The 2010 Election - Meet The Candidates

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2010 Election Guide

U.S. Congressionsal Districts
Congressional District 4 Republican & Democrat | Congressional District 7 Rebublican

Board of Commissioners Districts
Board of Commissioners District 2 - Republican | Board of Commissioners District 4 - Republican

Senate Districts
District 9 - Republican | District 40 - Republican

Board of Commissioners District 2 - Republican

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Jose Perez, Lynette Howard, and Keith Shewbert

Lynette Howard

Age: 46
Residence: Norcross
Education: Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Georgia State University
Occupation: Program developer and specialist with the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center
Political experience: Gwinnett County Planning Commission, 2007-present; Gwinnett County Planning Advisory Committee, 2006-09; United Peachtree Corners Civic Association, 1998-present
Family: Husband, Pat; children Nathalie, 14, and Alex, 12
Online: electlynette.com
Political philosophy: Anybody who wants to make a community better should have a voice and that includes big developers, homeowners and businesses striving to create a better future for the community.

Top priorities: Attracting healthy businesses to grow jobs in Gwinnett is my top priority along with supporting the Gwinnett Village CID. Keeping our community safe is the best way to grow our county. We must keep public safety strong which is why I support increasing public safety and support programs like C.O.P.S.

Jose R. Perez

Age: 63

Residence: Norcross
Education: Master’s degree in economics, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Fla., 1972
Occupation: President of Target Market Trends
Political experience: Gwinnett County Planning Commission member, 2003-09; Georgia State Board of Education, 2004-present
Family: Wife Yolanda; three adult children, Anabel Caswell, David Perez, and Daniel Perez; one grandson
Online: www.perezforcommissioner.com
Political philosophy: Do more with less

Top priorities: Reform government so we can reorganize it. We can cut costs, which could mean cutting taxes, not services. The third thing, and this is really high on the agenda, is to bring more Fortune 500 firms into the county and help local companies create more jobs. And finally, the transportation piece.

Keith Shewbert

Age: 51

Residence: Norcross
Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, master’s degree in technology management
Occupation: Owner of 45 South Cafe in downtown Norcross
Political experience: Norcross city councilman; founding board member of Gwinnett Village CID; chairman, Gwinnett Village Community Alliance; chairman, Norcross Development Authority; former member of Norcross Downtown Development Authority
Family: Wife Jeanette Osowski-Shewbert; step-daughter Lynn; step-grandchildren Chase and Sara
Online: www.keithshewbert.com
Political philosophy: I believe in smaller, more efficient government that produces the greatest value possible for every tax dollar.

Top priorities: My top priorities are greater transparency in county government, implementation of modern management practices and technology to streamline processes and improve customer service, redevelopment and revitalization of the second district to combat blight, and balancing our local economy with more jobs in the technology, bioscience, health care and small business arenas.

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Board of Commissioners District 4 - Republican

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John Heard, Tommy Hunter, and Ron Silver

Name: John Heard

Political party: Republican
Age: 54
Residence: Lawrenceville
Education: BA Southern Tech
Occupation: Architect
Political experience: Lawrenceville DDA, 1993-present, Georgia House of Representatives, 2003-2008
Family: Debbie, Leigh, Jill
Online: www.johnheard.org
Political philosophy: Public service is a life long commitment for me. It is a public trust. There is no excuse for ignoring constituents.
Top priorities:
Say NO! to the expansion and commercialization of Briscoe Field Airport.
Suspend and revoke the county business license of anyone knowingly hiring illegal aliens.
Make and keep Gwinnett business friendly with low taxes and fewer regulations.
Put the "service" back in public service by personally answering all my phone calls and e-mails.

Name: Ron Silver

Party: Conservative Republican
Age: 63
Residence: Braselton
Education: Graduate of Tucker High, Associate Arts, Dekalb College, BBA Georgia State University, Kennesaw State Certificate Candidate Training Project
Occupation: Real estate entrepreneur
Political Exp: Candidate for District 4 in 2002
Family: Married to high school sweetheart for 43 years, two children and five grandchildren
Political Philosophy: Less government — the government should only provide services that the private sector can’t.
Top Priorities: Less government, property tax reform, one language only, better use of independent contractors for government services. The taxpayers should have the right to vote on all tax proposals presented by government. “It’s Time” to do more with less or do without.

Name: Tommy Hunter

Political party: Republican
Age: 39
Residence: Buford
Education: BS Civil Engineering Technology, Southern Tech 1993
Occupation: Civil Engineer – Project Manager
Political experience: Gwinnett County Water and Sewerage Authority 2005-2009. Secretary of the Authority 2008.
Family: Wife of 15 years, Judith; daughter, Lauren, 13; son, Devin, 11
Online: www.tommyhunter2010.com
Political philosophy: Staunch constitutional conservative.
Top priorities: Water source protection and diversification, controlled spending, transportation infrastructure and reduction of the tax burden on homeowners.

