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Northwest Georgia politics

Loudermilk, fellow conservatives form Republican Study Committee

(Media release) Several Georgia state House Republicans have come together to form the Republican Study Committee. The newly formed group has over 25 members who meet at least once a day to evaluate and discuss every piece of legislation under consideration in the House.

“Our goal is to promote conservative policy in the best interests of liberty and prosperity for all Georgians,” said Rep. Charlice Byrd (R-Woodstock). “We accomplish this by working together to better understand the consequences of each bill and how it will affect the lives of Georgians.”

This new conservative group in the House has a leadership team comprised of representatives Charlice Byrd, Steve Davis (R-McDonough), Calvin Hill (R-Canton), Doug Holt (R-Social Circle), Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville), Tom Graves (R-Ranger), Martin Scott (R-Rossville), and Ed Setzler (R-Acworth).

Together these representatives help their fellow House members score each piece of legislation based on a five point test:

-1) Does the bill reduce the size of government.

-2) Does the bill reduce taxes or fees.

-3) Does the bill encourage personal responsibility by individuals and families and encourage them to provide for their own needs.

-4) Does the bill increase opportunities for individuals or families to decide how to conduct their own lives and make personal choices.

-5) Does the bill stay within the limits of the proper role of government?

Based on the results of this test, each piece of legislation is then scored. Each member of the RSC can then use this test to help them decide the position they take on each piece of legislation.

“This is not an organization bent on telling House members how to vote,” said Loudermilk. “We just want to help give members the tools needed to fully understand the affects of legislation in order to make better personal voting decisions based on our conservative principals.”

U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey's response to President Obama’s State of the Union Address (Obama Web cast):

“In tonight’s speech, the President spoke – once again – about his desire to create jobs, control spending, and work with Republicans. All three of these things are noble goals – unfortunately, to this point, these promises have proved nothing but empty rhetoric. Our economy has lost over 3 million jobs in the last year despite a $787 billion so-called ‘stimulus’ bill that was supposed to create 3 million jobs and stymie the rising unemployment rate. We are spending money at record levels – increasing the national debt by 23 percent to over $12 trillion and our annual federal deficit by 308 percent to $1.4 trillion. And, on every major piece of legislation this Congress considered in the last year, Republicans were shut out of the discussion.

“Hope springs eternal and maybe this time, whether because of a change of heart or a change in the political landscape, the President will follow through on what he is promising. Our country needs strong leadership and a Congress and Administration that is willing to support American families through job creation, responsible spending, and lower taxes – particularly for small businesses. Republicans, myself included, stand ready to work with the President if he is serious about creating jobs, controlling spending, and working in a bipartisan fashion.

“However, we also cannot ignore reality. Thus far, despite tonight’s attempt to pretend otherwise, the President has failed to deliver on these promises – much to the detriment of our nation.”

U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., issued the following statement following President Obama’s State of the Union address:

“I know from traveling Georgia there is one major issue on people’s minds: jobs and the economy. It’s essential that the President start to handle it in a meaningful way. It’s obvious the stimulus didn’t help with the unemployment situation. We have a very uncertain marketplace right now. We need to bring clarity and opportunity for the private sector to make those investments that are necessary to bring back our economy.

“I’m glad the president has finally realized that spending is a problem. The only problem with freezing it at current levels is it includes all the money that’s been spent for the stimulus. It includes all of the budget increases from last year, in some cases 20 percent increases in one year. It’s also inconsistent to come to us tonight and ask us to cap spending while on the Senate floor he’s asking us to raise the debt by almost $2 trillion.

“The American people expect us to spend their money like they spend their money. Sitting around the kitchen table, establishing priorities, not going into debt, spending money only where it should be spent. That’s what the federal government needs to be doing. Caps are fine. Limitations are fine. But they need to be meaningful and they need to be consistent with debt borrowing, and they’re not right now.

“On national security, while I was pleased with the president’s decision to send 37,000 troops to Afghanistan, I’ve been deeply disappointed that the president has decided to grant constitutional rights to foreign enemy combatants. To send Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to New York City where he was the mastermind of the slaughter of almost 3,000 Americans and hold a trial in that city in my opinion is just plain wrong. We were right to establish the facility at Guantanamo Bay. We were right to establish military tribunals. It is wrong to grant American constitutional rights to a terrorist from another country.

