Georgia Republicans just spent the past hour showing why they have an uphill climb in the gubernatorial race – and whoever wins the nomination will come limping out of the primary. Burt Jones and Rick Jackson both viciously accused each other of abusing taxpayer money to enrich themselves, touted their anti-choice records, and made clear they are running to please one man: Donald Trump.
Perhaps it was Chris Carr who said it best – at a time of skyrocketing costs for Georgians, the Republican gubernatorial primary is about “one really rich guy and one guy’s rich daddy trying to buy your vote.”
Here’s a few key takeaways:
Jones and Jackson Went Nuclear, Going After Each Other for Being Corrupt, Self-Serving Politicians
- Jackson Accuses Jones of Illegally Raising Money During Session: Rick Jackson went nuclear on Burt Jones, accusing him of abusing his office during the legislative session as Lieutenant Governor, saying “I don’t think you should have the ability to raise money during session, while you’re trying to pass bills, and when you’re the only insider that can do that […] I just don’t think it’s right, and I think it’s unconstitutional and will be upheld as such.” WATCH. As if that wasn’t enough, Carr and Jackson teamed up against Jones accusing him of killing legislation to benefit his political campaign. WATCH HERE AND HERE.
- Jones Accuses Jackson of Trying to Buy the Election and Being Behind Georgians for Integrity: In a sign of just how personal this campaign has become, Burt Jones directly confronted Rick Jackson, saying he was trying to buy the election and accusing him of being behind the mysterious group Georgians For Integrity that popped up last year and has spent $19.5 million in anti-Jones ads. WATCH HERE AND HERE.
Republicans Double Down on Anti-Choice Records
- Jackson Forces The Republican Field Further Right On Reproductive Health Care: Both candidates doubled down on their attacks on reproductive health care. Jackson – who recently said he wants to outright ban abortion in Georgia – bragged about his donations to anti-choice groups while Jones touted his role in passing Georgia’s extreme abortion ban. WATCH JACKSON HERE AND WATCH JONES HERE.
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