On Monday evening, Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson spoke to supporters at a campaign rally in Grovetown, Georgia, just west of Augusta.
Jackson was joined by Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp as he made jabs against the record of his Democrat challenger, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Kemp was first to take the stage and immediately spoke on the urgency of the race, saying, “We are in a fight for the soul of our state.”
After making some opening remarks to stoke the crowd, Kemp said, “It’s a familiar playbook from the other side: Bring in out-of-state politicians, celebrities to campaign for, raise money from their far-left donors, and pretend like they won’t try to implement their crazy ideas right here in Georgia if they get elected.”
He named policies that he said Bottoms will bring to the Peach State if she is elected governor, including “higher taxes, a busted budget, fewer jobs, and less money in your pocket.”
Kemp, who has been actively campaigning for Jackson, continued his speech: “I want to make sure our friends in the media who are here know that while Georgia Democrats and their allies from across the country talk about affordability, Georgia Republicans have been delivering results for the people of our state for the last four years.”
Next, it was Jackson’s turn to stir up the crowd and explain why he thinks voters should elect him to be Georgia’s next governor.
“During this election, I’ve talked a lot about why character matters. For me, those words are personal,” Jackson said. “ … Leadership is never about putting yourself first; it is about putting others first. The choice in this election is clear: it is purpose or distraction, competence or destruction, duty or dereliction.”
Jackson described his years of growing up as a foster child and tugged on some heartstrings, describing his first foster family, the Prices.
“They held hands, and they prayed. Immediately I said, ‘This is what I want when I grow up.’ For the first time, I saw what stability looked like. I felt what it meant to belong. That moment changed my life.”
Jackson spoke on the success of his work, saying, “Our success has supported scholarships for foster children, provided millions of dollars for charitable work each year, and opened doors for people who needed a fair shot.”
He also discussed how the position of governor should be treated, saying, “The governor’s office is not a prize; it is a responsibility and an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of 11 million Georgians.”
Next, he turned his attention to his Democrat opponent.
“Keisha Lance Bottoms looked toward the next opportunity while Atlanta needed her full attention. Even the New York Times reported she was fully not engaged in the day-to-day work of governing,” Jackson said.
“Taxpayers picked up the tab for [Bottoms’] first-class airfare and luxury car rides. That is not putting others first; that is putting insiders first.”
He also made campaign pledges, saying he would “disclose conflicts of interest and self-dealing and create a statewide public corruption unit” if elected.
Jackson continued, “I will lead the fight for term limits for politicians in both parties. As governor, I will cut Georgia’s income tax in half during my first term. We will lower property taxes and end hidden tax increases. We will eliminate the state income tax on tips. We will suspend the state gas tax when outside events send prices higher, just like they are now.”
On data centers, Jackson said he would work to require local approval of new facilities and ensure that centers don’t raise utility costs for residents.
On education, he spoke of the “Jackson Action Plan, which will focus on ensuring that Georgia students are able to read “at grade level by the end of third grade.”
“We will also raise teacher pay and give teachers the support and classroom discipline that they need,” Jackson added.
On public safety, he said it’s not a partisan issue but “a basic promise government owes every family, and the governor sets the tone.”
“There is not one priority more important for a governor than keeping you safe.”
Campaign Stop in Atlanta
Also on Monday, Jackson made his first stop on a statewide tour with Kemp in Atlanta. Both men similarly spoke about the importance of participating in elections, public safety for Atlanta residents, continuing the legacy of the Kemp administration, and more.
“This is all about getting the vote out. It’s time to go,” Kemp said.
Jackson likewise promised the audience that he would keep Georgia on the path laid out by the current governor.
“We’re going to build on Brian Kemp’s legacy and take Georgia to the next level. My opponent, meanwhile, wants to undo all that Georgia has done and all the progress we’ve made. We can’t let that happen,” he said.
Later, Jackson said, “What’s important to them [voters] is affordability, and the gas prices going up, and paying bills, and our property taxes, and so forth.”
Early voting began on Tuesday. Election Day is Nov. 3.
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[ H/T The Daily Signal ]
