The day after he won a runoff to secure the Republican nomination for Georgia’s District 12 seat in Congress, Ray McKinney appeared on Wednesday's “Mornings unPHILtered” show.
 McKinney told host Phil Boyum he believed from the beginning that he was the best candidate to defeat incumbent Congressman John Barrow, and can't wait to get started. He said he respects the effort that runoff opponent Carl Smith made over the past 16 months as he ran his campaign.
    McKinney said he has already begun to get in touch with farmers and related businesses whose agricultural connections have made them very concerned about Congressman Barrow's actions. Barrow stepped down from the Agriculture Committee early this year.
    McKinney said that he and his staffers woke up early Wednesday, had breakfast, and began setting up a plan leading up to the Nov. 2 election. They realize they have a great deal to do, he said.
    First and foremost, McKinney said, he knows his campaign needs to get his message out to all Independents and Republicans who didn't vote in the primary and the runoff elections.
    Next, they need to convince those who voted Democratic in the primary and runoff they should vote Republican in the Congressional race instead of Barrow.
    He said his campaign is building coalitions with the various groups in the 12th District, and he is looking for new and creative ways to raise more money to pay for the media spots necessary to get his message out.
    McKinney said everyone is now beginning to focus on the path to the November elections.
    During the past several months, McKinney said the state and national Republican Party leadership, is focusing on capturing 39 currently Democrat seats to gain control of the House in Congress.
    McKinney said the 12th District seat is important to state and national Republicans, and he expects the groups will contribute to his campaign.
   
    “Mornings unPHILtered” airs live Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on statesboroherald.com and also simulcast on WWNS-AM 1240 on the radio. You also can listen anytime at BoroLive.com on statesboroherald.com