Posts from October 2009

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Insider Update 10.5.09

Meet and Greet at the Schoen's home in Buckhead
We really appreciate Chris and Scottie Schoen for opening their beautiful home to us last Wednesday morning.  We had the opportunity to meet with many new people and are excited about the support we are receiving from the Buckhead area.

Clarke County GOP BBQ and Raffle
Thursday we had the opportunity to spend some time with our hometown folks at the Loco's Grill and Pub in Athens.  We are thankful to our friends in the Clarke County GOP for inviting us to speak and for hosting such a fun event.

Fundraising Continues
We had a great fundraiser in Jackson County at the Beef O'Brady's in Jefferson.  We really appreciate Keith Hayes, Keith Porter, and Steve Perry for putting  the event together for us.  It was also great to have Sheriff Stan Evans at the event showing his support.


We had a successful fundraiser in Barrow County last Friday at the People's Bank in Winder.  Special thanks to Danny Rampey and Bob and Gwen Hill for helping us put the event together.  It was good to see our friends Representative Terry England, Dr, Stan Coley, Chris Maddox, Rod Trahan, and Mike Pentecost. It was nice of them to take time out of their day to show their support.


We are continually planning fundraisers in different parts of the state. If you have an interest in helping with one of these events or hosting your own event, please contact David Dove (david@votebriankemp.com).

As always, thanks for all you are doing to help my campaign!

Victory in 2010,

Brian

Posted by Brian Kemp in Campaign Trail on 10/14/2009

Campaign Press Release: Kemp Announces StopVoterFraud.us Website, 877.55U.VOTE Hotline and SAFE Elections Plan

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2009                                               Contact: Brian Kemp 706.543.0188

Kemp Launches CutRedTape.net & Announces job Growth Plan

(Athens) - Brian Kemp, a Republican candidate for Secretary of State, launched a new job growth initiative today as part of his Kemp Means Business Tour of Georgia. Kemp, a successful small business owner and widely respected former State Senator, has made job growth and creation a key priority of his campaign to replace Karen Handel, who is running for Governor.

Said Kemp, "With unemployment over 10% in Georgia, and higher in some areas, the economy is the top concern for every Georgia family.  As Secretary of State, I cannot magically make jobs appear, but I can help lead efforts for new economic development and be an advocate for small businesses at the State Capitol."

"My Job Growth Plan focuses on supporting statewide economic development efforts, streamlining corporate registrations, overhauling all licensing boards and procedures, and championing the needs of small businesses at the Capitol."

"To help do that, I am launching a new website,CutRedTape.net.   This new site allows citizens, small business owners and business leaders across the state to read my proposed plans and also share their ideas to create new jobs and make government more efficient directly with me.  As Georgia's next Secretary of State, I will use these ideas to work with the Governor and the General Assembly to create new jobs and help every Georgia business grow."

Since announcing his campaign for Secretary of State, Brian Kemp has led the field of candidates from both parties in endorsements, statewide organization, and fundraising with almost 200 endorsements from elected leaders and over $250,000 raised from donors across Georgia.

As a small business owner, widely respected former State Senator, and with his track record in the Senate of cutting red tape, promoting small business growth, and reducing government waste, Brian Kemp is the ideal candidate for the vital office of Secretary of State.

Over his career, Brian Kemp has helped found and develop many small businesses. Today, among his many business interests, he is the owner of Kemp Properties, a small business specializing in real estate investments and property management. An active community leader, Kemp serves on the board of St. Mary's Hospital in Athens.

Kemp served in the Georgia State Senate from 2002-2006, having defeated a Democrat incumbent in one of the most challenging political environments for Republicans in the state. In 2006, Kemp sought the Republican nomination for Agriculture Commissioner. Over the course of that campaign, he raised over $800,000 and built a statewide network of over 300 elected Republican officials and hundreds of grassroots leaders.

A lifelong resident of Athens, Georgia, Brian Kemp is a graduate of Georgia's public schools and the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture.

Kemp, 45, is married to the former Marty Argo of Athens. They are the proud parents of three daughters. The Kemps are active members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens.

 

Posted by The Kemp Campaign in Campaign Trail on 10/14/2009

Campaign Press Release: Kemp Launches CutRedTape.net and Announces Job Growth Plan

News Release
September 15, 2009 Contact: Brian Kemp
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 706.543.0188

Kemp Launches CutRedTape.net & Announces job Growth Plan

(Athens) - Brian Kemp, a Republican candidate for Secretary of State, launched a new job growth initiative today as part of his Kemp Means Business Tour of Georgia. Kemp, a successful small business owner and widely respected former State Senator, has made job growth and creation a key priority of his campaign to replace Karen Handel, who is running for Governor.