Gerald Cagle and Tim Sullivan

Name: Gerald Cagle

Age: 69
Residence: Lawrenceville
Education: BS Mathematics, University of Georgia; Science and technology, Georgia State University; Studied chemistry, Spanish, and French at Gainesville College, Coker College and Gilford College.
Occupation: Retired businessman and now a teacher at the Gwinnett School of Math, Science, and Technology,
Political experience: None
Family: Wife, Brenda; daughter, Amy Bruce, 34; son Jon, 37; three grandchildren
Political philosophy: Conservative — a firm believer in the free market, capitalism, and a very limited government.
Top Priorities:
We are going to have to learn to do more with less. With revenues down we are going to have to prioritize any new projects. My first priority is maintaining our existing infrastructure. Many of our county roads are in need of repair. Until we solve our water problem, we are going to have to consider limiting future development.

Name: Tim Sullivan

Political Party: Republican
Age: 53
Residence: Buford
Education: Bachelor’s degree in management information systems, Kennesaw State University
Occupation: Real estate salesman
Political experience: None
Family: Wife Veronica; daughter Melissa; daughter Bridget; one grandchild
Online: www.electsully.com
Political philosophy: Conservative republican — less government, less spending, lower taxes
Top priorities: Balancing the budget and the decisions surrounding the privatization/commericalization expansion of Briscoe Field Airport.

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Congressional District 7 Rebublican

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Clay Cox, Chuck Efstration, and Jef Fincher

Name: Clay Cox

Political party: Republican
Age: 42
Residence: Lilburn
Education: Brookwood High School, Western Carolina University
Occupation: CEO, Professional Probation Services
Political experience: State Representative 2004 - current
Family: Wife, Alisa; son, Connor 16; son Carson, 13
Online: www.VoteClayCox.com
Political philosophy: I believe in family values, fiscal responsibility and smaller government. I’m the only candidate who has helped balance a family budget, a business budget and a state budget.
Top priorities: I want the federal government to secure our Southern border; to balance the federal budget; to cut spending; to reduce the corporate tax rate and shift to the FairTax. We need to protect the rights of the unborn, of gun owners and of small business owners.

Name: Chuck Efstration

Political party: Republican
Age: 27
Residence: Auburn
Education: Greater Atlanta Christian School; Bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia; juris doctorate from Mercer Law School
Occupation: Felony Prosecutor
Political experience: Former Chairman, Gwinnett County Republican Party
Family: Single
Online: www.ChuckforGeorgia.com
Political philosophy: I am a Conservative Republican that will follow the Constitution, protect individual liberties, and fight for conservative values.
Top priorities: I will fight for the Fair Tax and never vote to raise taxes, slash out of control government spending by never supporting an earmark, introduce new ethics reform and never use my office to benefit myself, and work to repeal unconstitutional legislation like Obamacare in order to create jobs.

Name: Jef Fincher

Political party: Republican
Age: 56
Residence: Duluth
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Texas Austin, 1976
Occupation: Real Estate Development and Brokerage, Delta flight attendant
Political experience: none
Family: Wife Kathy; Children Maggie Hunter 24, Kelley 22
Online:www.votejef.com
Political philosophy: The time has come for voters to take back Congress by electing a Citizen Statesmen with common sense and integrity.
Top priorities: Congress must: Protect the Constitution; Balance the Budget; Enforce our Laws; Secure our Borders; Enact the FairTax; End Earmarks; Enact Term Limits; Reform Medicare/Social Security; Repeal Obamacare; Stop Cap & Trade
If elected I promise: To serve only eight years; Self impose 20 percent pay cut and donate to Local Foundation

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Ronnie Grist, Jody Hice, and Tom Kirby

Name: Ronnie Grist

Party: Republican
Age: 49
Residence: Lawrenceville
Education: Clayton Junior College
Occupation: State of Georgia Retiree
Political experience: none
Family: Single
Online: ronniegirstforcongress.com
Political philosophy: Individual responsibility and less government interference in our lives
Top priorities: 1: Repeal of Obamacare; 2: Tighten up our boarders making it harder on illegal immigration; 3: Enhance our National Security along with better benefits for our military personnel; and 4: Localize education with more direct teacher involvement.

Name: Jody Hice

Political party: Republican
Age: 50
Residence: Bethlehem
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Asbury University; Master’s degree from Southwestern Seminary; Doctorate from Luther Rice Theological Seminary
Occupation: Radio Talk Show Host
Political experience: none
Family: Wife Dee Dee; two grown daughters.
Online: www.jodyhice.com
Political philosophy: I believe in preserving constitutional liberty and conservative values while supporting economic growth and job creation through capitalism and free enterprise.
Top priorities: We must end Washington's culture of corruption and stop wasteful spending. I want to repeal federal income taxes, abolish the IRS and adopt the Fair Tax so that we can restore lost jobs and have true economic growth instead of phony stimulus plans or federal ‘job creation.’

