Is Mark Taylor about to enter the US Senate race? (Blog for Democracy)

Is Mark Taylor about to enter the US Senate race?

Mark Taylor and Dale Cardwell. Photo by Kristina Simms.

Without going into too much detail (it was a private function after all), there was a rumor floating around the Edwards event last night in Macon that Mark Taylor intends to enter the US Senate race against Saxby Chambliss.

I've no idea if there's any truth to it, or if the speculation simply started because the Big Guy was in full on campaign mode. Since I can't recall ever seeing Taylor when he wasn't in full on campaign mode, it's tough to say. More than anyone I've ever met, he is a born politician. His Cheshire cat grin can light up a room.

All that aside, when confronted with the rumor directly, he laughed it off, but I can't say he denied it outright.

On a related note, Dale Cardwell was also at the event last night and I had a chance to speak with him briefly afterwards.

Let me set the scene for you. I don't usually blog details like this, but it was sort of funny.

The event was so well attended that we parked at a church lot down the road and carpooled to the home. After the event we did the reverse, so I hopped in the front seat of one of the cars heading back to the church. Just as we were pulling out of the driveway, I heard a woman in the back seat say to the man sitting next to her "Well, you were the talk of the blogs today". Yes, she was speaking to Dale Cardwell.

Long story short, when we reached the church, I took the opportunity to chat with him for a few minutes. In those few minutes, my impression was that he's completely honest and sincere in his views. Although he seems open to both criticism and input, my sense is he's determined to remain true to his values, defend his positions and forgo those which might be more politically expedient.

In that regard, and a few others, he's the antithesis of the Big Guy. And that's not meant to be a dig, but I do get the feeling that Taylor could have him for lunch. And that's not meant to be a dig either. I swear.

In person, he explains his position on immigration with more clarity than can be found in the text on his site, but the gist is the same. (In general, he's better in person and the campaign would do well to get him up on YouTube, like yesterday.) He is also (somewhat counter intuitively) pro-choice.

Again, none of this is direct quotes, but only my very quick impression. I just thought I would pass it along. I'm no reporter, but after the hoohah yesterday I thought there might be some interest.

I have invited him to live blog here, but I think we'll wait until things cool off a little. And of course, if Taylor does enter the race, then the Big Dog will rule the day.

Finally, regarding the draft Scott Holcomb movement that sprang up sort of spontaneously yesterday, I've exchanged a few emails with Scott in the last month and can tell you this won't happen. At this point, we'd probably have better luck drafting Roy Barnes.

And for those keeping score at home, the Cardwell thread yesterday ties the HB-1 Hearing thread for most number of comments (138) to an entry on this blog. So if someone wants to break the tie, go for it. Yes, the server is running slow again, but what else is new?

Posted by Mel on June 6, 2007 12:45 AM | Permalink

Comments (37)

sndeak

Mel - Thanks for skinny.

I'm not giving up on Holcomb yet, though. I'm hoping to run into him at the rally Sunday.

Posted by sndeak | June 6, 2007 7:01 AM

Posted on June 6, 2007 07:01

Jules

Well the Big Guy can have a check and a vote from me.

It would be cool if he'd go on one of those "listening tours" around the state. Plus it's festival season now and I know all the folks would like to see him, say hi and tell him they wished he was the gov..

Pretty sure the US Senate wouldn't be the same if he was cruising the halls, in a good way of course.

He needs to revisit that whole "law and order retribution" deal tho..

Posted by Jules | June 6, 2007 9:01 AM

Posted on June 6, 2007 09:01

indie_rock_elitist

i think this answers the question right here: "Twenty years of public service now comes to an end".

Posted by indie_rock_elitist | June 6, 2007 9:12 AM

Posted on June 6, 2007 09:12

indie_rock_elitist

Yea I also think if roy had his in hand in putting Dale in this position, Taylor wouldnt step on roy's toes.

Posted by indie_rock_elitist | June 6, 2007 9:21 AM

Posted on June 6, 2007 09:21

MelGX

sndeak, go for it. If he's at the rally, I'll help you pass around the clipboard.