“On health care, the American people think we need to get back to the basics and start over. I think we ought to do a step-by-step approach. For example, we know by allowing insurance to be sold across state lines and forming risk pools across state lines that we can open accessibility to affordable health care for almost a third of the uninsured. We know that a third of the uninsured are really eligible for Medicare, Medicaid or SCHIP but they’re not enrolled. The government ought to have an enrolment system so when they show up at health care facilities the coverage is there. There are other things we need to do including tort reform. The tremendous amount of money that goes out in runaway verdicts or from negotiated settlements out fear of going to trial is just not right. I would rather us start with a step-by-step approach that deals with the things we know we can do rather than a comprehensive and pervasive overhaul of a system that ends up destroying what 86 percent of Americans have all for the 14 percent who don't.”

Loudermilk leads House coalition seeking legal action against federal government over healthcare changes; cite deal made with Neb. senator

(Media release) In response to congressional efforts to force Georgia’s citizens’ to pay for a federally mandated national health care system, Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville) has formed a coalition of Georgia state House members who are seeking legal action against the federal government.

Representative Barry Loudermilk “We strongly believe the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (H.R. 3590) violate several constitutional provisions,” said Loudermilk.

Loudermilk had several members of the Georgia House of Representatives join him in formally requesting that the State Attorney General, Thurbert Baker, prepare to join other states in challenging the constitutionality of HR 3590.

In a letter to the Honorable Thurbert Baker, dated January 11, 2010, (below) Loudermilk, and 33 other House members who also signed the letter, requests Baker to “initiate a formal investigation into the constitutionality of the special exemption set forth in the US Senate’s version of this national health care legislation.”

In order to obtain the key 60th vote needed to pass the legislation, the Senate included an unprecedented exemption called the Nebraska Compromise. Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska committed his vote after the senate added a guarantee that the State of Nebraska would not have to pay for the costs associated with the expansion of Medicaid benefits.

Other states would have to fully fund the state’s portion of Medicaid, which would add a significant cost to taxpayers. The State of Georgia has estimated the legislation would add an additional $1 billion to state health care entitlements, which would have to be funded by the state.

Loudermilk argues that the Nebraska Compromise violates the principle that legislation must have a legitimate national interest and cannot benefit any one state over another. Citing the legislation’s provision requiring all Americans to participate in a national health insurance program, Loudermilk states that, “this unprecedented Congressional mandate threatens the individual liberties of Americans, and violates the sovereignty of the state of Georgia as protect by the Tenth Amendment of the US Constitution.”

On December 23, 2010, Governor Sonny Perdue sent a request to the Attorney General for him to prepare to join the other states in challenging the constitutionality of the national health care legislation. “I believe that, according to the Georgia Constitution, the Attorney General is required to challenge this in court,” said Loudermilk.. Article V, Section III, Paragraph IV of the Constitution states that, “The Attorney General…shall represent the state in the Supreme Court in all capital felonies and in all civil and criminal cases in any court when required by the Governor, and shall perform such other duties as shall be required by law.”

In addition to challenging the constitutionality of the legislation, Loudermilk has co-sponsored HR 1086, an Amendment to the Georgia Constitution, which would provide that no law or rule shall compel any Georgia citizens, employer or insurance provider to participate in a heath care system. It further protects the rights of citizens to purchase their own health care plans or directly pay for health care services.

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The full text of the letter to the Attorney General follows:

January 11, 2010

The Honorable Thurbert Baker
Attorney General
40 Capitol Square, SW
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Dear Attorney General:

The US Senate recently passed H.R 3590, the “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act”. This legislation significantly expands citizens’ eligibility to receive Medicaid services if they earn less than 133 percent of the federal poverty level. The State of Georgia has estimated that this legislation would add an additional $1 billion to state health care entitlements, which would have to be funded by the state every year. The financial impact of HR 3590 on the state and on individual Georgians is enormous and could result in the elimination of many essential state programs.

