Haines for Congress Blog

Haines Endorsed by Assistant Minority Whip of State Senate

State Senator Gloria Butler (D-Clarkston) announced yesterday that she endorses Doug in the 12th Congressional District Primary. Butler, who is serving her third term in the Georgia State Senate, is the Assistant Minority Whip and the highest-ranking woman serving in the State Senate. Butler also serves on the Health and Human Services Committee, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, and the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee. She is Secretary of the Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

"I believe that Democrats must stand strong on terrorism and homeland security," said Butler. "Our public safety personnel deserve a better deal. Doug Haines is the only candidate with the backbone to stand up to George Bush and Max Burns on these issues, and Doug’s commitment to funding homeland security services is second to none."

Doug said, "I’m honored to have Gloria Butler joining the statewide effort to put a progressive voice in Congress. I will stand up for our public safety personnel and make sure that our communities are protected and responsive. I look forward to working with Gloria on how best to bring the resources of the federal government to help our communities."

Doug Campaigns in Jefferson County

Doug spent Wednesday evening in Wrens going door-to-door campaigning for votes, handing out campaign literature and putting up yard signs for about four hours.

As Doug says, "This is how Democrats win, and how they should campaign. If you don’t know the people, how can you expect to represent them?"

Wednesday, Doug had teams of volunteers canvassing all over the district, focusing on Augusta and Savannah. Doug chose to canvas in Jefferson County.

"It seems like candidates only concentrate on Athens, Augusta, and Savannah, but I’m a little different," said Doug. "I want to be a candidate for the whole district. Just because you don’t live in one of the three biggest cities doesn’t mean that your voice doesn’t matter."

Local voters took the opportunity to quiz Haines on a variety of issues, from the economy to foreign policy. Wrens resident Henry Ross had questions about Iraq, asking Doug his position on the situation abroad.

Doug answered by going right to the point, "I believe we were misled going in. We were lied to."

After meeting with Haines, Ross’s father, William Hatcher, had one final question.

"You sound good now," said Hatcher, "but will you be saying the same things once you get in?"

"Absolutely," said Doug. "In fact, I’ll come right back here in a year, sit on your couch, and tell you what I’ve been doing in Washington."

State Senator Vincent Fort Endorses Doug

State Senator Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) announced today that he is endorsing Doug in the 12th District Democratic Primary. Fort, chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Committee on Education, is a professor at Morehouse College. He is serving his fourth term in the State Senate.

"Doug Haines was one of my strongest allies when we fought to pass the nation’s toughest predatory lending law," Fort said today. "I’m proud to stand with a real fighter who puts working families first. As an educator, I’m especially pleased with Doug’s record on education, as well as his proposals to improve our public schools."

In a statement released today, Doug said, "Vincent Fort has a record of fighting for the people behind the issues, both in the classroom and under the Gold Dome. I’m honored to have the support of elected officials like Vincent in my campaign."

Great Article in the Savannah Morning News

An article in the Savannah Morning News today talks about Doug's growing support among leaders in our communities. It also talks about the importance in gaining support among African Americans in our district, where as much as 70 percent of primary voters are African American. The article can be found here:
Haines has strong support from prominent blacks in the 12th.

State Representative Alberta Anderson Endorses Haines

State Representative Alberta Anderson (D-Waynesboro) announced today that she is endorsing Doug in the 12th District Congressional Primary.

Anderson, who serves all of Burke County and part of Richmond County, is a member of the committees on Banks and Banking and Health and Human Services. She also serves as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Children and Youth.

"I know Doug Haines from the State Legislature, and I know that he will be a strong advocate for the issues that matter in the 12th District, like job creation, access to affordable healthcare, and making our public schools something to be proud of," said Anderson. "My constituents in Burke County are ready for a change, Georgia is ready for a change, and America is ready for a change. Doug Haines is the candidate who will stand up for us against George Bush, Max Burns, and the conservative agenda."

"I’m looking forward to working with Alberta in Burke County and on the campaign trail," said Haines. "Alberta is a dedicated public servant and a real advocate for our children. I’m honored to have her support."

Doug Meets With IATSE, Citizens Not Suspects

This past week, Doug spoke to two groups that are often overlooked in the 12th District. On Wednesday, Doug met with the Athens Chapter of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, and Allied Crafts (IATSE). On Saturday, he addressed a rally held by Citizens Not Suspects. The meeting with IATSE was great. Doug spoke for about an hour, answering questions on a variety of topics ranging from health care, to job creation, to the war on terror. We appreciate the invitation to speak, and especially the numerous IATSE members who have signed on to volunteer for the campaign. IATSE Local 824 represents employees of the Classic Center in Athens.

On Saturday, Doug spoke at a rally help by local activist group Citizens Not Suspects. For those who are unfamiliar with CNS, its aim is to convince the Athens-Clarke County government to pass a resolution condemning the PATRIOT Act. As the folks at CNS point out, Athens' academic population is especially at risk. Additionally, Athens has a history of speaking out as a community on national issues, such as world peace (1983), and nuclear waste disposal (1997). It's time our county government stepped up on the PATRIOT Act, and during his remarks, Doug called on our local leaders to do just that.

Issues, Ice Cream, & Ideas

Monday, June 21, 2004
5:30p.m.
Memorial Park Shelter #2

Come pick up a yard sign and show your support for Doug!

Enjoy some ice cream and get a chance to discuss the Better Deal.

For more information call (706) 425-1909.

Senator Horacena Tate Endorses Doug

State Senator Horacena Tate (D-Atlanta) announced today that she is endorsing Doug Haines in Georgia’s 12th District Democratic Primary. Dr. Tate, who is serving her third term as the State Senator from Georgia’s 38th District, is a member of the Appropriations Committee, as well as the Committee on Children and Youth, and the Senate Retirement Committee.

In a statement released today, Senator Tate said, "From working with Doug Haines on the Appropriations Committee, I know that Doug has the right priorities when it comes to budgeting money for the programs that keep our communities strong. Doug won’t waste taxpayer money on giveaways to the wealthy and tax cuts for corporate-jet conservatives, he will put our government to work for us, in our communities."

As a State Senator, Doug was instrumental in securing funding for the hiring of new teachers and for construction of new schools, despite statewide budget cuts.

Tate also said, "Doug Haines has always fought for working families, and the children of those working families. I’m pleased to lend my voice to a statewide effort to elect a real progressive Democrat who will stand up to George Bush and Max Burns."

Doug Endorsed by Rev. James Washington

The Reverend Dr. James Washington of Athens announced today that he is endorsing Doug. Reverend Washington, pastor of New Grove Baptist Church in Clarke County, has been serving the spiritual needs of the community for 24 years.

"I’ve known Doug Haines as a State Senator and as a leader in our community. He has always stood up for the voices that are under-represented in politics, and he has a record of making the process more open and inclusive to minorities," Washington said. "We need more voices like Doug’s in the halls of Congress. I am proud to support Doug in the Democratic Primary, and I urge everyone who is ready for a real change in Washington, DC to do the same."

In a statement released today, Doug said, "Dr. Washington is a community leader in the truest sense of the word. I am deeply honored to have his support in my campaign for Congress."

Meetup, June 28, 2004

This month's meetup will be our last opportunity to discuss the primary election. Please stop by the campaign headquarters at 254 West Clayton Street in downtown Athens to talk with Doug, pick up a yard sign, and sign up for our July volunteer opportunities. We'll also be discussing GOTV activities.

Time: 6-8p
Location: 254 W. Clayton Street
Purpose: Put Doug Haines in Congress

For more information contact Brittany Freeman (706-296-1848) or Brandon Dial (706-833-7490).