Posted by MelGX | June 6, 2007 9:52 AM

Posted on June 6, 2007 09:52

Jen B.

Thanks Mel, for adding some sanity into what was yesterday.

Posted by Jen B. | June 6, 2007 10:40 AM

Posted on June 6, 2007 10:40

griftdrift

Not trying to be negative, but Taylor running for Senate would be monstrously bad.

Posted by griftdrift | June 6, 2007 11:21 AM

Posted on June 6, 2007 11:21

shelby

Maybe if the guy is that much better in person, he ought to consider a Ustream chat instead. People can visit the stream's page and interact with him via chat room.

Posted by shelby | June 6, 2007 11:31 AM

Posted on June 6, 2007 11:31

MelGX

Fine idea Shelby.

New media will be Cardwell's best friend. In fact, if I were advising the campaign, I would rip down all that blathering text from his site and put up a short video from him until they can pull his message together.

Posted by MelGX | June 6, 2007 11:58 AM

Posted on June 6, 2007 11:58

chris

You will find few bigger Taylor boosters than myself. As much as I like Mark (and I do) he always struck me as more of a "state" guy than a federal guy.

Posted by chris | June 6, 2007 12:54 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 12:54

indie_rock_elitist

I do think having Talyor in the US senate would be wonderful especially since we know how he treats republicans (like dirt they are).

Posted by indie_rock_elitist | June 6, 2007 3:07 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 15:07

Jen B.

I agree with Chris, Taylor does seem more like a state guy. In fact, I'd be surprised if he even wanted to go to Washington.

Posted by Jen B. | June 6, 2007 3:13 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 15:13

MelGX

I don't know the man at all, but I've always assumed (just based on what I've observed) that he's a power guy and a political animal. DC would be like going from varsity to pro for him. Not a huge stretch.

Posted by MelGX | June 6, 2007 3:20 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 15:20

JerryT

"Gonna keep workin' haaard. Jus' gotta do it up there! Say hi to your lovely wife and thanks for all yer hard work!"

::end channeling::

I have trouble believing Mark could win this one, but what do I know. If he's our best shot, I hope he goes for it.

Posted by JerryT | June 6, 2007 3:26 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 15:26

Buffy

The "Big Guy" running for US Senate has bad idea written all over it. Do any of you remember what it felt like on election day just this past November when we all voted for him? Does Mark Taylor really stand for any of the issue that a good chuck of us here value? Please God I really don't want to vote for him ever again unless I have no choice and I praying with all my might that we will have another choice. Scott Holcomb I could get behind or Reddy even, but Please no more Mark Taylor just let him slip into that good night and leave him be.

Posted by Buffy | June 6, 2007 3:31 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 15:31

Jules

Wow, I think this MT thread should come with a schizophrenia commenter warning~sheeesh

This is bizarre, a few people have advocated for a person-Dale, who at first look comes up seriously wanting. Besides having shoved a microphone into a politicians face hasn't even run for a seat on a condo board near as I can tell.

MT has done nothing if not work his way up through the ranks, he ran and got elected up and then further up the ticket.. Someone voted for him, in fact I voted for him for LT. Gov back in the day. I think the yuck of last summer is all anyone remembers about him and it's really unfair.

What's a Federal vs. State kind of person anyway?

Heck shouldn't we want someone who has worked in state government to I dunno, say represent his STATE in DC?

Hello, do I somehow no longer understand the concept of representative government?

Posted by Jules | June 6, 2007 3:50 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 15:50

chris

Jules when I say that about Taylor I just think he wants to be Governor or maybe Attorney General more than he wants to be Senator.

I mean, let's be real would he be Senator, of course he would. But I think his heart is in the other races.

Just like some of these guys really want to be in Congress or whatever but have little interest in running for Lt. Governor.

And then some of these guys just want any power they can get.

Posted by chris | June 6, 2007 4:03 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 16:03

Jules

Speaking of someone who went straight to Washington... Sen. Chambliss.

He was a Chamber of Commerce candidate, Zero experience in state goverment. Went to Congress with Newt and basically never has bothered to "represent" our issues here in GA.

