News | Peachtree City

Qualifying time set for December 18 special election

Fri, 11/09/2007 - 10:46am
By: John Munford

Secretary of State Karen Handel announced today that qualifying for the December 18 special election to fill Rep. Dan Lakly's seat is November 19 through November 21. Qualifying on Monday will run from 9 am until 5:30 pm; on Tuesday from 8 am until 5:30 pm and on Wednesday from 8 am until 12 noon.

Qualifying will be held in the Elections Division of the Office of Secretary of State, 1104 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30334-1505. The qualifying fee is $400.

Advance voting for the election will be December 10 through December 14. The election will be held in portions of Fayette County, including Fayetteville and Peachtree City. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. December 18.

All citizens residing in State House District 72 who wish to vote in the special election can register to vote through Wednesday, November 21. Voter registration forms can be obtained at any county registrar's office or from the Secretary of State's website at http://www.sos.state.ga.us/elections/voter_registration/voter_reg_app.htm.

The seat was formerly held by Rep. Dan Lakly, R-Peachtree City, who had a reputation for being outspoken and eschewing political correctness.

The 72nd District contains most of Peachtree City and extends eastward to the Fayette/Clayton county line in an area south of Ga. Highway 54, including part of Fayetteville.

Local Republican Attorney Matt Ramsey on Thursday honored the many years of public service Representative Dan Lakly (SH-72) brought to the residents of Peachtree City and Fayette County, while also announcing his intention to run for the seat left vacant by the tragic and unexpected death of Representative Lakly in October. With the start of the next legislative session only a few weeks away, Governor Perdue has had to call an unusually short special election for the seat, with the election date set for December 18, 2007.

“Today, after careful consideration and consultation with my family, I am announcing my candidacy for the Georgia House of Representatives,” Ramsey said in a statement released to the press. “The tragic circumstances that make this election necessary have brought sadness to our entire community, and my wife Missy and I offer our deepest condolences to the family of an outstanding public servant, Dan Lakly.”

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I just read
Submitted by tonto707 on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 5:44pm.

through the blogs under this article and one thing is clear........
there is no shortage of bitching and grousing by the same people, day in and day out, year after year.

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Yeah Tonto
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 5:55pm.

Do you have the answers to my questions? BTW.... I think your "B" word is one of those editable words on the Citizen. Eye-wink

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


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Ugh, Tonto
Submitted by d.smith700 on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 5:49pm.

Long time no see. Me thought you gone---me got new khemo savvy!
Where is Rivers?

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off to a bad start
Submitted by vox on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 4:30pm.

This LAWYER is certainly off to a bad start with me. Sounds like Horgan who could not wait a respectful period of time to announce. All we need is another Lawyer anyway. I am not impressed. Wonder where he has been? I have never heard of him. What makes him think he could represent us?

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Respectful period of time?
Submitted by Nitpickers on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 4:50pm.

What would that be, one week? Bout all you would have under the circumstances. That is a "red herring," as muddle says.
I expect forty people will announce next week for the job---all Realtors, developers, lawyers, etc., people who can skip work when they need to go to Atlanta some days to vote, sometimes.
Might even be a democrat or two in order to get some name-recognition for the huge thrashing next November!
Frankly, I would like to see us hire Blackwater or Halliburton to do it for us, than to elect those who might run! Let Sonny hire them.

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On riding Lakly’s coattails
Submitted by loanarranger707 on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 1:40pm.

Hey, Lakly was not universally liked. He was trounced out of office by Kathy Cox in 1998, and he had to wait until she ran for State school superintendent to recapture his old office in 2004, mostly because he had no serious opposition.

Nobody wishes to speak ill of the dead, and Dan certainly had his qualities. But it is pretty dumb to make sycophantic references to his memory trying to get votes to get elected to succeed him. You’re sure to lose the vote of those who didn’t and wouldn’t vote for Dan.

Candidates should stand on their own two feet. They should tell us why we’d be better off with them in office than with somebody else. Trying to ride off somebody else’s coattails gets you off to a bad start.

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Lawyer Ramsey - Your Statement Is A Shameless Political Gimmick
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 1:12pm.

Local Republican Attorney Matt Ramsey on Thursday honored the many years of public service Representative Dan Lakly (SH-72) brought to the residents of Peachtree City and Fayette County, while also announcing his intention to run for the seat left vacant by the tragic and unexpected death of Representative Lakly in October. With the start of the next legislative session only a few weeks away, Governor Perdue has had to call an unusually short special election for the seat, with the election date set for December 18, 2007.

