Good new video from my candidate for State Senate in Roswell.

The following is a message from Travis Hopkins from Overstock.com. Several states have adopted and are trying to adopt what we are calling an advertising tax. I DO NOT bring this to your attention so you can have a ready made bill in the state of Georgia. I bring it to your attention because if this type of bill were to be introduced in the state of Georgia, I would take up the cause and fight it with everything I have. I am an affiliate marketing manager. My customers are merchants and their customers are affiliates, some of whom live in Georgia. The advertising tax in New York has devastated the incomes of many stay at home internet savvy affiliates because merchants no longer wish to work with them.

January 25, 2010

Dear Affiliate:

Overstock.com values your advertising efforts on our behalf, and we hope to be in a position to continue our business connection for years to come. However, we are writing to inform you the Colorado state
legislature has introduced a bill which puts our continued relationship in jeopardy. HB 1193 (Concerning the Collection of Sales and Use Taxes on Sales Made by Out‐of‐State Retailers) was introduced on January 22, 2010. We are told the bill is moving quickly. This bill is modeled on a bill first passed in New York. The legislation attempts to establish responsibility for collection of sales tax for out‐of‐state retailers if those out‐of‐state retailers use Colorado‐based affiliate advertisers. We believe such bills are not only harmful to business, but unconstitutional and contrary decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court.

More importantly, if HB 1193 passes, Overstock.com will have to sever relationships with Colorado Affiliates before the bill becomes law. We have done this in each state where such legislation has passed: New York, North Carolina and Rhode Island.However, in at least 3 states last year, the voices of local affiliate advertisers were heard. They pointed out that such legislation was unconstitutional, would be bad for local business and would not increase state revenues. Those bills were either not passed or vetoed by informed governors.

You may want to make your voice heard on the matter. Currently, we have information that the bill is on the agenda of the House Appropriations Committee for hearing Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at
8:30AM. It is uncertain if the Committee will hear public comment at the meeting, but they may, and you may want to attend the hearing. If you cannot, but would like to voice your opinion, you may do so by contacting the bill’s sponsor Rep. Jack Pommer (jack.pommer.house@state.co.us; (303) 866‐2780) or your local legislator.

Again, Overstock.com values your work, and we are confident that, like other states recently examining and rejecting this legislation, Colorado will also see that this bill is bad for business and bad for Colorado.

Respectfully,

Jonathan E. Johnson III
President
Overstock.com, Inc.

– The John Albers for State Senate Campaign is proud to announce the first of several cutting edge, high tech communication initiatives with the release of its new iPhone app and Blackberry/smart phone mobile sites.



Campaign Manager Wesley McCall explained the importance of these new technologies to the campaign’s winning campaign plan. Said McCall, “North Fulton voters are the most tech-savvy and involved voters in the state. To reach our highly educated and wired community, campaigns and elected officials need to maximize the latest technology and communications tools. The Albers campaign is setting the standard with some of the most technologically advanced communications and outreach tools provided by any campaign.”



The Albers applications are some of the most advanced and innovative available in the nation today. Users will be able to follow the campaign’s progress, get John’s views on top issues, view videos, download ring tones and sign up to become a volunteer


John Albers emphasized the importance of using technology to communicate with voters. Said Albers, “The entire focus of my campaign is serving the needs of the families of north Fulton. The best way to meet the needs of our families is by providing easy ways to communicate those needs to public officials, and we are leading the way with these new online tools. I am a strong proponent of using technology to improve communication and maximize efficiencies in business. Our campaign is demonstrating in a small way how we can bring technology to bear in public service to improve communication and eventually lower the cost of government to taxpayers.”



Voters may download the iPhone application at the iTunes store or the Albers campaign website – www.votealbers.com. Blackberry and other smart phone users can access the Albers campaign mobile site at www.votealbers.com. For more information or questions, please contact the campaign at info@votealbers.com.

John Albers, a Republican candidate for State Senate District 56, filed his June 30 campaign contribution disclosure today showing $100,989.85 in contributions since entering the race less than 2 months ago.

The campaign also announced it has over 200 grassroots leaders signed up to help with campaign activities.

Said Albers, “The amount of support we have received since entering this race has been overwhelming and truly humbling. Families all across north Fulton County are responding to our message of serving our families and delivering on needed reforms. They’re rejecting the politics of personal agendas and special interests. It shows in our fundraising success so far. It shows in the hundreds of people volunteering for our campaign. It shows in the events and activities we already have scheduled for the fall and beyond.”

“Our grassroots efforts will begin very soon, and I look forward to sharing our message of true public service with every family in north Fulton County. I am personally committed to raising the money needed and devoting the time and effort needed to win this race. What’s at stake for our region and our families is too important.”

See these pictures and more at the 120Politics Facebook Fan Page.

U.S. Rep. Tom Price

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel

Sen. Eric Johnson

Ray McBerry

Georgia Insurance Commission John Oxendine

Rep. Austin Scott, R-153

Brian Kemp, running for Secretary of State

Doug MacGinnitie, running for Secretary of State

Rep. Ralph Hudgens, R-24, running for Insurance Commissioner

Stephen Northington, running for Insurance Commissioner

Gerry Purcell, running for Insurance Commissioner

Look for these photos and more on the 120Politics Facebook Fan Page.

Rep. Judy Manning R-32, walking in the Marietta 4th of July Parade

Cobb Republican Party float

Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel

Sen. Eric Johnson, R-1

Cobb Commission Chairman Sam Olens

My friendly neighborhood Starbucks on Georgia Hwy 120 (next to the “stinky” Kroger) has been a good place to spot politicos and pundits lately. Just yesterday I spotted John Albers, who is running for State Senate District 56. Also in the crowd was Nicole Barry who reminded me I’m not too old to still be considered a Young Republican. And as I was leaving I saw Rep. Harry Geisinger, R-48, picking up some Mexican food across the parking lot.

Just about two weeks ago I saw the notorious Bill Simon at the same location. So it sounds like this Starbucks might be the new place to hang out and talk politics. Too bad I don’t drink coffee…

John Albers running for State Senate District 56

Roswell civic leader John Albers declared today he will seek the Republican nomination for State Senate District 56. The seat is being vacated by the retirement of Senator Dan Moody.

“For the past 4 terms we have been blessed with Senator Dan Moody representing the 56th district with honor and integrity. With Senator Moody’s pending retirement in 2010, there are big shoes to fill and it is with a humble heart and passion for service that I am announcing my candidacy”, said Albers.

“Senator Moody has been very gracious with his time meeting and counseling me through this process”,said Albers.

Albers is an active community leader and family man. The father of two boys, John has been active in the Boy Scouts and coaching youth sports. He is a fourth generation firefighter volunteering in Alpharetta and also serves as the Chairman of the Public Safety Foundation.

A successful small business owner and corporate executive, John has turned his passion for serving others into leadership roles in dozens of community, civic and faith based organizations.

He and his wife of over 16 years, Kari, have two terrific sons Will & Ryan, ages 13 and 6. The Albers are active members of Roswell United Methodist Church.

Said Albers, “My faith and conservative principles inspire my drive to serve others and lead by example. I want to take that same work ethic to the State Senate to serve every person in our community.”

“Elected officials work for their constituents, not personal interests, so I encourage the voters to send me an email or call. In the coming months, voters across our district will be hearing a lot more from me and my plan for traffic relief, lower taxes, and better support for our schools in the coming months. I hope my proven record of service and conservative vision for our future will earn the vote and support of the people of this Senate District.” Albers launched a campaign website for more information at www.votealbers.com.

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