Top state officials rally Republicans in Evans
Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue and state schools Superintendent Kathy Cox visited Republicans in Evans on Saturday to share their visions for the state and rally supporters.
Gordon Renshaw, of Columbia County, poses with Gov. Sonny Perdue at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Perdue lauded the state's Republican leadership as he spoke to GOP members Saturday. He also stopped in McDuffie County, where local officials gave a presentation on a five-county partnership.
Photo by Quandra Collins
Cox emphasized excellence in education. Meanwhile, the governor remained optimistic about Republican leadership in the future.
"We ain't done yet. We just got the foundation laid," he said to Republican Party members at Savannah Rapids Pavilion in Evans.
He said the state's General Assembly has experienced its most productive session yet.
"It was pro-family, pro-business and pro-citizen. I think the people of Georgia recognize that," he said. "I think if we continue to govern that way, along with your help in getting that message all over the state, I think (state residents) will give us another opportunity."
While Republicans rallied, several supporters of a Georgia flag that incorporates the Confederate battle emblem stood outside the pavilion entrance, waving flags and signs.
"The flag decision is the purpose that we're here," said Ron Udell, of Augusta.
"The 1956 flag should have been on the ballot; people should have had the right to decide the (fate of the) flag," he said.
The main reason supporters said they're so adamant about flying the Confederate flag is because they said it honors the Confederate soldiers who died.
"Too many people have tried to hide our history," Udell said. "Don't take it away."
He said he'll continue to fight.
"We're going to continue to (do this) until he (Perdue) is defeated, or until another referendum is issued."
Before the Columbia County visit, the governor stopped in McDuffie County at the Thomson-McDuffie County Regional Airport.
Local officials presented thier plans for a burgeoning five-county partnership surrounding Thurmond Lake. The partnership includes Columbia, McDuffie, Lincoln, Wilkes and Warren counties.
Officials said they were pleased Perdue was able to visit the airport, which is a key component of the partnership.
"This facility is wonderful, and it's really a great opportunity to get him in here to see it," Harlem Mayor Scott Dean said.