Category Archives: Georgia Politics

Why Vote Early in Senate District 18

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If you live in Bibb, Crawford, Houston, Monroe, Peach, or Upson counties, then you may be in Senate District 18. There is a special election runoff that puts Steve McNeel, a Republican against a Democrat in a head-to-head contest.

I encourage you to go vote early. You may ask why. That’s a good question and I’ll give you two quick answers.

First, no one is promised tomorrow. You considere voting to be an important patriotic duty. You probably vote Republican. This ballot has a Republican and a Democrat. There is nothing that will come up between now and Tuesday, February 17 that is going to change your mind. So, there is no reason to put it off.

David and Cynthia Sumrall voting early.

Second, the Republican party, GA Republican Senate Caucus, Steve McNeel’s campaign, and other conservative organizations are working hard to get out all votes. On election day, volunteers will be calling, texting, and reaching out to get voters to the polls. If you vote early, you won’t need a call, and these conservative organizations can focus their attention on those who have not already voted.

We can debate the issue of early and absentee voting. I personally think that there should be one day for voting in person and absentee voting be allowed only for a stated reason. While I hold that opinion, the fact remains that the playing field and rules we operate under allow early voting and no-excuse absentee.

Be assured, the competition is using the early and absentee vote. If we do not use it strategically, then we will lose. This is especially true when there are three weeks of early voting.

I ask you to do two things. Both are simple and cost nothing.

First, go vote early. Get your vote in and take someone with you to go vote.

Second, if you are on social media, then post a photo of you wearing your, “I voted” sticker. You influence others and when they see you, they are more likely to go vote. I’m proud to post two photos of Republican leaders in Senate District 18. Dave Sumrall is the former Republican Party Chairman of Bibb County and Wade Yoder is a Peach County Commissioner.

It is especially important in this election because we are in a special election cycle for one race in a runoff. Let’s face it, going to vote is not high on the news and conversation list right now. That is why, like Dave Sumrall and Wade Yoder, you need to lead by example and let others see you voting early.

So, now that you have read this, go vote. If you don’t get it done early, then by all means get to your polling place on February 17 and, if you live in the district, vote for Steven McNeel, Republican in Senate District 18.

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Rick Jackson – He is for Real

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Rick Jackson showed up in the Republican Georgia gubernatorial race like a tornado swooping into Southwest Georgia. I checked him out. He is for real.

You need to spend a little time and take a close look at this candidate. I have included the campaign introduction video (3 1/2 minutes) and Jackson’s first speech as a candidate (25 minutes). Take a few minutes to listen to him.

Let me share with you what I learned from listening to him and checking him out with people who know him. The title of this article sums it up best – he is for real.

It is not only what he says, but how he says it. I watched his speech and listened to him carefully. I saw a firm, resolute, calm strength and character that developed over years of testing and trials that most of us will never experience.

Rick Jackson grew up in the projects and foster homes. His life was influenced by living with a Christian family and later in the United Methodist Children’s Home.

An article in TwoTen Magazine from ten years ago told his story. When this article was written a decade ago, he was not running for anything. He did not need anything. He just had a committment to help those who had no voice, children in foster care.

That article told how, at five years old, he walked to Sunday School at a church in downtown Atlanta. Living in a foster home, he experienced a family praying before a meal. It was so foreign to him that he could not process the love and faith of that family.

In his first speech, he said that his company’s main cultural value is “Others First.” I checked the Best Places to Work website and found that 90% of his nearly 2500 employees said that it is a great place to work compared to 57% at a typical US based company.

At one point in the speech when he spoke of his addressing a senate committee about foster care, you could see the powerful conviction welling up in him. It caused him to pause for a moment to catch his composure. That kind of reaction cannot be manufactured. He summed up his Others First values:

“The system forgets the people who don’t have money, power, privilege or fame, not those who need it. Right then, I committed to do everything I could to help those without a voice, without a lobbyist, without a checkbook to make their voice heard.”

He did not have to say that he felt a calling to run for Governor. It was evident in his whole being as he spoke. He laid out his vision to make Georgia the the most affordable state in the nation.

His commitment is to freeze property taxes and slash the income tax by 50% in four years. In eight years he strives to eliminate the income tax all together.

He wants to freeze tuition, room and board for state higher education. He wants to tackle the cost of home ownership.