Name: Tom Kirby

Political party: Republican
Age: 49
Residence: Loganville
Education: Bachelor of Science The University of Kentucky
Occupation: Human Resources Safety Director CertainTeed Corporation Siding Products Group
Political experience: none
Family: Wife Rosemary Kirby; Daughters Courtney, 20, Leslie, 17, Peyton, 10
Online: www.tomkirby2010.com
Political philosophy: Conservative Constitutionalist. The best government is less government. We the People are the government those we elected are public servants
Top priorities: Restore Constitutional controls on government; balance the budget and bring fiscal responsibility; reduce the size of government; implement the Fair Tax creating sound economic foundation and jobs; secure our borders, enforce our laws, no amnesty; promote our energy independence; ensure national security; term limits; repeal health care; need problem solvers.

Tom Parrott and Rob Woodall

Name: Tom Parrott

Political party: Republican
Age: 60
Residence: Peachtree Corners
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University; master’s degree in accounting from Arizona State University; Master’s degree in Biblical Counseling, Luther Rice Theological Seminary
Occupation: CPA, Bankruptcy Turnaround consultant, High Tech Software Sales
Political experience: none
Family: Wife Ellen; Sons Thomas, 31, Matthew, 29, and Andrew, 27; two grand children
Online: www.tomparrottforcongress.com
Political philosophy: I am a strong constitutionalist and insistent that the federal government be limited by the Constitution. To do otherwise is to subvert the Constitution.
Top priorities: Halt government spending on any non constitutional endeavors; Return all duplicate agencies currently being operated by both the fed and states to the states. Example: Human Services, Education, DOT; Reduce complexity in the Federal government. Complexity drives costs and inefficiencies.

Name: Rob Woodall

Political party: Republican
Age: 40
Residence: Lawrenceville
Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science from Furman University, 1992; juris doctorate from University of Georgia, 1997
Occupation: Former chief of staff to Congressman John Linder
Political experience: none
Family: single
Online: www.robwoodall.com
Political philosophy: Ben Franklin said, ‘Those who sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither.’ I choose liberty.
Top priorities: Champion the Fair Tax in Congress; Repeal TARP, Stimulus and other misguided proposals, and retarget that money to fund deficit reduction; Secure our nation’s borders; Restore ‘constitutionalism’; Continue Rep. Linder’s legacy of superior public service to the Seventh District.

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District 88 - Democrat

Billy Mitchell and Simone Joye

Billy Mitchell (i)

Political party: Democrat
Age: 48 November 12, 1961
Residence: Stone Mountain
Education: Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University; master’s degreee from University of Southern California; J.D. from Atlanta Law School
Occupation: Vice President, Community Affairs - CLA, Inc., Communications
Political Experience: Stone Mountain City Council 1995-2002. State Representative 2002-present.
Family: Wife, Shawn; children Maya, 13, and Sean, 9.
Online: www.billymitchell.org
Political philosophy: Don't overburden taxpayers while, fulfilling government’s purpose of making our communities a great place to live, work, play.
Top priorities:
JOBS/ECONOMY – Provide support to recruit industry that improves employment opportunities to move our economy forward.
EDUCATION – There’s a practical connection between education and attracting good jobs to our community.
TRANSPORTATION - We need continued strong representation that just doesn't seel to pave our way out of our problems.

Simone Joye

Political party: Democrat
Age: 44; DOB: 4/18/66
Residence: Stone Mountain
Education: Bachelor of Communications, completed graduate school for public administration
Occupation: Business owner-AllWrite Communications and Nonprofit Executive, Young People Matter, Inc.
Political experience: First political run
Family: Children A’shey, 15, Chad, 9.
Online:www.joyeforthehouse.com www.facebook.com/SimoneJoye
Political philosophy:
I believe in a strong middle class and that government has a right to ensure companies do the right thing.
Top priorities:
1. Economic Development/Jobs Creation
2. Education
3. Crime and Public Safety
Jobs are first! Help youth, seniors, families and small businesses. Secure federal dollars. Improve Georgia’s educational system for all children and promote parent choice.

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District 95 - Democrat

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Toner Collins, Pamela Dickerson, and Andrea Cooper

Toney L. Collins (i)

Political party: Democrat
Age: 44
Residence: Conyers
Education: Engineering Degree
Occupation: Business Owner and Legislator
Political experience: State Representative 2008-present
Family: Not married, no children
Online: www.representativecollins.com
Political philosophy: Ensuring fiscal responsibility and stressing that state government remains responsive to the needs of the citizens is a must.
Top Priorities:
EDUCATION: Re-prioritize and restore funding to education
JOBS/ECONOMY: Attract businesses that will create more jobs in the 95th District.
HEALTHCARE: Affordable healthcare acquired in a way that will not raise taxes, cut Medicare, or increase the deficit.

