Blue America Has Some News For Cheri Bustos Today

Corrupt Blue Dog David Scott represents a big swath of suburban Atlanta south and west of the the city, just below Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. The biggest counties in the district (GA-13) are Cobb, Clayton, Douglas, Fulton, Henry and Fayette. Trump lost the first 5 and won in Fayette County. The PVI is a healthy,  unassailable D+20. So what is a  district like that doing with a Republican-lite Blue Dog congressman, one who has never-- and still doesn't-- even live in the district? And who has a reputation-- well-deserved-- for long being one of the Democratic Party's most corrupt public officials?

David Scott's voting record has earned him a solid "F" from ProgressivePunch. People who watch closely though say he isn't really much of an ideologue. "He's just one of the most corrupt members of Congress and every lobbyist in town knows he sells his votes," said one Capitol Hill staffer who asked for anonymity in order to speak freely. "Scott votes for financial legislation that directly hurts his own voters in return for big annual payoffs from the Wall Street banking community. Some should look closely at where those funds he collects go. It's an open secret here in DC that his family walks away with an awful lot of it... On top of that-- and as if that weren't enough-- Scott is one of only the smallest handful of Democrats in Congress who endorses Republicans over his fellow Democrats and contributes to their campaigns." I've never heard Cheri Bustos or Nancy Pelosi complain about his checks to Republicans. Have you?

This morning, David Scott drew exactly what he has earned-- a progressive primary challenger: former Cobb County Democratic Party chairman Michael Owens, a cybersecurity expert, community activist and Marine Corp veteran. Over the next few months I hope we will all get to know Michael very well and come to understand how he came to support the populist, progressive agenda espoused by leaders like Bernie, Ro Khanna, Ted Lieu, Elizabeth Warren, Barbara Lee, AOC and Pramila Jayapal. I asked him to jot down a few words in way of a guest post and introduction. If you like what he has to say, please consider helping him in his campaign to replace David Scott by clicking on the Primary A Blue Dog ActBlue Page on the right. Any contribution is appreciated and every contribution helps get the job done. If you want a suggestion, Blue America usually requests contributions of $20.20 this cycle.


A District To Flip In 2020: GA-13... From Blue Dog to True Blue
-by Michael Owens

I am running to represent the people of Georgia's 13th  congressional district, people who deserve a Congressman who is in touch with them and will be an advocate for their needs and be a champion for their family's legitimate opportunities. We need someone who is aligned with today’s Democratic Party and the grassroots organizations that continue to fuel our growth. Georgia is locked in the fight for our future. Voter suppression, veteran issues, clean air and water and lack of healthcare options have hurt my district and our state.  We have been a deep red state that is on the cusp of turning purple... but it will not happen without the support of proven progressive democratic leaders. The congressman for GA-13 must be a progressive leader who will fight for more bold policies that will better the lives every American. I’ve spent years fighting for principles that will improve the lives and situations for those who need it most. If I win, I will bring to this seat the opportunity to help each and every person by being an advocate and champion for healthcare, economic mobility and empowerment, job development and creation and supporting efforts to close the racial and gender wage gap while increasing the minimum wage for everyone. These are not talking points for me. As a small business owner and executive with fortune 500 companies, I have always put people first.

• I commit to representing the people of my district and not corporate PACs.
• I commit to having town halls and to live in the district I represent.
• I commit to holding Republicans accountable.

I’ve proven my leadership as a past chairman of the Cobb County Democratic Committee where I grew the organization into the largest county party in the state of Georgia.  During that time, I was in the trenches leading the effort to organize thousands of volunteers to successfully flip seats from school board to U.S. Congress over the last three years. Remember the #FlipThe6th effort from a couple of years ago even before we were able to replace Karen Handel with Lucy McBath? I created 6th Congressional District Taskforce, coined that phrase and led that effort. From that time, I’ve been able to build a coalition of supporters, volunteers, and activists from across the state without compromising our progressive values, ideals, or principles. It’s as simple as this. I will provide a consistent, strong Democratic vote in a deep blue district where we currently have a Congressman that votes with the Trump agenda far too often. I will support progressive polities that can help move this country forward. I will not be parroting Republican and corporate lobbyist talking points and I absolutely will not be endorsing Republican candidates at home or anywhere in the country.