Haines for Congress Blog

Savannah Alderman Jeff Felser Endorses Doug

Savannah Alderman-at-Large Jeff Felser, former chairman of the Democratic Party of Chatham County, announced this evening that he is supporting former State Senator Doug Haines in the 12th District Congressional Primary. Felser’s surprise announcement came moments before a candidate forum sponsored by the Savannah branch of the NAACP.

"I’ve had the opportunity to repeatedly speak at length to all four Congressional candidates," Felser said. "I made my choice based on what’s best for our community. Doug is the only Democratic Congressional candidate that has shown a dedication to improving local economic conditions and giving everyone a seat at the economic table. He’s demonstrated that he’s committed, he’s a fighter, and he has the ability to lead, just like he did in the State Senate when he fought to pass the nation’s toughest Predatory Lending law."

Felser also addressed Doug’s policy proposals, known as the Better Deal.

"As part of local government, I know how important it is to have strong leadership that will fight to strengthen our communities from within," said Felser. "Doug knows that all politics is local, and he has pledged to work with us to get the funding to invest in building schools, roads, bridges, and other crucial infrastructure that is a pressing and timely need in our communities."

Doug said, "I’m honored to have Jeff Felser lend his voice to my campaign for a real change in Washington. The fight for economic equality is one that will require the efforts of every leader at every level of government. I’m ready to lead that fight in Congress, just as Jeff has been leading the fight here in Savannah."

Felser joins a long list of local, regional, and state leaders who have endorsed Doug, including Savannah Alderwoman Mary Osborne, the Savannah Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, the National Education Association, and the Georgia Association of Educators.

Doug Endorsed by Prominent Athens Minister

The Reverend Dr. David Batts of Greater Bethel AME Church in Athens announced today that he is endorsing Doug in the 12th District Democratic Primary.

"I’ve had the honor of knowing Doug Haines and his good works in the community for some time. Doug is a good friend to our community and I was proud to support him as a State Senator," said Batts. "The citizens of Athens owe Doug Haines a debt of gratitude for his work in the State Senate, and especially his efforts to improve the quality of public education in our community. Doug is the kind of leader we need in Congress – a man of integrity, character, and vision. I’m proud to stand with Doug Haines, and I will be working to spread his message to my congregation and my community."

Doug thanked Batts for his endorsement and support. "Pastor Batts is a vital part of the community in Athens, and his support strengthens my campaign for Congress. I look forward to working closely with David on the campaign trail. As a candidate, I value his input and advice, and as a Congressman, I will call on him frequently."

Batts joins other prominent 12th District religious leaders in endorsing Doug, including Reverend Dr. James Washington of Athens, and Savannah’s Interdemoninational Ministerial Alliance.

National and State Teacher Organizations Send Doug to Head of Class

In one of the most significant endorsements of the 2004 election cycle, the National Education Association and the Georgia Association of Educators announced that they are endorsing Doug in the 12th District Democratic Congressional Primary. The NEA represents approximately 2.7 million educators across America, while the GAE comprises over 38,000 Georgia teachers.

"I’m especially excited to have the support of the NEA and the GAE," Doug said. "I’ve always fought for our teachers, our public schools, and our children. Having the support of these great organizations represents a vote of confidence that is gratifying and humbling. I’m honored to stand with our heroes in the classroom in bringing a chorus of voices for change to Washington."

GAE President Merchuria Chase Williams said, "We were proud to support Doug Haines during his State Senate career, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to renew our support in his campaign to represent the 12th District in Congress. The NEA and GAE do not take endorsements lightly, and we chose Doug because of both his record of results in the State Senate and his vision and ideas on how to improve our schools."

As a State Senator, Doug worked on a number of issues relating to children and public education, including securing funding for a pilot program of the Georgia Early Learning Initiative, and appropriating the necessary money to build new schools and hire thousands of new teachers.

As a candidate for Congress, Doug has released a detailed education platform, "A Better Deal for Public Education," which focuses on educational issues from pre-kindergarten through college. Doug’s education policy can be found in detail here.

Rep. Jimmy Lord Endorses Doug

State Representative Jimmy Lord (D-Sandersville) announced today that he is endorsing Doug in the 12th Congressional District Democratic Primary. Lord has represented Jefferson and Burke counties in the State House of Representatives since 1977.

Lord, who serves on the House Appropriations, Rules, and Insurance Committees, cited the needs of local farmers as a primary reason for his support of Haines.

"I represent a lot of family farmers throughout my district," said Lord. "It’s an uphill battle to succeed as a family farmer, and they need all the help they can get from Washington. Doug Haines has the most detailed agricultural policy of any candidate in this race, and I know he’s going to go to Washington and fight for agriculture."

"The success of our family farms is vital to the economic health of the 12th District," said Doug. "Our family farmers are fortunate to have representatives like Jimmy Lord in Atlanta, but we’ve got a lot of work to do in Washington. I’m looking forward to representing the farmers of the 12th District in Congress."

Lord joins a growing list of Burke and Jefferson County leaders who are supporting Doug, including Rep. Alberta Anderson (D-Waynesboro), Jefferson County Coroner Johnny Nelson, Keysville Mayor Emma Gresham, and City Councilmen John "Tubby" Maye of Wadley, and Erskine Lane of Wrens. To find out more about Doug’s positions on agriculture, click here.

Commissioner Marion Williams Endorses Doug

Augusta-Richmond Commissioner Marion Williams announced today that he is endorsing in the 12th District Congressional Primary. Williams, pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in Augusta, is serving his second term on the Augusta-Richmond County Commission.

Williams cited Doug's record and dedication to economic development as key reasons for his endorsement of Haines.

"I love Augusta and as a part of our local government, I know what great potential it has as a community," Williams said. "In order for us to realize that potential, Augusta needs strong leadership looking out for us in Washington. Doug Haines has the right ideas on how to help Augusta succeed economically, he has the record of results that shows he can get the job done in Congress, and he is the best candidate to take on Max Burns."

Doug said, "My campaign is focused on building stronger communities and forging healthy relationships between our local government and the federal government. Having the support and confidence of local leaders like Marion demonstrates their commitment to realizing the goal of making all of our communities safe, healthy, and thriving economically."

Williams joins a growing list of state and community leaders who are uniting behind Haines’ candidacy, including State Representative Alberta Anderson, Savannah Alderwoman Mary Osborne, and State Senators Ed Harbison, and Carol Jackson.