He addresses the “woke nonsense and complete insanity. “ He says that if Christianity cannot be taught then neither will this ideology find a place in Georgia’s public schools.

There won’t be any boys playing in girls sports or in the girls bathrooms and locker rooms. “There are two genders and they are God-given.” He went farther to say that anyone pushing this ideology will not be just stopped but will be held accountable.

He says that there will not be a stronger supporter of the 2nd amendment. From his own personal experience growing up, he is a passionate supporter of law enforcement. I like the way he said that he will make Georgia the worst place in the nation for criminals.

I went beyond what I could find in research and checked with some of those who know him. One commented, “I know of his genuine faith.”

Rick Jackson is for real. I will be proud to give him my vote and have him as my governor. Check him out and I believe you will too.

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I’m With Blake – Kill the State Income Tax

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The legislature is in session, and this session brings calls for killing taxes. The House is looking at killing the homestead property tax and the Senate is looking to kill the state income tax.

Florida killed the state income tax years ago and now is looking to eliminate property taxes. We should aspire to both eventually. This article focuses on the state income tax.

Senator Blake Tillery, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee is leading the charge to kill the tax. He was appointed to Chair the Special Committee to Eliminate the Income Tax. The Committee released its report as the General Assembly convened.

Bottom Line

The report begins with a bold “literally boldfaced, headline sized print” summary statement:

“We recommend making the first $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for joint filers completely tax free beginning in 2027. We also recommend reducing the state income tax rate for all other families and businesses. These proposals completely eliminate the state income tax on 2/3 of all working Georgians while drastically reducing the tax burden on everyone else.”

As the Chairman, Blake Tillery wrote an editorial for the Atlanta Journal Constitution to support the bold plan. Underscoring the aggressive plan, Tillery wrote that the committee’s charge was not to debate whether or not eliminating the income tax was a good idea. The charge was “to figure out how to do it responsibility.”

Plenty of politicians make bold campaign promises about cutting taxes. Chairman Tillery and the committee did not want to just talk. Their proposal is like the old Nike shoe slogan, “Just do it.”

What this means is that on day one of the new tax year, 2/3 of Georgia families would see an immediate elimination of the state income tax. That means zero state income tax deductions from their take home pay. It also means that the business they work for has less compliance burden in withholding and sending taxes to the state Department of Revenue.

How We “Pay for It”

When I mention eliminating the state income tax to some of my friends, the first question out of their mouths is often, “how are you going to pay for it?” That question itself belies an understanding that taxes come from a source that belongs to the government rather than to the individual. (That’s an article for another day)

Some liberal think tanks put out horror talking points stating that the sales tax would have to be increased to 12% to make up the difference. The committee faced those kinds of misrepresentations in its second meeting.

The committee unanimously and on a bi-partisan basis approved a motion that, “any elimination of the income tax wouldn’t accompany new state taxes on groceries, property, or gas.”

So how could the state adjust to the loss of state income taxes that are eliminated for 2/3 of Georgians? We do it by continuing the bold, conservative, fiscal policies that have led to strong economic growth and record surpluses each year.

We also do it by eliminating special interest tax breaks. In his editorial Chairman Tillery noted that the complexities of income taxes are an invitation to carve-outs and special treatment for special interest groups. Who ultimately pays for these carve-outs? You do.

The committee report puts it this way, “when special interests pay less, everyone else pays more.” Eliminating the income tax for everyone focuses on the average Georgia family as the special interest that is really important.

Prioritize and Execute – Just Do It

The committee has done its work. For my policy wonk friends, you can read the full report here: Georgia Senate Special Committee on the Elimination of Georgia’s Income Tax Final Report and Recommendations

The committee has acted responsibly by holding four meetings across the state and receiving input from numerous sources. I am impressed that the 22 page report concludes with a one sentence recommendation,

“Pass legislation this year to eliminate Georgia’s personal income tax on the first $50,000 a year for single filers and $100,000 per year for married couples filing jointly, effective January 1, 2027.”

The recommendation is positvely blunt with action, timeliness, and impact:

“Pass legislation.”

“This year.”

“To eliminate.”

Time for talking is past. Now it is the time to act. Just do it.

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A Call for Help in Cherokee County

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On February 24, 1836, Colonel William Travis sent a call addressed to “The People of Texas and All Americans in the World.” The call was for help in a major struggle.

