John Barrow (GA-12) has consistently been one of the biggest disappointments as a Democrat in Congress. I don't think he can even be called a Democrat without laughing. DINO or ConservaDem doesn't even do him justice. Voted for Bush Tax Cuts, for FISA, against Cap and Trade and most importantly against health care reform.
If that isn't enough - Here's more ammunition as to why we should get rid of this joker Barrow is the biggest Franker in Congress
The biggest franker in the House was Democratic Rep. John Barrow of Georgia, who reported sending by far the most mass communications — 35.7 million in 2009, which cost taxpayers $264,591.
A Congressman who is in a safe Blue District yet votes like a Republican is the biggest abuser of franking privileges in Congress.
Obama beat McCain 54-45 in this District.
I've written a series of diaries about why primaries against Bad Dog Dems are important this midterm cycle See Here
Well we have a chance to take out one of the worst in John Barrow with challenger Regina Thomas. Barrow who represents a large African-American district has lost a lot of his key supporters. The proverbial straw that broke the camels back was the health care vote. although it's not his only questionable vote.
In 2008 we endorsed Regina Thomas in her quixotic bid against Bad Dog John Barrow over at the Progressive Electorate. Unfortunately, her bid lost all steam once Barack Obama endorsed Barrow who as a result repaid the favor by voting against health care reform.
We renew that endorsement in her 2010 battle against one of the most regressive Democrats in Congress. Barrow sealed his fate with many in his district after voting against health care reform and that should translate into a defeat this cycle.
Down With Tyranny discussed this race last week explaining why Barrow has lost key supporters over the health care vote
..[S]ome Democrats say Barrow went too far in alienating his own party and Obama on health care, particularly for many black leaders to justify supporting him. Black voters make up 41 percent of Barrow's constituents, and account for a solid majority in Democratic primary races. It's unknown whether Obama will weigh in with an endorsement.
State Rep. Mickey Stephens, a black Democrat from Savannah, made the rounds of local churches stumping for Barrow in past campaigns. However, Stephens refrained from taking sides in Barrow's 2008 primary race with Thomas.
This year, Stephens is openly supporting Thomas in the Democratic primary. Barrow's health vote, he says, wasn't just the last straw - it "was a piece of timber."
"Most African-Americans are under-insured or don't have insurance at all. They need it the most," Stephens said. "John didn't just turn his back. He turned his back and ducked on this vote."
Two other black lawmakers who endorsed Barrow in the 2008 primary have backed off this year. State Rep. Bob Bryant of Garden City says he's now supporting Thomas. State Rep. Quincy Murphy of Augusta said, while he's unhappy with Barrow's health vote, he hasn't decided whether to endorse either candidate.
I talked to Regina Thomas a couple times in 2008 and found her to be a true progressive. She fought hard despite the Obama endorsement of Barrow. This time however it's unlikely that President Obama or any colleagues that can influence African-Americans will come to Barrow's defense. This is a race where we can put some real pressure on a Bad Dog. Someone that I remind you doesn't mind wasting our money although he voted against health care reform but for the Bush Tax Cuts.
Donate to Regina Thomas at Our Progressive Electorate/Daily Kos Act Blue Page