Andrea Cooper

Political party: Democrat
Age: 41
Residence: Covington
Education: Studied architectural engineering at Southern Tech.
Occupation: Investigator
Family: Wife, Cynthia; daughter Mittia, 6.
Online: www.andrecooperforstatehouse95.org
Political Experience: First political run
Political Philosophy: Provide the missing link our community needs by creating jobs and educational resources with full access and accountability.
Top Priorities:
1) Reverse cuts to education including salaries, jobs, furloughs and increases in class size.
2) Support creating jobs with incentives and infrastructure improvements
3) Develop rehabilitation programs for troubled youth to keep them from becoming a permanent part of the system

Name: Pamela A. Dickerson

Political party: Democrat
Age: 57, January 14, 1953
Residence: Conyers
Education: Bachelor’s of science, Southern University of New Orleans
Occupation: Flight attendant/business owner
Political experience: None
Family: None
Online: www.pamforthepeople.com
Political philosophy: My philosophy is to be an effective communicator between the Capitol and the people I represent in District 95.
Top priorities:
Education- We are extremely concerned about our schools and our children’s preparation for the competitive job market of the future. Smaller classroom sizes are needed along with giving our educators more tools and options, including non-traditional teaching methodologies to better educate our children.

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District 96 - Democrat

Brian Mock and Pedro Marin

Brian Mock

Political Party: Democrat
Age: 41 - 03/22/1969
Residence: Norcross
Education: Hospitality Administration, Columbus State University. Attended Armstrong Atlantic State University
Occupation: Hotel Management (20+ years)
Political experience: No political experience, but numerous boards and committees in the community
Family: Single
Online: www.ElectBrianMock.com
Political Philosophy: I believe in a smaller, less intrusive government that stays out of our daily lives as much as possible.
Top Priorities:
Community - Working to clean up our neighborhoods of gang activity and illegal businesses operating from garages.
Jobs - Putting our neighbors back to work, in turn generating much needed revenue.
Education - Restoring programs cut due to lack of funding and rehiring teachers to cut classroom sizes.

Pedro “Pete” Marin (i)

Political Party: Democrat
Age: 52, 3-30-58
Residence: Duluth, Norcross
Education: Some College (1 1/2 years)
Political Experience: State Representative (2002-present)
Family: Wife of 28 years Nereida; son Joel, 25.
Online: www.marinstatehouse.com
Political philosophy: To provide the people of Georgia and Gwinnett County the service, respect and leadership they deserve.
Top priorities: To protect our public education system from additional budget cuts, furloughs and other drastic measures; expand and increase economic opportunities for the state and Gwinnett County; support legislation to improve public safety; and transportation for the region.

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District 51 - Republican
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Tom Rice and Neal Towey

Tom Rice
Political party: Republican
Age: 69
Residence: Peachtree Corners
Education: Bachelor’s of science in accounting from Temple University
Occupation: Retired IBM management and small business owner
Political experience: 14 years in the Georgia House of Representatives
Family: Wife, Frances; four children; 10 grandchildren
Online: www.tomrice.org, tqgrice@aol.com
Political philosophy: Smaller Government, Lower Taxes, Individual Responsibility, Family Values
Top priorities: 1. Change tax code to remove “birthday” tax on vehicles, remove sales tax on vehicles, implement one-time title fee
2. Reduce income tax; broaden consumption tax
3. Continue to enhance existing immigration law
4. Give Peachtree Corners voters opportunity to vote on cityhood

Name: Neal Towey

Political party: Republican
Age: 48
Residence: Norcross
Education: Some college at University of Houston
Occupation: Software engineer
Political experience: None
Family: Wife, Anita; children Russell, 11, and Sean, 9
Online: www.NealTowey.com, ntowey@bellsouth.net
Political philosophy: I am Tea Party Republican determined to limit the federal government to its constitutional functions through nullification.
Top priorities: • Eliminate property taxes
• One tax — a sales tax
• School vouchers
• Sound money
• Nullify ObamaCare
• Nullify No Child Left Behind

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District 98 - Republican

Josh Clark and Wayne Hill

Name: Josh Clark
Political party: Republican
Age: 31
Residence: Buford
Education: Graduated from Wisdom Academy and Berea School of Ministry
Occupation: Owns a business, Scientific Nutritionals
Political experience: Served on Seventh District Executive Committee since 2000
Family: Wife, Chelsey; children Stephen, 6, Moriah, 4, Brianna, 2, and Levi, 7 months.
Online: www.votejoshclark.com, josh@votejoshclark.com
Political philosophy: I will be a fresh and bold voice to promote limited government, fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Top priorities: Promote job growth. Fight illegal immigration. Work for comprehensive budget audits and zero-based budgeting to eliminate waste and fraud so we can keep teachers and lower taxes. FairTax for Georgia. Lake Lanier water rights. Fight for North Gwinnett to get its share of transportation dollars.