Consider this a call for help to the Republicans of Georgia for the runoff special election in House District 23, Cherokee County. The runoff is between Bill Fincher, the Republican, and a democrat.

Now you may wonder why Cherokee County, a strong Republican county, needs help. After all, Donald Trump carried Cherokee County with nearly 70% of the vote.

The painful truth is that all over the country, Democrats are winning these special elections. It is not that the general population has turned against the Republicans.

The simple answer is that the Democrats got their voters to the polls while Republicans did not bother to go vote. I suppose there was a general feeling that someone else would go vote and the Republicans would win as they always did in the past. Therein lies the problem – someone else.

The problem is not that Republicans did not like their candidates, the problem is that Republicans did not vote for their candidates while Democrats turned out the vote.

I would not rank this call for help for Cherokee county at the same level as the call for help with Texas independence. It is a call for help though.

How can you help? I’m not asking for money. I’m asking if you would be willing to make a few friendly telephone calls to ask Republicans to go vote early. It’s that simple.

Here is what I know does not work. Posting and liking social media posts begging people to go vote does not work. It may make you feel better but it does not move the needle.

A personal contact, with a specific ask, “Would you go vote on the first day of early voting?” will be more likely to move someone to go vote than anything else.

I know this because we just proved it in a city election in Cordele. Click here to see my article on that election.

There was one marching order for people who made phone calls:

“Your job is not to convince people to vote for our candidates. Your job is to talk to people who would be voting for our candidate and convince them to go vote.”

If you are interested and willing to learn more about how you can help, then just reply to this e-mail and I’ll be glad to fill you in.

This isn’t 1836 and I’m not William Travis, but I am tired of Republicans giving up ground to Democrats when we do not have to. Consider yourself called.

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Yes, There is a Georgia Election Needing Your Vote

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Read this carefully because it is very important. Go Vote – Yes you can vote even if you do not live in a city. Keep reading, I promise you it is short and important.

If you let this slide by, then you will have two key positions decided by city voters, mostly Democrat.

Odd year elections are generally limited to municipal and special elections. This year, the Public Service Commission is a statewide election and it will be on every ballot.

If you do not live within the city limits, you cannot vote in a municipal election. Because of this, you probably do not think about the need to vote in the odd numbered years.

As a result we will have the city voters showing up to elect Mayors and City Council members. County voters can easily (and tragically) ignore this election, thinking that they cannot vote.

Yes, there is an election that needs your vote. Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson are two Republicans on the ballot. Go Vote for Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson.

Early voting starts on Tuesday, October 14. Don’t let this election slip by. Yes, there is a Georgia election and we need your vote.

Please forward this to your Georgia friends and ask them to vote for Public Service Commission.

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I Support Blake Tillery for Lt. Governor

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On Monday, August 11, State Senator Blake Tillery from Vidalia, GA will announce his candidacy for Lt. Governor. He has asked me to serve as his Crisp County Chairman and it is my honor to serve him.

I first heard Blake when he was on the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee looking into the many questions and allegations of fraud in the 2020 election. He showed that he had an open mind and listening ear as well as a piercing investigative inquiry. He treated all witnesses with great respect.

Later I heard him in an address where he spoke about a bill he had introduced. He referred to a term I had never heard before – “debanking.” It refers to banks refusing to do business with someone because of non-financial reasons such as political or religious views.

That term should be familiar to you from the last few days where President Trump issued an executive order to outlaw debanking. It struck me that Blake used the same terms and reasonings that President Trump’s Executive Order used.

Blake introduced a bill in the last session of the legislature to allow individuals to sue banks for wrongful discrimination. The big banking lobby got Blake’s bill killed in the last session of the legislature.

Only Lt. Governor Burt Jones and 12 Senators supported his bill. I have a feeling that the bill, although killed, will be resurrected in the next session of the legislature.

Lt. Governor Jones appointed Blake to chair the Senate Committee on Eliminating Georgia’s Income Tax. Blake is a steadfast advocate of eliminating, not just trimming back, but eliminating Georgia’s income tax. His ambitious goal is to eliminate the income tax in five years.

The more I looked at Blake, the more I liked him. He stands strong and does not hold his finger in the air to see which way the political winds are blowing.

