Georgia
Campaign messaging tries to decouple Georgia’s economy from the U.S.’s as Kemp seeks new term as governor
MCDONOUGH, Ga. (AP) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Friday took intention on the “Biden recession” and tacked the blame on Democrat Stacey Abrams, changing into one in every of many Republicans to hunt to crush their rivals with voters’ worries in regards to the economic system.
How voters see the economic system might be key in November’s elections nationwide.
At present, Democratic President Joe Biden has rock-bottom approval rankings, and a second quarter of financial contraction is compounding political woes introduced on by excessive inflation.
However whereas the argument towards Democrats and the economic system is simple for Republicans together with Georgia’s Herschel Walker, who’s difficult Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock, it’s trickier for Kemp.
From the archives (January 2022): Republicans in Georgia stay in a turbulent state over end result of 2020 election
Together with different Republican governors searching for re-election, similar to Florida’s Ron DeSantis and Ohio’s Mike DeWine, Kemp should defend his financial file whereas attacking Biden. Kemp at instances contends that Georgia’s economic system is sweet and the nationwide economic system is unhealthy, regardless that Georgia voters for probably the most half solely expertise one economic system.
“Georgians know that our economic system is preventing by the Biden-Abrams agenda, regardless of what’s occurring nationally,” Kemp informed reporters within the Atlanta suburb of McDonough, arguing Abrams bears blame for “runaway spending and disastrous insurance policies” as a result of she campaigned for Biden and even sought to be his vice chairman.
Abrams stated Thursday that Kemp’s division between Georgia and the nationwide economic system is “mathematically and economically unattainable,” and that Kemp, who weathered a reported half-million {dollars} in spending on assault adverts by a Donald Trump–linked PAC — has “woefully underperformed” in serving to folks.
“He has performed very nicely for many who are already doing nicely,” Abrams informed reporters after a speech in Clayton in north Clayton. “However if you happen to have been struggling in Georgia, Brian Kemp has performed completely nothing that will help you transfer ahead.”
The economic system is also central in Georgia’s intently contested Senate race. Warnock couches many proposals as meant to battle increased costs, together with searching for a suspension of the federal fuel tax and worth limits on insulin. Walker focuses on rising home oil manufacturing and assaults Warnock as a rubber stamp for Biden.
See: Trump allies together with Giuliani and Graham may very well be compelled to testify in Georgia election case. Right here’s how.
And: Georgia’s 16 faux electors could face felony fees in election probe
In actuality, the economic system is “a blended bag,” stated Emory College finance professor Tom Smith. Georgia has file low unemployment and extra folks working than ever earlier than. Smith stated the worst of inflation could also be over. Fuel costs have fallen greater than 50 cents a gallon in Georgia throughout the month of July, based on AAA.
However Smith stated the economic system is wobbling and {that a} recession could have been occurring for months.
See: Weekend reads: Are we in a recession?
On McDonough’s courthouse sq., some voters stated Friday that they’re weighing the arguments.
Occasions are good for Keith Sweat, who owns an artwork gallery and framing enterprise. He stated his enterprise “skyrocketed” when the COVID-19 pandemic made folks concentrate on beautifying their houses, and hasn’t slowed down.
“Individuals ware cautious, however they haven’t stopped spending, and that’s uncommon,” stated Sweat. He stated he’s not aligned with both celebration.
Karen Denegall of Ellenwood was serving to her sister relocate her espresso store Friday.
She writes off fuel costs as attributable to the battle in Ukraine, however stated she’s feeling the ache of excessive meals costs. “What can we do to make groceries go down?” requested Denegall. A medical employee, she stated her personal funds are OK, however stated she expects some Democrats to defect to Republicans.
Kemp on Friday once more stated his choice to rapidly take away pandemic restrictions promoted prosperity. He pledged additional actions in coming months to assist voters.
He’s already pushed by greater than $1 billion in tax rebates and has suspended assortment of Georgia’s fuel tax since March, forgoing $150 million in month-to-month tax income.
Abrams has known as on Kemp to droop the fuel tax by yr finish and seeks one other spherical of revenue tax refunds utilizing billions in state surplus funds. She stated Democrats, together with Warnock, ought to get credit score for the “assets which have poured into the state” by COVID-19 aid, fattening its coffers and goosing the job market.
