the obvious similarities to the Atlanta water and sewer situation, instead downplaying Associated Press articles concerning the trial on the back pages. Why? What is the ajc afraid of that they refuse to do their self identified job of keeping government honest? We already have one recent two term Mayor of Atlanta on parole from Federal prison for corruption, a Mayor who tried to get Atlanta into the same mess as Birmingham with Sewer and Water bonds, and the corruption of kickbacks and bribes among his cronies.[17] You mean there was an election in ATLANTA? I hope Bobby Cox got voted out. The GOP got us into this? You mean we had no problems before Bush? If anyone thinks Bush is the reason for our huge deficit then he would have to be about twelve years old and is the personification of why public schools are such failures. These geniuses always rant about Bush but can't give you one policy of his that caused their concern.[43]
"What we're seeing are African-American voters who, in the past, have voted for the so-called machine, and not prospered in recent years under that machine," said Matt Towery of Insider Advantage. "And now they're willing to say, 'Let's look at another candidate,' and race really is not the number one issue for them."[9] There's a lull in activity as Norwood supporters watch votes continue to line up in the councilwoman's favor. She's expected to return at 10:45. While we wait, it's worth taking a look at the other races.[40] By running ads depicting Norwood as a Republican in disguise, Reed has already used coded references to race.[7] In the early-reporting precincts from the northside, Norwood was polling higher and Reed lower, but as the southside vote counts came in, Norwood dropped two points and Reed gained about four.[18] Reed will be giving one of two possible performances tonight either give a concession speech if Norwood makes it over 50% (not likely), or rally the troops to get the vote out for a runoff.[23] UPDATE 11:15 p.m. Text message from Thomas Wheatley: "Norwood announces she anticipates a runoff." UPDATE 11:11 p.m. Via Scott Henry, as he leaves the Varsity (Norwood's party) for the Hyatt Regency (Reed's shindig): "I just had to get a few pictures of Eldrin Bell and his wife in the Varsity. He's dressed to the nines.[40]
What posture will Reed, Norwood, Borders and Spikes take after the election? Former Atlantans, the nation and world will be watching.[4] I fail to understand the rationale for pointing out specific donations to Norwood while only providing links for Reed and Borders. Let me guess: because she's the front-runner? Poor justification, Mr. Galloway.[22] Borders, Norwood, and Reed were seen as the front runners from the beginning.[5]
Any voter with half a brain had to realize it was Borders who was trying to lie about Norwood. Any voter with a pulse knew Borders was thick as thieves with her former employer, the developer, who is a huge Republican donor.[19] Borders came across as a woman who wanted the title, but had nothing to offer as far as the job was concerned. Her loss had nothing to do with "middleness" and everything to do with voters not wanting her as Mayor. Her attack on Norwood in the debate was typical.[19]
You know it, I know it. Norwood has served this City for 8 Years and we should all thank her for that but she would get ripped to shreds in the Mayor's office. She Ain't ready for the wolves we are about to face next year with the General Assembly.[18] In a majority-black city that hasn't had a white mayor in 36 years, a Caucasian city councilwoman from a tony neighborhood has a commanding lead in the polls.[37] Former Mayor Jackson, a Campbell supporter, characterized white Republicans backing Arrington as "Lester Maddox types" and warned that an Arrington victory would hinder the city's racial progress.[50] About 370 of the 1,400 voters have cast ballots. "It's been slow and steady," poll manger Ron Goss said. She spoke to about a dozen people near the voting site, accompanied by her blue-clad supporters. "You have a city that has not been as respectful of the residents" as it should be, she said. On those who say she's a Republican: "Everybody in the city knows I'm not a Republican."[49]
Since when did it become bad for someone to be a republican? Lisa Borders summed it up best. She said '''It goes to truthfulness and transparency,''' she said. '''The question of whether she'''s a Republican or Demcorat doesn'''t matter to me, but I think it matters in this race that people be truthful about who they are.'''[22] Lisa Borders tweeted earlier that election results are set to come in first from Buckhead, then Midtown, and finally South Atlanta.[40] Lisa Borders needs to scrap her election team and start from scratch next time.Her close working relationship with mayor Shirley Franklin did not help her chances at all.[26]
You can examine the final disclosure reports by Kasim Reed and Lisa Borders here and here.[22] Why hasn't anyone mentioned that Glenn Thomas did not come up on Mary's disclosure??? It just kills me to see Lisa Borders make up false stories to dafame people.[22]