Name: Wayne Hill
Political party: Republican
Age: 68
Residence: Suwanee
Education: Graduated from North Gwinnett High School
Occupation: Consultant
Political experience: Gwinnett County Commission chairman, 1992 to 2004; Appointed member of the Gwinnett County Airport Authority, 1972 to 1978
Family: Wife, Carolyn; children, Jody, 47, David, 45, and Paula, 43; seven grandchildren and a new granddaughter on the way
Online: waynehill.com, wayne.hill@charter.net
Political philosophy: Conservative Republican
Top priorities: 1. Jobs: I’m a small businessman. I’ll do whatever it takes to create jobs and stimulate our economy.
2. Education: I will work to protect our successful local schools and our children’s education.
3. Water: I will protect our water by putting the rights and interests of Gwinnett residents first.

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District 101 - Republican

Buzz Brockway and Jesse Jones

Name: Buzz Brockway
Political party: Republican
Age: 43
Residence: Lawrenceville
Education: Bachelor’s of science in management science from Georgia Institute of Technology; certificate in economics from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Occupation: Operations manager at Felicity International Inc.
Political experience: Former chairman of the Gwinnett Republican Party, 2003 to 2005
Family: Wife, Christa; children Hope, Grace and Joy
Online: www.vote4buzz.com, buzz@vote4buzz.com
Political philosophy: I believe in Constitutional Conservatism based on the principles that made America great and defend life, family, community, and faith.
Top priorities: 1) Government needs to get out of the way and let businesses thrive. I will work to make Georgia the most business-friendly state in the nation.
2) Smaller budgets: State departments need to get back to their core mission and eliminate any programs that are not absolutely essential.

Name: Jesse Jones
Political party: Republican
Age: 27
Residence: Lawrenceville
Education: Attended Gwinnett Tech, Georgia Tech, Gainesville College and Collins Hill High School
Occupation: Applications engineer at Mazak Corporation (machine tool builder) in Suwanee
Political experience: None
Family: Single
Online: www.jessejones2010.com, jones2010ga@gmail.com
Political philosophy: I am fiscally conservative, pro-life, believe in limiting the power of government, expanding freedoms, and term limits for elected officials.
Top priorities: • Term limits for all elected officials, because career politicians lose touch of real issues.
• Keeping schools and emergency services open by protecting their budget.
• Reorganization of the budget to eliminate wasteful spending.
• Ethics reform by giving the ethics committee real power to penalize politicians

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District 102 - Republican

Steve Allen and Linda Carsten

Name: Steve Allen
Political party: Republican
Age: 58
Residence: Lilburn
Education: Bachelor of business administration from the University of Georgia
Occupation: Retired utility executive
Political Experience: None
Family: Wife, Becky; children Steven, William and Katherine; four grandchildren
Online: www.allenforgeorgia.com, voteallen2010@gmail.com
Political philosophy: Less government, more personal accountability. Less taxes, more economic freedom. Government is servant of the people not its master.
Top priorities: • Reform illegal immigration laws
• Budget and tax code reform including a tax system that is fair
• Protect our right to keep and bear arms
• Protect the unborn
• Support public education — allow better classroom discipline and lower drop-out rate
• Support public safety and law enforcement

Name: Linda Carsten
Political party: Republican
Age: 64
Residence: Lilburn
Education: Attended Mercer University
Occupation: Restaurant owner and licensed Georgia Realtor
Political experience: Founder and president of the Republican Women of Gwinnett (6 years)
Family: Husband, Jim; seven children; 10 grandchildren
Online: www.lindacarsten.com, linda@lindacarsten.com
Political philosophy: Conservative, protect the Constitution, pro-life, pro Second Amendment, against illegal immigration, limited government, states rights, no federal mandated health care
Top priorities: Oppose tax increases; annual “zero-based budget” for every state agency; pass a Georgia “Fair Tax” plan; create jobs with tax credits for businesses and tax incentives for new businesses and those that hire off the unemployment rolls; stronger ethics reform and more frequent financial disclosures of elected officials

B.J. Pak and Keith Royal

Name: B.J. Pak
Political party: Republican
Age: 36
Residence: Lilburn
Education: Juris Doctorate from the University of Illinois; bachelor’s of business administration in accounting from Stetson University
Occupation: Attorney; partner at Schiff Hardin LLP
Political experience: Appointed to the Asian American Commission for a New Georgia and the State Complete Count Committee
Family: Wife, Sandra; children, Sophia, 3, and Madeleine, 23 months
Online: www.bjpak.com, votebjpak@gmail.com
Political philosophy: I am a Reagan conservative. I believe in smaller government, free enterprise and the principle that rights are rights, and not merely privileges.
Top priorities: 1) Economy: (a) Revamp tax and corporate code; (b) Enforcement of laws against illegal immigration to eliminate freeloaders; (c) revitalize capital markets so small business owners can borrow money to start or grow their business; 2) Stronger ethics reform, including term limits; and 3) cutting wasteful spending by eliminating or merging agencies and/or their functions.

