Politically Georgia

New polling sheds light on school voucher debate. Today on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia,” education reporter Martha Dalton joins the podcast to talk about anew AJC poll finding that a majority of Georgia registered voters oppose a GOP legislative measure to establish vouchers for private or home-school education. Dalton also shares what she learned when U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona visited with AJC reporters and others Tuesday.  Then, a look at another key result from the AJC poll revealing more than two-thirds of Georgians surveyed support Medicaid, which for the first time, Republican leaders in the Legislature are considering.  Plus, state Rep. Carl Gilliard, chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, joins the podcast to talk about issues it is supporting in the current session. And he drops some big news: The caucus is backing a measure to create a study committee that would be empowered to look at creating a possible path for reparations for Black Georgians.  Links to today’s topics: Georgians support Medicaid expansion Watch AJC conversation with Miguel Cardona  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 tomorrow’s episode.   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

As Iowa overcomes frigid temperatures, some flurries make their way to Atlanta. Today on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s “Politically Georgia,” Tia Mitchell joins the podcast from Iowa to report on former President Donald Trump's caucus victory and the roll Georgians played in helping him win big. And as she headed back to Atlanta, Patricia Murphy filed a report on her takeaways from Iowa.   Then, the hosts discuss the results of a new AJC poll on the presidential race in Georgia. At this stage of the contest, registered voters told pollsters they favor Trump over President Joe Biden 45% to 37%. And they say they’re very unhappy with the job Biden is doing as president and feel pessimistic about the direction of the country.   Plus, Tia Mitchell updates us on negotiations on Capitol Hill over passing a budget continuing resolution to keep the government open past this weekend.  Finally, Tamar Hallerman joins with a report on the court filing accusing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis of having a romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she hired to lead the Trump RICO case. And she shares a look at how Willis defended herself in a church appearance over the weekend.    Links to today’s topics: Trump wins Iowa handily AJC Poll: Trump leads Biden in early stage of race Filing alleges improper relationship between DA and special prosecutor Fani Willis defends hiring of special prosecutor  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 tomorrow’s episode.   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

 All eyes on are icy Iowa ahead of the caucuses there tonight. Today on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's ‘Politically Georgia’, Tia Mitchell and Patricia Murphy join the show to report on their adventures covering the run-up to the Iowa caucuses as sub-zero temperatures grip the state. Rick Dent offers insights based on his years of work as an adviser to three Southern governors and as a political consultant.    Then, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks publicly for the first time about the allegation that she is engaged in a romantic relationship with the special prosecutor she appointed to head the election interference case against former President Donald Trump. She calls the charges, filed in a motion by the attorney for one of Trump’s co-defendants, racist attacks.   Plus, on this Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Tia Mitchell discusses her profile of U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock, the inheritor of King’s pulpit as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church.  Links to today’s topics:  Fani Willis defends hiring of special prosecutor A profile of "Senator-Reverend" Raphael Warnock  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 tomorrow’s episode.   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

All eyes are on Iowa as frigid temperatures threaten turnout for that state's caucuses. On this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's “Politically Georgia” podcast, hosts Greg Bluestein, Patricia Murphy and Bill Nigut discuss what they expect to see from Monday's caucuses.     First up, state Rep. Scott Hilton joins the podcast before packing his heaviest winter coat and heading to Iowa to campaign on behalf of Nikki Haley. He says he’ll be a surrogate for Haley in a Cedar Rapids caucus site on Monday night, when wind chills could drop to 40 below zero. The AJC’s Patricia Murphy and Tia Mitchell will brave the cold to cover the caucuses and other Georgia elected officials who will act as surrogates in the nation’s first state to case 2024 votes.     Then, Gov. Brian Kemp’s State of the State address mixed his plans for spending a chunk of the state’s $16 billion surplus on education and infrastructure. But he also delivered a strong political message attacking dysfunction in Washington and President Joe Biden’s “failing” agenda.     Plus, the hosts answer questions from the listener mailbag and give their choices for who’s up and who’s down this week.    *Quick programming note: “Politically Georgia” will be live Monday on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will keep you updated on the latest from the Iowa caucuses. And we'll also touch on Dr. King's legacy as a great civil rights leader and Georgian.  Links to today’s topics: Kemp mixes politics with spending plans in state of state speech  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 tomorrow’s episode.   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

Gov. Brian Kemp provides a temperature check on the Peach State with his State of the State address. On this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's “Politically Georgia” podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Patricia Murphy and Greg Bluestein discuss what they expect to see in the governor's speech.     Then, the AJC's Adam Van Brimmer discusses the narrowing GOP field in the race for president. On Wednesday, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie ended his campaign. But it was not without controversy, as a hot mic moment revealed Christie’s real feelings about opponents Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis. But the pair remained focused on Iowa as they squared off Wednesday night in a CNN debate just days before the Iowa caucuses.    Plus, on this podcast edition of "Politically Georgia," we let you in on the bonus recording from Greg and Patricia's interview with Speaker Jon Burns. The duo gets the speaker's thoughts on Medicaid expansion, presidential endorsements and passing the antisemitism bill introduced during the last session.  Links to today’s topics:  Kemp dives into polarizing debates in election-year address Vocal anti-Trump candidate Chris Christie exits presidential race with hot mic moment PG A.M.: Speaker Burns puts legislative focus on the ‘politically possible’  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 tomorrow’s episode.   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