Said Kemp, " With unemployment over 10% in Georgia, and higher in some areas, the economy is top concern for every Georgia family. As Secretary of State, I cannot magically make jobs appear, but can help lead efforts new economic development be an advocate small businesses at state capitol."

"My Job Growth Plan focuses on supporting statewide economic development efforts, streamlining corporate registrations, overhauling all licensing boards and procedures, and championing the needs of small businesses at the Capitol."

"To help do that, I am launching a new website, www.CutRedTape.net. This new site allows citizens, small business owners and business leaders across the state to read my proposed plans and also share their ideas to create new jobs and make government more efficient directly with me. As Georgia's next Secretary of State, I will use these ideas to work with the Governor and the General Assembly to create new jobs and help every Georgia business grow."

Since announcing his campaign for Secretary of State, Brian Kemp has led the field of candidates from both parties in endorsements, statewide organization, and fundraising with almost 200 endorsements from elected leaders and over $250,000 raised from donors across Georgia.

As a small business owner, widely respected former State Senator, and with his track record in the Senate of cutting red tape, promoting small business growth, and reducing government waste, Brian Kemp is the ideal candidate for the vital office of Secretary of State.

Over his career, Brian Kemp has helped found and develop many small businesses. Today, among his many business interests, he is the owner of Kemp Properties, a small business specializing in real estate investments and property management. An active community leader, Kemp serves on the board of St. Mary's Hospital in Athens.

Kemp served in the Georgia State Senate from 2002-2006, having defeated a Democrat incumbent in one of the most challenging political environments for Republicans in the state. In 2006, Kemp sought the Republican nomination for Agriculture Commissioner. Over the course of that campaign, he raised over $800,000 and built a statewide network of over 300 elected Republican officials and hundreds of grassroots leaders.
A lifelong resident of Athens, Georgia, Brian Kemp is a graduate of Georgia's public schools and the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Agriculture.

Kemp, 45, is married to the former Marty Argo of Athens. They are the proud parents of three daughters. The Kemps are active members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Athens.

Posted by Kemp Campaign in Campaign Trail on 10/14/2009

Insider Update - Momentum Boosted by New Initiatives and Straw Poll Victory

MDJ Covers New Stop Voter Fraud Initiative
This week, we launched our new  StopVoterFraud.US and 877.55U.VOTE voter hotline. Marietta Daily Journal covered our announcement. The story can be found clicking here: Kemp Launches Site to Report Voter Fraud

CutRedTape.net & Job Growth Plan a Huge Success for Kemp Campaign
One effort I am particularly proud of is our new Job Growth Plan and Cut Red Tape website. I have created a way for business owners and employees to directly communicate how government can help them or just get out of the way.  I also detailed an ambitious new plan to transform the Secretary of State's office into a job creation leader and small business advocate at the Capitol.

My good friends Martha Zoller and Tim Bryant were nice enough to let me come on their shows and talk about this new initiative.

The response has been overwhelming.  I look forward to sharing this plan and website with voters all across the state. The press has also started paying attention.

Tom Crawford over at CapitolImpact.com filed this report about our efforts:
Kemp Pushes for Job Creation
Brian Kemp, the former state senator from Athens running for secretary of state, is rolling out a job growth proposal as part of his Republican primary campaign.


"With unemployment over 10 percent in Georgia and higher in some areas, the economy is the top concern for every Georgia family," Kemp said.  "As secretary of state, I cannot magically make jobs appear, but I can help lead efforts for new economic development and be an advocate for small businesses at the state capitol."

Oglethorpe County Straw Poll an Overwhelming Victory
Saturday afternoon, we headed down the road to Oglethorpe County for the GOP Low Country Boil.  We got to see some old friends and meet some new supporters.  We are happy to report that we won the straw poll with the final vote showing 164-73.  I really appreciate the volunteers who joined us that day and all my friends and supporters in Oglethorpe County.

At the end of the day, what really matters is the polling results on election day, not straw polls. We are building a statewide grassroots network and momentum in every corner of the state.  I am glad to see we have the Oglethorpe GOP as part of the Kemp Means Business Team!

Fundraising Continues
We had a successful fundraiser at the house on Saturday. Special thanks to Billy Bittle, Ken Hodges, Ronnie Hardeman, Freddie Smith, Curt Collier and Jungle Jim Myrick for helping me cook barbeque and hash on Friday.  We were entertained by the voice of my great friend Mike Dekle and really appreciate his support.

We are in the process of planning over a dozen fundraisers in different parts of the state. If you have an interesting in helping with one of these events or hosting your own event, please contact David Dove (david@votebriankemp.com) and he will help you.

