Bill Gillespie Wakes Up the Candidates' Forum in Valdosta

Bill got applause for saying what needed to be said:


Video by Gretchen Quarterman

A few of my favorite bits from Bill Gillespie's speech at the south Georgia Political Forum in Valdosta, Oct 14:

"going from analog to digital ... new leadership, new opportunities; I want to be one of those new leaders that put people first",

"Iraq war... wrong war, wrong time; it's a money pit, money that we could be better spending right here on our own economy",

"it's sad to see our number one export, our children... we need to fix that",

"I knew when America was right, because we were respected around the world and we were respectful, and I want to able to be a Congressman that reinstates that around the world with our allies",

"we're not set up for the 21st century; why don't we make something again?"

"Lowndes County, you know about service industry jobs, because you have the lowest wages ... compared to the sixteen counties that come to Lowndes County for services",

"there are things we need to do with ... 21st century in terms of education; 40% high school dropout rate; we've got to do better",

"No Child Left Behind left many people behind",

"if the Blazers had a failing season, we would get rid of the coach. It's time for a new coach, I'd appreciate to be that next coach."

The audience loved it.

VSU-TV shows South Georgia Political Forum

The South Georgia Political Forum of Tuesday 14 October is appearing repeatedly on VSU-TV, today, tomorrow, and Wednesday, and more times after that. Both Bill Gillespie and Jack Kingston spoke, so this should be of interest across GA-01. Here's the schedule:

Sat Oct 18: 6PM
Sun Oct 19: 12AM, 9AM, 6PM
Wed Oct 22: 8:30PM
Sat Oct 25: 9AM, 6PM
Sun Oct 26: 12AM, 9AM, 6PM
Wed Oct 29: 8:30PM
Sat Nov 1: 9:00AM, 6PM
Sun Nov 2: 12AM, 9AM, 6PM

Maybe VSU would agree for other south Georgia universities, such as SSU, to rebroadcast this show, as well.

Dennis Marks, Lowndes County Democratic Party Chair, says:

Thank you to AAUW and all the co-sponsors for presenting the South Georgia Political Forum at the James H. Rainwater Conference Center. Special thanks to the Conference Center and to the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Conference. It was a wonderful opportunity for voters to meet and greet the candidates and to hear their speeches!

A special thank you to the candidates with opposition on the ballot who participated: John Monds and Jim Powell for Public Service Commission; Jack Kingston and Bill Gillespie for 1st Congressional District; Sanford Bishop and Lee Ferrell for 2nd Congressional District; Freddie Taylor and Chris Prine for Sheriff; Terry Hawke and Bill Watson for Coroner; Norman Bennett and Ashley Paulk for County Commission Chair; David DeMersseman, Earl Wetherington, Steve Davis, Ronald Miller, and W. G. Walker for Tax Assessors; Jim Tunison and Greg Voyles for Superior Court Judge; and Jeff Spradley for Lake Park City Council. Thank you also to all the public officials and unopposed candidates in attendance.

Vote early. To quote Dennis: "I'll say it often: vote early."

Oh, and vote for Bill!