Georgia Democratic gubernatorial nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms participated in a debate on Monday, appearing alongside an empty podium due to her Republican opponent’s absence. Early voting in Georgia is set to begin soon.
Keisha Lance Bottoms opened the debate highlighting her opponent’s missing presence. Rick Jackson, the Republican candidate, chose not to attend, marking a break in tradition. Bottoms criticized Jackson for evading scrutiny, pointing to his track record of profiting at the taxpayers’ expense.
The debate lasted under 30 minutes, with Bottoms responding to questions from two journalists. Rick Jackson’s campaign cited a scheduling conflict, mentioning his busy campaign tour across Georgia’s cities, including Savannah, Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, and Columbia County.
Jackson defended his choice to miss the debate, stating that voters haven’t expressed interest in it. He emphasized that debates are not their priority.
In a previous debate on October 6, both candidates participated in a town hall organized by Atlanta News First, answering queries from undecided Georgia voters. The recent debate was a segment of the Atlanta Press Club’s Loudermilk-Young Debate Series. It was anticipated as potentially their sole debate.
The Georgia governor’s race holds significant importance as contenders aim to replace term-limited Republican Governor Brian Kemp. Rick Jackson, the founder of Jackson Healthcare, presents himself as an outsider in the political realm. Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta’s former mayor from 2018 to 2022, served as a senior aide to President Joe Biden.
Polls reveal a close contest, with Jackson slightly leading Bottoms, according to Decision Desk HQ. A recent YouGov poll also displayed a narrow margin, underscoring the tight race. The poll indicated Jackson at 45 percent and Bottoms at 44 percent, with undecided voters comprising nine percent.
The race carries historical weight, as Bottoms aims to become the first Black woman governor in the nation. Jackson has sharply criticized Bottoms’ mayoral performance, claiming she nearly devastated Atlanta. He urges voters to prevent similar leadership at the state level.
Former President Donald Trump plans to attend a rally in Dalton, Georgia, backing Jackson and Senate nominee Mike Collins as Republicans strive to maintain state leadership and Senate control.
Georgia’s early voting commences on Tuesday, preceding the upcoming November 3 midterm elections.
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