Political Rewind: Abrams moves to legalize gambling; Kemp to push tax breaks; Mar-a-Lago fallout

Caption

A row of gambling machines and players are seen. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams endorsed legalizing gambling in Georgia in her Aug. 9 economic address.

Credit: Pexels

The panel

Leo Smith, @leosmithtweets, president, Engaged Futures

Michael Thurmond, CEO, Dekalb County 

Rick Dent, CEO, Matrix Communications

Tanya Washington, @AskProfW, professor, Georgia State University 

The breakdown

1. Democratic candidate for governor Stacey Abrams tests positive for COVID-19. 

• Stacey Abrams said Wednesday she tested positive for the coronavirus a day after she delivered a major economic address to voters.

2. Stacey Abrams announced her economic plan Tuesday night, which includes legalizing gambling. 

• Legal gambling could face blowback from progressives and conservatives alike, but it may also enjoy bipartisan support from moderates.
• Abrams also intends to expand the HOPE scholarship to students with C-averages and add a need-based scholarship for students. It's one of the first big policy announcements she's made.

3. Brian Kemp is set to announce tax refunds from the state's surplus, capping his first term's economic policy.

• Previous incentives included $5,000 raises for state employees.
• Kemp currently has the benefit of political incumbency and is using it to focus on economic achievements.

4. While few details have been released on the FBI's search of Mar-a-Lago, conservatives nationwide have reacted.

• Little information is public on the search, but Trump's Georgia allies have been vocal.
• After several legislative successes, coverage of the search is now overwhelming policy wins, which could bode poorly in November.

Thursday on Political Rewind: Call us at (404) 494-0421 to record your questions for a special panel on the state's constitution. And sign up for Political Rewind's newsletter coming out later this afternoon.