Having despatched Lisa to a well-deserved retirement, I shall retire this moniker. It's impressive that Atlantans saw through the corporate developer support for Lisa. Committee for a Better Atlanta got their head handed to them. They have reached the limit on higher taxes for reduced services while they fritter away the revenue stream on developer boondoggles like the Beltline. Wary of Mary will take up his keyboard shortly.[40] Mary Bush Norwood grew up in Augusta before leaving for college and eventually Atlanta.[33] The Atlanta Taxicab Industry gave Norwood $2000 while the same group and the Atlanta Taxicab Drivers gave Borders a combined total of $3000. (United Express Cab gave an additional $500.)[22] I am saddened by the lost for Ms. Borders. As a fellow resident of Atlanta I knew she had the credentials that we needed to help not just handle the financial issues of the city, but effectively manage and grow our beloved city in a successful way.[19] You'll see most of the press concentrate on race issues, but we know Atlanta is a city where race rarely interferes with the progression of the common good.[21]
"I think it has been very interesting and it could very well be a watershed moment in the history of Atlanta, because we have a lot of issues here that need to be addressed," said resident Barbara Ramos, who is white.[9] Submitted by Davids mom on Wed, 11/04/2009 - 12:37am. There was a 'white' representative of the Watt's community in Los Angeles for decades. (Kenny Hahn) I guess Atlanta 'may' elect a person who they think will listen to their needs and respond to their concerns - regardless of color.[51]
Some people (both white and black) do still cling to it, but I think more and more people today don't. Barack Obama would not be president today if white people didn't also vote for him.[19] "I'd like to hear a little more about the color green than about the color black or white," said voter Mike Wright, a white resident. "You're having a lot of people say, 'Hey, I like what I'm seeing here, this is not politics as usual, this is a good change," said John Wright of the Buckhead Business Association.[9] Show me the facts on white citizens voting for a black candidate also. I would really like to see those facts.[19] Blacks have always had to vote for a white candidate throughout history regardless of the competence of that candidate. Voting for a black just because they are black is wrong but not voting for a more competent, educated person of color is just as wrong.[19] Look, study after study has proven that blacks are much more willing to vote for whites than whites are willing to vote for blacks.[19] If it not about race, why do blacks keep bring it up. Blacks vote for blacks regardless of their background or qualification. Thinking that they will look after their own, which is mostly false.[19]
The ever-present issues of race, gender and class -- which showed up throughout the campaign -- likely will be amplified in coming weeks as the contest settles into one between a white woman and black man.[20] On the issue of race in the campaign: "Dr. King said we should be judged by who we are, not what we look like.[49]
'''There'''s no money to do big, grand and bold,''' says Michael Leo Owens, a political scientist at Emory University. '''Norwood has tied her candidacy to economic worries where people are looking up and down the federalist ladder and having nightmares about what their future taxes are going to look like.[31] Norwood is an unproven quantity who is only relevant because a large number of people would prefer to see some sort of racial "change" in the city. These folks are missing the point. Do you want "change" or competent, professional leadership? Norwood is in over her head, seems clueless, and I'm doubtful of her honesty in light of her ambivalence in regard to her political leanings.[39] Unfortunately, there'''s some level of corruption in the black power structure'''it'''s the reality.''' Thomas is voting for Norwood because of what she has done, not as an indictment of the Maynard Jackson political machine that has run the city for decades.[8]
Once Rudy Giulliani took over, all was cleaned up. Now Bloomberg is on his way to a 3rd term (another Republican). Norwood can clean up this city and I hope she gets that chance.[13] Norwood a republican? REALLY???? Is that why she came out with an add praising the work of Obama? Guess that means that republicans truly have to disown themselves to win? We truly appreciate the opinions of individuals like Bill White on our board who so eloquently demonstrate the intelligence of a republican.[43] Close Norwood. It might have been ill advised to run a TV Add denouncing the Republican party a day before the conservatives have a record day across the country.[18] I had a good laugh this morning. This is an ad being run by the RNC in New York State (re: the 23rd district), where the Conservative candidate is being embraced by the Republican party.[17] Wooten (and conservatives across the country) has deliberately targeted state supreme court races '''''including Georgia's non-partisan judicial elections '''''so that activist Republican judges are placed on the bench instead of activist Democrat judges.[17] New York's odd little race, where the Republican dropped out and endorsed the democrat, yep, all the weirdo things required for a weirdo democrat who campaigned as a tax cutter and against government spending, still was a 4 percentage point swing in favor of the Conservatives.[38]
