Friends, we did it! Republicans are the majority party in Georgia. In a two year cycle Georgia went from Democrat Governor, State Senate, and State House to Republican Governor, Senate, and House. On election night 2004, Georgia was the first state that networks announced in the Bush column. President Bush won an uncontestable majority by gaining more votes than any President in history. Republicans gained seats in the US Senate and US House of Representatives. Now, we must remain diligent and dare not lower our guard.

   While Georgia has gone Republican, we have a special challenge here in Southwest Georgia. Some elected officials say that they hold values shared with Republicans, yet they continue to run as Democrats. There is a difference between the values and philosophical direction of the Republican Party and the Democrat Party. Those differences have never been so clearly defined as they are today. Courageous elected leaders across the state have given up seniority and changed to the Republican Party because they had the moral conviction to align their political party with their values. Unfortunately, many in our region refuse to stand on their convictions out of a misguided belief that only Democrats can win in local races. Those days are numbered. We must be courageous enough and diligent to point out the differences and support those who are courageous enough to stand on their convictions and align with Republicans.

   The Republican Party has worked to eliminate the confiscatory death tax, the double taxation of dividends, the unfair marriage penalty, as well as other taxes, which serve only to dampen economic growth. The Republican Party stands for strong defense, law and order, and high ethical standards. In contrast, the Democrat party has gerrymandered, philibustered, and used parliamentary tactics to bury legislation in committee. Meanwhile, the majority of our region continues to flounder in slow or no growth, low expectations, poverty and Democrat leaders that seem unwilling or unable to change the situation.

   It is a fact that Democratic leadership has no interest in promoting economic change that will result in a threat to their position of power. Thus it follows that for us to achieve economic change, we will have to change leadership to include individuals not fearful of the conservative trends that come with success. We need new leaders who are not fearful of wearing the label that fits their philosophy - the Republican label. The Dougherty County Republican Party is working hard to communicate this message and to facilitate positive change for our region. But we can't do it alone. We need your help.

   Join the local Republican Party so that we can continue to offer quality events and support GOP candidates in a way that we can begin to get them elected, and move our community's future in the right direction. Thanks for standing tall for liberty and freedom! Drop me a line at victory@doughertyrepublicans.org. I want to hear from you. May God continue to richly bless you and bless America!

Donald E. Cole
Chairman
Dougherty County Republican Party