Hill says he would beat Cagle in a runoff

Election 2018, News

Hunter Hill (right) talks with Chamber of Commerce President Robb Nichols.

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Former U.S. Army Ranger and Georgia State Senator Hunter Hill predicted Wednesday he would defeat Lt. Governor Casey Cagle in a runoff for the state’s highest office.

About 30 people greeted Hill when his “Battle-Tested Leadership Bus Tour” RV pulled in at Smokin’ Gold BBQ on Main Street. Hill took time to greet everyone individually and answer their questions before making a brief speech.

Considered one of Georgia’s most conservative lawmakers during his five years in the state senate Hill said, he decided to run for governor when he realized, “there is so much more we can do to move the conservative agenda forward in Georgia.”

Hill told the crowd that his vision for Georgia included eliminating the state income tax, ending sanctuary cities, limiting the size of government, passing a religious freedom act and empowering parents to have more choice when it comes to the education of their children.

In addition to Hill and Cagle, the other Republicans running for governor are Secretary of State Brian Kemp, State Senator Michael Williams and former Navy SEAL Clay Tippins.

Deal visited Clarkesville Wednesday morning where he said winning the race for governor without a runoff would be mathematically impossible.

Asked to respond, Hill said, “Sixty-five percent of the folks are looking for an alternative to (Cagle). Casey is weak because Casey is a career politician. People are tired of the status quo and career politicians who talk like Ronald Reagan but govern like Barack Obama.”

Should Hill and Cagle meet in a runoff, Hill said, “I want the support of the other candidates in the primary but really I want the support of those who voted for them. In a runoff I believe we could coalesce that support. I believe the educated voters who pick Williams, Tippins or Kemp will naturally gravitate to us and we will win a runoff.”

A graduate of West Point, Hill served three tours on active duty in Afghanistan and Iraq and received two Army Commendation Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Bronze Star.

During the most recent reporting cycle, Cagle had raised about $4 million followed by Kemp with $2.9 million and Hill with $2.7 million.

“I remain convinced that it’s not all about money,” Hill said. “It’s about getting your message out. Our message is a true conservative vision for Georgia. We don’t have to have as much money as the political class, the establishment and the career politicians. We’ve already been outspent 3 to 1 by the other candidates and here we are in a strong second and closing the gap on Cagle.”

 

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

 

Hunter Hill bus tour stops in Dahlonega Wednesday

Election 2018, News

DAHLONEGA, Ga. — Republican Gubernatorial candidate Hunter Hill will continue his “Battle- Tested Leadership Bus Tour” with a visit to Smokin’ Gold BBQ, 59 Main Street in Dahlonega, Wednesday at 11 a.m.

The statewide tour started Tuesday and consists of nineteen stops in five days. Wednesday’s schedule will begin with a visit to Mike’s Ellijay Restaurant (8 a.m.) followed by stops at Smokin’ Gold, Longstreet Cafe in Gainesville (1 p.m.), Fairfield Inns and Suites in Commerce (3 p.m.) Kellie’s Home Cooking in Loganville (6 p.m.).

A graduate of West Point, Hill served five years on active duty in Afghanistan and Iraq and received two Army Commendation Medals, the Meritorious Service Medal and a Bronze Star.

He was elected to the Georgia Senate in 2012 as a conservative who emphasized elimination of the state income tax. During his five years in the senate, he was rated among the top three most conservative senators . He has also been awarded a score of 100% multiple times by the American Conservative Union.

Hill has pledged to prioritize education, public safety and transportation. His platform includes ending the state income tax, doubling transportation spending without raising taxes and protecting religious liberty

Campaign contribution reports indicate Hill has has gained momentum in fundraising. In the last two months he has pulled in about $443,000, giving him a total of about $2.7 million.

 

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

 

Raffensperger wins nomination for Secretary of State

Election, Election 2018

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Brad Raffensperger has defeated David Belle Isle in the July Runoff Election.

Raffensperger and Belle Isle vied for the Republican nomination to seek the seat of Georgia Secretary of State. The Secretary of State seat is open with no incumbent as current Secretary of State Brian Kemp moves forward in the gubernatorial race.