Posted by Jules | June 6, 2007 4:07 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 16:07

Mouth of the South

Taylor's gubernatorial election policies might be distasteful to some here, but he has worked very hard for some unpopular causes which many of you do support. MT could go to Washington and do well, but I agree with Chris, he views state government with respect and awe. I don't think he sees the federal government the same way.

Posted by Mouth of the South | June 6, 2007 4:11 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 16:11

RuralDem

This is a surprise. As someone who attended last night, I did not hear any rumor about Mark Taylor running for Senate. I also asked a few other YDs who attended and none of them heard anything.

Now, if he does decide to run, that would be great. Mark Taylor is one of the reasons I got into politics. I first met him in 1999 and other than State Senator George Hooks, Taylor is my favorite politician here in Georgia.

He is a natural politician, but in a different way. Most of the time "natural politicians" come off as sleazy, similar to Mitt Romney. However, Taylor knows how to work a room, he stands for what he believes in, and every time I have spoken to him, I have walked away thinking "we need more people like him in office". Democrats like Mark Taylor who embrace rural Georgia, instead of shunning rural Georgia, are the kind of people we need representing us. These are the only kind of people that can win statewide here.

Buffy, yes, Mark Taylor does stand for many of the issues that I believe in. He's part of a dying breed within our party, one that can appeal to liberals, moderates, and conservative Democrats without coming off as a panderer. Unfortunately, many on the far liberal end (and likewise with the far right in the Republican party) refuse to accept the idea of compromise and would rather have a candidate that only appeals to a small %. In reality, there is no one you will agree with 100% on everything, other than yourself.

Now, Myself and another YD spent probably 10 or so minutes chatting with Dale. Mel is right, if you speak with him you will get a much better idea of where he stands. He's honest, sincere, and really believes in what he says. I think the more people see him in person, or via youtube and other "new media" then everyone else will see that he is not a "Republican lite" like many wanted to claim in the last thread.

If someone like Mark Taylor or Jim Marshall does not jump in, we need to rally behind Dale Cardwell.

Posted by RuralDem | June 6, 2007 4:13 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 16:13

Jules

Ok Chris, I suppose I understand your point, it just came off really condecending.

Posted by Jules | June 6, 2007 4:13 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 16:13

Jen B.

Jules,

"What's a Federal vs. State kind of person anyway?"

I've come to realize that there are three main types of candidates.

People who want to be President.
People who want to be Governor.
People who don't care, they just want power.

While Mark Taylor does strike me as power hungry, I think he just wants to be King of Georgia. He'd be much happier on West Paces than 1 of 100 in DC.

Posted by Jen B. | June 6, 2007 4:18 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 16:18

Jules

RE: Dale.. I will give him a second look when he calls for giant "do-over" from this week.

Back to MT... Thanks Rural Dem, the MT history was very helpful.

Perhaps because I've spent more time in DC this year than before, I can easily see MT being far more productive with the current group there now.

Conversely, I don't see him being that influential here in GA. Far too much would have to change politically before I think he could be productive here. I seriously doubt Glenn, Casey, the Kristian Koalition Kritters would allow that.

Posted by Jules | June 6, 2007 4:29 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 16:29

Jules

Jen. ok see your point, but in life sometimes you have to leave home to be appreciated.

I was near enough to his table at the JJ. It was facinating to watch. Trust me, he needs to leave Georgia if he ever wants to come home in triumph, politically speaking, I'm just saying.

Posted by Jules | June 6, 2007 4:34 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 16:34

chris

I think a natural federal play for Taylor would be 2nd Congressional District if Bishop ever runs for anything else or steps down.

Posted by chris | June 6, 2007 5:19 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 17:19

CatherineAtlanta

That's interesting, Chris. I would think 1 of 100 would be much more attractive than 1 of 435.

Posted by CatherineAtlanta | June 6, 2007 6:37 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 18:37

indie_rock_elitist

Buffy; do you like the idea of every child having free health care, or maybe adequately funding public schools?

