Blog Topic: Raging Election

Homedrone: Michael Stipe Stumps for Bernie Sanders in Rolling Stone Interview

By Gabe Vodicka | February 26, 2016 2:07pm

If you've been hoping that Athens' most famous part-time resident would weigh in on the 2016 democratic primary, wish no longer: R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe tells Rolling Stonehe is supporting Bernie Sanders for president in a new interview.

Says Stipe:

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In the Loop: John Knox Is Running for School Board

By Blake Aued | February 18, 2016 1:40pm

University of Georgia geography professor John Knox is running for Clarke County school board.

Knox, an Eastside resident and father of a Cedar Shoals High School graduate, is seeking the District 8 seat being vacated by David Huff, who is not running for re-election.

He made the announcement at a PTO forum on the alleged sexual assault at Cedar ShoalsWednesday night.

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In the Loop: Michael Thurmond Will Run for DeKalb CEO

By Blake Aued | February 16, 2016 2:53pm

Athens native Michael Thurmond announced today that he will seek the top elected position in DeKalb County, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

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In the Loop: Bernie Sanders Opened an Athens Campaign Office

By Blake Aued | February 13, 2016 12:37pm

Photo Credit: Phil Roeder/Flickr

Bernie Sanders campaigns in Des Moines, IA.

Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign opened an office in Athens today as the Vermont senator seeks to build on his victory in New Hampshire last week and upset Hillary Clinton in the Georgia primary Mar. 1.

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In the Loop: Early Voting Starts Today

By Blake Aued | February 8, 2016 11:18am

If you want to get it out of the way, you can vote early in either of the presidential primaries starting today.

Voting is from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays through Feb. 26 and on Saturday, Feb. 20 at the Board of Elections and Voter Registration, 155 E. Washington St. Remember to bring a photo ID.

Election Day is Tuesday, Mar. 1.

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In the Loop: Oconee Commission Chairman Melvin Davis Won't Run for Re-Election

By Lee Becker | February 4, 2016 2:04pm

Photo Credit: Lee Becker

Oconee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Melvin Davis sent out an email message Wednesday afternoon saying that he plans to retire when his current term ends on Dec. 31 rather than seek reelection for what would be a fifth term.

Commissioner John Daniell told me in a telephone conversation that he will seek the chairmanship position.

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In the Loop: The Deadline to Register to Vote for Presidential Nominees Is Monday

By Blake Aued | January 29, 2016 12:56pm

If you want to vote in the upcoming presidential primaries, the deadline is rapidly approaching. Here’s what you need to know:

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In the Loop: Athens State Reps Don't Like Redistricting Bill

By Lee Becker | January 18, 2016 10:59am

Neither of Oconee County’s two members of the Georgia House of Representatives is willing to support a pair of resolutions prefiled before the current session began on Jan. 11 that would create an independent commission to create Congressional and General Assembly districts in the state.

Oconee County was split into two House districts in a special session of the General Assembly in 2011 to help the dominant Republican Party achieve a super majority. A super majority allows the dominant party to govern without minority support.

Oconee County had made up the majority of the old House 113th District.

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In the Loop: Dodd Ferrelle Is the Next Mayor of Winterville

By Blake Aued | November 3, 2015 10:12pm

Photo Credit: Justin Evans

Ferrelle (right) with bandmate Tim Adams.

Singer-songwriter Dodd Ferrelle was elected mayor of Winterville on Tuesday with 53 percent of the vote.

Running on a platform of citizen involvement, revitalizing downtown, improving WInterville Elementary School and keeping Winterville’s small-town charm while preparing for growth, Ferrelle beat engineer George Chandler (who received 27 percent of the vote) and city councilman Kenneth Hodges (20 percent).

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In the Loop: Jody Hice Bucks the Tea Party, Backs Paul Ryan

By Blake Aued | October 28, 2015 3:26pm

Photo Credit: Joshua L. Jones/file

Jody might want to put some Hice on that when the tea party gets through with him.

Rep. Jody Hice, the Walton County Republican who represents Athens, told the AJC on Tuesday that he intends to support Rep. Paul Ryan for speaker in today's Republican caucus election and Thursday's floor vote.

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