Most politicians are like a weed in the wind. Blake Tillery is like a strong, solid, oak. He is the kind of elected official that I want to have. I am proud to recommend him for Lt. Governor and to be asked to serve as his county chairman for Crisp County.

On Monday, August 11, 2025, Blake will be flying around the state with six stops. If you are near enough to get to any of these stops, come in and meet him. I am convinced that you will come away with the same positive support for Blake Tillery as our next Lt. Governor.

August 11, 2025 Savannah
8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Sheltair Aviation, 100 Eddie Jungemann Dr., Savannah, GA 31408

August 11, 2025 Augusta
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Daniel Field, 1775 Highland Ave, Augusta, GA 30904

August 11, 2025 Perry
10:55 AM – 11:40 AM
Perry–Houston County Airport, 375 Myrtle Field, Perry, GA 31069

August 11, 2025 Albany
12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Albany Jet Center, 3905 Newton Rd, Albany, GA 31701

August 11, 2025 Columbus
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Flightways, 3250 West Britt David Rd, Columbus, GA 31909

August 11, 2025 Atlanta
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Georgia State Capitol, South Steps (Interior), 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

August 11, 2025 Vidalia
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM
Vidalia Airport, 2921 Airport Rd, Vidalia, GA 30474

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Buddy Leger – Mr. Republican

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Somone once told me that he had President Ronald Reagan on speed-dial. I believe it.

Buddy Leger was a figure larger than life. He was Mr. Republican, Mr. Farmer, Mr. Watermelon man.

Buddy left this world on February 28, 2025. It will take dozens of people and years to fill the shoes of this one man.

Buddy once told me that in his early years, everyone knew how he voted in a primary because his was the only Republican ballot cast. Republicans running for statewide office had Buddy at the top of their list for support. If you did not have his support, then it was most likely that you would not get very far.

I recall one conversation about a Republican elected official. There was a bill coming up that had a provision harmful to agriculture. Buddy advised the official that he would lose the farm vote if he voted for it. He chose not to listen to Buddy’s advice and the next election, he lost.

Buddy was an unassuming man. His slow drawl and calm demeanor showed on the outside, but on the inside, Buddy was wheeling and dealing at the speed of light.

With so many connections, one might think that it would be hard to get in to see him. When I called on him, he would say, “Come on by to see me.” When I got there, he wanted to sit and talk for a while. Buddy never seemed to be in a hurry, but he got things done.

Buddy’s obituary is filled with awards and leadership roles. He was tapped to be the agriculture representative on the transition team between the Reagan and Bush presidencies. He was such an influence in the agriculture community that his photo hangs in hallowed halls of the University of Georgia College of Agriculture.

Buddy was a man of strong faith in Jesus Christ. He knew that achievements in this life, as important as they might be, paled in the light of eternity. His generosity touched numerous lives without drawing attention to himself.

Buddy was one of my strongest supporters, but more than that, he was a friend. We will all miss him.

See Rainey Funeral Home for the obituary and funeral arrangements.

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Say It Ain’t So, Billy!

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Say it ain’t so, Billy. With a shocked and dismayed heart, I have to say that Billy must say it is so.

I first heard about it yesterday morning. I could not believe it.

Not Billy! He would never do anything like this. Yes, he did.

Crisp County Republican Sheriff, Billy Hancock, made an advertisement for Sanford Bishop. Billy gave Sanford his strong endorsement with an ending line, “I trust Congressman Bishop with my life.”

Why, Billy? Tell me. Was some grant or promise really worth it? Did you sell your soul in the past and now the devil came to collect his due?

This is a kick in the gut for conservatives who worked for you. We worked for you because we support the rock solid policies, values, and candidates who will stand up against the erosion of what Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, yes, and Sanford Bishop are doing to our country.

I understand the need to work with politicians across the aisle, especially when there are millions of dollars in various grants that could come our way. Elected officials have to go to the dance to get the funding.

I know how the dance goes. Go to the dance with Sanford if you need to, but you don’t have to give him the key to your hotel room.

Billy Hancock probably has more political capital amassed than any elected official in Georgia. He has enough to weather the reaction from people like me.

Honestly though, is it worth it? You sell out for a few dollars in grant money while Bishop (with whom you trust your life) is using that capital you just gave him to support the horrific policies of Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, AOC, George Soros, and a host of others who are are diametrically opposed to the values in that capital you just squandered.

