Senate releases proposed Congressional Map, moves Clyde out of Ninth?

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proposed congressional map

ATLANTA – The proposed Senate Congressional Map, presented by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Senator John F. Kennedy, Chairman of the Senate Redistricting and Reapportionment Committee, makes significant changes to the Ninth District.

The map places Jackson County in the Tenth District. Ninth Congressman Andrew Clyde (R-Ga) resides in Jackson County. If the proposed map passes, Clyde could no longer serve as the Ninth Representative.

The proposed map places Pickens County entirely in the Ninth District. Also, Forsyth County moves entirely into the Sixth District and out of the Ninth. Madison, Elbert, and part of Clarke shift into the Tenth District as well.

Northern Gwinnett becomes part of the Ninth District and out of the Fourth but remains in the Seventh and Tenth.
The Senate bill will now go to the house and then into conference.

Every 10 years, the legislature redraws district lines according to Census population data. The political future of the state often hangs in the balance. Currently, Republicans control the House and Senate in the General Assembly.

“It is clear that this map not only meets principles of redistricting, but we are proud to present a map that regardless of political party, Georgians can be proud of,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “Ensuring that any maps we produce are fair, compact, and keep communities of interest together, will continue to be of upmost importance.”

“Even given the delay of official Census numbers, the Senate Redistricting Committee has diligently worked to ensure that we hear from citizens across all regions of the state,” said Chairman John F. Kennedy. “Looking at this map, it is obvious that Georgians have been heard, and will continue to be heard.”

Georgia has 14 U.S. House seats, 56 state senators, and 180 state house members. 2020 Census data placed 10.7 million people in Georgia. Districts should have an equal number of people across those U.S. House, state senate, and state house districts.

Lawmakers on the Joint Reapportionment Committee are responsible for developing the new district maps. Sometime later this fall, the General Assembly will convene a special session concerning redistricting in Georgia.

Rep. Clyde discusses several Democrat sponsored bills

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andrew clyde bills

ELLIJAY, Ga – Ninth District Representative Andrew Clyde (R – Ga) spoke about recent bills passed by the House of Representatives.

H.R. 127 focuses on gun control legislation and Clyde urged every American to call their Representatives concerning all the firearm bills. Universal background checks are a part of H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 closes the Charleston loophole.

“There was no Charleston loophole,” Clyde asserted. “That bill simply extends the amount of time that the government has to respond to a background check.

The Representative, and gun store owner, plans to introduce another bill to change background check responses from three business days to three calendar days. He cited an issue that arose during the pandemic where some people had to wait weeks or months to pass background checks because the government was shutdown.

The Senate filibuster might prevent H.R. 8 or 1446 from moving forward. The bills would need 60 Senators agreeing to bring it to the floor for a vote.

Restore America Act

Clyde also focused on the Restore America Act and the provision for farmers and ranchers facing discrimination. 120 percent of a farmers’ USDA loan would be paid off under the bill, H.R. 1319. The 20 percent takes care of the taxes on the loans.

“There’s not discrimination there. The fact that they even got a loan is proof that’s there’s not discrimination,” Clyde spoke, “Pay off these farmers, 120 percent of their loan, but only if you are of another ethnicity other than white. Now that is racist, that is absolutely racist.”

Ninth District Representative called out Senator Raphael Warnock (D – Ga) and Coca-Cola for supporting the bill. He added, “how can that not bill a criminal violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964?” He wants the Department of Justice to investigate the provision based on the Civil Rights Act.

Later, Clyde commented that the bill is “biased toward blue states” because it’s based on unemployment numbers. Several Democrat-run states continue to experience higher unemployment than Republican states. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in December 2020, California had an unemployment rate of 9.1 while Georgia’s unemployment rate was 5.3 percent.

As for H.R. 1, the bill regulating elections on the federal level, Clyde believes it will die in the Senate.

https://youtu.be/qTKs7WG1V9U

Clyde “honored and humbled” by Ninth District support

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Clyde Ninth District

ELLIJAY, Ga – Ninth District Republican candidate Andrew Clyde expressed his enthusiasm to represent Ninth District voters and has begun preparing for the race to November.

Clyde told Brian Pritchard on Good Morning from the Office that he had an “amazing election night” and is feeling “pretty incredible.” He also took a moment to thank everyone who voted for him on Tuesday and thoroughly enjoyed meeting people from all 20 counties while on the campaign trail.

Throughout 2020, Clyde visited each county in the Ninth District wearing his combat boots from his time in the Navy. He might even wear them on the Congressionally floor if he wins the General Election.

