The Poythress for Governor 2009 After-Action Report

THE POYTHRESS FOR GOVERNOR 2009 AFTER-ACTION REPORT

Today’s update is a snapshot of our journey on the campaign trail thus far.

Our Travels and Outreach:

·         Nearly 300 events, meetings and speaking opportunities in 64 counties

·         Spoke to conventions from Athens, to Atlanta, Savannah, Macon, Columbus and the Golden Isles

·         Sustained a virtual conversation with 55 updates

·         Produced several videos that outlined Poythress' vision for Georgia

·         Top-notch website for over a year (redesigned site coming soon)

Enthusiastic Response to Message and Outreach:

·         Was the first candidate to get a contribution from each of our 159 counties

·         Over 1000 contributors

·         Hundreds of supporters have signed up as volunteers and joined Patriots for Poythress, the General's Hunt Club and our 10x10 outreach

·         Over 1700 Facebook friends, more than any other Democratic candidate

·         200 followers on Twitter

Endorsements:

The 40 endorsements I have received so early in the campaign further show strong support of our efforts. These legislators, sheriffs, mayors, city council members, county officials, educators, community organizers and faith leaders are a snapshot of our vibrant and diverse state. Below are a few examples of the generous remarks from my endorsers, and click here for the full list and their reasons for supporting my campaign. Surprisingly, none of my Democratic opponents has publicized any endorsements to date.

"General Poythress has the experience needed to effectively govern our state. He brings to the table the level of executive experience this state needs during these most difficult times."

- Rep. Bob Bryant (D-Garden City)

"Most impressive to me about the General, beyond his executive talents, are his passion and vision for transforming public education. I am confident that he will truly be the 'education governor' of our time."

- Ovita Thornton, Clarke County Board of Education

"David Poythress can connect with people, listen to their concerns, and come up with an appropriate plan of action to address the problems. David Poythress is insightful, he listens, he measures and evaluates the issues, and then he puts together solutions."

- Dr. Harold Barnett, former School Superintendent of the Marietta city schools

Policy, Plans and Video Messages:

I am convinced that this widespread support is the product of both my background and the consistent statewide outreach of our campaign and my strong stands on several important issues. As you know, I have produced a series of video messages. Through my updates I have released plans on education, water and transportation and discussed ideas for job creation and budget priorities.

Education – the defining issue of the campaign

·         My education plan expresses the many ways I intend to work with educators, parents and students to transform our public schools into 21st Century centers of learning.

·        Two videos on YouTube of events where I emphasized the differences between former Governor Barnes and me on education

Water and Transportation – Action Plans

·         Immediate action and long-term plans to address our water crisis (see video and plan)

·         Strategic transportation planning to address gridlock and long-term growth (see video and plan)

Standing Up Against Bad Ideas

·         Expressed outrage at the absurd and cowardly notion set forth by state Republicans to secede from the United States of America again

·         Successfully battled the sweetheart Jekyll Island redevelopment deal - the pressure of my call for an audit of the finances of the developers had an impact on the end of the deal (see video and recent article)

·         Fought GOP plans to abandon our public schools with their plans for universal vouchers

·         Opposed Governor Perdue's efforts to balance the budget on the backs of our educators

·         Stood firm against the proposal to merge  two of Georgia’s three historically black universities with two nearby colleges (similar battle to preserve greater access to higher education is being waged right now in Mississippi)

Contrasts with our Democratic Opponents

Throughout the year I have railed against misguided GOP policies, and I have started drawing my distinctions from other Democratic candidates. Former Governor Barnes, Attorney General Baker and Minority Leader Porter have been in positions to address our water situation for more than a decade, yet we haven’t seen them find solutions. I’ve also been the only Democratic candidate bold enough to point out the hypocrisy of Barnes’ newly found disdain for lobbyists, his arrogant entry into the race and his willingness to deny his party to curry favor with a business group. Educators across the state continue to bristle at Barnes’ continued support for “No Child Left Behind” policies imposing heavy bureaucratic burdens and high-stakes testing as the only measure of achievement.

Media Review

·         In early 2009 Tom Crawford profiled my candidacy

·         March Coweta County story detailed my pragmatic view of governing

·         June visit to Pembroke made the front page of The Bryan County News

·         Summer coverage from an Albany TV station features my comments about transforming public education and working closely with city and county leaders to move Georgia forward

·         Anti-secession video received national media coverage with Daily Kos blog posts in May, June and November

·         October visit to Stockbridge to discuss economic development was carried by The Henry Herald

·         In December the Thomasville paper focused on our "people-powered" campaign

It has been my honor to serve Georgians as Commissioner of Labor, Secretary of State and Commander of the Georgia National Guard. I am pleased to have a track record of solving big problems in tough times, with limited resources, ahead of schedule and under budget. As your Governor, I will transform public education, solve our water and transportation crises and move our economy forward again.

By bringing people together with commonsense solutions to Georgia’s critical problems, we can turn vision into action. I am the candidate best positioned to build a strong coalition to win this November, but I need your help to accomplish this task.

How You Can Help Keep the Momentum Going!

·        Forward this message to 8-10 friends (see link at the bottom of this page)

·         Share my introduction video, an overview of my background and key concerns regarding education, transportation, water and our economy

·         Become my Facebook friend

·         Join my Facebook group

·         Follow the campaign on Twitter

·         Keep an eye on my videos on YouTube and campaign trail photos on Flickr

Unlike other campaigns that rely on the deep pockets of special interests and out-of-state donors, our campaign gains its strength from our grassroots support all across the state. Georgians have contributed 89% of the $665K we’ve raised so far. I’m proud of the support we’ve garnered from hardworking voters from every corner of the state – 83% of our contributors have given $500 or less, and more than half of our donors have given $100 or less.

Can you help us start the New Year off on the right foot by contributing $100, $50, $25 or $10 today? Our website has an easy-to-use feature for you to set up a recurring gift. Many of our supporters have found this a convenient way to help the campaign.

We’re counting the days until the July 20^th Primary, and I’ll be calling on you to reach out to your friends and neighbors to help us turnout the votes I’ll need to assure my place in the August 10^th Run-Off. Elizabeth and I thank you again for your continued support, and we are anxious to move Georgia forward together with you!

All the best,

David Poythress


PS - Please continue to help the survivors of the horrible earth quake in Haiti; you can find a creditable list of organizations to donate to here.  Thank you!