Democrats serve up barbecue, politics


By Jake Jacobs, Macon Telegraph, August 22, 2005

BYRON - About 125 or so Democrats from Middle Georgia braved the blistering heat Sunday afternoon to take in some barbecue and politicking.

The event at Jailhouse Alley Park brought together party faithful from Houston, Bibb, Peach and Crawford counties, and candidates for statewide offices, including gubernatorial hopeful and current Secretary of State Cathy Cox....

Cox said a change is needed in state government to make it more responsive to all, not just to special interests or those with a lot of money....

The party has to appeal to the middle of the road voter who wants government to work for them and their families, she said.

Carol Jackson of Cleveland, a candidate for secretary of state, said state Democrats face the challenge of improving education,... and ensuring valid elections....

...other candidates in attendance included lawmaker Jim Martin, lieutenant governor; Rhyam Reddy of Atlanta, secretary of state; Angela Moore of Lithonia, secretary of state; Carlotta Harrell of Stockbridge, state superintendent of schools....

Martin added he felt that in Georgia, learning to speak Spanish "is going to be critical for success in the 21st century."...

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