On Saturday, I had the chance to meet Branko Radulovacki (a.k.a. "Dr. Rad") who is running for the Democratic nomination for the US Senate race in 2014, to replace retiring Senator Saxby Chambliss.
It was a rather low-key "meet & greet" event sponsored by the Pickens County Tea Party (!), and all candidates for public office of either party were invited to host a table there. No rallies or speeches or program, just a get to know the candidates kind of affair. I met some candidates for local & state offices, which was interesting, all cordial & whatnot.
Dr. Rad was engaging & a pleasure to meet, looked me in the eye & listened to what I had to say. His campaign website clearly states his positions on most of the important issues, and from what I can tell it is well reasoned & sensible, which is rather refreshing for Georgia at least.
He is challenging Michelle Nunn for the nomination. Michelle Nunn is the daughter of former Senator Sam Nunn, and has already attracted backing from some heavyweights within the Democratic Party. Notably, however, her campaign website has so far no statement about the substantive issues, just a bio & link for contributions.
Is Dr. Rad a better option for Democrats in Georgia than Michelle Nunn? A good question - all I can say at this point is that I give Dr Rad (and myself!!) some credit for having the courage to show up at a Tea Party sponsored event (!), and that I'm encouraged that the Democratic Party is showing some signs of life in Georgia - Kind of like Mark Twain said: "the rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated".
More links to recent media / articles & such, below the fold
Article by Krist Lamarca in the Tifton Examiner, quoted on http://drradforsenate.com/ says :
He has a BA in Economics, a MBA in Finance, and an MD. He was named Atlanta’s “Top Doc/Psychiatry” six consecutive times and U.S. News & World Report recently named him a national “Top Doc.” He founded Faithworks, an organization that implores the religious to help out where the mental system is lacking or failing.
He is supportive of a pathway to citizenship for immigrants. He came here at the age of seven, so he has his own personal immigration story. He is supportive of everyone in our country finding affordable and accessible healthcare. He is a cancer survivor so he has his own personal story of how important good medical care is.
He may not have the political pedigree of Michelle Nunn, but he has the drive. He is traveling around the state to meet voters and concerned citizens. He is facing a big race in a red state against a more recognizable name. You can learn more about him at his website (http://drradforsenate.com/). Next years race looks to be an exciting one with very few certainties at this point.
By Krist Lamarca, Tifton Examiner.
June 13th article in Creative Loafing
21 Aug article in The Examiner
24 Aug article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution
A last note, I'll be watching out for when & whether there will be a Democratic primary candidate debate in the coming months, who will sponsor it & who else will get invited.