The Republicans might crow about the governors' races, but the NY-23 contest is the most relevant. It proves the teabaggers have split the party. If they run candidates in 2010, Democrats are sure to gain seats.[38] The "Republican" agreed on only ONE major issues that the national party espouses, and that was being against Cap and Trade. All other views she had were right in line with the Democrat party line.[38] Guess that throws the whole idea of moving the party to the left to capture more people into question, eh? We should be moving RIGHT to get more heads. '''One reason for this is that while Republican voters overwhelmingly consider themselves conservative, only 56% of conservative voters consider themselves to be Republicans.[38]
Yeah right. As if Republicans like Mitch Skandalakis, Newt Gingrich, Bob Barr, Matt Glavin (remember him?) and the Cobb County commissioners who refused to let an Olympic team from Africa train there ever cared about their relationship with Atlanta. Like the GOPers who have spent decades trying to take over MARTA and the airport, trying to convince the Braves and Falcons (BUT NOT THE HAWKS!) to move to Gwinnett County, denying funding for Atlanta projects etc. ever cared about their relationship with Atlanta.[17] Maybe Bloomberg will move to Atlanta and run. I'm sure the State GOP would get the bloody flux at the notion of Bloomberg using the word "Republican" but he'd certainly fit into a truly non-partisan race.[17] Atlanta polls close in one hour. It sorts races into categories: Atlanta, major metro area races, state Senate, state House and counties.[49] Around the state some House and one Senate race were decided last night, others are in runoffs. On the coast, former State Representative Buddy Carter won the senate seat left vacant by Eric Johnson, who left to focus on his gubernatorial campaign.[42]
Can anyone imagine a more poorly run race by someone who could easily have been the next mayor of Atlanta? Her office and campaign staff have been the most inept folks imaginable.[26] WABE's Charles Edwards reports. Standing before hundreds of his supporters, Reed thanked them and his family. He also expressed great gratitude towards former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and the family of late Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson for their endorsements.[48] ATLANTA, GA (WABE) - A December 1st runoff is necessary to choose Atlanta's next mayor, as no candidate won a majority.[30] Atlanta still does not know who their new mayor will be until a runoff to be held on December 1, 2009.[5] Hmmmm, wonder what the message is from those last minute ads for Atlanta mayor? They've played for the last week or so and all during the news tonight.[51]
Jackson was the first black mayor of Atlanta and served three terms in that office.[8] I remember when Mayor Franklin won a second term and one of the "headlines" in the AJC read along the lines, Will Shirley Franklin be Atlanta's Last Black Mayor.[19]
'''The black political elite don'''t want to be associated with ''' running to keep a white mayor out.[7] I totally agree with you BILL some blacks complain about discrimination, but whites also face discrimination from blacks. Political affiliation and color had no business in this election.[19]
I have become lost in parts of the city that had shot gun row houses that reflected poverty with the intensity of the golden dome. I have watched 2nd generation suburban Blacks not participate in the voting process many of their Grand parents would have died for. I have watched a me generation of Whites begin to buy into their great grandparents idea that seperate / elite communities are a part of the American dream.[4] '''I have never had the luxury of being black or white. I have always been part of the entire city,''' she said in late August. It was a remarkable admission, little remarked upon, for the woman once presumed to be the natural successor to Shirley Franklin ''' the perfect fit for a city whose demographics have begun to resemble the chocolate-and-vanilla swirl of Jello pudding.[19] Many blacks have fled the city'''s aging neighborhoods, and white families are moving in, attracted by historic housing stock and closer proximity to jobs.[31] The ultimate choice between a black man and a white woman seems to have cooled voters''' ardor in a city where a white influx in the past decade has changed the racial dynamics of the majority-black Southern metropolis.[7]