In order to obtain the sixty votes required to send the legislation to the Senate floor for a vote and final passage, the US Senate leadership included an unprecedented special exemption called the Nebraska Compromise to obtain Senator Ben Nelson of Nebraska’s key 60th vote to pass the bill. The Nebraska Compromise guaranteed Nebraskans that they would never have to pay for their citizens’ expanded access to Medicaid benefits included in HR 3590. The Nebraska Compromise clearly violates the principle that federal legislation must have a legitimate national interest and cannot benefit any one state over another. This transfer of wealth to and on behalf of the people of Nebraska also violates US Constitutional principles of fairness and equality and is a taking of other Americans property without just compensation.

HR 3590 (and the House version) also creates a federal mandate requiring all Americans to participate in one national health insurance program. This unprecedented Congressional mandate threatens the individual liberties of Americans and the sovereignty of the State of Georgia as protected by the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The undersigned members of the Georgia House of Representatives and many legal experts believe that this federal mandate is unconstitutional.

We realize that Georgia does not yet have standing to sue until the President signs HR 3590, and it is enacted. However, we the undersigned members of the Georgia House of Representatives request that you begin preparation and complete the necessary legal research to join with over a dozen other states to challenge the constitutionality of this bill.

We respectfully request that you initiate a formal investigation into the constitutionality of the special exemption set forth in the US Senate’s version of this national health care legislation. We also ask that you explore the availability of all other legal challenges that Georgia could pursue to oppose this unconstitutional provision as well as research the federal mandated health care provisions in this Bill.

Furthermore, we implore you to join with the other state Attorneys General who have publically stated they intend to investigate and will collectively and individually sue to challenge the legality of any national health care legislation that contains either the Nebraska Compromise or the federal single-payer mandate. Will you unite with other Attorneys General to stand up for our constitutional rights; and will you work against such attempts to restrict our liberties and take our money without just compensation?

Please report to us how you intend to address this constitutionally flawed legislation which will financially harm every Georgian. Please tell us when you, as Georgia’s Attorney General, intend to sue the federal government on behalf of your constituents. We want to meet with you as soon as possible to discuss this important matter and to learn how you intend to proceed on behalf of every Georgian.

Respectfully requested,

Representative Barry Loudermilk of the 14th

Representative Terry England of the 108th
Representative Jeff May of the 111th

Representative Steve Davis of the 109th
Representative Calvin Hill of the 21st

Representative Clay Cox of the 102nd
Representative Jon Burns of the 157th

Representative Ed Rynders of the 152nd
Representative Michael Harden of the 28th

Representative Paul Battles of the 15th
Representative Mark Hatfield of the 177th

Representative Earl Ehrhart of the 36th
Representative Bobby Reese of the 93rd

Representative Doug Holt of the 112th
Representative Carl Rogers of the 26th

Representative Gene Maddox of the 172nd
Representative Doug Collins of the 27th

Representative James Mills of the 25th
Representative Len Walker of the 107th

Representative Buddy Harden of the 147th
Representative Tommy Smith of the 168th

Representative Bob Smith of the 113th
Representative Billy Horne of the 71st

Representative Martin Scott of the 1st
Representative Culver “Rusty” Kidd of the 141st

Representative Tim Bearden of the 68th
Representative John Lusford of the 110th

Representative Ron Stevens of the 164th
Representative Butch Parrish of the 156th

Representative Mickey Chanell of the 116th
Representative Penny Houston of the 170th

Representative Don Parsons of the 42nd
Representative Chuck Simms of the 169th

Representative John Meadows of the 5th

Newly elected House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, has posted these committee assignments for area lawmakers:

-Katie Dempsey, R-Rome: vice chair, higher education; secretary, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight; member, Economic Development and Tourism; Health and Human Services; Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications; and Rules.

-Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville: Secretary, Transportation; and secretary, Energy, Utilities & Communication; member, Health and Human Services; Science and Technology; Special Committee on Small Business Development and Jobs Creation.

-Rick Crawford, D-Cedartown: Member, Intragovernmental Coordination; State Planning and Community Affairs; Code Revision; Judiciary

-Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo: Member, Education; Reapportionment; Science and Technology; State Institutions and Property

-Paul Battles, R-Cartersville: Member, Children and Youth Education; Motor Vehicles; Science and Technology; Ways and Means.