“We had the right message of capabilities and experience for the people of the Ninth District,” said Clyde.

The Clyde campaign had to overcome an approximately $2.2 million attack ad buy dedicated to bringing them down. These ads pervaded radio waves, social media, and other media outlets.

When asked how he and his wife overcame all the negativity, Clyde responded with a “lot of prayer.” They spend every morning with time in prayer and asking for God’s guidance with the campaign.

Since winning the runoff election, Clyde received a seven-minute congratulatory phone call from President Donald Trump. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and Congressmen Jim Jordan, Buddy Carter, Drew Ferguson, Jody Hice sent congratulations as well.

With 100 percent reporting, Clyde garnered 50,055 votes (56.31%) to Matt Gurtler’s 38,832 votes (43.69%).
The party leader is also “ready to roll” for the November 3 General Election. Clyde added, “It’s important we get every Republican out to vote.”

The Ninth District is the most conservative one in Georgia, but no one should take that fact for granted.
Clyde will face Devin Pandy, who is running as a bipartisan Democrat, in November.

https://youtu.be/cbHIr4NrGfs

Feature image courtesy of Andre Clyde for Congress.

Andrew Clyde declares victory in Georgia’s Ninth District

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Clyde victory Ninth District

NORTH GEORGIA – Earlier tonight, Andrew Clyde said, “I’m declaring victory tonight” to a room full of supporters in Commerce, Ga. after he clinched the GOP nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives Ninth District seat.

The night ended fairly early for the gun shop owner and Navy Veteran with the race being called before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11. Clyde won 55.96 percent of the vote with 85 percent reporting. Gurtler received 44.04 percent of the vote. He carried at least 15 of the 20 counties in the Ninth District. Gilmer County was still out at the time this article was published.

President Donald Trump has already called Clyde to congratulate him on winning a hard-fought race.

Clyde at his victory party in Commerce. Ga.

Now that the runoff is over, Clyde and company will turn their eyes to November. The Republican candidate will face Democrat Devin Pandy, who also won his runoff tonight.

Whoever wins on November 3rd will take Representative Doug Collins (R) seat in the House of Representatives. Collins is currently in a race for Kelly Loeffler’s (R) senate seat.

Clyde will be appearing on FYNTV.com with Brian Pritchard on Thursday at 8.am.

See how all the statewide races in FYN’s coverage area turned out, here.

Interested in viewing local races? Visit the specific county to see who won their runoffs.

FYN sends our condolences to the family of Bill Kokaly

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Kokaly

FYN’s saddened to report the passing of dear friend and longtime Field Representative for Congressman Doug Collins, Bill Kokaly. He moved on to a better world on Friday morning of June 12 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Kokaly loyally served Collins since the congressman’s first campaign and was instrumental in managing the military academy nominations for Ninth District high school students.

He retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service in 1996, and passionately represented Collins’ military constituents whenever they needed assistance. Additionally, he discussed public policy and issues of interest at Ninth District events in order to better understand the citizens.

An outpouring of condolences for Kokaly’s family is taking place across Georgia and the Ninth District. Collins released a statement mourning Kokaly’s passing on June 12:

“Like most people, I have been blessed with childhood friends who have walked with me and my family through every phase of life, constant in a sea of ever-changing tides. However, I believe that God brings other folks into your life at the right time to help you through a season in your life that only that person can fill. This morning one of those people finished his calling.

“It is with a very heart that I have to announce that Bill Kokaly died this morning. Bill has been with me from the beginning of my first campaign for Congress and has been a part of my staff – and more importantly, a part of my family – ever since. His amazing dedication to the work of the 9th District and to his family will never be replaced. He was a man of passion and strength, which is growing rare in these times.

Bill and I both shared a love of, as Bill would put it, our Air Force. The old MSgt never left his service behind. There is one group this morning that will miss Mr. Bill as much as I do, and that is all of the students that he helped get accepted to the service academies. He loved each and every one of those kids and followed their careers just like a proud parent.

To his wife, Gail, and the rest of Bill’s family, we share your pain and hold you close in our prayers. On a personal note, I will miss you, my friend. You taught me so much and I will miss our time together. Your season in my life ended too soon but I am the blessed one to have even had this season with you at all. God bless you, my friend. We will miss you.”

People throughout Georgia continue to leave condolences on social media.

Georgia Speaker of the House David Ralston also released a statement of mourning and commemoration of Kokaly:

“I was so sorry to learn of the passing of my friend, Bill Kokaly, this morning. Bill served our Congressman Doug Collins and represented him at countless events and community gatherings in North Georgia.

