The General Election was held Tuesday, November 7, 2006.
According to the Miller County Registrar’s office, there are 4044 total registered voters that could vote in this county. The total number of electors who cast their votes were 1310 for a grand total or a 32 percent turnout.
In Miller County, the unofficial results are as follows:
Governor
Mark Taylor 494
Garrett Hayes 22
Sonny Perdue 776
Lieutenant Governor
Jim Martin 498
Allen Buckley 25
Casey Cagle 719
Secretary of State
Gail Bucknet 518
Kevin Madsen 35
Karen Handel 665

Attorney General
Thurbert Baker 689
Perry McGuire 547

School Superintendent
Denise Majette 317
David Chastain 41
Kathy Cox 913

Insurance Commissioner
Guy Drexinger 376
John Oxendine 865

Agriculture Commissioner
Tommy Irvin 708
Jack Cashin 22
Gary Black 527
Labor Commissioner
Michael Thurmond 686
Brent Brown 526

PSC District 3
David Burgess 655
Paul MacGregor 26
Chuck Eaton 525

PSC District 5
Dawn Randolph 437
Kevin Cherry 31
Stan Wise 734

U.S. House District 2
Sanford Bishop 812
Bradley Hughes 468

Supreme Court Seat 2
Carol Hunstein 747
Mike Wiggins 302

Amendment 1
Eminent Domain
Yes 856
No 249

Amendment 2
Fishing Hunting
Yes 1015
No 163

Amendment 3
License Plates
Yes 797
No 332

Referendum A
Farm Exemption
Yes 627
No 524
Referendum B
Veterans Exemption
Yes 774
No 341
Referendum C
Charitable Exemption
Yes 717
No 408
Referendum D
Seniors Exemption
Yes 1023
No 156
Referendum E
Spouse Exemption
Yes 952
No 225

Referendum F
Spouse Continuation
Yes 1002
No 161

State Senate District 11
Marjean Boyd 552
John Bulloch 718

County Commissioner
District 2
Barbie Womble 211

County Board of Ed.
District 2
Vicki Merritt 213

County Commissioner
District 4
G.C. Jinks, Jr. 211

County Board of Ed.
District 4
Shiela P. Freeman 184

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday, God bless you. Happy Birthday, Colquitt and Miller County.
These are the words that will ring out Saturday morning, November 11, at 10:00 a.m. on the courthouse square as the official opening ceremonies for Colquitt and Miller County’s Sesquicentennial Celebration begins.
However, the fun will start on Friday evening, November 10, as the talent search preliminaries get underway at 6:00 p.m. on the square. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and come on down as you will not want to miss hearing some of the best talent in our area by individuals and groups. Over 40 entries have registered for the contest. After everyone has performed on Friday, the out-of-town judges will pick the top five finalists. The finalists will then compete again on Saturday, beginning at 11:15 a.m. to see who the winner of the $1000.00 cash prize will be. If you think you might have a chance at the big cash prize, you still may do so by calling 758-2400.
Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Cotton Hall, “MayHaw,” Colquitt’s own version of “Hee-Haw,” will once again take place at Cotton Hall. Young and old, rich and poor are sure to enjoy this music-filled comedy act by our local volunteers. It will also show again on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. and again at 7:30 p.m. If you haven’t purchased your tickets, you may still have time by calling 758-5450.
Then on Saturday morning, the hands of time will be turned back in Colquitt, Georgia, at 9:00 a.m. as some of the finest antique cars and farm machinery make their way to the town square. These automobiles and machinery will be on display throughout the day for you to reminisce over.
At 9:30 a.m., before the opening ceremonies begin, the American Legion and members of the VFW will hold their annual Veterans’ Day ceremony on the courthouse square. The Rev. Daniel Dean, pastor of Mt. Olive Holiness Church and a veteran of the Vietnam War, will be the guest speaker. Everyone is invited to participate in this special ceremony as we remember those who have fought for our freedom.
After the Veterans’ Day ceremony, Cory Thomas, city manager and chairman of the Sesquicentennial Celebration, will welcome the crowd to Colquitt, followed by the introduction and speeches of visiting dignitaries.
You will hear all about your ancestors as individuals tell about the Native Americans, African Americans, and the early white settlers that came to Colquitt and Miller County. The Indians, Chinese, Vietnamese, Hispanics and the Philippines who have come since then will also be recognized as newcomers to our area.
If you’re over 90 years of age or older, we cordially invite you to come so that we can recognize you as some of the older, prominent citizens of our town and county. You’ll also get a chance to meet and talk with the oldest living twins in our area. They’ve been around for a while, and they sure have some stories to tell if you’ll just ask and listen to them.
The courthouse lawn will also be adorned all around by happy birthday cards that the children from the New Life Learning Center have made for this special event. You’ll be sure to want to look at these during the day.
The closing ceremony will bring the Miller County High School Band, under the direction of Richard Horne, and the Miller County Elementary Chorus, led by Mrs. Holly Thomas, as they perform “Happy Birthday” followed by the cutting of the birthday cake.
Immediately following the ceremony, the many vendors will open their booths with lots of varieties of handmade crafts for you to purchase.
If you’re planning on entering the beard contest, swamp gravy cook-off, or the country fair, you may register starting at 9:30 a.m. Registration and the contest for the swamp gravy cook-off will be held in the firemen’s parking lot adjacent to the fire station. Registration for the country fair will be held in Cotton Hall, and the beard contest registration will be held on the courthouse square. There will be cash prizes or gifts awarded for each of these contests. You may call 758-2400 for more information. There is still time to register for these contests! Who knows, you just might be the lucky one.
And don’t leave the children at home! We’re have inflatables, the famous rock climbing, and a train for all the kids to enjoy. This will also be located in the parking lot next to the fire department.
While you’re walking around and reminiscing about days gone by, you will be entertained by some of the finest talent. Beginning at 12:30 p.m., the Singing Echoes of Cleveland, Tennessee, will be performing on the town square. You will also enjoy the music of COMMONPLACE, a young band from Jacksonville, Florida.
So make plans now to attend Colquitt and Miller County’s 150th birthday celebration. Ladies, pull out your old dresses and bonnets and, men, get your old overalls on and come have a weekend of fun as we celebrate our area’s heritage.
Happy Birthday, Colquitt and Miller County!

