Posted by Bill Greene on 12/08/09 11:51 AM Last updated 12/08/09 11:53 AM   [Newer: 9th Congressional District Members: TAKE ACTION!] [Older: MegaVote: GA 7th, 12/7/2009]

Folks, we have an interesting opportunity here.

As you probably know, Glenn Richardson has had to step down as the Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives. Richardson, among his many other "foibles," had made it clear that he would not allow HB 430, the Constitutional Tender Act, to receive a vote in the House.

Up until late yesterday, it was assumed that Speaker pro tem Mark Burkhalter would be elected the new Speaker to replace Richardson. Burkhalter is another establishment Republican, who would likely not be friendly to HB 430 either.

That changed last night. Political Insider at http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2009/12/07/mark-burkhalter-says-he-wont-pursue-house-speaker-post/ reports that Burkhalter will be calling for an election for Speaker when the House convenes in January, and he won't be running.

Here's where our opportunity arises. The following Representatives have been mentioned as candidates: David Ralston of Blue Ridge, Barry Loudermilk of Cassville, Rich Golick of Smyrna, and Larry O’Neal of Warner Robins.

PLEASE GET THIS: Barry Loudermilk is the ONLY co-sponsor of Rep. Bobby Franklin's HB 430, the Constitutional Tender Act - http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/sum/hb430.htm

So... we now have a chance to see HB 430 pushed forward... by the Speaker of the House.

Here's what we need EVERYONE to do:

(1) If you don't know, find out if your State Representative is a Republican - go here: http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/polllocator/PollLocator.aspx
Enter your info & click "Submit" - your Georgia House District number will be at the bottom. Then go to http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/house/alpha.html and find your House District number. Click on "Fact Sheet" for all of your Representative's information.

(2) If your State Representative IS a Republican: contact him or her in every way possible that's listed there - office phone, home phone, faxes, email address, staff member's email address... EVERYTHING. Tell him or her something along these lines: "With all of the recent revelations of corruption in the Republican Party leadership in the State House, I believe we need a new Speaker of the House who is above reproach - someone with well-recognized high moral character, who is not only a proven leader, but one who can lead by example. As your constituent, I'm asking you to PLEASE, support Rep. Barry Laudermilk for Speaker of the House when the legislature convenes in January. This is VERY important, and will mean a lot to me in next year's elections. Thank you."

(3) If your State Representative is NOT a Republican: you STILL need to contact him or her in every way possible that's listed on their website. Tell him or her something along these lines: "With all of the recent revelations of corruption in the State House, I believe we need a new Speaker of the House who is above reproach. Since the Republicans have the majority, I believe it is crucial that Democrats such as yourself support a Republican with well-recognized high moral character, who is not only a proven leader, but one who can lead by example. Therefore, as your constituent, I'm asking you to PLEASE, support Rep. Barry Laudermilk for Speaker of the House when the legislature convenes in January. To win, Rep. Laudermilk is going to need bipartisan support -- and that includes YOU. This is VERY important, and will mean a lot to me in next year's elections. Thank you."

(4) Forward this message to EVERY SINGLE LIBERTY-LOVING RESIDENT OF GEORGIA that you know, and ask EVERY ONE OF THEM to follow these instructions as well.

These people are NOT used to getting calls, emails and faxes from their constituents asking them to vote for someone for Speaker. When this happens, they WILL sit up and take notice.

We have some work to do to move HB 430, and other constitutionalist limited-government liberty-oriented legislation, forward this coming year. Having an ethical and like-minded Speaker of the House would be a HUGE help.

Please take action right away on this -- TODAY -- and repeat it at least once or twice a week through the beginning of January. We CAN win this! :-)

Thank you,

Bill Greene