Georgia attorney general candidates clash over crime, reforms in debate

Several candidates in Georgia participated in debates last week, including for the Georgia attorney general seat.

Georgia Attorney General Democratic nominee Tanya Miller and Republican nominee Brian Strickland had a heated debate where they worked to set themselves apart ahead of the November election.

Miller touted her experience as a federal and Fulton County prosecutor saying that she would work for Georgia families.

“I’m a working-class kid from a working-class family,” she said. “When I am your next attorney general, we are going to crack down on violent crime from a place of deep experience, tackle the corporations that are ripping off families and keeping the prices of groceries high.”

Strickland highlighted his time as a state legislator and celebrated endorsements he has received during his campaign.

“At the same time, I led on criminal justice reform and mental health reform, and I stood up for working families, fighting for childcare affordability. I carried the bill that doubled our time for maternal leave in the state,” he said.

Strickland criticized Miller for her actions under the Gold Dome asking her to explain why she failed to pass meaningful legislation for Georgians.

“The truth of the matter is you’re in the majority party. The majority party controls which bills get heard, which bills come to the floor, and which bills get the opportunity to come before the public,” she said. “We don’t have rape kits being tested. We don’t have enough prosecutors in the office. We don’t have enough scientists at the GBI, so with all due respect to you, the chair of the Senate Judiciary and Appropriations, I think you should talk about what you’ve done down at the Capitol.”

Both candidates agreed that automated license plate readers need tighter restrictions and that Georgia’s open records laws should be enforced by the Attorney General.

Early voting has already begun, and it will end Friday, Oct. 30. After that, voters must cast their ballots on Election Day on Nov. 3. Absentee ballot applications are due Oct. 23.