Georgia US Senate Candidate R.J. Hadley joined us to discuss his campaign

On this episode of the Kudzu Vine, David, Tim, and Catherine battle technical difficulties before diving into a wide-ranging discussion. Catherine recounts attending the WAND/WiLL “Women at the Table of Power” conference, highlighting sessions on lobbying, national security messaging, and a powerful talk by Rep. Donna Edwards. She notes successful lobbying efforts aimed at Sen. Johnny Isakson, which sets up the introduction of their guest, Democratic Senate candidate R.J. Hadley.The hosts then turn to a disturbing controversy in Paulding County, where a bar owner displayed racist signs filled with slurs. David, Tim, and Catherine criticize the repeated use of the N-word, the bar’s racist décor—including KKK imagery—and the troubling fact that commenters online attacked blogger Buzz Brockway for exposing it. They argue the incident validates former President Jimmy Carter’s warnings about racism in political discourse. The broader concern, they say, is not just the bar owner’s hatred but the community members who patronize and defend him. The conversation briefly shifts to Rush Limbaugh, whose derogatory comments about basketball and attempted involvement in an NFL ownership group draw condemnation. Guest R.J. Hadley then joins to discuss his background—from social work to tech to grassroots political organizing—and his decision to challenge Isakson. Hadley stresses public service, political accessibility, and reducing the influence of money in politics. He emphasizes empowering educators over standardized testing, restoring local control in schools, and addressing constituents’ top concern: jobs.