Northwest Georgia politics

Doss out, Lewis in for district DOT seat.

-Former Cartersville state Rep. Jeff Lewis is the new District 11 representative on the State Transportation Board, ousting Rome's David Doss, right, who was seeking a new five-year term. Lewis is a longtime House member who lost a Republican Primary showdown with Paul Battles in 2008. Battles won a new term in 2010. Doss joined the board in August 2002 and won a second appointed in 2006. He also served as transportation board chairman. Click Doss

-Lewis’ term will begin April 15. Said Lewis: “I am truly honored to have been chosen for this important position. I believe I have a good reputation for working well with others.  I look forward to joining the Board and using my General Assembly experience to be an active transportation advocate for all of the areas that encompass the 11th Congressional District as well as all Georgia short-term and long-term transportation needs.” Expanded release.

Gingrey, Graves, other congressmen on ICE crackdown:

-Media release: Congressmen Phil Gingrey, Tom Graves, Paul Broun Jack Kingston, Tom Price Austin Scott and Lynn Westmoreland issued the following statements after meeting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement Assistant Secretary John Morton to demand swifter implementation of the Secure Communities Initiative in Georgia to combat illegal immigration:  

-Gingrey (GA-11): “During the meeting with Assistant Secretary Morton, I sought an answer on why Georgia has not seen the Secure Communities Initiative implemented in more than a handful of counties. The need for broader implementation became even more evident last week when I visited the U.S. border with Mexico.  I saw first-hand the efforts to secure the border, maintain operational control of our ports of entry, and decrease the amount of illegal immigrants crossing into the country. I was pleased with the integrity and work ethic of our men and women on the front lines, but simply put, more needs to be done in areas with high levels of illegal immigrants like Georgia and it needs to be done now.”  

-(GA-9): “I join the rest of the delegation in thanking Assistant Secretary Morton for his attention to Georgia’s urgent need for top tier immigration enforcement.  In the strongest terms possible, I urge ICE to use its resources to uproot the major hubs of illegal immigration, not just trim the branches.  With the seventh largest illegal population in the United States, Georgia’s law enforcement officials are on the front lines, and should never have to wait for backup while ICE sends reinforcements to the rear.” 

Feb. 12: GOP hold mass precinct meetings: Media release: The Floyd County Republican Party will be holding their Mass Precinct Meeting on February 12, 2011 at the Etowah Senior Citizens Center on 1325 Kingston Road, Rome GA. The purpose of this meeting is to elect delegates and alternates to the County Convention. A representative from each precinct is required at this meeting to allow the precinct to be represented at the County Convention. This will also serve as membership drive for the Floyd County Republican Party. If you are interested in serving your community and allowing your precinct to be represented at the County Convention your attendance is required. Only the voting precincts that are represented at the Mass Precinct Meeting on February 12, 2011 will be allowed to elect delegates to the County Convention on March 12, 2011. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Layla Shipman at 706-853-9014 or laylas36@gmail.com.