New allegations against District Attorney Fani Willis energize critics of Fulton County's election-interference case against former President Donald Trump. On this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Politically Georgia" podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Bill Nigut and Greg Bluestein talk with professors Anthony Michael Kreis and Fred Smith about the latest legal headlines.    First up, no evidence has yet emerged supporting a motion filed in Fulton County Superior Court alleging an inappropriate relationship between Willis and the special prosecutor she appointed to lead the Trump election conspiracy criminal case. But if it’s proved true, what impact could it have on the prosecution of the case? And what are the political implications for Willis, who is up for reelection this fall? Republicans are jumping on the charge to say it proves the case is purely political.     Then, a look at the federal civil trial brought by plaintiffs who say Georgia’s Dominion voting machines are vulnerable to hacks that might change the outcome of an election.     Finally, Greg Bluestein has a report on what Gov. Brian Kemp, state House Speaker Jon Burns and Lt. Gov. Burt Jones told a crowd of business leaders and others were the key elements of their agendas for the 2024 legislative session.    Links to today’s topics: Court filing accuses Willis of improper relationship with top election conspiracy case prosecutor GOP critics of election conspiracy case look to take action against Willis Voting machine case raises questions about security of Dominion machines Federal trial challenges security of Georgia voting machines  Governor Kemp unveils big spending plans for 2024 Speaker calls for elimination of ballot bar codes  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 tomorrow’s episode.   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

Vice President Kamala Harris touches down in Atlanta today. On this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Politically Georgia" podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Bill Nigut and Greg Bluestein talk with Georgia House Majority Leader Chuck Efstration about GOP priorities this session.  Then, moving to the other side of the political aisle, the podcast welcomes Democratic strategist Justin Kirnon. He discusses the importance of Democrats not only mobilizing Black voters to turn out for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign but also energizing young voters and others who made up the Biden coalition in 2020. Finally, the hosts discuss allegations that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis was romantically involved with the lawyer she hired to prosecute the election conspiracy case against former President Donald Trump. The claims were in a motion filed on behalf of defendant Michael Roman. It asks the court to dismiss charges against Roman and calls for the entire Fulton County DA's team to be disqualified from further prosecution of the case. So far, there’s been no response from Willis or her office.   Links to today’s topics: VP Harris is set to visit Atlanta on Tuesday Filing alleges improper relationship between DA Willis and top prosecutor in election conspiracy case   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 tomorrow’s episode.   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 Georgia legislature gavels in for 2024. On this episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut and Tia Mitchell cover the issues that are on lawmakers' plates this go-round, including expansion of Medicaid; a push to establish vouchers for private school education and an effort to pass the bill that would establish a definition for antisemitism.  Plus, Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has signed on to a legal brief supporting Donald Trump’s effort to have his name restored to Colorado’s presidential primary ballot. Hear why a number GOP attorneys general say keeping Trump off the ballot would lead to chaos at the polls.    Links to today’s topics: Legislature likely to get down to business quickly in election year Georgia joins effort to keep Trump on Colorado ballot  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 tomorrow’s episode.   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

On today's episode of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Bill Nigut, Greg Bluestein and Tia Mitchell talk with Georgia Democratic Congresswoman and Chair of the State Democratic Party Nikema Williams. Williams discusses her concerns that Republicans in the U.S. House don’t appear to have a plan for addressing key issues facing Congress in the weeks ahead.We also hear from Secretary of State spokesman Gabe Sterling, who talks about his ongoing concerns that election deniers will continue to cast doubts on the integrity of Georgia elections. And he shares his reaction to the so-called “swatting” incident that targeted his house this week. Plus, our hosts answer questions from the Listener Mailbag and then give us their choices for who’s up and who’s down this week.    Links to today’s topics: Bill seeks hand-marked paper ballots in Georgia polling places Georgia election official ‘swatted’ as hoaxes multiply   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.   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

On today’s episode of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut narrow in on the legislative session.  Up first, a heated election year might bring more changes to Georgia voting laws. The AJC's Mark Niesse explains a long list of potential election measures could be debated in the Republican-run General Assembly.   Then, on the other side of the aisle Democrats  Sen. Harold Jones II and Rep. Sam Park let us in on their agenda for the session.   Plus, all eyes are on Iowa as presidential candidates prep for caucuses in the Hawkeye state.    Links to today’s topics: Heated election year might bring more changes to Georgia voting laws  Have Georgia Republicans to stump for presidential candidates in Iowa  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 tomorrow’s episode.   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.” The AJC’s Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut discuss . Plus democratic legislative leaders give us their top priorities for the upcoming session.   On today’s episode of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Politically Georgia podcast, hosts Patricia Murphy, Greg Bluestein and Bill Nigut take a look at legislative issues from both sides of the aisle.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices