Statement from Graves Campaign Regarding Hawkins' Latest False, Negative Attack

“…desperate candidates do desperate things and Lee Hawkins is a desperate candidate.”

(RANGER, GA) – Tim Baker, campaign manager for Republican Tom Graves, released the following statement today after Lee Hawkins continued his false, negative campaign against Graves in his latest campaign television ad:

“Tom Graves is the only candidate in the race who has stood up to his Republican leadership and sacrificed seven leadership positions and had his office re-located for standing on principle and going against party leadership in the Georgia General Assembly.”

“Tom Graves is the only candidate in the race who stood up to the status quo when they wanted to spend surplus revenues on special projects instead of returning it to taxpayer.”

“Tom Graves is the only candidate in the race who started the 216 Policy Group in order to evaluate legislation and score it based on conservative principles.”

“Tom Graves is proud to have earned the support of so many conservative organizations, including FreedomWorks, RedState’s Erick Erickson, Atlanta Tea Party and the Club for Growth.  These groups and individuals have taken a public stance against fiscal irresponsibility and deficit stimulus funding and hold Republicans accountable for their votes. 

“Lee Hawkins has never stood up to his party leadership and he won’t in Washington.  We don’t need a passive voice in Washington who goes along to get along.  We need a proven, tested leader. The good thing is North Georgians won’t have to hold their breath every time Tom Graves goes to the House floor for a vote.”

“North Georgians know Tom Graves.  They trust Tom Graves.  And they will not be fooled by Lee’s false, negative attacks. 

“It’s unfortunate he’s taken his campaign in such an ugly direction.  However, desperate candidates do desperate things and Lee Hawkins is a desperate candidate.”