Name: Keith A. Royal
Political party: Republican
Age: 53
Residence: Lilburn
Education: Juris doctorate from Oklahoma City University School of Law; bachelor’s of arts in political science from Emory University
Occupation: Attorney
Political experience: None
Family: Wife, Susan; children Kelsie,19, and McKenzie, 17
Online: Electkeithroyal.com, keitharoyal@royallaw.net
Political philosophy: Protect and strengthen core conservative values, and protect individual freedoms, rights, responsibilities and privileges.
Top priorities: We need to maintain and improve the quality of our schools, crack down on illegal immigration, protect the small businessman by reducing taxes and providing incentives for growth and to attract new businesses, implement zero based budgeting, reduce property taxes by implementing a Local Option Sales Tax, and reducing taxes on our families.

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District 103 - Republican

David Casas and Steve Ramey

Name: David Casas
Political party: Republican
Age: 38
Residence: Lilburn
Education: Master’s in arts in christian studies from Luther Rice University.
Occupation: Vice president of academic affairs
Political experience: Georgia House of Representatives, 2003 to present
Family: Spouse, Ann; two children
Online: www.votecasas.com, david@votecasas.com
Political philosophy: I am a commonsense conservative who has never voted for a tax increase or ever asked for an earmark for my district. I am pro-life, pro-second amendment and pro-business.
Top priorities: I want to continue to help create jobs in Georgia by making our state attractive to new startups and business relocations. I also want to work on vertically aligning our education testing so that parents can know exactly what their child should have learned from one grade to the next.

Name: Steve Ramey
Political party: Republican
Age: 60
Residence: Lilburn
Education: Attended Gainesville State and Kennesaw State universities; graduate of Buford High School
Occupation: Small Business Owner/Sales/Marketing
Political experience: None
Family: Wife, Nancy; children Shane, Jason, Emily, Rachael and Hannah; three grandchildren
Online: www.steveramey.us, steveramey@bellsouth.net
Political philosophy: Very conservative Reagan Republican with a philosophy of smaller government, lower taxes and will fight illegal immigration at every level.
Top priorities: • Jobs for Georgians — Lowering corporate taxes
• Reducing Taxes — A fair tax for Georgians & Eliminating the Georgia income tax
• Education Reform — We must change the current strategy for the sake of our children/state and nation.
• Fight Illegal Immigration — Illegals are financial burden on our state and hold jobs that man Georgians could have. English should be the official language of Georgia.
• Transportation — I feel that the outer perimeter should be revisited to get a goodly portion of our congestion going around Atlanta & not through it.

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District 104 - Republican

Valerie Clark and Timothy Swiney

Name: Valerie Clark
Political party: Republican
Age: 60
Residence: Lawrenceville
Education: Ph.D. in educational psychology and educational leadership from the University of Georgia
Occupation: Retired educator
Political experience: None
Family: Husband, Bob; children Pearson, 20, and Barrett, 19
Online: www.valerieforgahouse.com, vclark123@charter.net
Political philosophy: I am a conservative Republican who believes in individual rights, personal freedom and liberty.
Top priorities: • Promote free enterprise with less regulation and fewer taxes
• Promote education with tougher standards and smaller class sizes
• Address illegal immigration by prohibiting illegal aliens from attending taxpayer supported colleges and trade schools
• Stop the expansion of Briscoe Field airport. It will ruin neighborhoods in this district.

Name: Timothy Swiney
Political party: Republican
Age: 50
Residence: Lawrenceville
Education: Bachelor’s of arts in business management; associate’s of science in respiratory therapy
Occupation: Small business owner; associate broker, Renaissance Realty Group, Inc.
Political experience: None
Online: www.TimothySwiney.com; Tim@timothyswiney.com
Political philosophy: Constitutional Conservative. Limited government. Limited spending. Government should stop penalizing hard work, success, and planning.
Top priorities: • Oppose illegal immigration. Limit access and benefits of public resources to legal residents only.
• Abolish State Income Tax. The income tax is little more than a tax on hard work. A sales/consumption tax will insure that all residents of Georgia, whether documented or undocumented, pay their fair share of the tax burden.
• Eliminate Property Tax. Homeowners should not be used as an ATM for government spending.