-Tom Graves, R-Ranger: Health and Human Services; Transportation; Ways and Means; vice chair, Motor Vehicles; Special Committee on Small Business Development and Jobs Creation.
-Said Dempsey: “We need economic development, and education is the long-term key to that. Serving on both the Higher Education and Economic Development committees will help me push for policies that create more jobs in our state and region. . . .The other committees I serve on are also on the cutting edge of issues we are facing, from healthcare to budget problems – and serving on the Rules Committee also allows me to have a hand in every bill that comes to the floor of the House."

-In addition to the new committee assignments, Dempsey remains a Deputy Whip of the House, assisting House leadership in moving legislation on the floor.

Loudermilk recaps healthcare challenge, new committee assignments: State Rep. Barry Loudermilk's first newsletter of the new session> Click

>State Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville) has been appointed by Speaker David Ralston serve on the Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job creation – a new standing committee in the Georgia House of Representatives.

“We are going to make small businesses in Georgia a priority,” said Speaker David Ralston. “Small business growth will lead the way back to a strong and vibrant economy in this state by creating jobs. I have asked this committee to take a leadership role by examining proposals which will promote small business and job creation.”

Speaker Ralston appointed Representative John Lunsford (R-McDonough) as chairman of the committee, Representative Bob Smith (R-Watkinsville) as vice-chairman, and Representative Billy Horne (R-Newnan) as secretary.

The new committee is being praised by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the state’s leading small business association. “Our members are encouraged that Speaker Ralston and the House of Representatives are planning to focus on small business this year,” said David Raynor, Georgia state director of the NFIB. “Small business is the engine that drives Georgia’s economy. When you pass legislation that helps small businesses grow and create jobs, you help everyone.”

Loudermilk was appointed to this committee due to his leadership in the conservative caucus in the House and his experience as a small business owner. Loudermilk is the owner of Innovative Network Systems, Inc. an Information Technology company located in Cartersville, and co-owner of Freedom Flight Center, a flight school located at the Richard B. Russell Airport in Rome.

“I am looking forward to working on this committee to develop ways to stimulate Georgia’s economy by reducing the burden of government on our small businesses,” said Loudermilk.

The Special Committee on Small Business and Job Creation will begin their work right away, with a joint committee meeting with the House Economic Development Committee scheduled for next week.

Regional lawmakers' goals for 2010 session: Job creation, retention top the list followed by budget matters, water issues.

By Natalie Simms

natsimms76@gmail.com

The Georgia Legislature gets back to work today as members begin the 2010 session. While balancing the state budget appears to be one of the biggest concerns with decreasing tax revenues, local legislators also will be addressing some concerns for Northwest Georgia.

Sen. Preston Smith, District 52, R-Rome

Contact Info: (404) 656-0034 (Atlanta office) or (706) 295-9000 (District Office)
E-mail: preston.smith@senate.ga.gov

Smith has three main local areas of focus for Northwest Georgia. His top priority will be job creation and retention.

“I will be looking at those things to stimulate our economy and working with our local Chamber of Commerce on some state tax incentives to help stabilize the Northwest Georgia region,” he says.

The second area of focus is water. Smith will be working on an immediate statewide water plan among Alabama, Georgia and Florida, and how the Etowah River basin might be impacted.

“Right now, (federal Judge Paul A.) Magnuson’s order states that Atlanta cannot use (Lake) Lanier for drinking water, so Cobb County and areas of North Atlanta will probably be looking at (Lake) Allatoona,” Smith says. “So there are a lot of inter-basin transfer issues and creation of new reservoirs to look at for a solution.”

The states have three years to work out an agreement. Magnuson ruled last July that Atlanta could not withdraw water for consumption from Lanier because the “lake wasn’t built to supply water and that the Army Corps of Engineers should have gotten congressional permission before diverting so much drinking water to metro Atlanta.”

According to The Washington Post, the waters of Lake Lanier, funneled through federal dams along the Chattahoochee River, sustain about 2.8 million people in the Atlanta metropolitan area, a nuclear power plant that lights up much of Alabama, and the marine life in Florida's Apalachicola River and Bay.

Smith’s third area of focus will be the state budget and protecting funding for Northwest Georgia. In this economic downturn, the state is not collecting as much tax revenues.