With all 159 counties reporting, Raffensperger was able to receive 61.76 percent of the vote while Belle Isle fell short only receiving 38.24 percent.

Raffensperger will move forward to the November General Election where he will face Democratic nominee John Barrow.

 

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Murray County and state election results 2018

Election 2018, News

CHATSWORTH, Ga. – *These election results are unofficial until being certified by the Georgia secretary of state’s office.

2018 Murray County Primary Election Results

Chief Magistrate Judge (non-partisan):

Connie Reed –                             100.00%             2,019 votes

 

Board of Education District 5:

Mitch Wilson (R) –                    100.00%              1,502 votes

 

Board of Education District 6:

Heath Jones (R) –                       67.46%               1,385 votes

Celeste Bargeron (R) –               32.54%                 668 votes

 

Board of Education District 7:

Kelli Reed (R) –                        100.00%               1,553 votes

 

Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST):

Yes:                                              67.08%               1,689 votes

No:                                               32.92%                  829 votes

 

Georgia House of Representatives District 5

John Meadows (R) –           100.00%                2,596 votes

Results by county:

Gordon:                                 100.00%               2,400 votes

Murray:                                  100.00%                   196 votes

Brian Rosser (D) –               100.00%                   504 votes

Results by county:

Gordon:                                100.00%                    485 votes

Murray:                                 100.00%                      19 votes

 

Georgia House of Representatives District 6

Jason Ridley (R) –             100.00%                 2,090 votes

Results by county:

Murray:                                100.00%                    726 votes

Whitfield:                             100.00%                1,364 votes

 

Georgia House of Representatives District 11

Rick Jasperse (R) –          100.00%                  4,865 votes

Results by county:

Gordon:                             100.00%                      513 votes

Murray:                             100.00%                       721 votes

Pickens:                            100.00%                    3,631 votes

Lee A. Shiver (D) –          100.00%                       673 votes

Results by county:

Gordon:                           100.00%                          77 votes

Murray:                            100.00%                       123 votes

Pickens:                            100.00%                      473 votes

 

2018 Georgia Primary Election Results 

CANDIDATES FOR GOVERNOR:

Casey Cagle (R) –                         39.01%                      236,479 votes

Eddie Hayes (R)  –

Hunter Hill (R) –                         18.34%                        111,199 votes

Brian Kemp (R) –                        25.55%                       154,894 votes

Clay Tippins (R) –                       12.22%                         74,047 votes

Marc Urbach (R) –

Michael Williams (R) –                4.87%                         29,542 votes

Stacey Abrams (D) –                   76.44%                      422,509 votes

Stacey Evans (D) –                      23.56%                       130,241 votes

 

LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR CANDIDATES:

Geoff Duncan (R) –                     26.65%                      145,849 votes

Rick Jeffares (R) –                      24.44%                       133,758 votes

David Shafer (R) –                      48.91%                       267,684 votes

Sarah Riggs Amico (D) –           55.28%                        277,675 votes

Triana Arnold James (D) –        44.72%                      224,638 votes

 

SECRETARY OF STATE CANDIDATES:

David Belle Isle (R) –                28.53%                        150,973 votes

Buzz Brockway (R) –                 15.35%                          81,251 votes

Josh McKoon (R) –                    21.14%                        111,881 votes

Brad Raffensperger (R) –         34.98%                     185,087 votes            

John Barrow (D) –                     51.52%                     263,958 votes

Dee Dawkins-Haigler (D) –      29.51%                      151,224 votes

R.J. Hadley (D) –                        18.97%                       97,194 votes

Smythe Duval (I) –

 

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES:

Jim Beck (R) –                           59.69%                    313,184 votes

Jay Florence (R) –                    20.89%                    109,629 votes

Tracy Jordan (R) –                    19.42%                    101,876 votes

Janice Laws (D) –                     62.84%                    302,119 votes

Cindy Zeldin (D) –                    37.16%                     178,677 votes

PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSIONER CANDIDATES:

District 3 – 

Chuck Eaton (R) –                100.00%                   470,258 votes

Lindy Miller (D)  –                  65.46%                    311,286 votes              

John Noel (D)  –                      18.92%                      89,955 votes

Johnny White (D)  –               15.62%                       74,263 votes

District 5 – 

John Hitchins III (R)  –         46.96%                    247,460 votes

Tricia Pridemore (R)  –          53.04%                    279,510 votes

Dawn Randolph (D) –            78.59%                    365,189 votes

Doug Stoner (D) –                   21.41%                      99,509 votes

 

Author

Jason Beck

Born in Merrillville, Indiana, raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, and currently resides in Copperhill, Tennessee. Graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1996 and attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, eventually earning a B.A. and M.A. in English. Hobbies include hiking, camping and fly-fishing. Interests include baseball, hockey and cliff jumping.

Duncan wins tightest race in July Runoff

Election, Election 2018

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Geoff Duncan narrowly beats out David Shafer in the July Runoff Election.

In what was by far the closest race to take place during the runoff, Duncan beat out Shaffer by a mere 1672 votes. In some precincts across the state this race showed wins by a margin of only 2 votes.

Duncan and Shafer vied for the Republican nomination to seek the seat of Georgia Lt. Governor. The Lt. Governor seat is open with no incumbent as current Lt. Governor Casey Cagle chose to throw his name in the hat for the Republican nomination in the gubernatorial race.

With all 159 counties reporting, Duncan was able to receive 50.15 percent of the vote while Shafer fell short receiving 49.85 percent.

Duncan will move forward to the November General Election where he will face Democratic nominee Sarah Riggs Amico.

Hunter Hill visits Ellijay

Election 2018

ELLIJAY, Ga. – Continuing his campaign for Governor, Hunter Hill made a stop in Ellijay on May 2 to speak with local citizens about his plans for the office if elected.

Hill spoke to local citizens over breakfast at Mike’s Ellijay Restaurant on Highway 282.

Arriving at 8 a.m., Governor Candidate Hunter Hill steps off his bus to meet citizens at Mike's Ellijay Restaurant.

Arriving at 8 a.m., Governor Candidate Hunter Hill steps off his bus to meet citizens at Mike’s Ellijay Restaurant.

Hill is a former Army Ranger who has been in the State Senate for five years now. After resigning his seat in August to run for Governor, Hill has been focusing on his vision for Georgia and spreading that message to rally voters. Today, he spoke with citizens in Ellijay about the ideals for “less government, less taxes, and more freedom.”

With “career politicians,” as Hill noted, in office, it is an undermining of our values as a nation. He called out those politicians saying they were not even willing to risk their next election to uphold their oath.

Focusing more specifically on the recent issue of sanctuary cities. Adamantly against the topic, Hill said, “If a city or county in this state were to claim itself a sanctuary city, they would not receive a nickel of state funding.”

After his speech, Hunter Hill paused to answer questions from citizens attending his breakfast meet and greet.

After his speech, Hunter Hill paused to answer questions from citizens attending his breakfast meet and greet.

His second point on his vision for the office reiterated his opinions and intention to eliminate the state income tax. With bordering states already without an income tax, the competitive disadvantage is hurting our state, according to Hill. He went on to say replacing the income tax with a consumption tax setup would alleviate the tax burden from honest Georgians and redistribute that to everyone including visitors to the state and even those making money in illegal ways. Hill stated, “A broad-based consumption tax allows us to have more people that we’re bringing money in from, which allows us to do so at lower rates.”

On a personal note, Hill mentioned his faith pushed him to focus not only on the points of pro-life, pro-second amendment, and also religious liberty. FYN asked Hill if he would be seeking a “Faith Restoration Act” in his first year to which he replied, “Very good chance of that, yeah.”

Hill did confirm that he wanted to pursue faith-based adoption as a part of it saying, “We’ve got to protect our faith-based adoption agencies. We’ve just got to do it. A lot of the reasons that faith-based adoption agencies get involved is to be helpful in congruence with their faith. If you don’t protect their ability to do it in congruence with their faith, then they will just stop doing it altogether.”