President George W. Bush couldn’t come to Colquitt, so a good representation of Colquitt’s people went to Perry to hear the president of the United States of America speak on behalf of some candidates running for state and federal offices.
President Bush seemed very relaxed and comfortable with this large group of Georgians, and well he should being it was all Republican. He thanked everyone for such a warm reception and asked the audience to help get out the vote to keep the Republicans in control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. The president also thanked Democrat Senator John Kerry for what he said about our troops in Iraq being so dumb. He said that he did not expect such a political gift just before election time.
It wasn’t the way that Colquitt people usually spend Halloween, but it’s not too often that Colquitt folks get a chance to hear a standing president of the USA, along with U.S. senators, and many of the state officials, including Governor Sonny Perdue.
The huge Georgia Victory 2006 Rally was held in Perry, at Reaves Arena, Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter. An estimated 6,000 to 8,000 people were on hand to hear President Bush, Governor Perdue, Senator Johnny Isakson and Senator Saxby Chambliss speak on behalf of Republican candidates for state and federal office.
The president gave an inspirational speech on the condition of the economy and what could be expected of his administration on protecting the American people from terrorists. He declared that we would win this war.
The following are the results of a three-day poll of 800 likely Georgia voters conducted by Strategic Vision, LLC on November 2-4, 2006. The poll has a margin of error of 13 percentage points. In the poll, 350 (44%) Democratic voters were surveyed; with 330 (41%) Republican voters surveyed; and 120 (15%) Independents and other party affiliation polled.
The poll found that 54% of respondents approved of Governor Sonny Perdue’s job performance, with 39% disapproving; and 7% undecided. Senator Saxby Chambliss received a 51% approval rating with 40% disapproving; and 9% undecided. Senator Johnny Isakson received a 54% approval rating, with 38% disapproving, and 8% undecided.
President Bush’s overall approval was 46% approving; 37% disapproving; and 17% undecided. When asked if they approved of the president’s handling of the economy, 49% approved; 39% disapproved; and 12% were undecided. When asked if they approved of the president’s handling of the Iraq War, 42% approved; 49% disapproved; and 9% were undecided. When asked if they approved of the president’s handling of the war on terrorism, 53% said approved; 38% disapproved; and 9% were undecided. When asked if they approved of the president’s handling of the immigration issue, 33% approved; 57% disapproved; and 10% were undecided.
When asked if they thought Georgia was headed in the right direction or wrong direction, 56% said right direction; 34% said wrong direction; and 10% were undecided.
When asked if they would like to see the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, 57% said yes; 35% said no; and 8% were undecided.
When asked if they expected another terrorist attack in the United States in the next six months, 70% said yes; 19% said no; and 11% were undecided.
When asked if they favored an immediate withdrawal of United States military forces from Iraq within 6 months, 41% said yes; 46% said no; and 13% were undecided.
In a match-up between Governor Perdue, Lt. Governor Taylor, and Libertarian candidate, Garrett Hayes, the results were Perdue 51%; Taylor 38%; Hayes 6%; and 5% undecided.
In the race for lieutenant governor, the results were Republican Casey Cagle 49%; Democrat Jim Martin 39%; Libertarian Allen Buckley 6%; and 6% undecided.
In the race for Secretary of State, Republican Karen Handel led Democrat, Gail Buckner, 45% to 33% with 4% for Libertarian Kevin Madsen, and 18% undecided.
In the race for Attorney General, incumbent Democrat Thurbert Baker led Republican Perry McGuire 48% to 36%; with 16% undecided.
In the race for School Superintendent, Republican incumbent Kathy Cox led Democrat Denise Majette 49% to 35% with 3% for Libertarian David Chastain, and 13% undecided.
In the race for State Agriculture Commissioner, incumbent Democrat Tommy Irvin led Republican, Gary Black 48% to 39% with 2% for Libertarian Jack Cashin; and 11% undecided.
In the race for State Insurance Commissioner, incumbent Republican John Oxendine led Democrat Guy Drexinger 55% to 30% with 15% undecided.
In the race for State Labor Commissioner, incumbent Democrat Michael Thurmond led Republican Brent Brown 47% to 38% with 15% undecided.
In the heated race for State Supreme Court, incumbent Justice Carol Hunstein led her challenger Mike Wiggins, 53% to 36% with 11% undecided.
When Republicans were polled on whom they would support in 2008 for the Republican Presidential nomination, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani received 33%; Senator John
McCain received 24%; Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich 13%; Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney received 5%; Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist received 2%; Virginia Senator
George Allen received 1%; Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum received 1%; New York Governor George Pataki received 1%; Nebraska Senator Chuck Hagel received 1%; and 19% were undecided.
On the Democratic side, New York Senator Hillary Clinton led with 31%; former Vice President Al Gore received 16%; Illinois Senator Barack Obama 16%; former North Carolina
Senator John Edwards received 9%; former General Wesley Clark received 3%; Wisconsin Senator Russ Feingold received 2%; Massachusetts Senator John Kerry received 1%; Indiana
Senator Evan Bayh received 1%; Delaware Senator Joseph Biden received 1%; New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson received 1%; Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell received 1%; Iowa
Governor Tom Vilsack received 1%; Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd received 1%; and 16% were undecided.
David E. Johnson, CEO of Strategic Vision, LLC, who conducted the poll, is available to discuss the poll results.

