The fighting in the Middle East is resonating half a world away in Georgia’s heated political races, as Republican candidates question their Democratic rivals’ support for Israel.
Democrat Jason Carter faces criticism from Gov. Nathan Deal and other Republicans over his grandfather’s controversial view on Hamas, the militant group at war with Israel, while Democratic Senate hopeful Michelle Nunn is pushing back against accusations that she doesn’t support Israel strongly enough.
The GOP contenders hope to cast their opponents as indecisive amid turmoil in the Middle East, even as they step up attempts to appeal to Jewish voters and evangelical Christians who hold Israel dear. Their Democratic opponents see it as a distraction from other pressing issues, and they question the governor’s own support for the Holy Land.
The political dispute may be little more than a blip in an election centered on issues closer to home, such as Georgia’s reawakening economy and the future of its public schools. But Republicans have been able to ruffle Democratic feathers by taking advantage of unscripted moments.
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