Rashad Taylor on Georgia Politics: AG Staffing Controversy, Media Scrutiny, and the 2010 Governor’s Race

This episode of The Kudzu Vine, hosted by Tim Shiflett on Father’s Day and the first day of summer, features regular panelist Catherine Smith and guest host State Representative Rashad Taylor, sitting in for David while he is on vacation. The discussion centers on Georgia politics, particularly controversies surrounding Attorney General Thurbert Baker, the media’s role, and emerging dynamics in the 2010 governor’s race. The first major topic is an Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation reporting that the Attorney General’s office hires outside attorneys, some of whom had donated to Baker’s campaign. While Baker maintains that contributions are returned when identified, the panel debates both the optics and practicality of the situation. Smith questions why costly outside counsel are used during a budget shortfall, while Taylor argues that the Attorney General’s office is under-resourced, handling massive workloads and needing specialized legal expertise that outside firms can provide. Both agree that 133 staff attorneys is not excessive given Georgia’s population and legal demands. The conversation then turns to the political implications of the controversy. Smith downplays its impact, noting that professionals often donate to candidates from their own fields. Taylor, however, stresses that perception matters in politics and warns the issue could be leveraged to damage Baker’s gubernatorial ambitions.The panel also analyzes new polling data showing strong positions for Roy Barnes and Republican candidates, the likelihood of runoffs, and the importance of African American voters. Broader themes include Georgia’s surprisingly optimistic public mood despite economic troubles, high approval ratings for Senator Johnny Isakson, rising support for President Obama, and signs that Georgia may be trending politically toward greater competitiveness for Democrats.