Haines for Congress Blog

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.

Online Poll - Vote Now!

Vote for Doug Haines today in the politicalgeorgia.com online poll!

Here's the link.

"Clean Sweep" Rally in Savannah - April 21

This Wednesday, April 21, Doug will be speaking at a rally hosted by the AASU College Democrats. The theme of the event is "Clean Sweep" (sweeping the GOP out of office and cleaning up the mess that they have made).

Hope to see everyone there! Here are the details.

When: Wednesday, April 21 - Noon

Where: Johnson Square, Savannah, GA

Admission is, of course, free.

Questions? Email the AASU College Dems at [email protected]

Doug Campaigns in Savannah, Augusta, and Warrenton

This weekend was a busy one for the Haines campaign, as we took the show on the road to Warrenton, Savannah, and Augusta.

The weekend started out early Saturday morning with a drop-in for breakfast in Warrenton. Try the pancakes, they're delicious.

After breakfast, it was on to Millen, GA for a quick stop there, and down to Statesboro to meet with voters at Willie's Barber Shop. After that, we were back in the car headed for Savannah and a fish-fry, hosted by the Savannah Labor Council. Turnout was great, and congratulations go out to Brett Hulme for setting up such a fine event.

Following the labor event, it was time for real grassroots campaigning, in barber shops and parking lots. Later in the evening, we dropped by a party hosted by Doug's close friend (and law school classmate) Robert Bush, a public interest lawyer in Savannah.

Sunday morning started with church and lunch in Savannah, and a trip to Augusta for more parking lots.

Hands for Haines Concert - April 15!

The Haines for Congress campaign is taking over Tasty World this Thursday, April 15th for a benefit/fundraiser for Doug!

We'll have live music, courtesy of Audition With Max Reinhardt, and a chance to meet Doug and talk to him about what's on your mind.

Doors open at 7pm, admission is only $7. (All proceeds from the door go to help Doug beat Max Burns)

Hope to see everyone there!

After the Debate

The debate was fantastic last night; about 130 people turned out to watch the Democratic candidates talk about their ideas, issues, and experience. In my (admittedly biased) opinion, Doug won in a landslide.

Topics in the debate covered a wide range of issues. There were the major issues: jobs, the economy, foreign policy, health care, and education. In addition, we were able to talk about some issues that don't get the attention they deserve, like keeping military bases in the 12th District open, electronic voting, and the Athens Clarke County rental registration ordinance.

The Athens Banner-Herald has this to say.

And the University of Georgia's newspaper, The Red and Black, wrote this.

Anyone at the debate last night? Let's hear your opinion!

Martin Matheny

Doug at fundraiser for Common Ground

Last night, Doug and I attended a fundraiser for Common Ground, a "Progressive Resource Center" for the progressive community in Athens. The event was held at Tasty World, with great music (it's good to see that Athens is coming into its own as a center for underground hip-hop), and even fire dancers. Common Ground is a great organization, uniting numerous established and growing progressive causes in the Athens Area, and I think it's important to note that Doug was the only candidate who took the time to attend. Even more impressive, he had been campaigning in Augusta all day Saturday and is going back today (Sunday). It's good to see a candidate who views "progressive" as more than a label of convenience. Common Ground needs your help, too. In addition to money, they have a wish list of items they need, from computers to magazine subscriptions. Doug Haines also needs you help, so click on our donate link and make a contribution today. Then, head over to http://www.commongroundathens.org and match your contribution. This is a great way to help out progressive causes twice in less than five minutes. -- Martin Matheny