Gail Buckner

For Georgia Secretary of State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 23, 2006

Contact: Luke Howe, 770-883-8452 or luke@gailbuckner.com

Buckner States Facts in Televised Debate

Democratic candidate for Secretary of State counters opponent’s criticism

JONESBORO – Secretary of State candidate and veteran legislator, Gail Buckner (D-Jonesboro) finally responded to weeks of criticism for using her own “personal wealth” to finance her statewide campaign. Buckner countered by pointing-out that her opponent had not only used her own money but had accepted contributions from several construction companies one of which is reputed for hiring illegal immigrants. Buckner’s comments were also directed at mailers sent out by the Handel campaign that touts her strong stance against illegal immigration, exposing hypocrisy on multiple levels.

Handel also demonstrated her trouble with conveying facts when she ridiculed Buckner’s plan for “Clean and Fair Elections” as being a “ridiculous public subsidy.” Buckner’s proposal is based on a successful public funding system implemented in Arizona. The Clean system creates an alternate campaign finance structure that requires participating candidates to adhere to strict spending limits. Participants are also prohibited from spending more that $1,000 of their own money. Twenty-five states and a dozen major cities have implemented Clean funding programs, and in 2002 North Carolina adopted the system for statewide judicial races.

“I’m amazed that my opponent thinks that cleaner campaigns are ridiculous. I don’t think that cleaner, more civil campaigns are ridiculous, but more importantly the citizens of Georgia don’t think that these concepts are ridiculous,” said Buckner.

Under the program, a candidate would have to collect a set number of small contributions to prove he or she had enough support to make a credible run for office. The candidate could then draw on a "Georgia Democracy Endowment" funded by voluntary citizen contributions, surcharges on some criminal fines, ethics fines paid by candidates for public office and revenue from special license plates. The plan does not operate on tax-payer subsidies.

“Clean and Fair Elections is a concept that was originally introduced by Teddy Roosevelt and has since been championed by John McCain and advocacy groups like Common Cause and the League of Woman Voters. As a testament to my proactive and innovative platform, I was nationally recognized by Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) as a ‘Progressive Patriot,’ said Buckner.

“I’d like to know what my opponent has against giving the democratic process back to regular Georgians who can’t afford to pay $250 a plate in order to interact with their current and prospective leaders. What does she have against ending the negative ads, diminishing the clout of lobbyists and special interests and ending the influence of soft money on judicial races,” asked Buckner.

Another bone of contention was the 300,000 letters that were recently sent by the state Elections Board to Georgia voters without photo IDs. This initiative, led by a cadre of Republican appointees, incorrectly alerted voters that they must have a state issued ID before they would be allowed to vote on November 7. This summer the 2005 voter ID law was rejected for a third time by a judge based on the bill’s inconsistency with state and federal laws. Rep. Buckner joined the chorus demanding a federal investigation while her opponent dismissed any wrong-doing.

Buckner also challenged her opponent’s commitment to the job, citing her journeyman credentials. “My opponent has a track record of abandoning a job when a new political opportunity emerges. My long record of public service reflects my commitment to this state. Last night’s debate reveals that Karen can’t Handel the truth… she can’t Handel the facts, and she certainly can’t Handel the commitment required by this important office,” said Buckner.

Buckner has a perfect attendance record of attending citizen sponsored forums around the State. To date, Handel has attended one out of the 18 foums.

-end-