A in English and A+ in Partisan Politics

My campaign released this news release earlier today.

Congressman receives an ‘A’ in English and an A+ in Partisan Politics

ATHENS - Representative Paul Broun, Jr. is trumpeting his "A in English" award from a special-interest group, but a closer look at his short legislative career shows that the congressman earned a failing grade in most other areas.Democratic candidate Bobby Saxon has released a few more grades for Congressman Broun.

Mathematics - F: Congressman Broun, Jr. clearly needs some remedial work in the subject of math, especially statistics. Two months ago, Broun said that, "roughly 40 percent of the people that are intercepted crossing our border are not Mexicans." In fact, according to the Washington Post, "less than 7 percent are 'Other than Mexicans' (OTM). The 'Aliens from Special Interest Countries' (ASIC) -- most anywhere in the Middle East and a chunk of South Asia -- totaled 297. That's three-hundredths of 1 percent." ("OMG, DHS! ASICs and OTMs!" by Al Kamen, Washington Post, March 12, 2008)

Child Care - F: When it comes to protecting children, Congressman Broun could stand a refresher course – fast. Congressman Broun, Jr. was one of only two to vote against the SAFE Act, a bill that will help law enforcement catch and prosecute those who distribute child pornography over open wireless computer networks. ("Broun one of two to oppose Internet child porn measure" by Blake Aued, Athens Banner-Herald, December 8, 2007)

Economics - F: Congressman Broun, Jr. showed that, like Republican Presidential nominee John McCain, he just doesn't know much about economics. Broun was one of four Georgia Republicans to vote against reauthorizing the Small Business and Innovation Research program, which helps new businesses bring innovative new ideas to market. Perhaps Paul Broun doesn't understand that independent businesses are the backbone of our economy. Perhaps he doesn't care. Either way, a refresher course in capitalism and market economies is in order here. (Congress.org)

Partisan Politics as usual - A+: There is one thing that Paul Broun, Jr. has done well - become a consummate Beltway insider. Despite running as an “maverick" Republican, who was going to stand up to the GOP establishment, Broun has proven himself willing to cozy up to the same establishment he ran against. He was recently supported in glowing terms by all of Georgia's Republican representatives. So, kudos to Congressman Paul Broun, Jr. for getting one subject right. Congressman Paul Broun, Jr. has continued to vote the party line more than 89% of the time even when congress has an approval rating of 22% (Fox News). Does he really have our district’s best interests at heart?

Bobby Saxon is an Iraq War combat veteran and small business owner from Nicholson, Georgia. He is a Major in the Georgia Army National Guard and has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Pentagon. Bobby attends Bethany United Methodist Church, is a member of the American Legion Post 56 in Jefferson, GA and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2872 in Athens, GA.

Our Congressman's April Fools Prescription

On April 1st our representative in Congress gave America what he called a “prescription” for dealing with our nation’s energy problems. Some of his remedies are well-intended, such as his call for tax relief for Georgia motorists and his emphasis on alternative fuel production. However, he must understand that making a vague diagnosis based on complex and serious symptoms will not make America healthier.

Once again, our representative in Washington has failed to realize that real problems are solved by action, not cheesy rhetoric. Instead of complaining about an unpopular policy proposal, he should consider actually voting for legislation that solves today’s problems. He should have voted for The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, an initiative that passed with nearly 76% bipartisan support and was signed into law by President Bush on December 19, 2007. This law raises fuel economy standards by 40% and mandates a five fold increase in the use of bio-fuels.

Mr. Broun may feel that blaming the Democrats for $3.25 gas is the way to get re-elected. However, I believe the good people of the 10th district won’t fall for his April Fools political rant. I believe they’re as tired of political extremists as I am and they’re ready for bi-partisan representation like I offer.

Like the good doctor, I have an oath to uphold as well: to abide by the principles of Duty, Honor, and Country, and that’s what I intend to do when I’m a Congressman.

Now’s the time!

Nascar Week 7

For the second time in seven weeks I've managed to climb to the top of the National Guard Fantasy Racing League. YES!

I'm a big fan of Nascar and watch or listen to nearly every race. The only sport that I love more is GEORGIA BULLDOG FOOTBALL. Of course, I love my DAWGS but for 36 Sundays a year (Sometimes a Saturday instead) I can't wait for "Gentleman, Start your engines!".

I got involved in this league in 2004 but didn't get to be a player. I had to wait until 2005 to enter my first team. That year wasn't so good for my team. It had a lot to do with the fact I spent the whole year in Baghdad with the 3rd Infantry Division.

Last year I finished 6th in a league of 50 players. I had a late season surge to overcome a horrendous start. I was around 45th after Busch and Stewart wrecked each other in the final laps of the Daytona 500.

This year has been a great year for me so far. I began the season with a strong finish in Daytona (2nd) and haven't dropped below 3rd for the season. This week I moved into 1st for the second time thanks to a great pick with Carl Edwards. I was the only player in the top ten to pick him as my "A" driver.

Overall it was a good weekend for Saxon Racing. My son, Will, brother Mark, and nephew, Mason all moved up positions with strong finishes in Texas.

In case you're wondering. I'm a Hendrick Motorsports follower. Go National Guard and Go Junior!