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District 106 - Republican

Warren Auld and Brett Harrell

A former Snellville mayor and a former city councilman are facing off. The winner will face Democrat Steffini Bethea in the general election.

Name: Warren Auld
Political party: Republican
Age: 58
Residence: Snellville
Education: Juris doctorate from Georgia State College of Law; master of divinity from Andrews University
Occupation: Attorney
Political experience: Snellville City Council, 2004-05 and 2006-09
Family: Wife, Joan; children Jacob, 15, and Mary Grace, 5
Online: www.warrenauld.com, warren@warrenauld.com
Political philosophy: Government is “of the people, by the people and for the people.” We have a right to limited government.
Top priorities: The key issue is reducing the size of government. We are a nation built on the principle of limited government. It’s time to end the “business as usual” in our government and put people back in charge of the government by cutting spending, lowering taxes and increasing public accountability.

Name: Brett Harrell
Political party: Republican
Age: 49
Residence: Snellville
Education: Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing and finance from University of Georgia, graduate of South Gwinnett High School
Occupation: Sales, small business owner
Political experience: Mayor, City of Snellville, 2000-2003; Council Member, Snellville, 1998 – 2000
Family: Wife, Diane; son Briggs, 20
Online: www.VoteHarrell.com, Brett@VoteHarrell.com
Political philosophy: Proven conservative that listens, learns, then delivers smaller government and greater freedom for those I am honored represent.
Top priorities: • Jobs — eliminate tax schemes rewarding few and discouraging business growth will create new opportunities
• Immigration — No public benefits, no amnesty, tough penalties for illegal immigration in Georgia
• Taxes — prohibit billing non-tax fees on your property tax bills
• Education — protect public education, while expanding parent choice focusing on classrooms not administration

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Congressional District 4 Republican & Democrat

Candidates for the Republican primary

Victor Armendariz and Larry Gause

Victor Armendariz
Age: 40
Residence: Atlanta
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Georgia State University
Occupation: Publishing
Political experience: None
Family: Single
Online: www.victorforcongress.com
Political philosophy: I believe in the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Government should be small and the people and private industry should lead the way.
Top priorities: Our biggest issue as a nation is the economy. We must cut taxes and extend the Bush tax cuts. We must slash our corporate tax rate so that businesses will come to the U.S. and Georgia. We must kick-start job growth and that must come from small businesses.

Larry Gause
Age: 48
Residence: Tucker
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Florida State University
Occupation: Property manager
Political experience: None
Family: Wife Annette Joyce Gause; daughters, Hannah, 9, and Katelyn, 6
Online: www.gauseforcongress.com
Political philosophy: Federal government works for the state; state works for the people. Cut taxes; let us keep more of our money.
Top priorities: Make President Bush’s tax cuts permanent then work to cut taxes even more (Fair Tax), unfund and amend health care bill, kill the cap and trade and amnesty legislation, regulatory change to increase credit unions’ assets to lending ratio, remove taxes on Social Security benefits, use reservists to help secure the border.

Liz Carter and Cory Ruth

Lisbeth “Liz” Carter
Age: 41
Residence: Atlanta
Education: Some college
Occupation: Entrepreneur
Political experience: None
Family: Husband Eddie Carter, two step-sons, Chris Carter, 17, and Nick Carter, 14
Online: www.lizcarterforcongress.com
Political philosophy: A smaller more efficient federal government focused on upholding the Constitution, representing all American citizens and accountable to the American people.
Top priorities: Stimulating sustainable job growth in the private sector, balancing the budget, reducing the deficit, securing our nation’s borders, immigration reform, removing the federal government from education and upholding the Constitution.

Cory Ruth
Age: 32
Residence: Atlanta
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies Carver Bible College
Occupation: Senior project manager consultant
Political experience: None
Family: Single; a son Josiah, 9
Online: www.coryruth.com; on Facebook coryruth2010
Political philosophy: At its base is the nurturing of a strong free people governing themselves with a constitutional-sized government
Top priorities: Jobs: Countries have to be tax competitive to attract and retain companies and industries. Debt: I propose a federal credit freeze until the deficit is brought under control. Education: I support the ability of parents to pick the school that is best for their children.

Candidates for the Democratic primary

Hank Johson, Connie Stokes, and Vernon Jones

Hank Johnson
Age: 55
Residence: Lithonia
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Clark College, Atlanta, 1976; Juris Doctorate, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, 1979
Occupation: Attorney
Political experience: Congressman, District 4, 2007-present; DeKalb County commissioner, District 5, 2001-2006; DeKalb County Magistrate Court judge, 1989-2000
Family: Wife Mereda Davis Johnson; two children
Online: www.hankforcongress.com
Political philosophy: I use fairness as the litmus test in all the legislation I propose or support and whether it helps families.
Top priorities: Creating jobs and continuing to get the economy back on track. The Recovery Act has created more than 84,000 jobs in Georgia. But we’re not out of the woods yet. I will use my new post on the transportation committee to bring investment and jobs to the 4th District.