As always, thanks for all you are doing to help my campaign!

Victory in 2010,

Brian

Posted by Brian Kemp in Campaign Trail on 10/14/2009

Insider Update 9/14/09 - Kemp Launches CutRedTape.net and Job Growth Plan

Insider Update 9/14/09 Kemp Campaign Launches New CutRedTape.net Website and Job Growth Plan

Today I unveiled my new Job Growth Plan, a detailed proposal to support statewide economic development efforts, streamline corporate registrations, overhaul all licensing boards and procedures, and champion the needs of small businesses at the Capitol.

With unemployment over 10% in Georgia, and higher in some areas, the economy is the top concern for every Georgia family. As Secretary of State, I cannot magically make jobs appear, but I can help lead efforts for new economic development and be an advocate for small businesses at the State Capitol.

To help do that, I also launched today a new website, CutRedTape.net. This new site allows citizens, small business owners and business leaders across the state to read my proposed plans and also share their ideas to create new jobs and make government more efficient directly with me. As Georgia’s next Secretary of State, I will use these ideas to work with the Governor and the General Assembly to create new jobs and help every Georgia business grow.

Please visit the site and use the Tell A Friend function to email your friends about this new initiative and spread the word!

More Kemp Means Business Tour Stops Across Georgia

On top of preparing and launching our new Job Growth plan, our schedule has been incredibly packed as we have continued to build momentum across the state.

One my good friends and Kemp Means Business County Chair, Kurt Cannon hosted us in Rabun County with a whirlwind tour of community events and visits with local leaders. We had a wonderful time visiting with old and new friends at the Realtor's Association lunch and Homebuilder's Association dinner.

Stops in Gwinnett, Evans, Augusta, and Covington filled the following days. Special thanks to my good friend and supporter Columbia Commissioner Charles Allen, Mark Herbert in Evans, and all of our strong supporters at the Piedmont Beef Cattleman’s Association for their help on the campaign.

The Jasper County GOP held a great event on Friday. Representative Jim Cole, one of my good friends over the years, hosted us at the event and introduced me to a number of people from his district. It is humbling to have so much support from respected legislative leaders like Jim all across the state. It says a lot when leaders like Jim will vouch for you. Thanks Jim!

Saturday was an incredibly busy day! Josh and I started the day off at the North Fulton GOP breakfast. Many thanks to Roger Bonds for putting together a fantastic breakfast. I know all Republicans join me in thanking him for his service to our party. From there we travelled to the Roswell Tea Party and then on to the Forsyth Tea Party. There is a true conservative movement sweeping this land. It is exciting to be a part of it and to be a voice for real change in our country.

After that full day, we headed back to Athens to continue campaigning and hand out our new Dawgs for Kemp stickers at the UGA football game. It turned out to be a great game as the Dawgs pulled out a tough win against South Carolina. Go DAWGS!

We will be back in touch next week. Thank you for all you do to advance our campaign!

Victory in 2010,

Brian

Posted by Brian Kemp in Campaign Trail on 10/13/2009

Brian Kemp for Secretary of State Insider Update 9/10/09

Brian Kemp for Secretary of State Insider Update 9/10/09

Hello Kemp Means Business Team!
My family and I had a great relaxing Labor Day weekend and I hope that you and your family did as well!  We stayed busy this past week as always, but were fortunate to be able to spend a good bit of it in the office planning campaign events and fundraisers over the next few months.  It is exciting to see the different parts of the campaign coming together.  We'll have some exciting announcements for you soon.

 Kemp Means Business Tour Stops
Though we were in the office most of the week, no week on the campaign trail is complete without at least a few events.

Thursday, my friend Josh Melton was nice enough to invite us to speak at the Athens Jaycees' meeting. I talked about what the Secretary of State's office does and how it relates to them as business owners and employees. After I spoke, we had a question and answer period. They had some really thoughtful questions about the office itself and how it effects them day to day.


Saturday John Hulsey invited me to his opening day dove shoot.  Dove shoots are always a lot of fun and a great way to make new friends.  I even had a chance to visit with Hall County School Board Chairman Richard Higgins and Hall County School Board Vice-Chairman Nath Morris and earn their endorsement of our campaign.  I really appreciate all the elected officials who have gotten behind my campaign.  With their help, we are truly building a statewide grassroots organization.

In The News
The press continues to cover our campaign and comment on how successful we have been in all corners of the state.  Here are links to recent articles about the campaign and our Kemp Means Business Tour around the state.
Houston Home Journal Picture
Catoosa and Walker Counties

As always, thanks for all you are doing to help my campaign!

Victory in 2010,

Brian

Posted by Brian Kemp in Campaign Trail on 10/13/2009