By Jessica Blomquist
Staff Writer
 
The Morgan County Democratic Committee hosted a Meet and Greet with democratic congressional candidate Bobby Saxon at Bruce and Judy Gilbert’s home on Monday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Saxon is running for the representative position from the 10th congressional district of Georgia, one currently held by Dr. Paul Broun of Athens. He has been touring the 21 countries that comprise the district.      
   

“Bobby will be the congressman that our district, our state, and our nation needs right now – a congressman that is not only open to all ideas from all groups, but one who seeks them out,” Patsy Harris, chairman of the Morgan County Democratic Party, said in her introduction of Saxon. With more than 50 people present at the event, Saxon said the Meet and Greet was the largest campaign event he has had to date.     
   

Saxon is a Major in the Georgia Army National Guard and a small business owner in Athens.      “I’m 46 and I’ve never been in politics,” said Saxon, explaining his reasons for running. “I’m just like most of you. I’m sick and tired of what’s going on in this country. I want to be your congressman, not because of the power or fame or anything else, but because I’m ticked off at what’s happening in our country.”    
   

At the meeting, Saxon spoke on many of the topics he felt strongly about: reopening lines of diplomacy in the world, renewing fiscal responsibility in the government, securing the nation’s borders, an end to the war in Iraq, support for veterans, affordable healthcare for all, gun rights and reformation of the No Child Left Behind program.    
   

“No Child Left Behind has got to be the least liked piece of legislation to come from Washington, D.C.,” said Saxon. “Holding people, students and teachers, accountable, is important, but it’s the implementation of that [program] that’s not being done right.”             Saxon served as project officer for the National Guard Bureau, which required him to perform three missions in Afghanistan and two in Iraq. In 2005, he was deployed to Baghdad and later awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Action Badge for his service in Iraq. 
   

“I’m passionate about us getting out of Iraq,” Saxon said. “We need to get out of Iraq, but we need to do it in an honorable and responsible way.”    
   

Saxon is a member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Jackson County and is convicted to help others based on his Christian beliefs.    
   

“I believe the Bible says very clearly that you help the needy,” Saxon said, pointing out his desire for more benefits for veterans.      Saxon hopes for support from Republicans who may be unhappy with Broun along with Democrats.    
   

“This is a race and a year where we can win this election,” Saxon said. “Tell your friends that I’m the kind of Democrat they don’t have to be afraid of, one that cares for individual rights.”    

“I believe one person in this country can make a difference,” Saxon said. “But I can’t win this without you.”