Run-off candidates make final plea at Union GOP headquarters opening
Featured, Featured News, Featured Stories August 8, 2020
BLAIRSVILLE, Ga – Union County GOP celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in the Graystone Building with several Republican 2020 candidates in attendance.
State Senator Steve Gooch, Georgia District 8 Representative and Congressional District Nine run-off candidate Matt Gurtler, Congressional District Nine run-off candidate Andrew Clyde, Congressman Doug Collins’ daughter Jordan Collins, along with other Collins’ campaign representatives, State Senator John Wilkinson, and Public Service District Four Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald were all in attendance.
“Great to be out here today, only a few more days to go to the election. It’s great to see so many people out here,” stated Rep. Gurtler. “I appreciate everybody’s support, get out there, and vote on Tuesday.”
He added that around 40,000 people have already voted in the Ninth District, and they expect another 40,000 on Tuesday.
Gurtler’s competition Andrew Clyde arrived at the event a little later. Fetch Your News spoke with him about his feelings leading up to Tuesday’s run-off.
Gurtler kept it brief and asked for support on Tuesday.
“We’re excited. We think we’re going to win. We think it’s going to be a tight race. We may not have results based on absentee ballots, so it depends on when they actually count them,” Clyde said.
The larger counties, such as Hall and Forsyth, took longer to finalize results in the Georgia Primary. The potential delay could delay a presumptive winner announcement.
When asked about “China Clyde” and democratic donor attack ads, Clyde responded, “It’s all false. Just like all the others, they say fact one, fact two, fact three, it should say lie one, lie two, lie three… I think they say, ‘spends $54,000 to defeat President Trump,’ and they cite a contribution to Republican Candidate Ted Cruz in the Primary.”
In the 2016 primary, Clyde supported Cruz like 40,000 others in the Ninth District.
“Ted Cruz didn’t win. President Trump did. He got the nomination, and so we coalesce around our nominee,” Clyde affirmed. “We support him, and I have supported him since he became the nominee.”
Clyde added that bought and made Trump 2020 signs himself. To his knowledge, he was the first person in the state of Georgia to put up Trump reelection signage.
As for Super-PACs spending money in the Ninth District, Clyde made a definitive statement, “They’re trying to convince Georgian’s what to do. I don’t need them. I don’t think the Ninth District needs them. I just need the Ninth District.”
Pictured on Left Public Service Commissioner Bubba McDonald and Right Ninth District Candidate Andrew Clyde.
Super-PAC Club for Growth has endorsed the Gurtler campaign and produced several anti-Clyde advertisements.
From now until November, the new headquarters on Hwy. 515 will offer information about Republican candidates running for office. Additionally, it features a party store where people can pick up, Trump campaign merchandise, masks, hats, flags, t-shirts, and more. Prices range from $20 to $5. Candidate signs and bumper stickers will also be available.
“Everybody ready to get this Trump rally started this Fall?” asked State Senator Gooch to a round of applause and shouts. He continued by focusing on party unity, which will be necessary after Tuesday’s August 11 run-off.
“We work for victory in November. We’ve got a job to do, not just for Union County or the Ninth Congressional
District, but all over the state of Georgia. The Liberal Democrats are trying to take back control of the house and the senate in our General Assembly…We cannot let that happen. We’ve got to work together. We’ve got to move forward as a family after Tuesday night,” expressed Gooch.
He added that the Democrat party of Governor Zell Miller no longer exists because the Liberals hijacked it.
State Senator Gooch started the process of reconciliation after an intense primary and run-off season.
“We need to fight this year, fight stronger than we’ve ever fought,” Gooch ended.
Union County GOP President Dena Gooch explained that they were looking for a place when Blairsville local Frank Pack offered the space. A lot of work went into preparing the office for GOP use, including a new coat of paint and good old fashioned elbow grease.
As for upcoming Republican Party events, Towns County GOP will be having another Trump Armada on August 29. On September 26, Towns GOP will be hosting a Back the Blue Appreciation Ceremony and Caravan. They will travel from Towns County to Union County, and anyone can join.
Check out all the photos from the grand opening, here.
Why did State Rep Matt Gurtler miss the vote on Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights? Was he in Franklin County or the Capitol at the time of the vote?
Featured, Featured Stories, News July 26, 2020
When a Georgia State House member casts its vote and the vote board locks, a screen shot is automatically taken with the time of the vote on the picture. Also the Georgia House sends out a tweet with the date and time a bill passes.
On June 23rd there appeared to be 2 hours and 18 minutes between SB 474 and HB 426, The Hate Crimes Bill. Between the two bills was HB 838 the Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights. State Representative Matt Gurtler voted YES on SB 474, he was ABSENT for the vote on HB 838 Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights, and Gurtler voted NO on HB 426 the Hate Crimes Bill.