I got a call from Tim Pinson, a friend of mine from Mitchell County, last night asking about this ad. He said that his one redeeming thought was that at least Crisp County is in the 8th District now and Billy Hancock can’t vote for Sanford.

That is true, but Billy, did you think ahead to how this could affect Crisp county when your congressman Austin Scott, goes to 2nd District Congressman Chris West to get help for Crisp County? You are not making our jobs any easier playing these political games.

I am so disappointed and disheartened over this ad. Before anyone asks me for a link, I’m not giving it because I will not play into the hands of making it easy to distribute it to an even larger audience.

Tim Pinson raised a question. Billy, you don’t have to answer it because I don’t know if I want the answer or not. He wondered out loud if you even voted for me in 2020.

You don’t know how badly I wanted you to say it ain’t so. But it is so. Please do not do anything like this again.

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Wayne Johnson the Problem Solver

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As candidates are crisscrossing their respective territories, Wayne Johnson made a stop at the Thomasville Times-Enterprise for an interview. There were two main take-aways for the reporter. (Read the article here)

First and foremost was Wayne’s commitment and life experience of solving problems and bringing that to serve the people of the 2nd District. The second was the contrast between Wayne and another candidate, Jeremy Hunt.

As I read that article, I decided that it was time for me to also share a few thoughts in the closing days of this race. As a matter of full disclosure and transparency, I am on Wayne Johnson’s team and am compensated.

What I write in the Note from Don Cole is not directed by the campaign but what I choose to write about what is on my mind. As is always the case in a political campaign my readers support different candidates. So here are a few thoughts regarding Wayne and Jeremy Hunt.

Values

Both Wayne Johnson and Jeremy Hunt share the same core Christian values. Both are pro-life. Wayne has personal experience of helping a single mother in her decision to carry her child when there was pressure from others for her to abort the child. He is proud of being part of that support and he stands strong for life.

Wayne is a strong 2nd Amendment supporter. Wayne will probably personally own more guns than any member of congress when he is sworn in. He will show you his Georgia carry permit at the drop of a hat.

Life Experience

When it comes to experience, Wayne Johnson stands head and shoulders above any other candidate in the race. Wayne has created thousands of jobs in the private sector. He knows what it is like to sign the front of a check and to do without a paycheck in order to pay others.

I do not discount Jeremy’s service at West Point and four years on active duty reaching the rank of Captain. Wayne went through college on an ROTC scholarship and also served four years on active duty as a Captain. He had the opportunity to serve on the staff of Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell.

Trump

There is one significant point here to make. Wayne Johnson served in the Trump administration in a significant role. Some ask Wayne if he is endorsed by Trump. While Trump has made no endorsement in this race, Wayne makes the point that he was vetted and hired by the Trump administration.

I do not know if Jeremy has been asked about Trump’s endorsement. I have noticed that he never makes mention of President Trump or, more importantly, the policies that brought such an economic resurgence.

It would seem that in a Republican primary, a candidate for congress would at least acknowledge and give credit to President Trump for his leadership. After all, it is quite possible that in the 2024 election, President Trump may be at the head of the ticket for the Republican party.

Ready to Lead from Day One

The key contrast that I see in the two candidates is the ability to serve the people of the 2nd District immediately. Wayne knows his way around and knows the ins and outs of dealing with executive branch agencies who will be the ones to implement policy – and the ones who can pull the strings to solve problems on behalf of a congressman.

When Republicans win and take control of the House and Senate, the question will be about what our new congressman will do beginning on day one. Wayne Johnson has the experience and readiness to serve immediately.

For the 2nd District voter, I heartily endorse Wayne Johnson. As the reporter in the Thomasville Times-Enterprise concluded, Wayne Johnson is a problem solver.

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My Mother the Star

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In addition to being a mother and wife, she has been church worker, foster parent, gospel singer, columnist, cub and girl scout leader, bus driver, life guard, poet, writer, community leader, and political influencer among many other hats that she has worn in nearly a century of her life. Former Governor Sonny Perdue called her “The Conscience of Bonaire.”

Now she can add one more title as the star of a political commercial. Republican congressional candidate, Wayne Johnson recently called on her to be in a commercial. Her role makes a clear and memorable point.

She does pretty much anything she sets her mind to do. I think you will like her role in this 30 second ad.

Happy Mother’s Day. I’m proud of you, Mama.

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