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Georgia

Orrock honored by Progressive States Network

ATLANTA — State Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, will be honored today by the Progressive States Network with the 2010 State Progressive Leader Award. Orrock will be presented with this award at the Legislative Leadership Retreat in Atlanta. “It's a true honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as the Progressive States Network. We must continue our work of supporting working families through effective policy,” Orrock said in a news release. “I look forward

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Georgia

Deal taps Butterworth to serve as administration’s Senate floor leader

ATLANTA — State Sen. Jim Butterworth, R-Clarkesville, was appointed Friday by Gov.-elect Nathan Deal to serve as a Senate Administration Floor Leader for the 2011-2012 Senate term. “I am extremely honored by this appointment from Governor-elect Deal. The common-sense, conservative ideals that we share are exactly what Georgia needs to grow and develop into a leader on the national stage,” Butterworth said in a news release. “I look forward to working with the Senate and

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Georgia

Longtime state senator changes to GOP

A long time Democratic state legislator from South Georgia on Monday switched to the majority party. State Sen. Tim Golden joined the Republican party, further bolstering the party’s lead in the state Senate. Republicans now control 36 seats in the state Senate to the Democrats’ 20, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “With his 20 year record of service and pro-jobs philosophy, Sen. Golden will become an integral part of Republican Party efforts from day one,”

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Georgia

Powell leaves Democrats, joins GOP

ATLANTA – State Rep. Alan Powell, a Democrat from Hartwell, is switching parties, saying that he can better represent his constituents by serving in the state legislature as a Republican. “My duty is to represent the citizens of my district the best I can,” The Hartwell Sun quoted Powell as saying. “I think my voice can be better heard on the other side.” The newspaper also quoted Powell as saying: “It does not mean I’m

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Georgia

Ga. House Republicans elect new leaders

State Rep. David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, has been nominated by the Georgia House Republican Caucus to again serve as Speaker of the House during the 2011 Georgia General Assembly. “I am both honored and humbled to receive such overwhelming support from the House Republican Caucus to continue serving as Speaker of the House,” Ralston said in a statement. “I am fortunate to serve alongside so many quality men and women who selflessly give of their

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Georgia

New Republican leaders elected in state Senate

Republicans in the state Senate have selected a number of new leaders in advance of the 2011 General Assembly. Sen. Tommie Williams, R-Lyons, was nominated for president pro tempore, and Sen. Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock, will continue to serve as majority leader. The full Senate will vote Jan. 11 whether to confirm Williams’ appointment. State Sen. Cecil Staton, R-Macon, will serve as the Senate Majority Whip. “Georgians spoke loud and clear last week that strong, conservative

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Georgia

State senator looking at animal abuse laws

ATLANTA – State Sen. Robert Brown, D-Macon, is looking at ways to strengthen the state’s animal abuse laws and wants to make sure authorities have the “best tools possible to prosecute the abuse of innocent animals.” Brown in 2000 sponsored the Animal Cruelty Act, which changed abuse from a misdemeanor to a felony. “Animal abuse is often an indicative trait of future acts of violence against humans, and prosecuting such behavior is our first line

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Georgia

Wreck on Interstate 20 closes highway

ATLANTA – A wreck on Interstate 20 west of Atlanta late Saturday night shut down the highway’s westbound lanes. The wreck also caused delays on southbound lanes of Interstate 285 near its interchange with the east-west road. The backup on both roads appeared to be causing other problems. “There were lots of other little wrecks” possibly resulting from the backup, one witness said. News/Talk 750 WSB reported the wreck involved a motorcycle and was fatal.

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Georgia

Ga. dems likely to vote no on health care

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2010 DeFeo.biz News Service When the House votes on its controversial health care bill on Sunday, two Georgia Democrats are expected to vote in opposition. Both John Barrow, whose district includes the Savannah area, and Jim Marshall, whose district includes the Macon area, are expected to vote “no” to the health care bill. “I am strongly in favor of reforming the health care system, but I don't think this bill

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Georgia

Ga. dems could vote no on health care

By Todd DeFeo / (c) 2010 When the House votes on its controversial health care bill on Sunday, two Georgia Democrats are expected to vote in opposition. Both John Barrow, who represents the Savannah area, and Jim Marshall, who represents the Macon area, are expected to vote 'no' to the health care bill. “I am strongly in favor of reforming the health care system, but I don't think this bill is going to do it,