Article continues below pictures.
SB 474 Gurtler voted yes
HB 838 Peace Officers Bill of Rights Gurtler was absent
Matt Gurtler voted NO on HB 426 the Hate Crimes Bill.
Tweet shows HB 838 vote at 3:04. Picture shows Matt Gurtler standing at Capitol elevator doors at 3:15
Google maps says it takes an hour and twenty one minutes from the State Capitol to Carnesville, the Franklin County county seat. Round trip would have been 2 hours and 42 minutes not counting time to get to and from your car at the Capitol. So how did Matt Gurtler get to Franklin and back in two hours and eighteen minutes? Then there is the photo which he claims is not real, taken at the Capitol elevator door with a timestamp of 3:15. The House Tweet vote time for HB 838 shows the vote was taken at 3:04.
After hearing that a photo may have been altered I felt it was necessary to dig deeper. This is a serious accusation. Was the Clyde campaign trying to make Gurtler look like he doesn’t support law enforcement? Was Gurtler being unfairly smeared by his opponent?
Or is he really Dr. No or No Show Gurtler? At a time when we are hearing “defund the cops” Law Enforcement in Georgia want to know which Lawmakers have their backs. On June 23rd the Georgia State House at approximately 3:05 passed 92-74 the Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights and Standards for Punishing Individuals Who Commit Offenses Against Peace Officers.
Absent during the vote was Georgia State Representative Matt Gurtler. Gurtler is in a runoff against Andrew Clyde to be the Republician candidate on the ballot for the 9th Congressional District in November. The seat is currently held by Doug Collins.
When Gurtler was asked where he was that caused him to miss the vote on HB 838 and does he support law enforcement his answers were “sure I support law enforcement” and I’m running for office and had some campaign issues to take care of.
Missing this important vote has many in law enforcement in the 9th district asking what was more important at that time than showing support for our peace officers? What campaign business? Where was he at the time of the vote? Then the photo appears. One that shows Gurtler at the doors of the elevator at the Capitol.
Immediately the Gurtler campaign goes into damage control claiming the photo is photoshopped and he was in Franklin county at the time of the vote on HB 838.
(Below is the clip from the debate Friday, July 17th.)
In a debate on July 17th in Jackson County, Gurtler claims the photo was photoshopped, that he was in Franklin county.
Moderator: House Bill 838 known as the Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights you did not vote on that, you were not present when that bill came to the floor, why not?
Matt: I support law enforcement, what I think is disgusting is photoshopping pictures of me when I am not at the Capitol, we recessed at noon. I went to go talk to people in Franklin county. To understand their needs and return back to the Capitol. I support any Bill that upholds life, liberty and the constitution. To say I walked on the vote, I have never walked on a vote.
Moderator: You’re saying the photo that shows you at the Capitol is photoshopped?
Matt: Yes, I left at noon and got back around three hours later back to the chamber to make it in time for the Hate Crimes Bill.
Moderator: Would you like to respond to that Mr. Clyde?
Andrew Clyde: Sure, it is not a photoshopped photo at all. It’s an I-phone live photo and it has a timestamp Matt. I think the people of Georgia need to know how you would have voted on the bill, Yay or nay?
Matt: Yes, I would support any bill that supports the constitution and supports our law enforcement.
Several of Gurtler’s votes in his career as a state representative that he voted NO on, he would say although he found many things in the bill he liked he had to vote NO because a specific part he found unconstitutional.
The question that remains unanswered is whether Gurtler thought HB838 is constitutional?
In Atlanta Press Club Debate Sunday July 19th during the candid question segment Clyde chose to ask Gurtler again about his whereabouts at the time of the vote on HB838.
Clyde: You missed this vote but I think voters would still like to know do you believe that HB838 also known as the Peace Officers’ Bill of Rights is constitutional and would you have voted yay or nay on this specific bill as it is written?
Matt: I said yes. That I would support any bill that upholds the constitution and upholds life, liberty and the property. I think it’s very disingenuous to attack me on something and photoshop photos when I’m not even in the Capitol. We had recess that day. I retired after talking to constituents in Franklin county. ‘
Gurtler again makes the claim the photo is photoshopped and he was in Franklin County at the time of the vote. He dodges Clyde’s direct question “Do you believe HB 838 is constitutional?” and “would you have voted YAY or NAY as it is written?”
So on Monday night, July 20th at the Fannin County Republican party meeting I asked Mr. Gurtler if he would be on my show Tuesday morning? He agreed to be on at 9am Tuesday morning. Late Monday night I received the following message from him cancelling due to a scheduling conflict.
Message from Gurtler: “Hey Brian, I thought I could do it. But my schedule won’t allow it. Was good to see you tonight.”
