As a long time lurker and finally a member, I often imagined this day and hoped: they better not think I believe they're an ATM! My name is Russell Edwards, and I'm running against Paul Broun, Jr. (GA-10). It might seem like a tough district for Dems, but several statewide Democrats consistently win it: Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, Ag Commissioner Tommy Irvin, and AG Thurbert Baker. Frankly, many folks are fed up with Broun's antics here in the district which includes Athens, downtown Augusta, strong AA rural counties, and independently-minded mountain folk in the north. It's time District 10 had a reasonable representative in Washington. It's time to fight to bring jobs back to GA. It's time to support the schools. I'm a former Netroots Nation Scholar and thank DFA and DailyKos for bringing me where I am today. Jump with me, and hear more about the grassroots fire I plan on lighting in Georgia.
I started reading Kos regularly somewhere in the early 2000s, engaged by the great writing that's ever present for those willing to scout it. MissLaura, McJoan, and Devilstower among others strengthened my arguments as I soldiered on in the South.
I am a Georgia native, born and raised in Peachtree City. I attended college at the University of North Carolina- Asheville and got a degree in Spanish which I now speak fluently. While in college, I managed an architectural salvage firm and know what a hard day's work means after piecing apart a house with a crow-bar. Material diverted from the landfill drove this small green business.
After college, I taught Spanish in D.C. Public Schools at Stuart-Hobson Junior High on Capitol Hill. At Stuart, I came to appreciate the power of education to give opportunity to a child, no matter her background. In D.C., I also served on Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's D.C. Congressional Art Competition Committee as Outreach Director. The competition is whatever each district makes it, and D.C. is likely the best run in the country. We held a closing reception that displayed each child's work publicly and awarded a full college scholarship to the winner.
I soon made the heart-wrenching decision to leave Stuart, though, and returned home to Georgia. Thus, I was able to spend time with my father just before he passed. His final words struck a chord with me: "Make it all right." A few days later, I was off to law school at the University of Georgia. That first year was a shock, but I steadily found my rhythm attacking GA Sec. of State Karen Handel over an illegal requirement on GA's Voter Registration Form. After a year and a half of pressure, the form will be changed to comply with Federal and State Law. I will graduate from UGA Law in 12 days.
I've traveled throughout Dist. 10, and am humbled by the growing excitement around my candidacy. Many folks recognize my name since I launched a grassroots PAC last fall targeting Broun Jr. called Pull the Plug. Pull the Plug organized meaningful forums on health care reform and jobs growth, pulling together experts in private and public practice.
Now, I have disbanded the PAC and take on Broun Jr. because it's time Dist. 10 had reasonable representation in Congress. It's to fight to create jobs in Georgia, and it's time to support the schools in Georgia. There is no primary opposition. The choice will be between me or him.
I'm DFA-trained and have been burning up the phones calling everyone I've ever met to get support.
Please stand by me as I embark on this leap of faith!