Perdue, Black, Howard speak at Lumpkin County event

Election, Featured News, Politics
Republican candidates speak in Lumpkin

LUMPKIN COUNTY, Ga. — The Lumpkin County Republican Party hosted an event featuring David Perdue, Gary Black, and J. Gregory Howard as guest speakers. All three speakers took the opportunity to share their campaign platforms with the Lumpkin Republicans, who are preparing for a primary in May.

David Perdue

Former Sen. Perdue spoke to Lumpkin Republicans.

Former Sen. Perdue spoke to Lumpkin Republicans.

During the 2020 General Election, former Republican Sen. David Perdue failed to reach a plurality of votes in his re-election bid. The resulting run-off led to a election that gained nation-wide attention, leading Democrats to a senate majority. Perdue is now one of five Georgians hoping to become the Republican gubernatorial candidate. He spoke at the Lumpkin County event on Thursday evening, addressing several campaign issues.

“They’re tired. They’re tired of their voice not being heard, they’re tired of being taken advantage, and they’re tired of our Republican leaders, guys, not fighting for us,” Perdue began, “I’m in this race for one reason: I want a Republican conservative in the White House in 2024 to stop this madness.” Perdue emphasized the importance of Georgia’s election outcomes, and said holding off Stacey Abrams, the likely Democrat candidate for governor, is critical to ensuring Republican victories nationwide.

“I don’t have to do this, neither do you. I’m doing this for these kids in the back, and my grandkids, and their grandkids in turn. 13 dead soldiers, runaway inflation, $5 a gallon gasoline, the brink of war, 2 million immigrants, guys that all started right here in Georgia,” Perdue told the audience.

Perdue didn’t shy away from criticizing the incumbent Republican, Gov. Brian Kemp while speaking. He suggested Kemp only delivered on key issues because of Perdue’s support for them, including constitutional carry. “We saw our governor cave in to Stacey Abrams and George Soros within a year, and now we’re reaping the whirlwind in D.C.”

Perdue also claimed that he lost his re-election bid due to an onslaught of illegality, “Yes, it was stolen guys, don’t make any mistake about that.” He shared his desires to ensure election security, one of Perdue’s main campaign issues. “I want an election law enforcement agency solely dedicated to enforcing election law. We have not done that in the state of Georgia.” Along with that, he told the audience he would strengthen election integrity with more audits and by getting rid of voting machines.

In closing, Perdue touched on several other key topics for Republican voters, including his support for the elimination of Georgia’s state income tax, increasing parent involvement in education, and controlling drug and immigration issues.

Gary Black

Gary Black also spoke at the event.

Gary Black also spoke at the event.

Gary Black, the current Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture, also spoke at the event. Black is one of six names that will be on the Republican primary ballot. The republican candidate will then face Democrat Sen. Raphael Warnock in November. Black’s largest challenger, Herschel Walker, has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Black directly called out Walker during the event, emphasizing his own experience and willingness to “show up.”

“Winning this election, restoring Republican leadership in the United States Senate is vital, I believe, to the security of our country, the security of our homes and our families, the security of our economy. I also believe that our security has been compromised ” Black said. He called immigration rates and inflation disastrous problems, blaming President Biden and the Democrats in Congress. Black also called his potential challenger, Warnock, “nothing but a rubber stamp for all their actions ever since the day he took office.”

Black discussed immigration, noting that he had recently returned from a second trip to the U.S. border. “The invasion that we’re facing right now is actually the number one threat to the future of this republic,” Black said before citing recent border apprehensions that number in the 800 thousands. He spoke against the drugs, terror, and debt bondage that he believes are being brought across the border.

Black disparaged the Democrats’ solutions to immigration issues: “They have no solution … I do have a solution. We should build it, we should equip it, and we should staff it. We must finish this wall.” Black also said that he wants Georgia National Guard members home, “163 of them now are serving on the border anywhere from California to Texas. I want them home because I want the federal government to do its job.” Along with further investment in border patrol, Black said he wants to designate Mexican cartels as terrorist organizations and help lead the effort to withhold aid to countries who don’t control immigration at their own borders.