The voting followed racial lines, with Young receiving 55 percent, a figure representing the city's proportion of black voters.[50] Across the city, black voters appear ready for a change.[9] Just do what you say you're going to do," said voter Barbara Boyd, a black city resident.[9]
My team will be updating throughout the day while I visit Atlanta voters throughout the city."[49] The city's voters could choose a new mayor and make history despite an expected low voter turnout.[1] Now with a runoff, maybe 20-30,000 voters will determine the mayor of a city of over 500,000.[19]
One numerologist we know pointed out that vote totals for mayor (all candidates combined) came to 72,012. That is about 9,000 less than 2001 (81,047 votes), the last time the mayor'''s office had some serious competition. This latest contest suffered from serious voter apathy.[27] '''Now the two candidates have roughly a month to fight for every voter among an electorate that seems to be exhausted and mistrustful,''' writes the Atlanta Journal-Constitution'''s Cameron McWhirter.[7] Unfortunatley the voter turn-out in Atlanta was extremely low this election.[47] The voters who put our current president in office (everyone knows the Pelosi Democrats are running things Obama is just a sock puppet teleprompter reader). Those who voted for Obama are sitting at home thinking local, regional, and state elections (see: Virginia governorship) are not important. Many Obama voters I know aren't even keeping up with politics these days other than the ubiquitous headline grabbing health care issue. Other than that, they have no clue what's going on.[44] The seat is still going away in 2010 because liberal blue states are losing residents to conservative red states at an alarming rate. Bottom-line, USinUK, since you have a need to look for SOME sunshine this morning after an electoral beat down last night, crow about the 49% win for a moderate Democrat in a split election.[38]
The state Democratic committee has not taken a position on the nonpartisan Atlanta mayoral election.[17] An Augusta native is a front runner in today's Atlanta mayoral election, political observers say.[33] Editor's note: Given the impending Atlanta mayoral election, instant commenting has been closed on the Political Insider blog.[4]
The 2009 Atlanta mayoral race has redefined expectations and perceptions about politics in minority-majority cities, regardless of the outcome. '''This is not 1979, this is 2009,''' says Mr. Hutchinson. '''Instead of color, African-Americans are looking at: Are honest on a personal and political level? Can they move political and economic interests to create a good employment base? Are they accountable and responsive to the African-American community? If those elements are there, they'''re going to trump race."[31] Atlanta's mayoral race is about a generational tug-of-war between what Atlanta is and what some would like it to become. That direction will hopefully be decided on December 1.[34] Atlanta, Nov. 4, (THAINDIAN NEWS) The mayoral race of Atlanta has ended in much the same way as that in Houston, without any clear majority.[6] The mayoral races in Atlanta and Houston today could both result in landmark decisions.[9] Reporter and anchor Don Lemon is preparing a segment on Atlanta's mayoral race for The Situtation Room, which will air later Monday, Feist said.[15]
Atlanta has a history of'' bloody runoffs, with race often playing a significant role.[50] Look it up, so the AJC benefits from the "race angle". BTW, for this race to enter a runoff demostrates that all of the candidates had support across racial lines.[19] In case you are wondering, I honestly take no offense ''' although I do wonder now if I was '''the least radical candidate.''' A political friend of mine once described the closing weekend of a campaign as the Silly Season, when candidates stretched to the end of their ropes say and do things they would not ordinarily think of doing. He liked to say that no candidate in the closing days of a hard fought race should be allowed to drive heavy machinery or use a credit card.[13] Pat yourself on the back! You're the only person that I know who has concluded that racism is beyond the ability of blacks. Bottom line: in a democracy, people have the right to choose their political candidates according to their own personal prerogatives, and choosing a candidate of similar background isn't necessarily racist.[19] I don't think the majority of blacks however vote based on color considering that the country very seldom allows any minority to compete equally in the political arena.[19]
I believe a lot of people are coming out to vote and we have a tremendous amount of support." If she wins today, Norwood said she would hit the ground running, working on the transition.[49] With 11 percent of precincts reporting, here's what Fulton County's vote-o-meter is spouting ''' Norwood: 44 percent; Reed: 39 percent; Borders: 13 percent.[40] UPDATE 10:03 p.m. With 48 30 percent (oops) of precincts now reporting ''' Norwood: 47 percent.[40]
Borders: 14 percent. Could the magic be ever-so-slightly slipping away from Norwood? Well even if she can't avoid a runoff, it's been an impressive showing. Who knows? She could still pull it off.[40] Norwood, according to polls, is close to the fifty percent mark needed to avoid a run-off.[3]