“We have avoided raising taxes in the past and maintained a balanced budget, so we have to work to do the same and minimize any more cuts to education and critical state services in our area,” he says.

One other area of focus for Smith will be working on healthcare insurance reform. While most of the country has been focused on federal legislation, Smith says according to that legislation, states can regulate and create “umbrella rules” for health insurance.

Rep. Katie Dempsey, District 13, R-Rome

Contact Info: (404) 656-0213 (Atlanta office) or (706) 506-9648 (Cell Phone)
E-mail: katie.dempsey@house.ga.gov

Dempsey's primary local focus will be helping our area increase and maintain jobs.

“I will be a liaison between the chamber, city and county to work to retain existing industry and create jobs. I am also excited about the potential of the regional tennis center,” she says. “I have already been working on that and speaking with House Appropriations Chairman Ben Harbin and other members of state leadership.”

One piece of important legislation Dempsey will be working on will be focused on foster care. The bill would bring Georgia regulations into alignment with federal guidelines.

“It would keep siblings together if at all possible in foster care placement and keep them in the same school if possible,” she says.

Dempsey also will be working to help the Floyd County College and Career Academy receive full funding.

In addition, Dempsey says she's also looking forward to working with the new leadership of the House. In December, state Rep. David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, was elected to be the Republican nominee for Speaker. State Rep. Jan Jones, R-Alpharetta, was elected to be the Republican nominee for Speaker Pro Tem.

“I have been privileged to share an office suite with Representative Ralston this past year and have personally witnessed the servant spirit that guides his principled commitment to our state,” she says.

“I have also been privileged to work as a Deputy Whip for Representative Jones who will serve as the first female Speaker Pro Tem. I know her unmatched knowledge, experience, energy and character. Together they will unify the chamber and bring the calm and competent leadership we need to handle the enormous budget challenges we face.”

Rep. Barry Loudermilk, District 14, R-Cassville

Contact Info: (404) 656-0152 (Atlanta office) or (678) 721-5612 (District Office)
E-mail: barry@barryloudermilk.com

For Loudermilk, his primary local focus will be on jobs and the local economy, along with various other issues to help the people of Northwest Georgia.

“I will be working on tax reform and regenerating a jobs bill that would provide tax relief to employers along with other reform for property tax restructuring,” he says. “And, of course, the budget will be a key issue.”

Loudermilk says he also will be working on a number of independent issues, among them red light cameras, healthcare reform and homeowners associations. He will be re-introducing his bill from last year about the constitutionality of red light cameras versus the standard traffic violation of running a red light.

“If you run a red light and are pulled over by the police, you receive a misdemeanor moving vehicle violation because it is a safety issue. But, if you are captured by a red light camera, you receive a civil penalty just like a parking ticket,” he says. “It’s choosing which way to prosecute by what is financially advantageous for the government.”

Loudermilk also will be working on a healthcare reform bill as a way to protect Georgia from federal legislation.

“No one can be compelled by force of law to purchase health insurance. I will be working to protect us from that encroachment of the federal government,” he says.

One other issue Loudermilk will work on will be a bill to require state-funded health clinics to obtain parental consent for minors to receive contraceptives.

“Right now, a 12-year-old can go to a health clinic and get birth control without parental consent…you can’t even go to Wal-Mart and get your ears pierced without parental consent, so we’ve got to work on that,” he added.

Representative Barbara Massey-Reece, District 11, D-Menlo
Contact info: (404) 656-7859 (Atlanta office) or (706) 862-2657 (Home)
E-mail: barbara.reece@house.ga.gov

For Reece, the 2010 Legislative Session will be challenging but the budget will be her primary focus as more cuts are expected.

“In the past, I have been successful in getting funds for after-school programs, computer labs, emergency services equipment and public buildings included in the budget,” she says. “Declining revenues have already resulted in cuts for every department, programs and services. This year, my main focus for the district and the Northwest Georgia area will be keeping adequate funding for education and public safety.”

She believes the public education system, from pre-K through college, is an investment in the future.

“Our economy will improve with businesses expanding or new companies locating here. To fill positions, employers will first look for a well-educated, highly skilled worker,” she says. “Already, many adults are returning to college to acquire new knowledge and skills in order to compete for limited jobs as companies seek to operate more efficiently and compete globally.

