Martin Matheny's blog

An editorial in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution takes "Republican ideologues" to task for putting politics ahead of kids in the recent debate over children's health care. 

"The White House and Republican allies in Congress - including the entire Georgia GOP delegation - should be more forthright about their opposition:  They believe middle-class American families are undeserving of the government's help..."

A story in the Rome News-Tribune highlights the increasing erosion of support for House Speaker Glenn Richardson's tax plan.  Read the full story here.

According to a story in the Savannah Morning News, first-time unemployment claims in Atlanta rose during the month of October.  Georgia's capital saw 3,305 more new claims filed in October, an increase of 24.1% from the number of first-time claims filed in September. Statewide, over 41,000 workers filed first-time unemployment claims, an increase of 29.1% from September and an increase of 5.2% from the number of first-time claims filed in October of 2006.

According to a story in the Savannah Morning News, first-time unemployment claims in Columbus and Albany rose during the month of October.  Columbus saw 197 new claims filed, an increase of 25.5%. In Albany, unemployment claims rose from 636 in September to 700 in October, an increase of 10.1%.  Statewide, over 41,000 workers filed first-time unemployment claims, an increase of 29.1% from September and an increase of 5.2% from the number of first-time claims filed in October of 2006.

According to a story in the Savannah Morning News, first-time unemployment claims in Valdosta and Hinesville rose during the month of October.  Valdosta saw 30 new claims filed, an increase of 5.5%. In Hinesville, first-time unemployment claims rose from 151 in September to 194 in October, an increase of 28.5%.  Statewide, over 41,000 workers filed first-time unemployment claims, an increase of 29.1% from September and an increase of 5.2% from the number of first-time claims filed in October of 2006.

According to a story in the Savannah Morning News, first-time unemployment claims in Macon and Augusta rose during the month of October.  Macon saw 520 more claims filed, an increase of 62.9%. In Augusta, unemployment claims rose from 1,268 in September to 2,016 in October, an increase of 59%.  Statewide, over 41,000 workers filed first-time unemployment claims, an increase of 29.1% from September and an increase of 5.2% from the number of first-time claims filed in October of 2006.

According to a story in the Savannah Morning News, unemployment claims in Gainesville and Rome rose during the month of October. Gainesville saw 190 more claims filed, an increase of 51.6%. In Rome, unemployment claims rose from 466 in September to 599 in October, an increase of 28.5%. Statewide, over 41,000 workers filed first-time unemployment claims, an increase of 29.1% from September and an increase of 5.2% from the number of first-time claims filed in October of 2006.

ATLANTA - Democratic Party of Georgia Chairwoman Jane Kidd issued the following statement in response to the resignation of U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

"It's about time."

Thanks to Margaret Tyson for taking these great shots. 

See all of them by visiting our Flickr page!

...for their International Tasting Party, featuring homecooked international cuisine, entertainment, and more middle Georgia Democrats than you can shake a stick at.

Here are the details:

Saturday, August 18, 2007 - 7:00 pm
Warner Robins Recreation Department
800 Watson Blvd.
Warner Robins, GA

Tickets are $15.00.  For more information, please contact Betty Pearsall at bcpearsall [at] bellsouth [dot] net.

See you there!