While violent crime is down overall in the city, a few high profile murders and a rise in property crimes means residents are agitated. Norwood has built her campaign around the recession, focusing on mismanaged city finances and how foreclosures are blighting the city.[31] At first I thought all of the "Kasim is a thug" comments were based on racism and colorism. As his campaign gets more desperate, it's become clear that Kasim and his supporters see themselves as a gang that can terrorize and intimidate their foes. We don't need this type of "leadership" in City Hall.[4] '''I don'''t know what she'''s going to do different then anyone else, and it'''s not that I'''m racist,''' Massey continues. He says he is '''tired''' of the city'''s black leadership "not delivering on promises." and that a wholesale change is needed. '''It is a feeling in this city during this election,''' says Eric Thomas, pastor of St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church. Thomas, who heads the black congregation, says his neighborhood '''has been so dispossessed for so long, that we just want to get basic services.[8]
Throughout the summer, Borders rode No. 2 in the polls, frustrating Reed. She won the endorsement of the city'''s police union.[19] Borders argued Reed's plan is not possible because the city's police academy can train no more than 175 officers a year.[14] City officials say it will cost at least $64 million to hire and train that many officers. Reed has said he'll use some of the money from this year's $55 million property tax increase to pay for more police and collect about $20 million a year in fines and fees he says the city is leaving on the table.[14]
Reed is the only mayoral candidate thus far who has reported last-minute money collected: $1,000 from the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 732; and $1,000 from attorney Daniel Turner. Over four years, MARTA ''' like dozens of other U.S. transit authorities ''' engaged in 19 lend-lease agreements involving its rolling stock. These aggressive tax shelters have long been under IRS scrutiny.[22] Kasim Reed is a great candidate. He has Maynard Jackson's daughter supporting himbut unfortunately whomever she has endorsed politically in the past, always loses.[39] Please, someone, tell us something about Kasim Reed that's good and true. P.S. This is the problem with Diebold voting and no paper trail.[19]
Norwood's campaign aides are saying the results are all over the place. They are under-performing against expectations in some areas, over-performing in others. Still a long way to go, but Norwood is inching close to outright victory and Reed is her nearest competitor. [44] Every community is appreciated. Every community contributes to this town. That has been our campaign. That will continue to be our campaign,''' Norwood told supporters.[25] Bill WAS an idiot not to know Norwood's political affiliation at this point in the process, but I can't help but notice that it is all apparently DEMOCRATIC supporters who are falling over themselves damnng him to hell and calling him everything but a child of God.[43]
Curtis Compton, ccompton@ajc.com Mary Norwood gives the thumbs up and says she anticipates a run off and will hit the ground running.[50] Mary Norwood will be raked over the coals for being good. She will have a uphill battle. She will be called a racist in everyway known to man and the AJC will print it.[19]
The mayor has also been critical of Norwood for not voting in June with the majority of the council in favor of raising taxes, which Franklin said was necessary to end furloughs on police officers. [12] There is one source that says the last Republican mayor in Atlanta was the famous Nedom Angier from 1877-1879, although someone since then probably was and just not listed.[51] Uhhh, pardon me but every single Atlanta mayor since 1942 has been a Democrat.[51]
Like the GOP congressman who tried to shut down Georgia's black colleges cares about having a good relationship with Atlanta.[17] The guy who Perdue beat, Bob Irvin, was cut from the same Rudy Giuliani/Frank Rizzo cloth. Enough with the "it's a nonpartisan election!" nonsense. Georgia GOPers spent TONS of money backing their candidates in the nonpartisan Supreme Court races, and Jim Wooten supported it 100%, remember? Or have you forgotten how hard the Georgia GOP tried to get Leah Ward Sears off the bench? Granted, I supported the effort to get Sears removed, but it shows how hypocritical stuff like this is.[17] The notion that everyone just blindly votes in elections based on race I frankly find offensive and I really wish the race card would stop being used as an excuse.[19]