Connie Stokes
Age: 56
Residence: Lithonia
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Georgia State University; master’s degree in public administration, California State
Occupation: Real estate broker
Political experience: State senator, 10 years; county commissioner, six years
Family: Husband James A. Stokes, three sons, two grandchildren
Online: www.conniestokesforcongress.
com; Twitter: connie2congress and Facebook
Political philosophy: I will listen to you and I will work for you to turn around the economy.
Top priorities: My top priorities include helping small businesses create jobs to turn around the economy through investment and innovation. Next, education is important for a growing economy. I support linking the education of today with the jobs of tomorrow by focusing on science, technology, engineering and math.

Vernon Jones
Age: 49
Residence: Lithonia
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, North Carolina Central University
Occupation: Business development consultant
Political experience: Chief executive officer of DeKalb County, 2000-2008; state representative, 1992-2000
Family: Single
Online: www.VernonJonesForCongress.
com; twitter.com/vernon4congress
Political philosophy: My political philosophy incorporates fiscal responsibility, low taxes and efficient and accessible government.
Top priorities: 1. Create jobs! 2. Help small businesses. 3. End teacher layoffs and school closings

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District 9 - Republican

Joe Anderson, Don Balfour, and Travis Bowden

Joe Anderson
Age: 51
Residence: Snellville
Education: Bachelor’s of Arts in government from the University of Texas
Occupation: Commercial real estate appraiser
Political experience: Elected to the Snellville City Council, 1990 to 2003; appointed to the Snellville Planning Commission, 1993 to 1994
Family: Wife, Sydney; children Alexa, 24, and Chase, 21
Online: www.voteJoeAnderson.com; Joe@voteJoeAnderson.com
Political philosophy: Constitutional conservative — Populist conservative — Homeowner’s advocate
Top priorities: Ethics reform: Legislators should be subject to open records request. Lobbyist gifts should be capped. Campaign funds should not be used for housing expense while per diem is pocketed.

Don Balfour
Age: 53
Residence: Snellville
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in accounting from Bob Jones University
Occupation: Executive with Waffle House for 26 years
Political experience: State Senate, president of National Conference of State Legislatures, chairman of the Gwinnett Republican Party.
Family: Wife, Ginny; son, Trey, 23
Online: www.DonBalfour.com
Political philosophy: Limited government, personal responsibility, the government is of the people, by the people and for the people
Top priorities: • Fighting Illegal Immigration by passing an Arizona-type law and ensuring illegals are not in the university system
• Putting power back into peoples’ hands
• Reduce government regulation, so that we encourage the job growth
• Reduce government spending by cutting wasteful spending
• Reducing taxes, allowing people keep their money

Travis Bowden
Age: 28
Residence: Lilburn
Education: Bachelor’s of Science in pre-law
Occupation: Businessman
Political experience: None
Online: www.TravisBowden.com, VoteBowden@gmail.com
Political philosophy: The best government governs less. I want more jobs, but smaller government. I’ll fight to keep Gwinnett strong.
Top priorities: 1. More Jobs for Gwinnett. Our work force needs more jobs and to keep them here.
2. Economic redevelopment of Highway 78. I have the policy experience to make this area thrive again.
3. Tax cuts: I have several tax cuts targeting senior citizens and parents that I will fight to implement.

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District 40 - Republican

. .

Jim Duffie, James Sibold, and Fran Millar

Jim Duffie
Age: 70
Residence: Atlanta
Education: Studied nuclear engineering at Georgia Tech
Occupation: Real estate broker
Political experience: None
Family: Wife, Mary; three children; eight grandchildren
Online: www.jimduffie.com
Top priorities: Limited government, education, transportation, water and the FairTax*

James Sibold
Age: 54
Residence: Dunwoody
Education: Juris doctorate from University of Georgia School of Law
Occupation: Attorney
Political experience: None
Family: Wife, Karen; two children
Online: www.Sibold4Senate.com
Top priorities: Lowing taxes to create jobs, curbing wasteful government spending, supporting education and fighting illegal immigration*

Fran Millar
Age: 60
Residence: Dunwoody
Education: Bachelor’s of Arts in economics from West Virginia Wesleyan College
Occupation: Insurance broker
Political experience: 12 years in the Georgia House of Representatives
Family: Wife, Mary; three children; five grandchildren
Online: MillarforStateSenate.com
Top priorities: Statewide are the budget, redistricting, job creation, water, transit and education. Supported various tax incentive legislation, capital gains tax to stimulate job growth, water conservation/reserviors, and education choice and accountability. No on-the-job training necessary and endorsed by National Federation of Independent Business (small business).

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