Posted by indie_rock_elitist | June 6, 2007 8:05 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 20:05

Jen B.

IRE,

I can't tell if you're being disingenuous or willfully ignorant.

There are plenty of positions that Mark Taylor stood for that reasonable people can disagree with. Personally, I wasn't a big fan of his death penalty for convicted child molesters stance.

But that doesn't mean that I, or Buffy, are for kicking puppies (or not funding education).

Let's stop fighting the primary over. and over. and over again.

Posted by Jen B. | June 6, 2007 8:17 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 20:17

Skyler Akins

Oh how I would love for Taylor to run for Senate. He has an awesome shot of winning too, I believe, as does Jim Marshall.

Cathy's still too busy fussing about her [missing]table at the JJ.

Posted by Skyler Akins | June 6, 2007 8:31 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 20:31

RuralDem

HAHAHA.

Nice to see the "bash Cathy" filter no longer works :P

Posted by RuralDem | June 6, 2007 8:56 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 20:56

indie_rock_elitist

no what i was pointing out to buffy was that s/he said "Does Mark Taylor really stand for any of the issue that a good chuck of us here value" and i was saying yes.

Posted by indie_rock_elitist | June 6, 2007 9:55 PM

Posted on June 6, 2007 21:55

SevenHillsDem

Having spent over a year working as an intern and coordinator on Mark's race for Governor, he has more raw political talent than anyone I've worked for. If he had no primary opposition (except Dale & Vernon), he could raise the money to win this thing.

But, I think if Roy or Jim Marshall got into the race, he would defer to either one. He made positive comments at the JJ about Marshall getting into the race.

I think he's a great choice if Marshall or Barnes defers.

Posted by SevenHillsDem | June 7, 2007 1:29 AM

Posted on June 7, 2007 01:29

MelGX

The PI boys say it's not happening:

http://tinyurl.com/23c7py

Mutterings? Humph.

Posted by MelGX | June 7, 2007 1:42 AM

Posted on June 7, 2007 01:42

Buffy

Indie_rock_elitist,

Sure I like children to have health care and I enjoy having our public schools funded to the teeth. That would be a enormous help to this state, but my top 3 issues do not necessarily his top 3 issues that he seems to care about. I like my Democratic candidates to the left of center and not riding the center. That is what MT does he rides to the center in hopes that he doesn't tick to many people off in order to gain their vote. Again, I think MT running for US Senate is a BAD idea! Now if boils down to him or VJ then I will take the devil that I know vs the devil that scares me.

Posted by Buffy | June 7, 2007 8:26 AM

Posted on June 7, 2007 08:26

Sid Cottingham

Mel:

On Cardwell: I did not do a comment at the time, but in an earlier comment to a post you talked about Cardwell distancing himself from the party, and you noted: "If his party is wrong, then maybe he's wrong for the party."

The comment you referenced was when Cardwell said: "First, Georgians want the truth, an honest person, an independent thinker who won't be a lapdog for his party when his party is wrong."

Caldwell was not talking about the DPG. He was talking about Saxby and Saxby being the waterboy for George W, even when the GOP's views were wrong. Also in the same comment, you questioned Cardwell being pro-choice. He clearly noted in his first-day announcement on June 4 that he was pro-choice.

The above might lead one to ask? Am I Cardwell's protagonist? Hardly, as one would know from reading my posts on my blog from the day he first announced. But I did want to note this in fairness to the candidate. Page two.

Mark Taylor running for U.S. Senate: There is as much chance of my walking on the moon as there is Mark Taylor running for the U.S. Senate. Take it to the bank. Page three.

Mel: I still love you.

Posted by Sid Cottingham | June 9, 2007 10:01 PM

Posted on June 9, 2007 22:01

MelGX

Thanks for untangling the week that was Squire. We can always count on you.

Right back at you.

Posted by MelGX | June 10, 2007 1:09 AM

Posted on June 10, 2007 01:09

indie_rock_elitist

awwwwwwwwww teh

Posted by indie_rock_elitist | June 10, 2007 5:58 PM

Posted on June 10, 2007 17:58