Episode Details

On this episode of The Kudzu Vine, hosts David McLaughlin, Catherine Smith, and Tim Shiflett preview their interview with R.J. Hadley, candidate for Democratic Party of Georgia (DPG) Chair and current Rockdale County Tax Commissioner. Before Hadley joins, the hosts analyze a new Public Policy Polling survey from Louisiana, where Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu leads Republican Bill Cassidy 50–40 despite the state’s increasingly conservative tilt. Smith and Shiflett agree the result is encouraging but unlikely to reflect the final margin since 78% of undecided voters disapprove of President Obama. Shiflett argues Landrieu’s history of attracting some Republican support and Governor Bobby Jindal’s collapsing approval ratings may still help her remain competitive. They also note the strong statewide influence of her brother, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. The hosts then highlight a bizarre poll finding: 29% of Louisiana Republicans blame Barack Obama—then an Illinois senator—for the federal response to Hurricane Katrina, exceeding those who blame President George W. Bush. All three hosts attribute this to partisan misinformation and Tea Party hostility toward Obama. R.J. Hadley then joins the show, offering a biography that includes his work as an Obama delegate, a 2010 U.S. Senate candidate, and a leader in Rockdale County’s Democratic sweep. He outlines his five-part “TRUST” plan for fundraising, emphasizing daily donor outreach, stronger internal giving, collaboration with county parties, and tying fundraising success to winning elections. Hadley stresses transparency, grassroots organizing, and improved communication between state and local parties, positioning himself as the candidate best able to rebuild unity and effectiveness within Georgia Democrats.