Abrams advocates a housing plan that she methods would enhance affordability. She additionally argues that increasing state-federal Medicaid medical insurance to all adults would cut back prices for Georgians.
Within the Senate race, Walker argues Warnock shares blame with Biden for each financial in poor health. “Why has my opponent not voted that we will proceed to have an economic system that’s going to be flourishing?” Walker stated at a current marketing campaign cease in north Georgia.
Warnock counters by highlighting his work in Washington that aligns him with “working-class Georgians.”
“Pay attention,” he stated not too long ago whereas campaigning in Atlanta, “I’m targeted on reducing costs for bizarre of us.”
Whereas Warnock doesn’t overtly embrace Biden, he touts the American Rescue Plan. Biden’s large pandemic-related spending invoice handed with none Republican votes and included a tax lower for lower-income staff.
“In case you’re going to present a tax lower — and I consider in tax cuts — you ought to present a tax lower to those that really want it,” Warnock stated.
He’s pushed his work on the so-called CHIPS invoice that handed the Senate this week with 17 Republican votes. The plan, pending within the Home, would jumpstart microchip manufacturing in the US, with Warnock emphasizing advantages for Georgia companies.
See: Chip makers’ shares rally as Senate votes to advance U.S. chip infrastructure invoice
Warnock additionally highlights Georgia initiatives in a sweeping infrastructure plan, proposals to decrease insulin prices for diabetics and his name to droop the federal fuel tax. Warnock unfurled the fuel tax proposal in February, forward of different Democrats together with Biden. In one other transfer displaying a fault line between himself and the White Home, Warnock emphasizes that he’s “pushing” Biden to be extra aggressive in forgiving scholar mortgage money owed. The president has stated he expects to decide on such assist in August.
Denegall stated she’s listening however is undecided proper now. “I’ve bought till November to see how issues are going,” she stated.
MarketWatch contributed.
From the archives (April 2022): Perdue casts lot with Trump stolen-election declare as he seeks to shut Republican gubernatorial major hole in Georgia with incumbent Kemp
And (Might 2022): Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp simply defeats Perdue in GOP major, will face Democrat Stacey Abrams
Georgia
This magical Georgia town is picked as a top Thanksgiving destination in the USA
Thanksgiving dinner costs are on dropping for second year in a row
For the second year in a row, the cost of buying Thanksgiving dinner has decreased, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Helen, a town in Georgia, has been voted as the top Thanksgiving road trip destination for families in Georgia. Helen has also earned a spot in the top 5 destinations in the country.
This was revealed by a recent survey conducted by Gunther Motor Company. The survey, which polled 3,000 families, aimed to uncover the most sought-after Thanksgiving destinations for a 2024 road trip.
The survey found that families are looking for a quick and memorable road trip that blends the holiday’s festive spirit with a rare moment to relax and recharge.
“The drive to Helen offers plenty of pull-offs and overlooks, especially at spots like Unicoi State Park, where families can stop for hiking or a picnic beside tranquil lakes,” the study wrote. “Helen itself is known for its Bavarian architecture, but nearby towns like Sautee-Nacoochee and Clarkesville provide additional scenic beauty and history.”
What are the top five Thanksgiving destinations in the U.S.?
- Hāna, Maui, Hawaii
- Ducktown, Tennessee
- Helen, Georgia
- Estes Park, Colorado
- Summerhaven, Arizona
What are the other Thanksgiving destinations in Georgia?
- Ranked No. 52: Tallapoosa
- Ranked No. 55: Clayton
Georgia
Georgia Labor Commissioner, and My Friend, Bruce Thompson has Passed Away
Multiple sources are telling us this evening that Georgia Labor Commissioner, Bruce Thompson, has lost his battle with cancer.
I first met Bruce Thompson when he decided to seek the 14th Georgia State Senate District to succeed Barry Loudermilk, which would make him my State Senator. He was straight to the point. No pretense. He knew a lot about what he knew, and wasn’t afraid to say he didn’t know about what he didn’t. I instantly liked him.
Originally from Montana, Bruce wasn’t shy about sharing how Christ had changed his life. He knew that his relationship with The Lord meant that he wasn’t perfect, just forgiven. And he regularly expressed his gratitude for the Grace of his Lord and Savior.
He was a devoted husband and loving father. He leaves behind his wife, Becky, and two adult children, Faith and Max. To meet his children is to understand the man, and he was very proud of them both.
In business, Bruce was a serial entrepreneur. He ran businesses that developed software, installed pool covers, and sold insurance among others. It would not be fair to say that he had the Midas touch because all Midas had to do was touch something to make it turn into gold. No, Bruce was successful because he worked hard to make everything he did a success. In fact, this is a favorite photo I have of him when someone was a no-call-no-showed on one of his work sites. He threw on some old clothes in the Georgia heat and went to work.
A couple of years ago Bruce took a bold step and announce that he was going to challenge a Republican incumbent in Georgia’s Department of Labor. Elected Republicans simply do not challenge other elected incumbents. But it was clear that change was needed at that department as COVID had exposed how bad things could get when an important agency isn’t run well. He came into that office with a sense of urgency those who knew him had come to recognize as a key trait of his personality and work ethic.
Earlier this year Bruce announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. And he decided to fight with all of the same spirit and determination that had come to define so much about him. And he did it with an up-beat and positive spirit. Not too long ago I texted him to see how he was doing. He responded, “Just rocking and rolling, brother!!! Jesus is in control, and I have a darn good feeling He isn’t done with me yet!”
As I look at the legacy Bruce leaves behind, those whose lives he made better through service to them, his wife, his kids, I think Jesus is going to continue to be working through Bruce Thompson for quite a while yet. No. Jesus isn’t done with you, Bruce. Not by a long shot. Not even now. Because of what He has done through you.
Farewell, my friend. I am better for having known you.
Georgia
Georgia Tech Football: Yellow Jackets Open as 20.5 Point Underdogs vs Georgia Bulldogs in Rivalry Matchup
After beating NC State on Thursday, Georgia Tech is now 7-4 heading into their Black Friday rivalry showdown with the Georgia Bulldogs. The Yellow Jackets have not beaten Georgia since 2016, but this could be the best chance that they have had to knock off the Bulldogs since then and if they were to win, they would put a big dent in the Bulldogs playoff hopes, though they would still have a chance to win the SEC.
It is going to be a big task for the Yellow Jackets though and at Fanduel Sportsbook, Georgia Tech is a 20.5 point underdog next Friday vs Georgia and the total is set at 54.5.
Georgia Tech played Georgia almost as well as anyone did last year. Georgia won 31-23, but the Yellow Jackets were an onside kick away from getting the ball back and having a chance to tie the game up. In 2022, Key had his alma mater within six points of the No. 1 Bulldogs (13-7) in the middle of the third quarter before Georgia finally pulled away. In each of the past two seasons, Key has had this team playing better against the Bulldogs since the last time the Yellow Jackets won in 2016. In 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021, Georgia handled the Yellow Jackets with ease, but they have had to fight for the past two seasons to put Georgia Tech away.
It will be a tall task though. Despite their losses to Alabama and Ole Miss, Georgia has one of, if not the most talented roster in the country and has not lost a home game since being upset by South Carolina in 2019.
Will Georgia Tech’s two-quarterback system work against the Bulldogs? It worked to perfection against Miami, but not so much against NC State. True freshman Aaron Philo played well and led the game-winning drive, but going into Athens as a true freshman and beating Georgia is a tough ask. Can Georgia Tech run the ball? They were able to overcome a poor performance on the ground last night, but they usually lose when they don’t run the ball well. The defense played great at times last night, but had a really bad fourth quarter and nearly let the game slip away. When Georgia has lost this season, quarterback Carson Beck has been a big reason why. Can Tyler Santucci’s defense force Beck to make mistakes?
They might not be able to beat the Bulldogs in Athens to close the season out, but this is without a doubt the best chance that they have had since they last won the game in 2016. Georgia Tech has relished being in the underdog role with Key at the helm and he is looking to pull off his biggest win yet.
Additional Links:
ACC Power Rankings: Week 14
Updated ACC Recruiting Rankings: Georgia Tech Has a Strong Grip On The No. 2 Class in the Conference
Bleav Georgia Tech: Instant Reaction To Four-Star Safety Tae Harris Flipping From Clemson to Georgia Tech
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