Georgia and the nationalization of state elections
When Barack Obama visits Atlanta on Friday, followed by Donald Trump in Macon on Sunday, the transformation of Peach State politics will be complete. Not too long ago, candidates here in Georgia stuck to local issues, particularly if they were Democrats burdened by the national, more radical version of their party. No longer. Georgia’s most competitive gubernatorial election in years has been thoroughly informed and powered by national politics. All public polls suggest a narrow margin when the votes are counted next Tuesday, and perhaps a runoff, with much depending on the showing by Libertarian candidate Ted Metz. Privately, the signals from both camps indicate momentum is swinging toward the Republican, Brian Kemp. Still, GOP loyalists seem more optimistic than confident.
