GOP candidate takes strong states rights stand on issues

Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Ray McBerry made it clear Thursday evening that he is a strong advocate of state sovereignty.

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"The 10th Amendment, states' rights, really is the last remaining peaceful, constitutional solution that we have as Americans to rein in an out-of-control federal government," McBerry said during a Greater Columbia County Republican Women meeting. "That is the solution to every single problem coming out of Washington today."

About 75 people gathered at the Jones Creek Clubhouse to listen to McBerry, who formerly taught history at the high school and college level. The Atlanta Republican now produces radio and TV commercials.

McBerry said he not only wants to preserve existing American liberties, but also restore those that have been lost.

Of the seven Republican candidates currently running for governor in Georgia, McBerry said he is the only one who isn't an elected official.

"Folks realize we need a change," said McBerry, who described himself as a traditional conservative, strong constitutionalist and Christian. "We need something different.

"We need common citizens to step forward who believe in those American principles and put themselves out there as candidates for many races, not only across our state but across America."

Other states' rights topics included the water issue between Georgia and neighboring states and the Second Amendment, he said.

"The right to keep and bear arms is a God-given right," the pro-life Republican said. "It's a God-given right to defend life, liberty and property."

McBerry said he already has gone on record stating that, as governor, he'd jail a federal agent attempting to disarm any law-abiding citizen in Georgia.

"As a Republican, every one of my opponents in this race has said they believe in the Second Amendment," he said. "To this date, not a single one of my opponents has joined me in making that promise."

He also said that he wouldn't allow the federal government to decide the allocation of the state's water and other natural resources.

"Enough is enough," McBerry said. "We cannot allow the federal government to do things that it does not have the constitutional right to do."

Calling both the state property tax and graduated income tax "Marxist to the core," McBerry said he would favor a single sales tax, which would draw money from both illegal aliens and tourists who use state services.

For those concerned about President Obama's health care reform, McBerry said the solution lies within the Constitution.

"We do not need a new law passed," he said. "We do not need a constitutional amendment passed.

"What we do need is a Republican governor with a spine in his back who will stand up to Washington."