Jim Martin was in Athens, GA today, hoping to raise some money for his campaign. He's still competitive in the polls, fighting the big bucks that are pouring in from the RNC to Chambliss. Athens is prime real estate for Martin; a big blue dot in a dismal red state.
Saxby Chambliss has a plan, however. He doesn't plan to win by answering reporters questions, or running an ethical campaign (see Max Cleland, 2002); no, Senator Chambliss is planning, or rather hoping, for his opponent to have a "macaca" moment. Rather than trying for a positive message, he is sending people out to videotape Martin's events.
Several people there (me included) made attempts to stand in front of the camera, but he was persistent, moving up and down the street, going as far as photographing people arriving and leaving the event. All that was missing was someone taking down license plate numbers, but for all I know, that was being done as well. Luckily, I live down the block and walked!!
I know that this isn't a new tactic, and many will say that the Webb campaign benefited from this as well, but coming from a campaign that only relies on dirty tactics and negative ads, it was particularly galling.
Meanwhile, Jim Martin spoke, as Barack Obama did on election night, of inclusiveness, and about getting things done in D.C. I had the pleasure of speaking to him, and mentioned that I hoped we got the 60 seat Senate lead, but Mr. Martin said that even more important was the idea of working together to get the critical agenda passed that will help the average American. He was quite a contrast to the bombast of the right.
Living in Athens has another benefit; you never know when a "celebrity" will show up. Both Michael Stipe and Bill Berry from R.E.M. (Berry formerly with the group) came in support of Jim Martin.
I'm urging everyone living in Georgia (or can get to Georgia) to come and help elect Jim Martin on December 2nd. He is sorely needed, and will be such a breath of fresh air after the dismal term of Saxby Chambless