Wednesday, June 2, 2004

Collins Receives Endorsement Rep. Mac Collins, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate,received the endorsement of the Government Is Not God PAC (GING-PAC). This marks the seventh endorsement Collins has earned from conservative groups. GING-PAC released the following statement, which can be found at the group's website, www.govnotgod.org: “Virtually the only old fashioned "blue dog" conservative Democrat in the Senate, Zell Miller, is retiring. Georgia has trended Republican for some time, and two years ago social conservative Saxby Chambliss defeated a Democrat incumbent in the Senate race. With Zell Miller's seat now open, at first glance it would appear easy for a Republican to win. Unfortunately, Republican Congressman Johnny Isakson, who has consistently voted pro-abortion, entered the race early and as a result took the lead. There are two social conservatives running in the primary. One is Herman Cain, a businessman who was the CEO of Godfather's Pizza, and the other is an experienced legislator, Congressman Michael "Mac" Collins. GING-PAC normally does not become involved in expensive primary races; however, a victory in the primary by Isakson would spell doom in November. The pro-life movement is the heart of the Republican Party in Georgia. Should Isakson win the primary, social-conservatives will not work for or vote for him in the fall. Not only would a Democrat win the seat, but lower voter turnout could endanger the vote count for George W. Bush in that state. Herman Cain would be a viable candidate if he had some prior experience in elected office, which he does not. As an African-American he could have added a dimension of debate to the fall campaign. Unfortunately, his campaign has no traction in Georgia other than to take votes from the viable social conservative in the race, Congressman Mac Collins. A runoff is probable. GING-PAC believes it is imperative that Congressman Collins wins the Republican primary and for that reason he has our endorsement and our financial support.” Confirming his position as the proven conservative Republican in the race, Collins has earned the support of the following seven conservative organizations: Traditional Values PAC, 60 Plus Association, Free Congress PAC, Citizens United Political Victory Fund, American Conservative Union PAC, Concerned Women PAC and Government Is Not God PAC (GING-PAC). Since entering the race in September, Mac has earned the support of former Congressman and Secretary of the Army Howard "Bo" Callaway, who serves as Chairman of the Collins for Senate campaign. Collins has also earned the support of numerous conservative leaders from across the state including many long-time sheriffs, state legislators and local business leaders. Collins is currently serving his 6th term in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Middle Georgia. He is traveling the state of Georgia with a conservative, issues-oriented campaign based on limited government, lower taxes, tort reform and local control of issues.