 

Meeting with Gilmer residents for breakfast allowed Hunter Hill a chance to meet and speak with local citizens about issues and his vision for the Governor's Office.

Meeting with Gilmer residents for breakfast allowed Hunter Hill a chance to meet and speak with local citizens about issues and his vision for the Governor’s Office.

Protecting people of faith and their ability to live and work based on that faith was a focus of Hill’s speech about the governor’s office, but also on his words about his future view of the state. He noted after winning on key policy issues aligned with our values and principals, he wanted to remind senators and house members of the values and principals that they were elected for, providing a singular vision to move forward under.

 

“Fighting for the people of Georgia” is what he says his focus is as Hill says he sees polls with him ahead of Kemp and closing in on Cagle. Separating himself, Hill says he’s not the career politician like Cagle and is very different than Kemp on issues like the income tax and limited government. But when comparing, Hill said he wanted to focus on his campaign and his vision to protect liberties and endorsements like the Georgia Right to Life to be a different candidate.

While most of those present were already Hill supporters like retired Gilmer county citizen, George Winn, who said he’s been a Hill supporter “all the way.” Based upon his stances as a military, Christian conservative who is a believable and trustworthy conservative.

Others like Ken Bailey find themselves supporting Hill as the best candidate. Following the campaign because “Hunter is not a politician. He is a fresh, young face and not a part of the established system, which needs to be broken up I think. I think he’s got good ideas. We don’t need to have a state income tax, that puts a handicap on us.” Bailey went on to say that he liked some of the other candidates and even knew some personally, but felt Hill was the best choice.

He also commented his appreciation of the choice in the election. With fine candidates available, Bailey said its great to not have to pick the best of a bad selection.

Hill continues his bus tour across Georgia with his final stop at the Cobb GOP Headquarters in Marietta on Saturday afternoon, May 2.

GA Senator and Candidate for Governor (R) Hunter Hill Interviews with BKP

Election, Politics

Constitutional conservative GA Senator and Candidate for GA Governor Hunter Hill came on the show this morning to discuss why he is running for Governor. Hill has been a member of the GA Senate since 2012 after returning home from his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. During this interview Hunter Hill talks about the importance of the core competencies that he would focus on in the state if elected as Governor. These being public safety, education, and transportation. Hill made the statement that the current restrictions on the education system is “stifling leadership” not just within the classroom but even into the administration within the schools. Hear all these details and more in this interview.

Casey Cagle’s Reprehensible Acts, The Michael Williams Press Conference that missed the Target

Featured, Politics

“The Die Has Been Cast”

Swing and a miss, strike two.  State Senator Michael Williams now has two strikes against him with the media in his quest to be the next Governor of Georgia.

Williams’ first strike was at the State GOP convention when he announced in a speech that a member from  Lt. Governor Casey Cagle’s campaign team approached him backstage and offered him a deal to get out of the Governor’s race.  In his speech at the GOP convention Williams claimed in front of 1500 people that he was offered the Chairmanship of the Appropriations Committee if he would get out of the race.  He never named the individual with Cagle’s team who made the offer in the backroom deal.  An accusation with no name leaving the media hanging. Strike one.

Williams’ press conference last Thursday at the Capitol was strike two.

Williams sent out an invite last Wednesday announcing a press conference he would be holding at the Capitol Thursday afternoon. The invitation stated he would be revealing the reprehensible acts of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.

The press conference was scheduled for 2PM and Williams was 30 minutes late.  The press conference only lasted twelve minutes.  I attended this press conference and from memory the only thing I got out of it was ‘campaign Casey, a member of Casey Cagle’s team, offered him a committee chairmanship to get out of the race.  Angered that Cagle may have out maneuvered him on minimum wage for Sheriff deputies, Willams directly asked Cagle to get out of the race and something about “tying shoes”.