"OK mam it was explained a few weeks ago that you were not going to win and you still pressed on not only did you lose but you took votes that would have clearly gone to Reed. Perhaps she tired of having things'splained to her by Philly transplants, resolved that it was a free country, and made a commitment to see the race through to whatever conclusion would be reached.[26] For the 58th district, Bell lost winning the top spot to Michael McPherson by 155 votes. That race, too, will be on the ballot for the Dec. 1st runoff.[30] "I have prepared my entire life for today." She was wearing olive green cargo pants, green clogs from Target and a bracelet with green beads made by women in developing countries, she said. She said the choice of color was deliberate. When a reporter asked her about the role of race in a runoff, she said, "The most important color in this city is green. we are in an economic crisis today."[49] On the ballot are races for city council, board of education and municipal court judges.[1] College Park is notorious for races being won by a handfull of votes. It is too close now to call, so we'll have to follow-up in the morning. Douglasville incumbant Dennis McLain maintained his council status after being challenged by new-comer Richard Segal who showed a surprising fight.[21]
Voters who said the economy was important favored Corzine, while voters who said taxes mattered most supported Christie. In all, 38 percent of Corzine voters said their vote for the incumbent was to express support for Obama, while 59 percent said Obama was not a factor. Among Christie backers, 39 percent said their vote for governor was to oppose the president.[38] In 2001, when Shirley Franklin first ran for mayor, 41 percent of registered voters cast ballots.[20] Current Mayor Shirley Franklin, the city's first female mayor, was barred from seeking a third term.[35] Current Mayor Shirley Franklin, the city's first female in the office, was barred from seeking a third term. Associated Press writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. contributed to this report.[28]
I wonder if the new mayor will tighten things up in an effort to raise city revenue, or if the new mayor will loosen things up in an effort to help Atlantans work and provide for themselves.[37] Ethics, an issue that has been discussed frequently in recent weeks, came up during the debate. Spikes reiterated his stance that he would not exclude McKenna, Long & Aldridge from bidding on city contracts, saying he won't play favorites as mayor.[14]
I say the same for Mr. Reed. Neither have a real prior record where they have helped change in either the city or state levels.[19] Reed also got $2000 from Airtran. Both Reed and Borders also received an interesting number of contributions from companies and individuals both out of town and out of state.[22] Reed and Borders have been the most active Tweeters throughout the morning. Reed has retweeted several messages from local celebrities like P. Diddy and Ludacris who have endorsed his candidacy.[16] The headline could read, "Reed & Borders Flirt with Runoff." The numbers as they stood at the time of the headline would require a runoff.[44] Why is that? Did voters see no real difference between the candidates? Are people not really interested in local politics? Now we'll need to wait and see who Borders will endorse, and if turnout improve or suffer in the runoff.[19] Did it ever occur to the AJC that maybe Borders is to blame for her loss? Reading this puff piece, you would think she was the perfect candidate who was just too good for the voters. That was hardly the case.[19] I'd be interesting to see the candidate that Border voters choose in November.[47]
In all, six candidates are vying for the position, and most political experts believe a runoff is likely due to expected low voter turnout.[33] Are Atlanta voters ready for a runoff? There are about 258 thousand registered voters in Atlanta.[48]
"Editor'''s note: Given the impending Atlanta mayoral election, instant commenting has been closed for this post."[17] As is the usual leftist tactic, notice how issues are not part of the campaign, but personal attacks that have nothing to do with the elect is. We wonder why Atlanta is in such deep fiscal trouble.[17] Owens defeated Hoffman despite a 45,000-voter registration edge for Republicans and big-name endorsements for Hoffman from former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, former Republican Sen. Fred Thompson and others. Hoffman had rallied an unexpected level of support in the final days of the campaign, ultimately forcing Scozzafava to quit when he surged past her in the polls.[38] U Stink- A real Republican does not vote for Obozo, mmm, mmmm, mmmmm, the most liberal U.S. senator, a person to the left of Barbara Boxer. They do not nominate pro abortion, pro gay marriage, pro stimulus, pro high taxes, pro weak national defense, etc. etc candidates to run for the House of Representatives.[38] I'll vote for a right-of-center white candidate than for a leftist african-american anytime.[37] Neither candidate was close to having 50 percent of the vote. Results. ""I am very happy," she said. "I do feel it's sort of an endorsement of what we've done so far and we will continue on this path."[49]
