Political Rewind: Qualifying week comes to an end as campaigns look ahead; Crossover Day next week

Credit: Riley Bunch, GPB News

The panel:

Dr. Andra Gillespie — Professor of political science and director, James Weldon Johnson Institute for the study of Race and Difference, Emory University

Dr. Karen Owen — Professor of political science and director, Thomas B. Murphy Center for Public Service, University of West Georgia

Rene Alegria — CEO, Mundo Hispanico Digital

The breakdown:

1. Gov. Brian Kemp makes his reelection bid official.

• The incumbent governor filed paperwork for his gubernatorial run yesterday at the state Capitol.
• The qualifying period began Monday and required Georgia officials seeking election to file paperwork at the state Capitol.
  • Friday at noon was the deadline to qualify.

• As he filed paperwork, Gov. Brian Kemp made no mention of Republican primary challenger David Perdue. He instead focused criticism on Democrat Stacey Abrams.

2. Crossover Day is next Tuesday in the Georgia General Assembly. It is the last day for bills to pass at least one legislative chamber.

• Recent movement is seen on several bills as the lawmakers approach the deadline.
• Among bills announced this week is a "Don't Say Gay" bill, mirroring similar legislation in Florida. 
  • The bill would ban discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in Georgia private schools.
• Lawmakers in the state House passed an income tax break for Georgian worth $1 billion.
  • If made into law, the bill would replace the state’s graduated income tax rate system with a flat tax. 

3. Andy Young celebrates his 90th birthday.

• The civil rights icon has led a remarkable career as a preacher, congressman, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and mayor of Atlanta.
• Listen in to a conversation between host Bill Nigut and Young where they discussed life, faith and Young's last words with Martin Luther King Jr.

Monday on Political Rewind:

State Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver joins the panel as we break down the weekend's news.