Message from Banks Wise, Gurtler’s campaign manager: “Hey Brian, good to see you. Matt spoke too soon and wasn’t aware of his schedule. He had a full day and can’t make it on the show.”
I attempted to get him to reschedule but received no answer to my text. I wanted to give Gurtler a chance to say with whom he was meeting in Franklin County at the time of the vote. Provide some hard facts. Surely someone took pictures of his visit.
I sent Gurtler a message last Friday night, July 24th, telling him I wanted to talk to him Saturday at the Stephens County Republican Party BBQ. He knew I planned to ask him questions. After Gurtler finished speaking at the event I watched him sneaking out to avoid me speaking with me. While I don’t like ambush journalism there are some questions that need cleared up. If he makes a serious claim that the photo showing him at the Capitol is photoshopped and he was in Franklin County at the time of the vote on HB838, who was he meeting with and how did he make it to Franklin county and back to the Capitol to vote on the Hate Crimes Bill in 2 hours and eighteen minutes? His campaign manager Banks Wise maintains he was not at the Capitol June 23rd at the time of the HB 838 vote.
I think the voters in the 9th Congressional District along with all the Peace Officers in the Ninth District would like to know what could possibly be more important in Franklin County in this time of strife and turmoil than showing total and unanimous support for law enforcement.
I am still open to the answers and Matt Gurtler is welcome on my show anytime.
Georgia’s Congressional Candidates for 9th District Andrew Clyde & Matt Gurtler Debate July 17th
Feature News, Featured, Featured Stories July 17, 2020
Watch Georgia’s 9th Congressional District Republican Debate Watch on FYNTv YouTube Channel
Georgia 9th Congressional District Republican Primary runoff will be August 11th 2020. Watch tonight as
runoff candidates Matt Gurtler and Andrew Clyde will be joining #BKP LIVE on FYNTv.com the evening! Friday, July 17 @ 8 p.m.
TUNE in to see where your candidate stands on issues facing the district.
Click on FYNTv.com to watch LIVE at 8pm or download our app
Georgia’s Congressional 9th District Republican Candidates
Andrew Clyde Matt Gurtler
2020 9th Congressional District Candidate Interviews with BKP
Featured, Featured Stories, News, Politics June 8, 2020
BKP interviews the candidates for the 9th Congressional District. These candidates discuss with BKP the latest in the news from Black Lives Matter, Pro-Life or Pro-Choice, Department of Education and the 2nd Amendment on if they support it or not. These interviews will better help you get to know the candidates for the June 9th election.
Kevin Tanner:
Ethan Underwood:
John Wilkinson:
Andrew Clyde:
Paul Broun:
Matt Gurtler:
#BKP Has A Live Call-In With Matt Gurtler
Election June 8, 2020
#BKP is Joined by 9th congressional district candidate Matt Gurtler this morning to discuss tomorrow’s election. Gurtler Discusses his conservative voting record, campaigning with Covid-19, and fake news. Gurtler says hes leading by example and has the most principled leadership. He touches on club for growth, policies, corrupt budgets, and his plans if he were elected.
All nine House of Representatives candidates debate
Politics, State & National April 29, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga – With the Georgia Primary finally set for June 9, the nine candidates for U.S. House of Representatives District Nine seat met for a Zoom debate.
The nine Republican candidates are State House District 8 Rep. Matt Gurtler, District 50 State Senator John Wilkinson, State House District Rep. 9 Kevin Tanner, property rights attorney Ethan Underwood, small business owner Kellie Weeks, small business owner Andrew Clyde, former law enforcement officer Maria Strickland, physician Paul Broun, and Constitutionalist Michael Boggus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmSJZuEcSq8&t=4774sAll candidates voiced their support for the big issues like Second Amendment Rights, supporting President Trump, limited government, and fiscal conservatism. However, Gurtler took the opportunity to call out fellow Georgia General Assembly members for their yearly budget votes.
“As one of the three elected officials in the State House and the Senate, I think it’s funny when I hear my opponents Tanner and Wilkinson say that they’re fiscally conservative, yet they vote for the budgets, which add a billion to 1.5 billion dollars every year to Georgians. I oppose those budgets every year and we also take one to one federal money, which adds to the national debt that’s something that I’ve been fighting for more transparency with HB4,” expounded Gurtler.
Gurtler called out Tanner and Wilkinson for “fake talking points.”
Wilkinson responded, “I’m proud of the state we live in. I’m proud to serve on the appropriations committee. I’m proud that I’ve been able to help the counties of Northeast Georgia during my service at the legislature I think that speaks for itself. When you have a triple-A bond rating, a balanced budget, and you’re the number one place in the nation to do business and a million more citizens than you did ten years ago, something must be going right and I’m proud to be part of that.
