What do you not talk about when you talk to James Williams a/k/a GriftDrift? From water rationing to development to the ‘08 Senate race to presidential politics, we cover the gamut, including holy water and vampires.

As you may know, Governor Perdue was in DC last week meeting with the Secretary of the Interior in an effort to resolve the water war with Alabama and Florida. As James points out, the farmers in South Georgia have known there was a water crisis for years. However, the farmers (developers) in Atlanta probably knew the problem existed and was much worse than the general public was aware. They just didn’t want to deal with the issue because any legitimate discussion of the future of water in Atlanta should include a discussion about controlling development. As James notes, talking about restricting development in Atlanta is like throwing holy water on a vampire.

The problem with the water crisis is the worst is yet to come! The economic impact of water rationing could impact North and South Georgia. Water restrictions have already had an impact on those businesses whose economic viability depends on water and plenty of it. The question is how long can they hold on before they go under, file bankruptcy or otherwise significantly impact employment levels. The sad truth is that there probably is no solution that can be put into effect in time to solve the problem unless the rain returns and soon.

A few comments about Rep. Jim Marshall (GA 8th) and his recent vote against SCHIP funding. Marshall is apparently confusing the Democrats with his Republican leaning votes. According to James, Marshall probably believes the program is a good one, but just doesn’t need the level of funding the Democrats are pushing. Either way he is confounding both parties.

As for the Senate race, Chambliss is polling at 58% according to the most recent Strategic Vision poll. I wonder if the election will end up being a referendum on Chambliss’ unwavering support for Bush and the Iraq War.

As for the Democrats, of course, Vernon Jones, the DeKalb County CEO, is ahead of the pack in fund raising. Some people think he already has it sown up, but Josh Lanier from Statesboro, a Talmadge Democrat, has recently formed a committee to look into the possibility of making a run.

As for presidential politics, Hillary is the Democratic favorite in Georgia, Thompson the Republican. Hillary does appear to have sown up the Georgia vote recently getting Civil Rights leader Rep. John Lewis’ endorsement.

James thinks Romney will ultimately win the Republican nomination. If it ends up with two New Yorkers, Hillary and Rudy, opposing each other, the question may be how many Georgia voters will just stay home during the primary. None I hope. However, by the date of the Georgia primary on February 5th, the winner of both the Democratic and Republican nominations may be sown up.

Fred Thompson appears to be the dog that caught the car and now that he has it, doesn’t know what to do with it. While Thompson may still be the number one choice of Georgia Republicans, I think he has little chance of getting the nomination. One minute Fred sounds great and the next he looks old. As James points out, Fred is a good example of the difference between the type of politician we say we want and the type we will actually vote for. We don’t want Slick Willie until we see unslick Willie and then we prefer the slick one.

Let’s face it. In these days and times, politics makes little sense, but it is even more important to be involved.

At least capitalism is still alive, even if it is thirsty. James and I are both thinking about renting out our trailer (mine) and cabin (James) to people from North Georgia that might want to move someplace where they can take a bath 3 or 4 times a day and not worry about running out of water.