Former Republican presidential candidate Steve Forbes campaigned with Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle on Monday, touting his plans to cut taxes and dismissing concerns that his stance on social issues could deter business investment.
Both Cagle and his July 24 runoff opponent, Secretary of State Brian Kemp, have faced criticism from business leaders for pledging to sign a "religious liberty" measure and supporting a move that blocked a tax break for Delta Air Lines after it cut ties with the NRA.
Forbes, the chief executive of Forbes Media, said lower tax rates will speak louder to businesses scouting Georgia. He singled out legislation this year that reduces the state’s top income tax rate from 6 percent to 5.5 percent this decade.
“There’s never enough tax reform. But you have to do it in a way that’s feasible,” he said. “Just keep knocking it down. And when people look at Georgia and see the tax burden going in the right direction, that bodes well for the future. It’s a trend line.”
His remarks came after a private meeting with several Atlanta executives, and they deviated from standard campaign trail fare.
While both Cagle and Kemp have pledged deeper tax cuts and tighter spending, much of their back-and-forth has revolved around social issues.
Cagle promised to cut taxes by $100 million in his first legislative session and to reduce the income tax rate below 5 percent. Kemp calls for a new cap on state spending and a review of all taxpayer-funded incentives that would pave the way to slash taxes.
The Democratic nominee, former House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, has slammed Republicans for supporting measures she warned would scare off prospective businesses. She would reverse the income tax cut adopted this year to help fund a Medicaid expansion.
Read more recent AJC coverage of the governor’s race:
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