He also touched on the “Biden-Warnock inflation formula,” that Black said is eroding the power of the American economy: “We’re paying more for food, fuel, fertilizer, consumer products, building materials.” Black said his solution is to cut it, cap it, and drill it, referring to his platform that the U.S. Government should cut spending, cap the amount of regulations, and work towards energy independence. Black also said he would lead the effort to restart the Keystone XL Pipeline project.

Black then turned directly to one of his competitors, “Herschel Walker is ignoring the voters … I think it’s a travesty.” He told the audience: “I’ve made tough budget choices. I’ve answered when Georgia has called. I have delivered historic disaster relief in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael. I know our … transportation systems, our budget systems. I have the experience. I have the leadership and the decision making capability to represent you,” drawing a comparison between his own record with Walker’s.

J. Gregory Howard

Attendees at the event also heard from J. Gregory Howard, who is running to be a U.S. House Representative for the Ninth Congressional District. Howard largely spoke about his conservative activism and desire to educate Georgia citizens on their rights and how to fight for them.

Howard introduced himself by noting his extensive conservative activism: “I used to do a show that’s called The News and Views with Gregory Howard, and I was the follow up to Sean Hannity on Saturday and Rush Limbaugh on Sunday.” He listed his accomplishments as a leader and member of several political groups, including being recognized by the NRA as the top legislative activist in the country.

J. Gregory Howard

Gregory Howard spoke to the audience about his conservative activism.

Howard’s most recent activism has a heavy influence on his campaign. “One of my other big priorities is how do I help empower you to fix these problems.” He shared his experience with his current fight towards “getting citizen access to the grand jury re-established. That is your right, to redress your grievances with government, and to go to the grand jury and make what’s called a presentment.”

Howard explained that he has had a preliminary meeting with a Georgia grand jury where he and his colleagues “are making two presentments to them. One is for the reestablishment of your right to approach a grand jury without interference from any elected officer or appointed officer.” “The second one,” he said, “is I’m presenting a presentment on behalf of Voter Georgia, and we’re calling them as witnesses, and all were asking is that all the evidence that they have gathered be reviewed by a grand jury.”

“Folks, this is what I do,” Howard closed, referencing his political activism. Stressing the importance of his work, he told the audience “It’s how you can stop the school board from enacting woke policies. It’s how you can change things with the city council, your county commission. And it’s your right to do this, and that’s what I’m running for, is to help empower you.”

 

A full list of qualified candidates can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.

Gary Black welcomes Hershel Walker to Senate Race

News

ELLIJAY, Ga – Gary Black, candidate for United States Senate, welcomes UGA legend and Heisman Trophy winner Hershel Walker to the race and to the state.

Walker officially entered the race on Tuesday, August 24, and Black presented Walker with a list of campaign stops to openly debate their ideas for the future of the country.

Black, who serves as Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner, believes Georgians will ultimately vote for the candidate most equipped to handle the job.

“It’s also about being able to provide leadership. I think that’s a critical element. This is not a run for celebrity. It’s a run for Senate and that’s why I’m in it. I believe we got the skills, record, background, and commitment to conservative values,” Black commented.

Black and Walker have strong ties to former President Donald Trump (R). For months, Trump encouraged Walker to enter the U.S. Senate race, but he hasn’t endorsed anyone in the Senate race yet.

The former President and Black worked closely together on hurricane Michael relief for farmers in southwest Georgia. Black brought 15 farmers to Trump to discuss their needs following the hurricane. He commended Trump’s commitment to bringing aid to those farmers.

Additionally, Black formed a coalition for Trump in 2016 even before the Republican Convention.

“I think the President [Trump] is going to be very pleased when we win,” Black added.

Leadership in Congress

The Agricultural Commissioner commented on the necessity of strong leadership in the United States Senate.

“Should we express the views of Georgia? Absolutely. Sometimes does that mean bucking the system? Absolutely. Is there ever a perfect piece of legislation? That’s not true either,” Black stated. “Having a dose of spinal fluid is exactly what you need in your next United States Senator.”

He confirmed he would have voted no on the $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill.

“Businesses should be competing. Businesses should have oversight. How is it businesses are still competing with the federal government for employees?” Black commented. “We’re destroying the work ethic of this country.”

The Black campaign will soon release details on ideas for backing the blue, refunding the police, and addressing the increase in crime. 75 sheriffs in Georgia have endorsed him.

Moreover, Black viewed the situation in Afghanistan as an “abomination” and a national “embarrassment.”

He called for the firing of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley or resign if the Biden Administration won’t listen to his advice.

“Unveiling this right before our children saying, ‘This is the way this generation stands up.’ There’s nothing great about that,” Black said. “Not a single word from Senator Warnock as this was unfolding is shameful.”

Warnock did comment at an Atlanta Press Club event that endless wars haven’t served the country well, and the focus should be on getting Americans and allies out of the country.

Ag Commissioner Gary Black details why he entered Senate race

News, Politics, State & National
Gary Black

ELLIJAY, Ga – Georgia Agricultural Commissioner Gary Black (R) spoke about the importance of the Republican party retaking Senator Raphael Warnock (D)’s seat in 2022.

“They (President Joe Biden and Warnock) said they want to fundamentally change America. I fundamentally object to that,” Black stated before listing the rising gas prices, Middle East conflict, and small business crisis erupting in the United States.

Black believes he can provide the leadership that Georgians need in the U.S. Senate and that people choose to vote for him, not against someone else.

He also believes the GOP is healthy in Georgia with approximately 60 percent new attendees turning out for the state’s Republican Convention over the weekend.

 “We’ve had the need for a cycle or two to get back to ownership of campaigns at the local level. Ownership of our values and a willingness to share them wherever we go particularly during campaign season. To put forth a positive message and a positive vision for the future of the state and the country,” Black commented.

The Agriculture Commissioner has worked closely with the Trump administration on Georgia’s farming issues. He would love to have the former President’s endorsement, but more importantly, Trump’s economic message doesn’t change. Black wants to keep Trump’s policies in place.

Black’s the first candidate to enter the U.S. Senate race with a statewide base in place. He’s served as the Agriculture Commissioner since 2011 and many across the state have already reached out to show their support for his candidacy.

Two Republicans Kelvin King and Latham Staddler entered the Senate race earlier in the year. Many wait to see if UGA great Herschel Walker will enter the race after Trump urged him to earlier in the year. However, Walker hasn’t taken any steps toward declaring his candidacy. Former U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, who lost to Warnock in January, did recently meet with Trump and could be contemplating another run.

Former Senator David Perdue and Former Congressman Doug Collins have opted not to run for the Senate in 2022.

Georgia Ag Commissioner Gary Black launches Senate campaign

News
Gary Black

JEKYLL ISLAND, GA – Gary Black, Georgia’s Agriculture Commissioner who received more votes than any candidate for U.S. Senate or Governor in 2018 and 2014, today launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Raphael Warnock.

“Warnock and Biden promised to ‘fundamentally change America,’” Black said. “They’re five months into it and job growth and opportunity are down, inflation, debt and gas prices are up, the Middle East is back at war. Satisfied? Or sickened? I fundamentally object. I’ll stand in the gap and say the wave comes this far, and no further.”

A longtime champion of agribusiness — Georgia’s largest economic driver — Black has made the “Georgia Grown” brand one of the most successful marketing efforts of its kind in the nation.

Black was a founding member of President Trump’s rural and agriculture advisory group started in June of 2016. He also hosted President Trump in a visit with Georgia farmers hit hard by Hurricane Michael and worked with the administration to utilize China tariff money on expanded marketing efforts in Taiwan. He was a vocal backer of Congressman Doug Collins’ Senate campaign last year.

He received more votes than any candidate for U.S. Senate or Governor of either party in Georgia in 2018 and 2014.

Biography of Gary Black

Gary W. Black has championed innovation, solutions, support, and growth in Georgia’s largest industry for over 40 years.

Gary grew up on his family’s beef cattle farm in Commerce, GA where he and his wife Lydia also raised their children, Ward and Caroline. He is a University of Georgia graduate, and a past president of the college’s alumni society.

