Georgia Rep. Tom Weldon, R-Ringgold, might be trying to expand his voter base.
On the Georgia Secretary of State page listing all qualified candidates for the May 24 primary, Weldon links to his official campaign website: electtomweldon.com. But, as of Tuesday, a quick peek at the site reveals an untraditional digital strategy.
Electtomweldon.com does not reveal any pictures of Weldon and his family, no list of accomplishments from his years in office, no promises for a bright future or links to positive news articles or images of the Georgia state flag, waving over the capitol.
Instead, an online visitor to Weldon's website is greeted by a block of black and white Japanese text behind a pink background. The visitor will also find pictures of Japanese women - staring blankly in some pictures, one grabbing her chin in others.
A Google translation of the opening text on electtomweldon.com's homepage reads, "The Venus Eyes one-day, the Colorcon of monthly type was very popular from the previous. In response to the user's wishes is what was released in One Day type. By Yui Kanno that of the worn. It is very popular."
The domain search WhoIs.net reveals that electtomweldon.com was created in August 2013 and last updated seven months ago. The site is registered to GMO Internet Group, a Tokyo company that describes itself as "a leading force in the Internet industry offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of Internet services worldwide."
Weldon, R-Ringgold, did not return multiple calls seeking comment.
He is in a race this year against Dewayne Hill, a former Catoosa County commissioner who served from 2007 through the end of 2014. Hill lost his re-election bid two years ago to Ray Johnson by 27 of the 943 votes cast.
Hill did not return multiple calls seeking comment on what his platform against Weldon will be.
Weldon has served in the Legislature since 2009 and has been elected to 2-year terms four times. In the 2012 and 2014 races, he faced no competition. In 2010, he defeated Tom Dooley in the Republican primary, gaining 61 percent of 3,635 votes. In 2008, he defeated two challengers in the primary with 55 percent of 2,922 votes.
Weldon is the son of Dr. Darrell Weldon, chairman of the Hutcheson Medical Center board. The representative has served as the board's attorney since last year and is representing the board in its federal lawsuits against Erlanger Health System.
Contact staff writer Tyler Jett at tjett@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6476.