“I’m a Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, anti-federalist type politician. They believed in a limited role of the federal government. The states under the 10th amendment have certain responsibilities – transportation, education infrastructure, [and] other things are part of the [state’s] responsibility. I’m proud we have a balanced budget in Georgia, a triple-A bond rating, one of the few states in the country that does. I’m proud that Gov. Kemp continues to put forth a well-balanced, conservative budget. I’ve been proud to support that along with most every Republican in the House. We did have a few Democrats and one member of the panel who did vote against the budget.”
Kevin Tanner acts according to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.
Gurtler called out their responses as “fake talking points” by Republicans, and he’s the only proven conservative in the race.
COVID-19 and State Bailouts
On the topic of COVID-19, everyone admitted the virus is real, but it’s time to safely get the country back to work.
“Certainly, the coronavirus is a health issue, not a government issue. In my opinion, Dr. Fauci, Dr. Birx, and even Dr. Toomey in Georgia, they’re swamp creatures, and they have been able to accomplish what Comey, Clapper, Brennan, Strzok, and all those other people tried to do to take this president down, stated Broun. “We need to get this economy going. We need to let people be responsible for their own actions.”
“I would never diminish the fact that people are afraid,” said Tanner. “I have been surprised how quickly people are willing to give up their liberties for safety. I think that is a concern. I think we have small government overreach in many areas. I have been amazed at how well businesses have stepped up on their own.”
Paul Broun previously served as Congressman as Representative in District 10.
Many also denounced the first $2.2 trillion bill for government overreach and unnecessary spending. Gurtler said that “75 percent of the bill had nothing to do with the coronavirus.”
Wilkinson championed moving manufacturing back to the U.S. and making China accountable for some of the debt incurred by COVID-19.
Most were against a states bailout by the federal government, except Strickland.
She said, “I would think a limited amount of bailout would be appropriate to some of the states only because this a unique situation that no one expected to be getting into. Granted, the states some of them like New York, New Jersey that spent their money on illegal immigrants and all this other kind of thing. They didn’t prepare for the future. We do need to bailout some of them, but only a limited amount.”
“I think it’s fine if the states get a stimulus as long as it goes to people and the small businesses,” stated Boggus. “Small businesses [are] the backbone of this country. This stimulus should be pork-free unlike the last one and there shouldn’t be [any] ice cream bought by Nancy Pelosi.”
Underwood brought up the Federal Emergency Relief Act, which is available to all states to purchase medical equipment and relief.
Ethan Underwood supported privatizing healthcare and making it more accessible to the public.
“Are the states not going to tax us? Because it seems like every level of government thinks their money comes from somebody different, and it’s all coming from us. We all the taxpayers here,” explained Weeks. “We’re all just getting billed again and again and again.”
“Several states were in trouble before this started because of irresponsible decisions at the state level. Bailouts don’t work. Bailout bills are always filled with pork and actually reward bad decisions,” heralded Clyde. “We have a huge national debt and it would be irresponsible to add more to it. We need to get the people back to work.”
Hear detailed answers from all the candidates about the next COVID-19 package, contact tracing overreach, and defunding the World Health Organization, watch the debate here.
Andrew Clyde owns Clyde Amory and U.S. Navy veteran.
Healthcare
Turning to the ongoing saga of affordable healthcare for Americans, all candidates agreed that Obamacare should be repealed.
Underwood championed a private healthcare system that travels with people. It would no longer be tied to employers, which prevents many individuals in the gig-economy from accessing reasonably priced and effective healthcare plans. He added that preexisting conditions must be factored in when creating a new healthcare platform.
“Stand firm against socialized medicine,” said Gurtler. When Republicans controlled the House and Senate, they still couldn’t repeal Obamacare.
“People in our rural areas deserve good healthcare and the best way to do that is to get the federal government completely out of it,” Wilkinson stated.
John Wilkinson championed his agriculture experience and the benefit it will bring in Congress for Georgia farmers.
Broun, who previously served in Congress and worked as a physician, presented his bill that would put doctors and nurses in charge of medical decisions. “All healthcare goods and services cheaper for everybody.”
“The only solution to health care is a free-market solution,” said Tanner. “The bigger underlying problem is the pharmaceutical companies have their hand in almost every Congressional race and Congressman in Washington. They’re controlling the drug prices. Gov. Kemp appointed me to chair the mental health reform commission last year. One of the biggest challenges we faced was the pharmaceutical companies and their desire not to have changes in our healthcare system.
To hear the candidates’ comments about President Trump, immigration, China, sanctuary cities, staying in touch with voters, and closing statements, check out the debate.
Strickland supported a limited bailout for some states.
Michael Boggus is running as a Republican but has issues with both parties.
Kellie Weeks owns North Georgia Gun and says she is running because she doesn’t hear her voice in the Republican candidates.