Special Interest Groups, “I Say Bring It On”

Featured Stories

Last Monday night Georgia House Speaker and 7th. District Representative David Ralston announced his re-election bid to a hometown crowd at the Fannin County Republican meeting.

“This year I will be a candidate for re-election to the Georgia House of Representatives from District 7 in the May 20th. Republican Primary. I Plan to win this race. When I do I will seek re-election to the Office of the Speaker to the Georgia House of Representatives”.

Ralston then, in a strong clear firm tone, laid out his campaign.

“I have worked hard over a number of years now to promote the conservative values we hold dear here in this part of the state.”

“Cutting spending, downsizing government, fighting to cut taxes, fighting to create a climate that promotes job growth which is conducive to free enterprise, protecting our second amendment right to bare arms and safe guarding our traditional values by advancing protection for the unborn. That’s what my record is; my conservative Republican values run true and deep.”

Ralston said he was proud of what he has done. He has always tried to take North Georgia values to Atlanta. Speaking about the upcoming campaign Ralston went on to say,

“I don’t mind a challenge; I don’t mind a good fight.”

What this campaign is about? This is not a campaign about what’s best for our community; this is not a campaign about what’s best for our state. This is a campaign about a narrow agenda of anonymous special interest groups hanging around the State Capitol that didn’t get their way on some issues or another. They have some kind of agenda that is not good for the entire state of Georgia so they go find someone to run.”

“This race will not be pretty. (There’s) already anonymous cheap shots and outright lies. There will be all kinds of misinformation and deceitfulness. I say bring it on.”

“To the special interest groups, self promoters, the egomaniacs, to anyone who thinks their petty agenda is more important than what is best for the families of Fannin County, Gilmer County, and Dawson County, I say bring it on.”

He went on to say that he is the first House Speaker from North Georgia. Ralston finished his comments by letting the room know he is ready for a fight,

“For those of you who know me know I don’t hit first but I do hit last.”

I asked the speaker if he could tell me more about the special interest groups, who are these groups?
Ralston said,

“They hide under rocks, they won’t reveal their identity. They have already started their attacks.”

You mentioned lies tonight Mr. Speaker, What lies?
Ralston replied,

“A newspaper ad up here last week that linked me to the President, who I have nothing in common with. There were robo-calls that absolutely misrepresented three or four different issues that are blatant outright lies about votes on tax issues in the general assembly. I don’t know what planet these people get their information from, they don’t have a regard for the truth.”

Ralston never mentioned his opponent by name other then a couple of wrestling references. Sam Snider his opponent is the head wrestling coach at Gilmer County High school. Snider just led the Gilmer Bobcats to their 12th. State wrestling title. Snider’s challenge to the Speaker has been referred to by some as the biggest flop of 2014. Snider is clearly the underdog but has proved to be a winner in previous endeavors.

By Ralston’s comments it is clear he understands that he may be running against special interest groups from many different parts of the state that plan to unseat the Speaker in this election.

FYN will request an interview with both candidates this week.

Back to Top