By Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher, GwinnettForum
MARCH 1, 2022 | Nine months out from the 2022 General Election in Georgia, let’s consider two large statewide political races, for the U.S. Senate and the governor’s office.
But recognize: this is an assessment made in late February. Many new circumstances can pop up in the next months that can dramatically change these long-range observations.
From the looks of it, Sen. Raphael Warnock seems to be taking the high road in his re-election bid, as you would think a minister of the Gospel should. Loaded with a campaign chest, he has been popping up on the television screen bringing thoughtful messages in a cadenced structure. There’s no hyperbole, only simple, straight-forward talks, something like a fireside chat.
Warnock
The overall understated impression: he’s in Washington working diligently for the people of Georgia.
We’ve seen few messages from Warnock’s opponent for the Senate, Herschel Walker. He seems to be campaigning from afar, raising money from admirers outside of Georgia. He’s also making large pronouncements on the state of national affairs, as if he were an expert on these vast subjects.
Walker also hasn’t addressed sufficiently various domestic and personal charges made against him, many from his home base in Texas. Without addressing these issues, there arises a doubt among voters about Walker’s past indiscretions.
The overall impression: Walker isn’t directly addressing the people with answers to topics, and seems only to be riding the coattails of Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Now to the race for governor, given in two takes.
Perdue
Kemp
First, let’s address the Republican primary (May 24), where Gov. Brian Kemp is challenged by former Sen. David Perdue.
Earlier in the race, it appeared that this race for the GOP nomination for governor might be a toss-up between two political factions. Senator Perdue was enjoying the support of President Trump, which might make a difference among Republican voters. But the ex-senator’s fund-raising support hasn’t caught fire. And he doesn’t seem to raise many reasons why the GOP should put their faith in him.
Overall: Senator Perdue’s campaign seems to be sputtering.
Meanwhile, Kemp, with his bully pulpit as governor, is in the news almost daily with positive stories. He seems to have come through the Legislature unscathed, and not only that, his war chest of funds is large.
Overall: Governor Kemp should be smiling. His campaign seems to be running smoothly.
But….this is only the assessment of what’s about to happen in the primary.
For the main bout will come in November. Right now it appears that the Republicans will be headed by Governor Kemp, who will face the probable Democratic candidate for governor, Stacey Abrams.
Abrams
Ms. Abrams reminds us at present of B’rer Fox. She’s peeking out from the pea patch, watching the two Republican candidates, not saying too much right now, and just waiting. Meantime, her effort to raise money is soaring, and her voter registration campaign is in high gear.
Come November, we’re thinking Ms. Abrams will take the gubernatorial vote, and return the Democrats at least to one elected statewide office. And with the power of the governor, this can be significant.
You may recall that getting a Republican as governor was the initial step in the Republicans taking over the Georgia Legislature. Time the first Perdue (Sonny) was governor, first one conservative Democrat after another recognized it might serve them better to call themselves a Republican. And almost overnight, the Republicans had control of the whole state.
Should Stacey Abrams win the governor’s office, we may see history repeat itself quite soon, with at least one house of the Legislature becoming Democratic.
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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