“A tireless worker and selfless servant, Bill never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He worked everyday to build up our community and see a better tomorrow for our children and grandchildren.

“I will miss his friendship and his infectious generous spirit. My prayers go out to his bride, Gail, and his family in this difficult time. May he rest in well-deserved peace.”

We at FYN send our prayers, thoughts, and condolences to Kokaly’s wife Gail, and his family. He was a great man who genuinely wanted the best for everyone in the Ninth District, the state of Georgia, and the United States. Kokaly’s lifelong career of service to his country will be remembered and valued by all who knew him. May he rest in peace.

To read people’s memories of Bill Kokaly, please view Congressman Collins’ Facebook page.

Images were taken from Kokaly’s and Collins’ Facebook.

State Senator John Wilkinson Announces for Congress

Politics, Press Release
John Wilkinson

GEORGIA NINTH DISTRICT – State Senator John Wilkinson announced today that he plans to run for the Ninth District Congressional seat. This election will be to replace Congressman Doug Collins, who has announced that he will be running for a seat in the United States Senate. Senator Wilkinson, who was elected to the State Senate in a special election in 2011 and has been re-elected to 4 additional terms, was raised on a small farm in Stephens County.  Working with projects in 4-H and FFA, he learned the value of hard work, cooperation, and responsibility at an early age. Those values have stayed with him during his career in agriculture, education and politics. He has not missed a day of work during his eight years of service in the Senate.

“This is a critical time for our country, and we need an experienced, conservative voice willing to stand up for the values that residents of North Georgia hold dear”, said Wilkinson. “For the past eight years in Atlanta, I have fought to eliminate useless red tape and regulation of business, defended the sanctity of all life, and fought for our constitutional rights guaranteed by the 2nd Amendment.  I look forward to continuing that fight in Washington.”

A native of Toccoa and graduate of Stephens County High School, Wilkinson earned degrees in agriculture and education from the University of Georgia. He has experience as a classroom teacher and served on the State Agricultural Education staff for 26 years. He has served as State Advisor to the Georgia FFA Association, as well as the Georgia Young Farmer Association.  He was recognized as the Outstanding Member of the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education in 2006. He and his wife Debbie have two children and five grandchildren. John and Debbie are active members of Tates Creek Baptist Church.

Senator Wilkinson has served as Chair of the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee in the Senate for the past eight years.  He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Education and Youth Committee, as well as a member of the Natural Resources and the Environment, Appropriations and Rules Committees. He has served as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus for the past 6 years.

The Ninth Congressional District includes all of Banks, Dawson, Elbert, Fannin, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, Union, White and parts of Clarke, Forsyth and Pickens counties. To learn more about Senator John Wilkinson, please visit www.VoteWilkinson.com.

Congressman Doug Collins in Ellijay Tuesday August 20th

Legal Notice

Congressman Doug Collins, Ninth District of Georgia, will be at the United Community Bank conference room TODAY, August 20, at 2:30 PM. (more…)

Obama Takes Executive Action on Guns, Local Lawmakers React

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President Obama signed 23 executive actions today for stricter gun-control measures. (more…)

Collins Sworn In as New Congressman, Boehner Re-elected

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Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA) was sworn in today as part of the 113th Congress and will represent North Georgia’s new ninth district. (more…)

Collins Wins Ninth District

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Republican Candidate Rep. Doug Collins has won the ninth district congressional seat. (more…)

Rep. Graves Announces Fall/Winter 2012 County Connection Days

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WASHINGTON – Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-9) has announced the 2012 fall/winter dates for his 9th Congressional District County Connection Program. (more…)

Graves Responds to Collins Win

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The current and new ninth districts converged recently in East Ellijay. (more…)

Collins Comes to Ellijay, Finds Bicknell Supporters

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In the aftermath of qualifying, Ninth District Candidate Rep. Doug Collins paid a visit to Mike’s Ellijay Restaurant this week. (more…)

Ninth District Deadline Digs up Democrat, Leaves Three Republicans

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In the eleventh hour, Democrat Jody Cooley qualified for the Ninth District Congressional Race today. (more…)

Bicknell and BBQ: Ninth District Candidate Comes to Poole’s

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Ninth District Candidate Hunter Bicknell received a warm welcome in Gilmer County last week. The visit was part of the inaugural Forum of Small Business Free Enterprise Capitalism. (more…)

Poole Receives Recognition

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During a Tom Graves event yesterday in Ellijay, Chairman of the Gilmer County Republican Party George McClellan presented Oscar Poole, proprietor of Poole’s Barbeque, with a plaque from the Georgia Republican Party for his years of dedication to politics. (more…)

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