“Today, after careful consideration and consultation with my family, I am announcing my candidacy for the Georgia House of Representatives,” Ramsey said in a statement released to the press. “The tragic circumstances that make this election necessary have brought sadness to our entire community, and my wife Missy and I offer our deepest condolences to the family of an outstanding public servant, Dan Lakly.”

What a hell of a tribute to our deceased representative and my friend Dan Lakly. That’s enough to make me want to throw up.

Hey Lawyer Ramsey! Did you even know Dan? Did you even go to the funeral?

Good grief…. Dan had barely left us and this developer lawyer makes his shameless announcement before a qualifying date is set and fresh off the heels of Dan’s burial. Even Robert (Bob) L Morgan has the decency to put off a decision right away as to whether he would jump in the race or not.

Several people have already noted that this clown has been going around boasting of the fact that he’s already raised nearly $30,000 in this race. Ask yourself this folks. How does a completely unknown young punk lawyer, who has no prior political experience, pop up on the scene with fistfuls of freshly raised cash and a slick campaign announcement as we just read? Who wrote and concocted this pandering and shameless political stunt? Who does this Lawyer Ramsey work for? Where is this support coming from?

Let me be the first to throw out a few tidbits to jump start the research on this character. Lawyer Ramsey works for a firm that represents developers. Lawyer Ramsey has already raised a boat load of cash from the developer crowd who is supporting him. Who are Lawyer Ramsey’s shameless supporters that help him concoct this plan and raise this kind of money before Dan’s family even had a chance to bury him? How sorry is Lawyer Ramsey and his developer supporters as to Dan’s sudden death? How many hours after the discovery of Dan’s death did it take for these opportunist developers and lawyers to get their boy to spring into action?

One thing about Lawyer Ramsey….. He must be a pretty good trial lawyer. It doesn’t take him very long to arrive on the scene toting a portable neck brace. And they wonder why people don’t like lawyers…….. Shocked

I just want you to know that we knew Dan Lakly..... and you're no Dan Lakly.

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


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Ramsey loves Fayette county
Submitted by caring citizen on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 3:46pm.

Git Real seems to be such an angry person! Have you ever met Matt Ramsey personally?

The Matt Ramsey I know is a dedicated and caring family man with a lovely wife and 2 very special children. He grew up in Fayette county and LOVES his community. I think he'll do an outstanding job of representing us and I plan to give him my full support.

Git Real, maybe you should take the time to meet with Matt and see for yourself what he's made of before you say such awful things about him. In the meantime, I recommend a nap for your sour disposition!

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Git Real Anger; Ramsey Naievete; Strange Political Happenings
cogitoergofay's picture
Submitted by cogitoergofay on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 4:34pm.

Mr. Ramsey may have some connections to Fayette County but he apparently would be well served to either (a) learn some basic political science or (b) fire his very polished political handlers.

If Mr. Ramsey had even a slight acquaintance with process he would have restrained the actions of his political machine. This would have been the wise move if for not only due to decency and respect but also due to the obvious risk associated with such aggressive tactics.

Take for example State Senator Ralph Hudgins. He announced his candidacy for Congress so quickly after the death of incumbent Charlie Norwood on February 13th of this year, that Hudgins was forced to withdraw a month later. SEE AJC STORY ON RALPH HUDGINS POLITICAL PRATFALL ON MARCH 10, 2007: "THE POLITICAL INSIDER".

Git Real may indeed be angry. After the past two weeks, perhaps he has directed anger in a physical fashion towards his stock broker.

But these are legitimate questions he raises. And, apparently at least some blogger in Athens raised similar disgust with Senator Hudgins’ sharp tactics. Read these blogger excerpts found from the AJC story above:

(1) “Hudgens is about to get what’s coming to him for being such an out of touch, tacky jerk.”

(2) “Ralphie should have his son erect a big billboard sign at his house in Comer saying “Here is the soon-to-be former State Senator and man who could not keep his mouth shut before Charlie Norwood died about how much he wanted his seat in Congress, and now he lacks the fortitude to follow through.”

It might be a good time, Mr. Ramsey, to re-think some of these initial strategy decisions.


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Git Real Seems To Be Such An Angry Person!
Git Real's picture
Submitted by Git Real on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 4:05pm.

Yeah...that's it. I'm an annnggggrrryyy person. Grrrrrrr. Since we've established that fact, then let's move onto the questions I've raised.

I didn't question the fact that Lawyer Ramsey loves his lovely wife and 2 very special children. I would assume he does. Why would you drag his lovely family into a political issue like that if you are indeed such a "caring citizen"? Leave his lovely family out of this. That's a shameless ploy too and not fair to his wonderful family.

