Grocery taxes, Everton Blair and campaign spouses
We’re 60 days from the midterms. President Donald Trump’s administration is trying to overhaul mail-in ballots. But Georgia’s Secretary of State’s Office is advising county election officials to continue with existing procedures.
Now, here’s a look at some stories you might have missed this week.
1. Dollars and cents
“Follow the money,” Deep Throat supposedly told The Washington Post Watergate reporters (at least, he did in the movie.) We took his advice this week.
- Grocery tax: Democratic nominee for governor Keisha Lance Bottoms proposed a new law that would let local governments suspend or end sales taxes on groceries.
- Nurse pay cut: Nurses and other unspecified employees across the Grady Health System will see a 40% reduction in block pay rates beginning Sept. 26 . The higher rates were put in place during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Trump coin: The U.S. Mint is selling $1 coins with President Donald Trump’s face on them. U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach announced the coins on social media, saying “it was a privilege to help bring this idea to life.”
2. Power dynamics
Let’s check in on the people in power at the state Legislature, Congress and the courthouse.
- LG race: Georgia has a powerful lieutenant governor. But much of that power depends on if the Republican majority in the state Senate allows it.
- Congressional first: U.S. Rep. Everton Blair is Georgia’s first openly gay congressman. He was sworn into office Tuesday.
- Judge investigation: Congressional Republicans want more details in its investigation of an Atlanta federal judge accused of misconduct, including having sex with a high-ranking police officer in her chambers.
3. Political trends
Here’s a look at what’s driving politics in Georgia as the midterms approach.
- Campaign spouses: Politics columnist Patricia Murphy noticed Georgia’s top candidates are not trotting out their spouses on the campaign trail this year.
- Democratic socialists: More democratic socialists are poised to win offices in Georgia this year. The movement hasn’t had as much success here as in other places, but its influence is growing.
- Seven counties: In Georgia’s tightening race for governor, the result could hinge on the margins of seven disparate counties.
Looking ahead
Thanks for reading our recap of the week’s political news. If you’d like a daily update with all the insider analysis on the state’s politics, subscribe and then sign up for the Politically Georgia newsletter.
As always, you can find the latest politics news from Atlanta, Georgia and the South at AJC Politics and on our mobile app.