Here is a quick look at the candidates running for U.S. House of Representatives that will be on the ballot in Chattooga County in November:

Hugh "Bud" Gammon

Current Job:

 

Birth Date:

March 16, 1951

Religion:

Baptist

Education:

United States Air Force Academy, B.S. Political Science

Biography:

Hugh "Bud" Henderson Gammon Jr. is a native of Rome. He earned a bachelor’s in political science at U.S. Air Force Academy and went on attend Air Force pilot training.

Gammon flew active duty for more than six years and reserve duty for a little more than two years. He became a commercial airline pilot, a job he has held for nearly three decades.

Gammon is divorced and has one child.

 

Profile:

Bud Gammon says he became interested in politics after the bankruptcy of U.S. Airways put employee pensions at risk.

Energy independence is a key issue in Gammon’s campaign. He says he supports opening up some 68 million acres to offshore drilling. But he also says a comprehensive energy plan must contain incentives for alternative fuel sources like wind, solar and nuclear energy, as well as clean coal.

Gammon says his experience in the military has given him the background to determine that the United States needs to begin an orderly withdrawal from Iraq.

Gammon support tax rebates for individuals and small businesses to put health care coverage within their reach.

 

Campaigns:

This is Hugh "Bud" Henderson Gammon Jr.’s first campaign for elected office

Congressman Phil Gingrey (R)

Current Job:

Physician

Birth Date:

July 10, 1942

Religion:

Catholic

Education:

Georgia Institute of Technology, BS Chemistry
Medical College of Georgia, MD Medicine

Biography:

Phil Gingrey was born in Augusta, Ga., and lives in Marietta. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology and Medical College of Georgia.

For 26 years, he worked in his own OB/GYN practice, delivering more than 5,200 babies. Gingrey served on the Marietta School Board, 1993-97, including three years as chairman. He has also served on various Cobby County boards and organizations.

Phil Gingrey served two terms in the state Senate before he was first elected to the U.S. House in 2002.

He and his wife, Billie, have four children.

 

Profile:

Phil Gingrey was among the highest-profile members of the Georgia congressional delegation during his freshman term. Health care dominated the domestic agenda and the former doctor’s experiences were in high demand.

Although his voting record on key issues is usually with GOP leaders, Gingrey has often tried to find a balance between his personal views and his desire to get legislation approved, especially on prescription drug costs and medical liability.

During a speech to the American Medical Association in 2003, Gingrey raised eyebrows when he said there would need to be some compromises in a medical liability bill. He suggested supporters might have to raise a $250,000 cap they were seeking on lawsuits against doctors found liable for excessive pain and suffering.

Doctors attending the meeting feared Gingrey was showing a willingness to budge on the issue, but Gingrey said he was just relaying the political reality.

"I didn’t mean to imply or suggest I personally would be willing to compromise in the House," said Gingrey, adding that certain exceptions to the cap might give the bill a better chance at passage.

Although Gingrey didn’t have a role in writing the Medicare prescription drug bill that was later signed into law, he was appointed to an advisory panel on the topic. He often joked it was just a "cheerleading squad."

Gingrey, who voted for the final bill, waited until late in the debate to endorse any proposal. He had expressed support for some concepts voices by fellow Georgia Rep. Charlie Norwood, a dentist, that seniors who prefer to stay in the Medicare system shouldn’t lose their current coverage.

"It’s like an old pair of shoes," Gingrey said. "Even though those shoes might not be the best for their feet, if that’s what they want to wear, the government shouldn’t be in the business of taking it away from them."

Gingrey won the newly drawn 11th District seat over millionaire Democrat Roger Kahn in 2002. The redesign of the congressional districts pushed Republican Bob Barr, who had represented most of the 11th, into a head-to-head battle with fellow incumbent Republican John Linder in the 7th, which Barr lost. Gingrey later suggested Barr could have won the 11th District seat had he stayed put.

Although Gingrey narrowly won the 2002, he did much better in 2004 after amassing one of the largest war chests among House freshmen. Kahn and former Democratic Rep. Buddy Darden did not venture to challenge him again. He easily defeated political newcomer and attorney Rick Crawford.

Before arriving in Washington, Gingrey was one of the most conservative members of Georgia’s state legislature. He supports abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, a position that helped earn him the endorsement of Linder, another proponent of that idea.

He is opposed to abortions. He also has received the backing of gun-rights groups for his strong Second Amendment position. Immigration control is another of his priorities.

In the House, he serves on the Armed Services, Education and Science committees.

The American Conservative Union gave his 2005 voting record its highest rating of 100. The liberal Americans for Democratic Action gave him a 0.

 

Campaigns:

Phil Gingrey easily defeated Cecil Staton to capture the Republican nomination for Congress in 2002. He defeated with 52 percent Democrat Roger Kahn in the general election to represent the newly drawn 11th District.He was re-elected in 2004 with 57 percent of the vote.Hew served two terms in the state Senate.

(SOURCE FOX NEWS)