“Georgia Highlands and Georgia Northwestern Technical College have experienced tremendous growth for several years. Maintaining needed funding for them and our public schools is imperative. Protecting the HOPE Scholarship from further restrictions is important so that all students who desire a college education will have an incentive and assistance.”

Adequate funding for government services also is necessary, and Reece says she will be working to ensure state and local governments have what they need to provide safe communities.

“Several state departments such as the GBI, Corrections, State Patrol, Public Health, and Agriculture are partners with local governments to achieve this goal. Funding is necessary to provide skilled firemen when a house is burning; safe food in restaurants; law enforcement during a home burglary; and well-trained first responders for heart attack victims,” she says.

“Funding of many projects, programs, or facilities can be delayed until the economy recovers, but protecting and educating the citizens of the 11th District and all those across Georgia cannot be delayed. I will work diligently with the other 179 members of the House of Representatives to make sure our homes and communities are safe and that citizens of all ages have education opportunities. “

Representative Rick Crawford, District 16, D-Cedartown
Contact Info: (404) 656-0265 (Atlanta office) or (770) 748-4090 (Local office)
E-mail: rick.crawford@house.ga.gov

Attempts to contact Crawford were not successful last week. We will add his comments as information becomes available.

Year-end campaign reports in for local incumbents

-Once again, state Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome, is well funded for another re-election bid. As of the Dec. 31 reporting deadline, the four-term Republican representing Floyd and parts of Gordon and Bartow counties had $100,048 in the new campaign year. Sen. Bill Heath, who represents part of Bartow and Polk counties, had $108,000 in his account as of Dec. 31. Below please find links to all local lawmakers' reports filed with the State Ethics Commission.

Sen. Preston Smith, R-Rome (click)

-Contributions: $112,905.

-Expenditures: $12,857.

-On hand: $100, 048.

-Contributions in the fourth quarter: Smith's largest contributor was State Mutual Insurance Co. with $2,350. Smith also had contributions from several insurance and business political action committees; $500 from Publix; and $750 from Anheuser-Busch> Contributions.

Sen Bill Heath, R-Bremen (Click)

-Contributions: $129.713.

-Expenditures: $97,398.

-Investments: $76,026.

-On hand: $108,342.

-Contributions in fourth quarter: $1,500 from HCA Georgia PAC; $1,000 from Rep. Paul Battles, R-Cartersville; $1,000 from Rep. Tom Graves' committee; $1,000 from Barry Loudermilk's committee; $1,000 from JBT Family Trust; $1,000 from John Perry; $1,000 from Tilley Properties; $1,000 from James Dellinger; $1,000 from UPS PAC.

Rep. Paul Battles, R-Cartersville (click)

-Contributions: $4,475.

-Expenditures: 0

-On hand: $4.475.

-Contributions in the fourth quarter: $1,000 from Harrison Thompson; $500 from James Jennings.

Rep. Rick Crawford, D-Cedartown (click)

-Contributions: $56,045.

-Expenditures: $52,956.

-On hand: $3,089.

-Contributions in the fourth quarter: $500 from Philip Morris; $500 from Temple-Inland.

Rep. Katie Dempsey, R-Rome (click)

-Contributions: $179,599.

-Expenditures: $167,774.

-On hand: $11,824.

-Contributions in the fourth quarter: Dempsey received $1,000 from Temple-Inland while $300 from Eagle Rock Distributing was the only one listed with a Rome address (and the distributorship has merged with the Dalton operation since then). Other notables: $500 from Philip Morris; $2,000 from a community hospital alliance; and $250 from Publix> Contributions

Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger (click)

-Contributions: $51,036.

-Expenditures: $42,901.

-On hand: $8.135.

-Contributions in the fourth quarter: $500 from Anheuser-Busch; Turner Broadcasting.

*Graves is running for Congress in 2010.

Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville (click)

-Contributions: $20,001.

-Expenditures: $10,420.

-On hand: $9,581.

-Contributions in the fourth quarter: Donating $500 were Anheuser-Busch, Temple Inland; a contractor's site; and Philip Morris.

Rep. Barbara Massey Reece, D-Menlo (click)