… There are some lots where developers or special interests own. The grouping of signs indicates the owner’s candidate preferences. Another longtime observer has quipped that, ’they will have the ‘white tent crowd’ but folks may be ready for new blood in office.” …………………………… ................................................................... While funding is a challenge for Tommy Malcom, perseverance and hard work are his trademarks. His father and longtime friend, Andrew Malcom, is a big part of his campaign and probably works as hard as any campaigner. He moves the Fire Truck around the county to strategic sites……..

AVOC

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July 9, 2010

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Observations and comments on Oconee Political Races –July 20 Primary

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By Wendell Dawson, Editor, AVOC, Inc

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As a longtime political participant and observer, I can read the signs and other indications of support for many candidates.    There are some lots where developers or special interests own.  The grouping of signs indicates the owner’s candidate preferences.   Another longtime observer has quipped that, ’they will have the ‘white tent crowd’ but folks may be ready for new blood in office.”   Some property owners appear to be non-partisan and allow signs of all candidates and their opponents.

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Sign groupings can indicate how media endorsements and preferences will go.  Some groupings from the 2008 County Elections are shown in the pictures below.   One can look at these sites this year and see who the “favored” candidates are.

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2008 Political Grouping of signs – Mars Hill Road

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2008 Political Grouping of signs – Hog Mtn Road @ Daniells Bridge

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Mark Thomas has a lot of signs and seems to have the most signs in the Greensboro Hwy and lower end area of the county.   Hank Huckaby seems to have the most big signs and appears to be a favorite of folks with University and Athens connections.  Shook has signs in areas indicating tea party support.   Tommy Malcom has a lot of signs and his Dad’s Fire Truck.  Margaret Hale continues to work door to door and has many yard signs- many in areas of past support and actually in yards.   Tammy Gilland has a lot of yard signs all over.   She and fellow Rotarian, Mack Guest, seem to have the support of the “White Tent Crowd”.    Huckaby, Gilland and Guest seem to be the largest campaign funds recipients.

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The number of signs and large campaign funds chests do not assure victory.   If it did, Roy Barnes would have been re-elected Governor in 2002 and Oconee Commissioner Norris would have won in 2008.    Personal contact, name recognition and networking mean more.

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While funding is a challenge for Tommy Malcom, perseverance and hard work are his trademarks.   His father and longtime friend, Andrew Malcom, is a big part of his campaign and probably works as hard as any campaigner.   He moves the Fire Truck around the county to strategic sites.  Andrew hopes Tommy makes the runoff and feels good about his 40 % vote in the Senate race in 2008, when popular incumbent, Bill Cowsert was re-elected.  Andrew says that Oconee will determine the House District 113 race even though portions of three other counties are involved.   He estimates about 250 or so vote in Morgan, about the same in Oglethorpe and about 650 or so in Clarke County- or at least those are the numbers I remember from his conversation.

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Andrew Malcom & Fire Truck campaigning for Tommy Malcom

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Tommy Malcom Candidate for GA House District 113

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Oconee County Voting Precincts

http://www.oconeecounty.com/OCWeb2009/BdElections/Precincts2008.pdf

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Oconee County Sample Ballots for July 20 Primary:

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CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE BALLOT - DEMOCRATIC PARTY

CLICK HERE FOR SAMPLE BALLOT - REPUBLICAN PARTY 

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Skill sets define House 113 race – ABH – 7-9-10

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/070910/new_672961617.shtml#mdw-comments

..A tea party candidate, a former local school board member and a retired University of Georgia administrator are running to replace retiring state Rep. Bob Smith, R-Watkinsville.

…..The three Republican candidates - Kirk Shook, Tommy Malcom and Hank Huckaby - each bring a unique set of skills to the table. Voters in Oconee, Northern Morgan, Southern Clarke and Western Oglethorpe counties will choose among them at the July 20 primary election……

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