Whereas: Vicki Phillips has given 19 years of dedicated service as City Clerk of Colquitt.
Whereas: Vicki Phillips has earned credentials of Certified City Clerk and Certified Financial Officer in the state of Georgia.
Whereas: Vicki Phillips has exemplified professionalism, guiding and protecting the City Clerk’s office from partisan political influence.
Whereas: Vicki Phillips has been a good friend and guiding hand to all who have had the pleasure to have served along side of her.
Therefore: I, Jerry Chapman, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Colquitt, Georgia, do hereby proclaim Tuesday, October 31st, 2006, as “Vicki Phillips Day” in the City of Colquitt in recognition and appreciation for her years of selfless service to our community.
Jerry M. Chapman
Mayor
Attest:
Kesha Lavette
City Clerk

It is always good to have new people in our community. When they contribute to our schools and children it makes them doubly welcome.
On October 26, Dealmaker CEO/President Darren Zuppardo and some of his associates brought a check for $1000.00 to the Miller County Elementary School to give to buy new printers for the school.

The results of the Tuesday, November 7, Miller County General Election will be on the Miller County Liberal website as soon as the results are reported and we can get them typed in on Tuesday night.
Having a Wednesday newspaper that is printed on Tuesday morning is one of the very few disadvantages that we have found in changing the print time.
Our Wednesday edition is on the newsstands and usually in the post office by 2:00 PM each Tuesday. This makes it impossible to get the primary or election results in that week’s newspaper. For those who have computers and access to the internet, you can always get some of the news that day. We are working on a system that will give the entire newspaper on our website with a subscription. Check the local election results can be fround on our website www.millercountyliberal.com

Colquitt Coupon Days start today with participating merchants offering great gifts, gift certificates and money to the lucky participants.
The Colquitt Coupons in this edition will be the only ones provided by this newspaper. Cut them out, fill them out and take them to the participating businesses.
You do not have to buy anything to participate, but the Colquitt businesses are ready to help you with their goods and services while you are there. Some of the participating businesses will have Colquitt Coupons available for their customers to place in their boxes.
The rules to enter are simple. Register as many times as you have Colquitt Coupons to enter with. You must be 18 years old or older to participate. Winners will be announced in the Wednesday, November 22 edition of the Miller County Liberal. Each participating business will draw its winners and call them in to the newspaper.
That’s it! Start filling out those Colquitt Coupons worth over $2500.00 today.
Deposit them in the stores and businesses as often as you go in. Watch next week for more information on what Colquitt is doing to show its appreciation of its valued customers.
Colquitt Coupon Days are starting now and will end just in time for Christmas as you have the chance to win some of those valuable gifts being given away by Colquitt’s finest businesses. Participating Colquitt merchants are A-1 Car Wash, American Pie Etc., Ameris, Badock Home Furnishings, Barnard’s, Bevis Furniture Company, Bleu’s Coffee & Cream, Blooming Business, Bride & Gift Gallery, Cedar Head Mayhaw Co., China Buffet, Colquitt/Miller Arts Council, Country Boys’ Petro, Crooked Oak Golf Course, Grow Drug Co., Fre-Jan’s, Hardee’s, Helen’s Pirates Cove, Kay Ford, Looksmart Uniforms, Madison Avenue, Market on the Square, Miller County Liberal, Miller Nails, Moore’s Hardware, Pat Sammon Chevrolet, PeoplesSouth Bank, Pic-N-Save, Red Hot Tanning, Red’s Liquors, Road Runner Seafood, Ron-Cam, Southern Traditions, Subway, Tarrer Inn, The Posie Patch, Twelve Oaks Antique, Wearhouse Etc., and Wilkin’s IGA.

Week of November 5, 2006