Politically Georgia

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, a report from ABC News says Mark Meadows has cut an immunity deal to testify in Jack Smith’s federal case against Donald Trump.  Plus, how the Georgia Supreme Court ruling upholding the state’s abortion law could put the issue front and center in the 2024 elections. And, House Republicans shoot down yet another candidate for speaker, but they’ve got another ready to go. How Donald Trump may have helped sink Tuesday’s front-runner.Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today's topics: Two more Trump allies strike deals with prosecutorsGeorgia Supreme Court allows abortion law to stay on the booksSubscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell and Bill Nigut discuss the Georgia Supreme Court’s ruling that the state’s current restrictions on abortion will remain in effect.Plus, a fourth defendant in Fani Willis’ election conspiracy case entered a guilty plea. Attorney Jenna Ellis pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting false statements.And as Republicans in the U.S. House continue their scramble to elect a speaker, Georgia’s Austin Scott is eliminated from the running. There are continuing questions of whether the GOP conference will find a consensus on a candidate.Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to topics:Georgia abortion law to remain in placeFourth defendant pleads guilty in election conspiracy caseFrom The Hill: GOP whittles down speaker candidates Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis joins Greg Bluestein, Bill Nigut, Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy to discuss how far the guilty pleas of Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro can go in proving Fani Willis’ election conspiracy case against the remaining defendants, especially Donald Trump, Rudolph Giuliani, John Eastman and the Georgia fake electors.Then: It’s another day of déjà vu all over again on Capitol Hill as GOP House members still have no nominee for speaker of the House. Georgia’s Austin Scott has thrown his hat back in the ring. But he’s now just one of as many as nine other candidates. What chances does he have to win the gavel?Plus, Patricia Murphy points out how the chaotic speaker battle reveals that the MAGA wing of the party is undermining the traditional Republican Party in Washington and here in Georgia.And Greg Bluestein reports that GOP legislative leaders who want to us the new state commission set up to discipline district attorneys may not be able to use it against Fani Willis.Links to topics:Hallerman, Wickert, Joyner: Guilty please in election conspiracy caseTia Mitchell: Austin Scott running againMurphy: The week MAGA broke the GOPWhy a GOP bid to sanction Fani Willis may be DOASubscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.   Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The trial of Kenneth Chesebro, one of the 19 defendants indicted for efforts to overturn Georgia’s 2020 presidential election began with jury selection on this Friday, October 20. His trial comes almost 18 months after Fulton County DA Fani Willis began her special grand jury investigation of possible criminal wrongdoing by Donald Trump and other allies. Shortly following the recording of this podcast, Kenneth Chesebro agreed to plead guilty to all of the charges against him. AJC columnist Bill Torpy joins the podcast to discuss the irony he sees in Georgia Republicans attacking Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on humanitarian grounds for her alleged complicity in the conditions of the dangerously overcrowded Fulton County jail Plus, In his Oval Office address to the nation, President Biden’s promised the country’s full support to Israel in the war against Hamas, but also pledged humanitarian aid to innocent Palestinians who caught in the ravages of the war. Meanwhile Governor Kemp in a recent interview also gave full-throated support to Israel, but demurred when asked if he is concerned about Palestinian lives. It’s another example of how Republicans and Democrats speak very differently about the war. You’ll also hear about the threat against Georgia Congressman Drew Ferguson and many others proliferate as Jim Jordan refuses to give up his quest to become speaker of the House. And finally, we answer questions from our listener mailbag, which you can call into 24 hours a day at (404)526-AJCP, and give our takes on who’s up and who’s down this week.  Links to topics:Chesebro jury selection begins amid talk of plea dealTorpy: Has Willis turned Republicans into social justice warriors?Murphy: the week MAGA bropke the GOP  Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One day before jury selection was set to begin in the Fulton County trial of Kenneth Chesebro and Sidney Powell, two defendants in the sprawling Trump election interference case, Sidney Powell made the stunning decision to accept a plea deal. She pleaded guilty to six misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to commit intentional interference with performance of election duties. In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, Patricia Murphy, Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut welcome AJC senior editor Shannon McCaffrey, who has overseen coverage of the Fulton County election conspiracy case to the podcast to unpack the many implications of the Powell plea, which reversed her longstanding assertion she’d committed no wrongdoing. Plus, the Georgia legislature’s only Jewish member, Rep. Esther Panitch joins the podcast to discuss her reaction to President Biden’s visit to Israel and to explain how close to home the war against Hamas comes to many Georgia Jewish families who have friends fighting on the frontlines or others mourning the loss of those killed or kidnapped in the Hamas terrorist attacks two weeks ago. In the U.S. House, It’s déjà vu all over again. Tia Mitchel reports on the frustration members of the U.S. House on both sides of the aisle are feeling as Republicans continue the divisions in their own party that have prevented them from electing a speaker of the House.  Links to today's topics:Sidney Powell reaches plea deal in Trump caseJim Jordan falls short in second bid to become speakerEsther Panitch signs GOP and Democratic statements supporting Israel  Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has always been portrayed as tough as nails, willing to take on the most daunting individuals she thinks have committed crimes. She’s doing just that in prosecuting former President Donald Trump and a number of his allies, now indicted for attempting to overturn the results of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election. But at a closed-door fundraiser, Willis acknowledged that it’s not easy being the target of hatred and lies coming from supporters of the former president. Greg Bluestein shares exclusive audio of Willis's heartfelt comments on today’s episode.Also on today’s episode, an interview with Rep. Ruwa Romman, the first Palestinian-American member of the Georgia legislature, who says that as a legislator, she is trying to find a balance in how she responds to the vicious Hamas attacks on Israel and the devastating attacks now being launched on Gaza by Israel. Hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell will sit down for an interview with the legislature’s only Jewish member, Rep. Esther Panitch, on tomorrow’s podcast.Plus, at the time the podcast was recorded this morning, the U.S. House still had failed to elect a new speaker. As AJC Washington reporter Tia Mitchell says, “It feels like Ground Hog’s Day.” Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today's topics:WIllis: "There are some days I'm angry or hurt"More on Rep. Ruwa Romman                                       Jim Jordan aims for second vote to become speaker  Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price.  Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Late this week jury selection will begin in the trial of Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro, two of the 19 defendants – including former President Donald Trump – charged by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis with conspiring to overturn the results of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election. Powell and Chesebro exercised their right under Georgia law for a speedy trial, and so will be tried separately from Trump and his fellow defendants. In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, the AJC’s Tamar Hallerman, who has followed every step of Willis’ investigation of Trump and his allies, joins Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut with a preview of what to expect as jury selection gets underway with the trial soon to follow. Plus, Congressman Jim Jordan has the support of every GOP member of Georgia’s U.S. House delegation as Jordan pushes his bid to become speaker of the House. But does Jordan have the votes to win? AJC Washington correspondent Tia Mitchell shares her analysis as the battle gets underway on the floor of the House.And later, just what is Herschel Walker doing with the $4.5 million in unspent campaign contributions sitting in his campaign bank account? Contemplating another run for office? The former UGA football legend is remaining mum on the subject, which is leading to plenty of speculation among Georgia Republicans. Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today's topics:Powell and Chesebro win early trial dateGeorgia GOP Reps say "Jordan for speaker"Herschel Walker’s mountain of campaign cash   Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rep. Austin Scott, the senior member of Georgia’s GOP House delegation spent much of last week fuming over the GOP conference’s inability to elect a new candidate for Speaker of the House. And so on Friday, with Jim Jordan poised to be the only declared candidate in the race, Scott surprised his colleagues, the Capitol Hill press corps, and almost his own wife, and declared himself a candidate for the position. Scott lost to Jordan, but emerged from his status as a little-known maverick conservative into the national spotlight. The AJC’s Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein, and Bill Nigut look at the factors that led Scott to launch his last-minute surprise bid and where his sudden prominence could take him next. And Tia Mitchell evaluates the likelihood that Republicans will rally to name Jordan speaker this week. Plus, Governor Brian Kemp had his own moment in the GOP sun again this past weekend when he mingled with big wig Republican donors and leaders at their Sea Island, Georgia, meeting. Is Kemp laying the groundwork to run for U.S. Senate against Senator Jon Ossoff in 2026? The hosts weigh. And they look at the future potential aspirations of Brad Raffensperger, Burt Jones, Chris Carr and other state Republicans; and speculate on Democrats who may be considering stepping up for statewide races. You’ll also get a look at the split in the language Democratic and Republican legislators are using in statements of support for Israel in the war against Hamas. Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today's topics: What led to Austin Scott's surprise bid to become speaker?Austin Scott: A conservative with a maverick streakA sharp divide over Israel in Georgia House  Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The AJC’s Tia Mitchell, Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut talk with Homerville State Senator Russ Goodman, who was on a personal trip with his mother to Israel when the Hamas terrorist attacks broke out. He describes being surrounded by small arms fire and explosions and eventually made a harrowing journey to Jordan to get a plane back to the United States. And as Georgia political leaders rally around Israel, Governor Kemp announces he’s authorized the state to buy $10 million in Israel bonds to aid in the war effort. Then, Tia Mitchell and the panel look at the chaos that continues to roil U.S. House Republicans as Steve Scalise drops out of the race for speaker. Plus, our hosts answer questions from the listener mailbag and give their takes on who’s up and who’s down for the week. If you’d like to ask a question on the show, call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline. The number is    404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on next Friday’s episode.  Links to today’s topics:Kemp back Israel war effort with $10 million in Israel bondsGeorgia House members speak out on speaker chaos  Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House has adjourned without electing a new Speaker because while Majority Leader Steve Scalise won the GOP nomination for the job, he doesn’t have enough votes to win the gavel outright. In this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, the AJC’s Patricia Murphy, Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell report on the continuing split among Georgia Republican members over whether to vote for Scalise, Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan or a dark horse candidate. In the meantime, the House can conduct virtually no business. Plus, hear about the slippery slope that elected officials face if they show anything less than unequivocal support for Israel’s war against Hamas. Calls for peace in the region are being booed, and politicians are finding they have to be careful in how they express concern for the safety of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Finally, how film and TV industry executives are pushing back against state lawmakers who believe it’s time to reduce the lucrative tax credits the state offers production companies. Have a question for the show? Call the 24-hour Politically Georgia Podcast Hotline at 404-526-AJCP. That's 404-526-2527. We’ll play back your question and answer it during the Listener Mailbag segment on Friday’s episode.  Links to today’s topics:Georgia GOP House members on Speaker electionGeorgia leaders react to Hamas attacksFilm and TV executives defend Georgia tax credits   Subscribe to the AJC: If you aren’t a subscriber to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, click here to get unlimited digital access to the AJC at a special price. Listen and subscribe to our podcast for free at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also tell your smart speaker to “play Politically Georgia podcast.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices