GOP governor candidate skips debate against former Biden advisor, replaced by empty podium

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms appeared at the Atlanta Press Club’s Loudermilk-Young Governors Debate on Monday night alone, as Republican nominee Rick Jackson declined to participate. An empty podium was left on stage to represent the absent candidate. While Bottoms used the televised forum to outline her policy proposals on Medicaid and housing, Jackson spent the day on a statewide tour alongside Governor Brian Kemp. Jackson defended his absence by stating that voters are more concerned with economic issues like gas prices than debates, while Bottoms characterized the move as a disservice to voters. The two candidates previously met for a town hall-style debate on October 6.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms appeared at the Atlanta Press Club’s Loudermilk-Young Governors Debate on Monday night alone, as Republican nominee Rick Jackson declined to participate. An empty podium was left on stage to represent the absent candidate. While Bottoms used the televised forum to outline her policy proposals on Medicaid and housing, Jackson spent the day on a statewide tour alongside Governor Brian Kemp. Jackson defended his absence by stating that voters are more concerned with economic issues like gas prices than debates, while Bottoms characterized the move as a disservice to voters. The two candidates previously met for a town hall-style debate on October 6.