I am questioning who put Lawyer Ramsey up to this race and who fronted the nearly $30K to get him going? Is it the developer crowd or is it a grass roots effort by the citizens of Fayette County? Just get Lawyer Ramsey to post the contribution list and let us 'angry citizens' determine what his true agenda is. Got a problem with that Ms. Concerned Citizen?

How about that slick political press release / stunt that Lawyer Ramsey and his supporters threw out there at this very inappropriate time? How in the heck can someone raise sooooo much money, support, and organization within mere hours of Dan's passing. And then to have him blow smoke up our rumps as if this is some hurtful event that has caused much concern in Lawyer Ramsey's life and that of his political machine that went from 0 to 120 mph in a matter of moments.

Don't try to tell me what a wonderful bunch it is that put Lawyer Ramsey up to this. Rest assured they were high fiving each other within moments of pretending they were heart broken.

Dispel my honest and concerned questions. They are legit questions. Stop trying to change the subject. We voters have a right to all the facts.

Sincerely

Git Real - Another Concerned Citizen

**** GIT REAL TOUGH ON CRIME ****

"That man was Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Scott Ballard".

CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY


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Voters BEWARE!
Submitted by Dalmation195 on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 8:46am.

Watch out. It wouldn't surprise me if Greg Dunn does not jump in. He still thinks that Westmoreland's seat should have been his.

Here he comes again. BEWARE!!!

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Someone
Submitted by tonto707 on Sat, 11/10/2007 - 3:12pm.

was blogging here about a year ago that Dunn was DONE. Have you forgotten?

But it could happen, because Dunn may not know he is DONE. But we do.

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Tonto the Hypocrite
ptctaxpayer's picture
Submitted by ptctaxpayer on Sat, 11/10/2007 - 6:50pm.

Yesterday Tonto the Hypocrite came on line and defended his lawyer candidate Ramsey against charges that he was already collecting checks from developers before Dan's autopsy and funeral were concluded. He said that people asking questions of Ramsey (which were not and won't be answered) was "bitching". His word not mine Cal.

Now a day later he trashes on Greg Dunn. You support Maxwell and Ramsey. Are President of the Bar Association?

Ain't that amazing.

You're one of those clowns that when your candidate gets cornered and won't answer questions, you point to the fact that Ramsey fathered children. I did that in the back seat of '64 Rambler and no one gave me a medal.


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A chance to do something
Submitted by Nitpickers on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 7:48am.

I liked Mr. Lakly. I remember him about twenty years ago standing on an island on Peachtree Parkway, asking for votes. I doubt he was hamstrung by developers, bankers, politicians or anyone else, to much extent.
But he did his job and now we have a chance to replace him and put Georgia further on the way to civilization! We need more like him.
Please, let's not jerk a politico off the shelf who Sonny can depend upon to rubber-stamp crap!

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Running for the house seat
Submitted by Concerned Citizen on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 6:29am.

Well, who else is going to run? It's not like we have a long time to decide. Bob Morgan, if your going to run, better hurry up and announce!

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Bad timing Mr. Ramsey
Robert W. Morgan's picture
Submitted by Robert W. Morgan on Thu, 11/08/2007 - 7:46pm.

When you are the first to jump into something like this you look like a opportunistic parasite. The tasteful thing to do is wait until someone else declares their candidacy and then you state your intentions - saying something statesmanlike as in "I see a need to fill Dan Lakly's shoes (not that I can) but want to try and I see no other candidate who has declared as being able to do that."

In fact, I may take my own advice and run for that seat against you. Stay tuned.


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Bob slings mud already
Submitted by Regular Guy in PTC on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 12:08pm.

Bob, I can see you are made for politics, already slinging mud.."opportunistic parasite." People who stand up first are called Leaders, not parasites. Those who wait for someone else are called followers.

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Yes, you are right Regular Guy in PTC
Robert W. Morgan's picture
Submitted by Robert W. Morgan on Fri, 11/09/2007 - 7:49pm.

It is not right to be "slinging mud" as you call it. I hereby withdraw as a potential candidate.

Moving on to other possible candidates, I could support Greg Dunn (maybe) and Peter Pfeifer, but beyond that I can't think of anyone who could represent us the way Dan did.

Somebody called me today (the only call I got today from a hot chick, but when you are my age - that's an event) and said Steve Brown is running. OK, that is his right, but it is my right not to support him or vote for him. I believe he would embarass the whole area since he is such a foolish and self centered person.


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That's funny, Bob....I
tortugaocho's picture
Submitted by tortugaocho on Thu, 11/08/2007 - 7:57pm.

That's funny, Bob....I thought you might run for Congress instead.


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