The mark of a successful political convention is an absence of surprises. By the time thousands of Republicans fled Columbus last weekend, the forces of Ron Paul had been routed with a heavy hand. Not a surprise. Delegates to the annual state convention had rebuked the GOP-controlled Legislature for refusing to get serious about ethics reform. Important but predictable, given the anger of tea partyists. And the Republican party’s executive committee, just before delegates jumped into their cars, had announced the five non-binding questions that will be placed before GOP voters on the July 31 primary ballot. Topping the list: ‘Should Georgia have casino gambling with funds going to education?” Boom. The very topic stunned the highest-perched Republicans in the land. “The casino question was ... Continue reading →

House Speaker David Ralston endorses Doug Collins in 9th District race 6:17 pm May 23, 2012, by jgalloway Gov. Nathan Deal may have declared his neutrality in the GOP contest for the new 9th Congressional District, but House Speaker David Ralston has not. As noted by the north Georgia news site, fetchyournews.com, Ralston on Monday showed up at a fundraiser for state Rep. Doug Collins, R-Gainesville, and said this: “It’s going to take more than someone just talking about something up there…Doug has experience. He knows how to pass legislation; he knows how to get things done.” Just possibly, Ralston’s remark was directed at Martha Zoller, a former radio talk show host from Gainesville who is one of Collins’ opponents. She’s promised to set up ... Continue reading →

CUMBERLAND ISLAND, Ga — In Georgia, nesting is typically expected from May through July, with hatching continuing into OctoberA loggerhead sea turtle nest found this week marks the first of the season discovered on Tybee Island. The Savannah Morning News reports that a public works employee on Monday followed turtle tracks on the beach, which led to a nest of 87 eggs.Last month, the state's first loggerhead sea turtle nest of the year was found on Cumberland Island.In Georgia, nesting is typically expected from May through July, with hatching continuing into October.Last year was record setting for loggerheads with close to 2,000 nests identified on Georgia beaches. Continue reading →

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05.17.2012A UGA LICENSE PLATE IN NORTH CAROLINA We need your immediate participation to make this happen! Let’s make this UGA License Plate Campaign a success in the next 30 days! The UGA Alumni Association Chapters based in North Carolina are taking the lead to facilitate the establishment of a North Carolina license plate with the University of Georgia logo. Upon receipt of 300 or more applications for the University of Georgia plate, the Division of Motor Vehicles will be authorized to issue a license plate bearing the UGA “G” insignia. An additional fee of $25 is charged for the issuance of each collegiate plate. For a personalized plate, the fee is $55. We assure you of our commitment to acquire a UGA North Carolina license ... Continue reading →

Of gays, lesbians and an electric fence in North Carolina 9:56 am May 23, 2012, by jgalloway Below is a clip of the anti-gay sermon by the Rev. Charles Worley of Providence Road Baptist Church in Maiden, N.C., that’s whipping around the Internet via YouTube: Look, it doesn’t matter what you think of gay marriage or Barack Obama. Should it ever come to pass, inside of the Reverend Worley’s electric fence will be the only right side to be on. And it’s a sin that anyone would have to say so. - By Jim Galloway, Political Insider For instant updates, follow me on Twitter, or connect with me on Facebook. Continue reading →