GA Senate candidates make final push in Augusta

U.S. Senate candidates Jon Ossoff, Rev. Raphael Warnock and Kelly Loeffler made appearances in Augusta on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)

By Rakiyah Lenon | Managing editor

One day before the runoff election, three of the four senate candidates in the state of Georgia made stops in Augusta to campaign.

Democratic candidates Jon Ossoff and Rev. Raphael Warnock visited Augusta Monday morning to rally voters in the CSRA a final time before election day Tuesday.

Incumbent Republican Senator Kelly Loeffler also arrived in Augusta Monday afternoon to campaign in the city before the runoff.

Ossoff is running for Sen. David Perdue’s seat while Rev. Warnock is hoping to replace the Sen. Loeffler.

Ossoff and Warnock made a final push to supporters in Augusta on Monday in the Robert Howard Community Center parking lot at Diamond Lakes Park. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)

Ossoff and Warnock each arrived that morning with their bus tours.

Ossoff gave remarks to the crowd and spoke about his plans if he were elected.

“…It’s about the future that we build together, and this future should be defined by our commitment to health, and jobs and justice for the people,” he said.

He continued to speak about his what he would do as a senator.

“Augusta, you deserve senators who have your backs not just when it’s almost time to answer to the people but all times”, said Ossoff.

“Think about how far we’ve come in the American South,” Ossoff added.

Warnock then took the stage to speak to the gathered audience.

“We are standing together in this defining moment in American history and the state of Georgia is at the center of the conversation,” he said.

He spoke on the record voter turnout in the state and urged the crowd to vote.

“I’ve got a feeling that Augusta is going to show up in an amazing way,” he added.

Augusta Mayor Hardie Davis showed support for the candidates the event.

Daniel Blackman, who is running for Georgia Public Service commission also voiced remarks at the rally.

He spoke on his plans for lower energy bills by investing in renewable energy in Georgia in addition to providing internet to rural parts of the state.

“Expanding broadband in this state has to be a priority,” said Blackman.

DJ artist D-Nice provided entertainment to the gathered audience who came to view the candidates.

Sen. Loeffler spoke and answered questions from the press at Augusta Regional Airport at Bush Field Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

Later that afternoon, Loeffler was joined alongside former Gov. Sonny Perdue at a campaingn event. The former governor took the place of Senator David Perdue who is quarantining due to COVID-19 exposure.

Loeffler spoke about her plans if she were to remain a senator in a state.

 “We have to make sure that we have people in Washington being your voice. That’s David Perdue and I,” she said.

When asked how her she felt work as a senator would impact future generations, Loeffler responded “It’s about protecting those opportunities for every Georgian to live the American dream,” she said.

“…that economic opportunity–that ladder that pulls everyone up, I want that for every single Georgian,” she added.

Former Gov. Perdue appeared with Sen. Loeffler Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

The former governor addressed his reasons for endorsing the two incumbent senators.

“[Loeffler, Perdue] They’re running because their heart is for America. Their heart is for Georgia. They want to serve Georgians,” he said.

While former Gov. Perdue spoke, he answered a phone call from Sen. Perdue.

On speaker, Sen. Perdue spoke on behalf of Loeffler and thanked the crowd for supporting the candidates.

“I am so proud to be running alongside Kelly Loeffler. She’s a rock star in the Senate. We’ve been fighting hard here to make sure the people in Georgia know what’s at stake,” he said.

“I so appreciate you guys coming out to Augusta,” he added.

Voters will have the choice to decide who takes the senate seats on Tuesday, Jan. 5 2021. (photos by Rakiyah Lenon)            

Augusta experienced record-breaking early-voter turnout days before the official election day on January 5th.