Rick Jackson Skips Georgia Gubernatorial Debate as Bottoms Takes Stage Alone
Republican Rick Jackson declined to attend Monday night's Atlanta Press Club gubernatorial debate, leaving Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms to answer questions alone as early voting opens Tuesday. Bottoms called him 'a coward.'
ATLANTA — Democratic candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms took the debate stage alone Monday night after Republican Rick Jackson declined to appear at the Atlanta Press Club’s gubernatorial debate, leaving her with the stage entirely to herself as Georgia voters begin casting ballots Tuesday.
“Rick Jackson is a coward,” Bottoms told reporters after the debate, according to USA Today. She said Jackson was willing to stand with President Donald Trump but would not face Georgia voters and answer unscripted questions.
Jackson’s absence broke a 32-year run of the press club hosting debates with both gubernatorial candidates. His campaign had signaled for months that he would not attend, telling USA Today on Sept. 1 that he would skip the debate and focus on more than 150 events across the state. A campaign spokesman called the town-hall-style event Jackson held with Atlanta News First last week “the debate for (this) election.”
The two candidates met in that town hall, taking questions from undecided voters. Most polls have them within the margin of error, and undecided voters are expected to decide the race. Bottoms has been endorsed by former Presidents Joe Biden and Barack Obama, while Jackson has Trump’s backing.
Bottoms makes her case alone
With no opponent on stage, Bottoms used her opening remarks to talk about lowering costs for Georgia families, restoring abortion rights, protecting voting rights, reining in data center growth and opposing Trump administration policies.
Jackson spent Monday campaigning across the state, according to USA Today, and is expected to appear with Trump at an event in Dalton on Friday.
Early voting begins Tuesday
Early voting in Georgia starts Tuesday, Oct. 13, and runs through Oct. 30. Election Day is Nov. 3, with a Dec. 1 runoff if no candidate wins outright.
Jackson was not the only Republican to skip the press club’s Monday lineup. In the District 3 Public Service Commission debate, Democrat Peter Hubbard debated alone after Republican Fitz Johnson declined to attend. Hubbard, who beat Johnson for the seat in a special election late last year, attacked his record on power bills from an empty podium.
Reporting based on coverage by USA Today.
