Roy Barnes 2010

Newspapers across Georgia, have endorsed Roy Barnes and reiterated their longing for another Barnes' governorship - one that created 235,000 jobs, cut property taxes and boosted teacher salaries.

Dogged by scandal and corruption, Nathan Deal's abuse of power and financial mismangement would preoccupy him as soon as he took office.  As the Marietta Daily Journal put it, Deal would spend more time paying off massive million dollar loans and "fending off serious allegations" than tackling the important issues that face our state.

Below are excerpts from recent editorial endorsements:

Marietta Daily Journal, 8/22/10, Endorsement for Governor: Roy Barnes

There would be no steep learning curve as governor for Barnes, unlike what Deal would face. Georgia does not need a governor in days like these who is undergoing on-the-job training. Gov. Barnes would enter the governor's office ready to go from Day 1.

[...] Georgians need to base their vote not on which way the country is going, but on which candidate is best prepared to take the helm of this state during troubled times. And clearly that candidate is Roy Barnes.

Fayette Daily News, 10/21/10, The choice for governor is an easy one

[...]Barnes has proven that he believes in directing policy that benefits all Georgians -- not just himself and his friends.

I know we live in a Republican state and this is a Republican year, but I encourage voters to step away from the national fad for a moment and elect the best leader at the top of this November’s ballot.

Deal, the corrupt party-switching insider, is not the answer to any of the problems we currently face. Deal's laundry list of ethical lapses makes him unfit to run for office, let alone govern.

Rome News-Tribune, 10/24/10, Barnes for Governor

Roy Barnes will not sit on his rump for the next four years. He knows and loves the state, he knows the problems and the needs, he knows how to get things accomplished in an increasingly nasty, cut-throat political arena.

But mostly — win, lose, draw and damn the torpedoes — he will try with everything he’s got to fix what now ails Georgia and get it moving, and employed, once again.

This election is not about who will be governor. It is not about allegiance to a particular political party. It is about who will be a leader.

Albany Herald, 10/26/10, Endorsements for Governor

Barnes has ideas that are good for our region. He says he wants to get One Georgia, which helped provide low-interest financing to small businesses in rural areas, back to doing what it was designed to do. He’s also promised to help struggling areas like metro Albany keep the manufacturing jobs that have been moving out. We feel he would be a champion for our region on water and transportation issues as well.

Blackshear Times, 10/27/10, Our choices for the state's top offices

The dire condition of state government requires voters to look beyond the stereotypes of “Democrat” or “Republican” labels and look at the credentials of both Deal and Barnes.

The state needs dynamic, knowledgeable leadership to regain our fiscal footing and move forward. Roy Barnes’ record in both the General Assembly and in the governor’s chair have proven him to be the best candidate to face our many challenges.

Creative Loafing, 10/27/10, Our pick for governor: Roy Barnes

If anyone has the vision, smarts and experience to pull Georgia out of its current slump, it's Barnes — which is why he's returned to politics. [...]

After eight years of education cuts under Republican rule, for instance, Barnes promises to end teacher furloughs and reduce class sizes. It's noteworthy that teachers, who helped oust him from office after his first term, now welcome Barnes back as the savior of Georgia schools.

Chattanooga Times Free Press, 10/31/10, Barnes for Georgia governor

Georgians have a simple choice before them when they go to the polls on Tuesday to elect a governor. They can vote for a candidate with character, a proven record of public service and a viable plan for the future, or they can vote for an ethically challenged, opportunistic candidate who champions policies that will be detrimental to the state and all who reside there. The choice is clear. Georgians should elect Roy Barnes, the Democratic nominee, to the state's highest post.

Macon Telegraph, 10/31/10, Endorsements: Governor

Barnes became the education governor during his single term. For once the state didn’t follow the pack, it led it. Georgia A+ Education Act put the state in front of the wave of education reform from the federal No Child Left Behind legislation.

[...] Barnes commitment to education is proven, Deal’s commitment is tepid at best.