To the credit of all the candidates, the mayor's race hasn't sunk, so far, into blatant racial appeals. [41] There were 'whites' who supported a 'black' mayor in Los Angeles for decades.[51] You can call a black citizen racist for not voting for a white candidate. Most have a greater natural comfort level with a black candidate as most of their white counterparts would with a white candidate.[19] Towery said the recession has put more black and white voters on the same page.[9] The poorest black neighborhoods on the West and Southwest sides saw dismal turnout, with one precinct receiving only 5 percent of eligible voters.[7] With just a 24 percent turn-out, voter participation was very low but enough for Reed to force a draw.[34]
Our AJC colleague Steve Visser is at the downtown Hyatt Regency where Reed's party is going on apparently without Reed. Visser sends this report: At 10:45, June Reed, the candidate'''s father said his son was on his way to his party that was going full blast.[23]
I saw five city employees supposedly working on a hole in the middle of traffic standing around like they were at a football game party laughing and having a great time. I am hoping Mary will get the most out of our hard earn taxes we give to the city and stop taking all our tax dollars and letting those who don't pay taxes get a free ride.[13] Like I said, pathetic. Citizens came blame any politician they want, but the truth of the matter is that the problem with the city is the face that looks back at those non-voters in the mirror every morning.[19] Republicans had the voter advantage and the history, but I doubt NY-23 liked having those outsiders p!ss all over Scozzafava like that. That was bad form and all the GOP now look like loons.[38] Looks like history might repeat itself in D6, where last time the vote was also contested. It seemed like the election turnout was really low.[40] Yeah, because you were really debating as to whether or not to vote Democrat like you have in every other election you have participated in.[38]
Eventually a security guard saw me and buzzed open the gate for me and I was able to get inside and vote. While I understand that as a residential building there is a need for security, this gate has never been closed for any other election in the past seven years.[47]
Though the press seems to be infatuated with Mary's campaign, for obvious reasons, I nevertheless prefer to not let the news media vote for me.[39] I think you missed her campaign. Lisa Borders did not chase the middle, she chased the extremes.[19] Lisa Borders is a class act. This city has suffered a loss few will realize until midway of the next crippled and corrupted administration.[19]
Mary is the only candidate that has enough class not to talk badly about the other candidates. kasim and Lisa have shown us something very important.they have absolutely no class!!!! I am voting for the classy lady at least she keeps her head down and doesnt trash he opponents. [22] This is so sad. My white liberal neighbors thought they would be "cool" and vote for Kasim, as it made them look more "urban." Now they are left with nothing but a collection of "Jesus is Lord (followed by pic of Kasim's head)" bookmarks and a youtube video of Usher and Ludacris and some big fat man singing about Kasim.[47] Sure, it may seem easy for CNN to take a look at what's going on in Atlanta because the cable news network is headquartered there.[15] Your next mayor is going to be a Republican and I'm beyond thrilled to see what's going on up in Virginia and New Jersey of all places! I know that God is watching over us and we are seeing that the conservative movement is strengthening while the liberals are going down in flames. I knew this was going to happen.[43] A Democrat, Bill Owens, defeated a Conservative, Doug Hoffman, to win a Congressional seat that has been dominated by Republicans. The Republican, Dede Scozzafava, dropped out of the race amid criticism that she was too liberal.[24] As expected, the left wingers are all hanging their hat on NY 23, where a not-far-left Democrat making formerly Republican-style promises, hung on to beat a conservative that just entered the fray a couple of weeks ago. The oinker that dropped out had endorsed the Dimwit because, in fact, that more closely followed her agenda. As opposed to Jay's opinion that " It injects life back into what remains of the GOP'''s moderate wing, and it forces the conservative movement to swallow a little humble pie and possibly reconsider their self-destructive, smaller-is-better strategy.", it in fact sounds the wakeup call to Republicans that Conservative, not moderate, is better. Remember, this guy just popped up a couple weeks ago, and had he been the Repug's candidate all along instead of Scuzzface, things may well have been quite different indeed.[38]
"The Republicans might crow about the governors''' races, but the NY-23 contest is the most relevant." Wow! What a surprise that a mindless partisan think that the only race that matter is the one her party won. [38] What a Joke that anyone would think "God is watching over us" and we all know God is a Republican right Bill White? What a typical, Uneducated right wing dumbass.[43]
