Georgia On My Mind

Six years ago this week, I was campaigning across Georgia for re-election to the United States Senate. I loved being a U.S. Senator and serving the people of Georgia. As our country headed to war in Iraq, and continued to fight to find Osama Bin Laden, I believed that my service in Vietnam, my experience as a combat veteran, would be of added value to my home state, and to my country.

My opponent at the time, Saxby Chambliss, disagreed; running a television commercial against me that not only had Osama Bin Laden's face morphing into mine but also questioned my "courage to lead." I felt at the time that surely, my service and my sacrifice in Vietnam would be seen in a more positive light than that of Mr. Chambliss's, who was forced to miss the war with a bum knee.

Sadly, as my good friend John Kerry would learn two years later, the power of well-funded lies can be hard to overcome with the truth, and six years ago next Tuesday, Saxby Chambliss won.

It was a devastating loss to me personally, but rest assured my friends, I am doing well. I am hopeful for a resounding Democratic victory across the country next Tuesday and I am encouraged to see that Jim Martin is running a great race against Saxby Chambliss here in Georgia. Jim is gaining ground and if you can help him in any way, please do so.

I believe that justice can sometimes be delayed, but it can never be denied. I served my country to the best of my ability and I hope to serve it again. And like Jim Martin, I will serve with character, dignity and grace.

Something I can not say about the man I pray he replaces.

Comments

[MaxMarginal]

Defeating Chambliss would be the greatest way ending to Nixonland I can think of. Give to Jim!

[liberalgeorgiagirl]

Max Cleland you are truly one of our great heros. I am so proud to say that I will be voting for Jim Martin and Barack Obama next Tuesday. Mr. Martin is a wonderful candidate who will take Georgians away from negative and devisive politics but the resounding message I am hearing from my friends is that they want to take Chambliss down for what he did to you. Know that we are doing everything in our power to make sure that happens. Thank you for your service and for speaking out.

[Fenianheart]

Thank you to Mr. Cleland, a TRUE hero. We need you in our government!

[hominidx]

Thanks for everything. Many are voting remembering your service as well as the great promise Jim Martin holds.

[chf2go]

Max Cleland - Thank you for your service to our country, in war and in Congress. I pray that the smear tactics used against you and John Kerry and now Obama are recified at the booths on November 4th. We must do more than just take our country back from these people who will try and mutilate the honor of true heros with smears and we must change the way politics is done and what is deemed acceptable. I guess if that means keeping Democrats in power with our growing majority and suppressing the extremist views from the right so be it!

Lets give Obama a big mandate with 60 plus Senate seats so we can make some real changes! Senator Cleland, I will be thinking of you when I go to the voting booth. You are a true American hero!

[AlexNYC]

Thanks for your service to this country Max Cleland, in the military and in public office. I recall being horrified at the lies and character assasination the Chambliss' campaign ran against you during your election run in 2002. I hope that we as a country are now passed believing the lies on a candidates' character instead of focusing on the issues. I look forward to seeing you in public office once again.

[circles]

I voted for Martin!
Good to hear from you Max...

[CARTERJ]

Max Cleland, you make me proud of Georgia and proud of this country.

Saxby Chambliss makes me ashamed of this state. I have e-mailed him many times over the last six years chastising him for his policies and his actions, and every time I mentioned the disservice he did to you and to his own credibility by that despicable, slanderous ad campaign. He is beneath contempt. I ran into him at a social event and told him to his face that he had not a shred of honor.

Keep up the good work. This time, the good guys win.

[6pack]

I remember Max the smear campaign that they used against you. I couldn't believe anyone would buy into it . Thank you for your service to our country and for showing a rare light into the world of politics!

[MSiddique]

Mr. Cleland: The way you were treated by the Republicans was enough to give up any hope on the political system of this country! That treatment convinced me that indeed the leadership of this party is dominated by a bunch of neo-fascist thugs. After Bush’s victory, the same brutal mentality led the country to an illegal war, kept the war criminals from being submitted for prosecution by the international war crimes trial, perpetrate inhuman torture, violate the Constitution and destroy the economy. To these people patriotism is a farce. If Sen. Obama wins, especially after the racist fear mongering by the Republicans, if nothing else, it should restore some faith in this country, both inside and out. I hope you will run for office again.

[CyrusBeaucephus]

Max-Thank You for your service and we miss your leadership here in GA. Best wishes

[drsmc41]

Hi, Mr. Cleland:

I recall writing a paper about you while in school. I am a native "Georgia Peach"! :)
You are an honorable man and servant to this country. You still serve your country.
Thank you for sharing your article!

[Taylor Marsh - Huffpost Blogger]

Count me with James. Blessings to you, Senator Cleland.

You deserved much better than you got and to see Saxby Chambliss defeated by someone who deserves to be in the Senate would indeed be sweet.

[James Boyce - Huffpost Blogger]

God bless you Max