Georgia lieutenant governor candidates debate taxes, economy and public safety

The two candidates running for lieutenant governor in Georgia debated critical issues for the state last week as the final days approach before the election.

Both candidates are members of the state Senate. Republican Greg Dolezal and Democrat Josh McLaurin will face each other in the polls Nov. 3 for the second highest position in the state’s executive branch.

McLaurin started the debate by illustrating the stark contrast between him and his opponent.

“Greg and I came in at the same time, but we have extremely different records. I actually have the bipartisan record. I’ve worked with Republicans in both the House and the Senate,” he said. “Greg is the Mike Collins of this race. He may be a state politician, but he is bringing MAGA and Trumpism to Georgia.”

When asked about the current state of the economy and the affordability crisis in the U.S., Dolezal turned to the work of the state legislature this past session.

“My focus is not what Washington, D.C., does. My focus is how we respond in Georgia, and just this year alone Republicans took the lead to lower taxes across the board,” Dolezal said.

McLaurin defended his decision to vote against a bill that would eliminate property taxes in the state.

“The majority Republicans, and Sen. Dolezal most of all, have been pushing this property tax lie that you can somehow eliminate all property taxes and still fund local governments,” he said. 

The two candidates also debated data center tax policy, public safety and funding for higher education.

Early voting runs through Friday, Oct. 30, and the last day to request an absentee ballot is Friday Oct. 23.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH8F5Y9y6HA