PRESS RELEASE

October 5, 2009 Further Information Contact:
For Immediate Release Mike Keown 229.224.4205

State Rep. Mike Keown Surprises Pundits with “Incredibly Strong” Fundraising Totals, Shows Bishop’s Crumbling Credibility

Keown has more than $100,000 cash-on-hand only six weeks after announcing

(Coolidge)—State Rep. Mike Keown (R-Coolidge) announced today that the Federal Election Commission reports he will be filed this week will show him with more than $100,000 in cash-on-hand.

“I am so thankful to all those that helped us meet our goal,” Keown said. “This is only the beginning. We plan on building on this incredibly strong start. The people of the 2nd Congressional District are ready for someone who truly represents us in Washington. Bishop has lost touch with South Georgia, and we all know it.

“No one in Atlanta or Washington thought we could get this much support, this quickly,” Keown continued. “But we have and we are continuing to build momentum.

All indications are that Keown will be the top fundraiser in Georgia among Republican challengers for Congress. As of the last reporting period, 66% of Sanford Bishop’s money came from out of state and 58% from special interest PACs and unions. By contrast 90% of Keown’s money was raised in the 2nd District.

“The people of the 2nd District have started voting with their wallets,” Keown said. “And they are going to continue to vote to replace Bishop with a real conservative on November 2, 2010.”

In the State House, Keown is vice chairman of the Special Rules committee and a ranking member of the Education, Health and Human Services and Natural Resources and Environment committees.

Keown is the only announced Republican running to replace Democrat Sanford Bishop.