This week's forum in Savannah for Republican candidates for governor had little in the way of fireworks. But it offered a debut of sorts for businessman Clay Tippins, who entered the race weeks ago, and gave his rivals a chance to sharpen their arguments.
One of the biggest rifts opened when the candidates were asked about the Trump administration’s decision to allow new offshore oil and gas drilling in Georgia and much of the rest of nation’s coastal waters.
Many Georgia coastal officials have bristled at the move, and Gov. Nathan Deal recently expressed concerns about “opening up Georgia’s pristine coastlines.” Several of the candidates stuck to a similar line, not directly answering a question about whether they back the decision.
The exception was state Sen. Michael Williams, who is running as a Trump enthusiast.
“I absolutely support offshore drilling,” said Williams. “For over 30 years, Republicans have fought for offshore drilling. We now have a president, in President Trump, who is willing to fight for that. We have the opportunity to become a world leader in energy.”
Williams and Tippins are among five leading GOP contenders for governor. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, former state Sen. Hunter Hill and Secretary of State Brian Kemp were also on the podium. Two Democrats, former House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams and ex-state Rep. Stacey Evans, are in the running.
Credit: Greg Bluestein
Credit: Greg Bluestein
At the Savannah debate, Williams also tried to highlight a split over the big news of the week – Amazon’s decision to put Georgia on its short list of 20 finalists for its second headquarters.
Deal said he would call a special session to let lawmakers hash out incentives for the project if Georgia lands in the top three, and idea that most of the other contenders have applauded. Williams, though, had a word of caution over the idea of giving incentives that could top $1 billion to Amazon.
“We do not need to give our taxpayer money to Amazon to come to Georgia. if they want to come to Georgia because they want to be here, by all means come,” he said.
For Tippins, a former Navy SEAL who joined the crowded field in mid-November, the forum was one of his first chances to share the stage with other GOP contenders.
He spoke of his plan to bolster third-grade education, citing statistics that show “third grade reading is the best indicator for how many prison beds we’re going to need.” He stressed the need for new protections to prevent opioid abuse. And he highlighted his business background.
“When you go in and vote, if what you’re looking for in your ballot is more status-quo experience, people who have been in office for a while, I’m not the guy,” he said, adding: “This is not one more step up the ladder. This is the mission I’m taking, because I have the right skillset.”
Some other highlights:
Kemp on entitlements: "Everyone’s sick and tired of government entitlements. There are less and less people like you all, and myself, that are paying people to sit at home and not work.”
Cagle on casino proposals: “I see no real valuable use for casinos, whether it’s on the coast or whether it’s in Atlanta.”
Hill on Georgia’s budget: “We have to reduce the size and scope of government and we have to start funding the core competencies of government. Career politicians have these mush-mouthed answers about the income tax ... We are among the highest in the Southeast. And we’re at a competitive disadvantage.”
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