Democratic Party Ninth District Bob Barton

Last week, my 9th Congressional District counterpart for the Republican Party opines , on the one hand, that elected Democrat sheriffs are largely responsible for our existing crime rate (the Sheriff's Association must love that!), but further into his column describes how these same sheriffs whom he considers unprofessional, are being recruited to run as Republicans (after some heavy handed and threatening job intimidation, I might add). Huh? I certainly do not blame the Republican Party for recruiting from the Democrats, because that is usually where the best talent is, but to blame law enforcement officers for purely political reasons is shameless, and then recruit them with open arms, seems a bit disingenuous and hypocritical. Could it be they are lacking good candidates in their own Party? Are they depending on recruiting more Democrats to clean up their mess?

His use of the words "good ole boy" raises a few hackles. Those Democratic good old boys made Georgia the great state it is today !

All of this goes to prove, when looking for good and able people for public service, find a DEMOCRAT .

Mr. Harris further states that his party will run a positive issues based campaign this year, including the issue of jobs. I can't wait for that, particularly in light of recent headlines. The front page headline of April 9 in the Dahlonega Nugget in bold, black type reads " Mohawk Plant Closing on June 6". Aheadline in the AJC of the same date reads " Plant Closing Deals Another Blow to North Georgia". In this same article, State Labor Commissioner, Michael Thurmond stated "Mohawk has already announced closing of a 158 person plant in Rome and a 66 person one in Dalton."The unemployment rate in Chattoga County is 14.5%, nearly three times the state average We are talking North Georgia here ! These unemployed folks are our friends and relatives. Campaign promises are not being fulfilled by the Republicans, and the voters must examine the record in light of results. Up here in our area, we are being hit hard by the economic recession.

Where are we headed with the greed driven, ineffectual Republican leadership in Georgia and the U.S.?

The Republican power hungry one party system has produced failure. Local, state and nationally, they have had almost total control, and their poor record is there for all to see. Their priorities are not solutions for the problems we the people have. Just take a look at your bills for food, gasoline, prescription drugs, health insurance, heating, and child care. And then take a look at Exxon profits, CEO salaries, and banking bailouts. That is where the Republican party's priorities are. As Ronald Reagan would have asked "Are you better off now than you were seven years ago?"

Bob Barton, Dahlonega, is Democratic Chair of the Ninth Congressional District, a veteran, retired textile executive, and a former Republican.