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Martin Matheny, communications director for Georgia Democrats joins us to preview the JJ Dinner is Atlanta
Published 16 years, 11 months ago
Description
This episode opens on Mother’s Day with David, Catherine, and Tim noting a slow Georgia news week before previewing the upcoming Georgia Jefferson-Jackson Dinner. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution exposé on gubernatorial candidate John Oxendine sparks debate: insurance companies allegedly routed prohibited contributions through Alabama PACs. Catherine calls the arrangement likely illegal and “sneaky,” Tim emphasizes the long-running role of Rome-area insurance interests, and all agree the revelations damage Oxendine politically in an already crowded GOP primary featuring Nathan Deal, Karen Handel, and Eric Johnson.
Martin Matheny, communications director for Georgia Democrats, joins to discuss the JJ Dinner. He confirms the event—held at the Hyatt Regency—is sold out at roughly 1,500 attendees, significant for an off-year. He highlights honorees Shirley Franklin and Carl Sanders, a keynote by Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, and the party’s broader strategy: strengthening infrastructure in 2009, launching the “Georgia Democrats Work” service program with Jason Carter, expanding grassroots engagement, and preparing 2010 messaging and candidate recruitment. After Matheny departs, the hosts examine political fallout from the Oxendine scandal, including an investigation by Alabama officials.
They then pivot to Alabama’s Democratic gubernatorial landscape, questioning attempts to recruit Sue Bell Cobb despite existing candidates Artur Davis and Ron Sparks. Tim notes some insiders had preferred Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom, while David warns against overcrowding primaries in states where Democrats already face steep odds.
Martin Matheny, communications director for Georgia Democrats, joins to discuss the JJ Dinner. He confirms the event—held at the Hyatt Regency—is sold out at roughly 1,500 attendees, significant for an off-year. He highlights honorees Shirley Franklin and Carl Sanders, a keynote by Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen, and the party’s broader strategy: strengthening infrastructure in 2009, launching the “Georgia Democrats Work” service program with Jason Carter, expanding grassroots engagement, and preparing 2010 messaging and candidate recruitment. After Matheny departs, the hosts examine political fallout from the Oxendine scandal, including an investigation by Alabama officials.
They then pivot to Alabama’s Democratic gubernatorial landscape, questioning attempts to recruit Sue Bell Cobb despite existing candidates Artur Davis and Ron Sparks. Tim notes some insiders had preferred Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom, while David warns against overcrowding primaries in states where Democrats already face steep odds.