Well I went to my first political rally in many many years today and despite a few rain showers in Dacula, the event was very nice. Attendees were able to meet a handful of statewide candidates including some for the big office under the Gold Dome. 

I got there a little after 12 and was in the food line when the speeches started so I had a front row view for Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, Rep. Austin Scott, R-Tifton, Ray McBerry and Rep. Melvin Everson, R-Snellville.  Oxendine, Scott and McBerry are running for Governor and Everson is running for Labor Commissioner. Other statewide candidates were there but I got busy eating and mingling and missed most of their speeches. I left around 2:15 p.m. and I don’t know if Sec. of State Karen Handel, Sen. Eric Johnson, R-Savannah or U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal showed up, the rest of the candidates for Governor.

I was able to snap a few pictures so look below. I look forward to attending more of these local rallies so I can get to know the candidates, the staff, the consultants and ultimately the kingmakers…

Ray McBerry speaking at the Gwinnett County GOP BBQ on Memorial Day

John Oxendine at the Gwinnett County GOP BBQ on Memorial Day

Austin Scott at the Gwinnett County GOP BBQ on Memorial Day

Melvin Everson at the Gwinnett County GOP BBQ on Memorial Day

I’ll publish press releases, interview candidates, draft my opinions about issues, but what I really want is to talk to the kingmakers. You know who I’m talking about. The campaign consultants. The seasoned veterans that put on the big show. The ones who live off of campaign adrenaline. The money men. The gadflies. Those are the characters I want to hear from. 

The kingmakers are the ones who pull reporters aside and give them the real story, before and after the interview with the candiates. The kingmakers I knew were the ones in the back of the crowded room, with subtle smirks on their faces. I’ve been out of the game for a few years. I need to understand how it’s played in a digital, wireless world. 

So pass a few names, emails, Twitter addresses or Facebook profiles to me. I’d like to see who the players are.