Rick Jackson agrees to gubernational debate

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — The two biggest heavyweights in Georgia’s nationally watched governor’s race are finally going to meet head-to-head.

On Thursday, Rick Jackson — the billionaire health care CEO whose entry into Georgia’s GOP gubernatorial primary has shaken the race to its core — agreed to a debate with Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, once thought to be a shoo-in for the nomination and even a favorite to be the governor’s mansion’s next occupant.

Jones himself challenged Jackson to a debate last week. Jones’ challenge did not include Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger or Attorney General Chris Carr, who are also running for Georgia’s GOP gubernatorial nomination this spring.

The Jackson campaign said the candidate will only participate in the Atlanta Press Club Loudermilk-Young Debate Series, broadcast statewide by Georgia Public Broadcasting.

The primary election debates for the U.S. senate, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, Public Service Commission and congressional district one, 10, 11 and 13 are set for April 26-28 at Georgia Public Broadcasting.

A Carr spokesperson said the attorney general is committed to attend the debate.

Earlier this year, Jones, with a sizable war chest and President Donald Trump’s endorsement, seemed like the inevitable Republican nominee for governor.

But that certainty crumbled after Jackson announced his candidacy in February, dumping more than $30 million of his money into television ads. That’s already more than any candidate has ever spent in a primary race for Georgia governor, with just over two months before the May 19 election.

Jackson has filed several lawsuits against Jones, one of which accuses Jones of “acting intentionally and maliciously” by accusing Jackson and his company, Jackson Healthcare, of receiving funding from Planned Parenthood and “helping doctors perform transgender procedures on minors.”

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The first lawsuit filed by Jackson against Jones was in federal court, aiming to prevent Jones from using funds in his leadership committee for his gubernatorial campaign. A judge had placed a temporary restraining order limiting his ability to raise unlimited funds, but that ability has been temporarily restored.

Earlier this week, the Georgia State Ethics Commission found probable cause that an organization behind millions of dollars in attack ads on Jones has violated state law.

On Monday, the commission voted 4-1 to find probable cause of lobbying violations, then voted 3-2 to find probable cause for three campaign finance violations.

The ethics commission said it would bring 10 disclosure and campaign violations against Georgians For Integrity. The commission will also launch an administrative trial against the group.

The attack ads have been airing for months on Georgia’s airwaves from the Delaware-based group. However, Jones claims Jackson is behind the ads.

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