Under Gary’s leadership, the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s divisions for information technology, animal health, homeland security and food safety have garnered national acclaim. Commissioner Black has led innovation in domestic and international promotion through the renowned Georgia Grown branding program, helping Georgians start businesses and expand markets. Since taking office in 2011, Gary has also improved the department’s fiscal responsibility and performance, as well as strengthened career paths for employees.

Gary Black is a Leadership Georgia Pattillo Award recipient and the 2017 Georgia Trend Magazine Georgian of the Year. He currently serves on advisory committees for the United States Department of Agriculture, Environmental Protection Agency and the Export Import Bank of the United States.

Gary and Lydia continue to raise commercial beef cattle at Harmony Grove Farms, and serve together in various ministries at Maysville Baptist Church.

Wilkinson campaign for U.S. Congress focused on Georgia’s agribusiness

News

ELLIJAY, Ga. – State Senator John Wilkinson (R-Toccoa) understands the importance of agriculture and agribusiness to the state of Georgia so it’s no surprise he has based his campaign for Ninth District Congress on his knowledge of and service to that industry.

A graduate of the University of Georgia with degrees in Agriculture and Education, Wilkinson was a guest on FYNTVCOM’s Good Morning From the Office on Thursday (June 4).

“If you really look at America and what makes us great, one of the reasons we’re great is we have the most abundant food, the safest food at the lowest price in the world,” he said. “That makes a big difference. I heard someone say one time, ‘we couldn’t have planned a space shot and a moon walk if the people planning it had been concerned about where their next meal was coming from.’”

Wilkinson was raised on a farm in Stephens County. He has experience as a classroom teacher and served on the State Agricultural Education staff for 26 years. He has served as State Advisor to the Georgia Future Farmers of America Association, as well as the Georgia Young Farmer Association. He was recognized as the Outstanding Member of the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education in 2006.

“Agriculture, agribusiness is the biggest business in our state,” Wilkins told host Brian Pritchard. “It has a $72 billion impact on our economy. A lot of people think agriculture is focused in south Georgia. Peanuts and cotton and those kind of things are but out of that $72 billion, $32 billion of it is from the poultry industry and the poultry industry is concentrated in north Georgia in my senate district. Sen. District 50 for instance, four of those counties are in the top 10 in Georgia in farm income.”

About one of every seven jobs in Georgia is directly linked to agriculture. “So, for Georgia to remain strong, for our country to remain strong, we’ve got to continue to be a leader in food production,” he said.

Wilkinson has strong ties to U.S. Agriculture Secretary and former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue.

“I’ve known Secretary Perdue since he was a state senator from Houston County. When I began this campaign — when you could still get on an airplane in Atlanta and fly — I visited with Sect. Perdue in his office in D.C.,” he said.

In 2016, then presidential candidate Donald Trump asked Wilkinson, Perdue and State Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black to serve on an agriculture and rural America advisory committee if he was elected.

Said Wilkinson, “I have served in that capacity with President Trump since that time. So I feel like my background in the industry of agriculture is beneficial to me and I think it will be a benefit to constituents in the Ninth District.”

Asked about the current racial tension following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police and the riots and protests that have followed, Wilkinson said, “I think it was very much a tragedy that turned my stomach to see the video and to think that could happen. Obviously, that was a tragedy and I don’t think any reasonable person can be happy with that. I don’t think we can just sit by and not take action. I think we have to be proactive. I think there are a lot of good people from all races and all nationalities in our country.”

But, he said Americans should not lose sight of the fact that they live in the greatest country in the world. “If we travel to other countries and look at how they handle protests and those things, we realize how blessed we are to live in America.”

He added that one of the greatest rights people have is the right to peacefully assembly and protest something they believe is not right. But, he, added, “The people who have come in with nightfall with violence and with guns and taken innocent lives of all races and done those kinds of things. I don’t think we can afford to tolerate that kind of activity.”

In closing, Wilkinson said, “You can tell a lot about a person by how the people they have grown up with and known all their life feel about them. Every race I’ve run in my home county, I’ve always gotten over 80 percent of the vote.”

The Ninth Congressional District includes all of Banks, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White and parts of Clarke, Forsyth and Pickens counties.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

 

 

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