The media pressed Williams to give the name of who from Cagle’s team offered him the chairmanship. Williams’ only response was, ‘not at this time.’  I asked him the final question of the press conference, “did you not say that it was a member of Cagle’s team?” Williams said, “correct.”  And I asked, “and you’re not prepared to give us who that is”?  Williams: “no”.  Williams then told everyone to have a nice day and walked off taking no more questions.  

Williams held up a copy of SB 254 entitled: Minimum annual salary for each deputy appointed by each Sheriff; provide; Local Law Enforcement Officer Compensation Commission.  

Senators Greg Kirk and Josh McKoon co-sponsored the bill along with Williams.  Williams claims that Cagle is the reason the bill went nowhere during the past legislative session.  Maybe Williams thought this would be his strongest campaign issue. This could show he is the true friend of law enforcement in the campaign.

In May Cagle announced along with Greg Kirk the Compensation of Police and Sheriffs Task Force.  Statement released by the Lt. Governor’s office, “The service and dedication of our law enforcement officials is nothing short of heroic,” said Lt. Governor Cagle. “We must make every effort to ensure local compensation packages are both competitive and fair to those who protect and serve. COPS will help local governments identify ways to maximize their support for the men and women who bravely protect our communities and neighborhoods.”

Kirk, one of Williams’ co-sponsors gone and with the other Josh McKoon running for Secretary of State he may not have any backup concerning his claim that Cagle killed the bill.

Recently Cagle commented about a possible sheriff deputy minimum wage.  He has not gone into any detail though.

This week is the Sheriffs’ Association’s Summer Conference where each candidate will get a chance to address the Association.  

Brian Kemp, Hunter Hill, Michael Williams and Casey Cagle will have their chance to make their pitch.  You can forget this week which one is the true conservative, cause this week all you will hear is ‘I am the true friend of law enforcement’, {no} ‘I’m the true friend of law enforcement,’ {no}  ……

My suspicion is that the Sheriffs’ Association will support whomever they think will be best able to get something done for them when it comes to minimum wage for deputies.  If that turns out to be Cagle then that may mean  Williams has been totally out maneuvered on the issue and SB 254 could turn out to be, as a campaign issue for Williams, no more than good initiative/poor judgment.

You can understand Williams’ frustration.  If Cagle gets almost every Sheriff in the state to actively campaign for him that is big.  Really big.  Maybe that is the ‘reprehensible’ act.

But, Williams’ shoe tying comment directed toward Casey Cagle was a ‘low blow’ no pun intended.  Williams experienced several personal attacks especially during his first State Senate race.  The rumors are already flying and emails being sent concerning Williams’ past.  Maybe Williams’ comment was a subtle warning not to go personal.  It’s disappointing this early in the campaign that things are taking a dirty turn rather than  staying focused on the issues.

The voters of Georgia may want to hear about issues like casino gambling, rural economic development, tax reform, healthcare, infrastructure…… not who can tie their own shoes.

I feel Williams’ gets one more strike with the media.  I can only speak for myself.  If he calls another press conference I will attend. Williams has to make good on his claims of reprehensible acts by Cagle soon or that will be strike three and he will lose his credibility. It’s a long time until election day and Williams will need the media to take him serious to help get his message out.

Kemp and Hill have not commented on the Williams’ attacks of Casey Cagle.  They both seem to be able to keep their campaigns focused on the issues and not the dirt for the time being.  Odds are they will have to join the mud pit before the race is over.

Michael Williams was the first Georgia politician holding a state office to support Donald Trump for President.  Williams is attempting to run a Donald Trump-style campaign.  There’s only one problem, he is not Donald Trump.

Trump never held public office. He had no legislative voting track record.  He could run against Washington D.C. and the Media.

Williams has a State Senate voting record. During his first two years in the State Senate his voting record looks like he was working well with the Republican Establishment.  His third year looks more like someone preparing to run for governor.

I am not questioning Williams’ conservative credentials, just the direction his campaign is headed.  If you going to demand Casey Cagle  get out of the race, it’s time to give the reason why with the facts.

 

 

 

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