Monday’s GOP gubernatorial debate was an utter slugfest, with Burt Jones and Rick Jackson at each other’s throats in a show-off that the AJC reported as “even more ruthless than expected.”
This comes after months of brutal attacks between Jones and Jackson, as well as millions of dollars spent to destroy their Republican rival ahead of the critical May 19 primary.
Here’s what Georgians are reading today in the aftermath of Monday’s all-out GOP brawl:
WSB-TV: “Tensions run high as Georgia gubernatorial candidates battle it out in televised debate”
by Richard Elliot
Watch WSB-TV’s Richard Elliot’s reporting.
- “Republican front-runners for governor slugged it out at a televised debate on Monday afternoon.”
- “Burt Jones and Rick Jackson have spent millions battling it out in campaign ads.”
- “On Monday, they got to battle it out face-to-face — and it was a battle.”
- “‘He’s been spending millions of dollars telling lies about me. But even worse, he’s been spending millions of dollars telling lies to the public about himself,’ Jones said about Jackson.”
- “‘Burt Jones just feels like he can make up his own rules and do whatever he wants to do,’ Jackson shot back.”
AJC: “Attack ads explode into real life in Georgia GOP governor debate”
by Greg Bluestein
- “You had to know the first and likely last debate featuring Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and billionaire healthcare executive Rick Jackson would be brutal.”
- “After all, the two Republicans have spent more than $80 million battering each other on the airwaves. But Monday’s Atlanta Press Club debate was even more ruthless than expected.”
- “Jackson struggled through parts of the hourlong showdown, facing attacks not only from Jones but from other rivals eager to puncture his outsider image.”
- “Jones faced sharp accusations of his own. Jackson accused him of demanding six-figure donations from lawmakers and using his influence to scuttle legislation from anyone who backed his rivals.”
Capital Beat: “Republicans for Georgia governor finally face each other in debate as voters head to polls”
by Ty Tagami
- “The only major debate between Republican candidates for Georgia governor brimmed with personal attacks and appeals to President Donald Trump’s followers and offered less to guide voters on policy directions.”
- “The two leading candidates, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and businessman Rick Jackson, pummeled each other over their campaign fundraising and personal ethics.”
- “Jones and Jackson would spend much of the debate firing volleys at each other over the source of their money.”
The Center Square: “Fireworks in gubernatorial debate focused on Jones, Jackson”
by Kim Jarrett
- “As eight men stood on the stage during the Atlanta Press Club’s Republican gubernatorial debate, much of the attention was centered on the two front-runners exchanging insults with each other.”
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