Jane Kidd wanted a code word to get race into the election and "republican" was as good as any. Even if the tactic works, they have offended the legislature and made the personal connections with other metro leaders awkward. [17] This was an open seat election where the candidates were hand-picked by their respective parties, not the voters in general.[38] At 11:30 a.m., the Midtown precinct had a rush - five voters. She talked with some of the voters and spoke briefly with Stella Berzsenyi and Flora Smith, both 8 years old. "Do you want to shake hands with somebody who might be your next mayor?" she said and they did. "This is a wonderful day.[49] Sounds to me like Ms. Wilson cannot stand the fact that a white woman might become mayor.[11]
The former city councilwoman didn't achieve the 50 percent necessary to avoid a runoff. [30] Most of us outside the beltway are ready, willing, and able to support a new international airport in Chattanooga, denying ALL of our business to the criminal city and its corrupt airport.[17]
If that's the case, don't be surprised if you first see Norwood way ahead in the polls. [40] Political commentary from the Atlanta Journal-Constitutions 30-something conservative.[17] When the state democratic party injected partisan politics into a non-partison race, I thought that was outrageous and divisive (I am a lifelong democrat).[22]
SOURCES
1. Atlanta Mayoral Election Could Make History - FOXNews.com
2. In Atlanta, white mayoral candidate draws broad support -- latimes.com
3. State GOP: We Didnt Endorse in ATL Mayors Race | Georgia Public Broadcasting
4. Your morning jolt: We've entered the 48-hour political hijinks zone | Political Insider
5. Runoff slated in Atlanta Mayor's Race
6. Atlanta Mayoral Race Probably Ends In Runoff
7. Atlanta mayoral race 2009 results are murky on race in politics | csmonitor.com
8. Norwood to Voters: Pick Me for My Character, Not My Color | Georgia Public Broadcasting
9. Election 2009: Atlanta and Houston's Historic Races for Mayor - ABC News
10. race42008.com » Blog Archive » Don't Let the Media Tell You That the Reed Comeback in Atlanta Mayoral Race is About Race
11. CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Outgoing Atlanta mayor not backing likely replacement « - Blogs from CNN.com
12. Franklin says she's voting for Reed | ajc.com
13. A word from 'the least radical candidate' on the ATL mayor's race | Political Insider
14. Atlanta mayoral candidates throw final jabs, make pitches to voters | ajc.com
15. Race puts Atlanta election on national media's radar | ajc.com
16. Mayoral Candidates Campaign Using Social Media - 11Alive.com | WXIA | Atlanta, GA
17. What part of 'non-partisan' don't Borders, Reed, state Dems get? | Kyle Wingfield
18. KASIM REED: "CHECK THE NUMBERS, BABY!" > SundayPaper.com > The Ramage Report
19. The elimination of a woman in the middle | Political Insider
20. Racial lines define results | ajc.com
21. Norwood Or Reed? Atlanta Mayor Race Goes On
22. Your morning jolt: Last-minute numbers in the ATL race for mayor | Political Insider
23. Where is Kasim Reed? | Political Insider
24. Atlanta mayoral race heading for runoff
25. Norwood, Reed Set for December Run-off | Georgia Public Broadcasting
26. It's down to two as Borders concedes | Political Insider
27. A first round of number-crunching in the ATL mayor's race | Political Insider
28. The Associated Press: Atlanta's race for mayor heads to runoff
29. WABE: Fewer Voters, But More Determined (2009-11-03)
30. WABE: Mary Norwood, Kasim Reed to Face Off in Dec. 1 Runoff (2009-11-04)
31. Atlanta mayoral race 2009: Why a white woman might win | csmonitor.com
32. Runoff looks likely for Atlanta mayor 110409 - The Augusta Chronicle
33. Augusta native Mary Norwood in Atlanta mayor's race today 110309 - The Augusta Chronicle
34. Race isn't the big issue in Atlanta's mayoral showdown
35. The Associated Press: Atlanta's race for mayor heads to runoff
36. Atlanta mayor's race headed to runoff | AccessNorthGa
37. Atlanta May Elect 1st White Mayor in 36 Years - Politics News Summaries | Newser
38. The GOP's biggest victory came in NY-23, with Hoffman's defeat | Jay Bookman
39. Norwood: Runoff likely | Political Insider
40. Atlanta election coverage and results | Fresh Loaf
41. Here's to a run-off on issues, not race | Cynthia Tucker
42. Senate and House Races in Run-offs | Georgia Public Broadcasting
43. Update: Norwood jumps ahead | Political Insider
44. Norwood flirting with magic majority | Political Insider
45. Norwood likens GOP votes to cocaine use, keeps it real | Fresh Loaf
46. WABE: Norwood Upbeat About Runoff for Atlanta Mayor (2009-11-04)
47. Norwood, Reed continue to battle as vote nears 50 percent | Political Insider
48. WABE: Reed to Pundits: "I'm Ready to Go For This City!" (2009-11-04)
49. Atlanta Election: Minute by Minute | ajc.com
50. Race dominated previous runoffs for Atlanta mayor | ajc.com
51. Atlanta Campaign Ads | The Citizen Online
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