Political Rewind: 'Critical Race Theory' In Schools As New Wedge Issue For 2022; Ralston For Senate?

Credit: Sam Bermas-Dawes, GPB News

Friday on Political Rewind: Is Georgia House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) considering a run for Senate in 2022? A meeting with Republican congressional leaders and recent social media posts about the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Raphael Warnock are leading some analysts to speculate Ralston might launch a challenge.

At the moment, there are no well-known Republican challengers in the race for Warnock's seat. We discussed the possibilities with our panel. 

Meanwhile, conservative leaders across Georgia are focusing their attention on a new issue: critical race theory in state curriculum. Gov. Brian Kemp yesterday urged the state board of education to take steps to assure that the “dangerous ideology” will not take root in state standards. But is this a problem in search of a solution? 

In Cherokee County, the superintendent of schools insisted critical race theory will not be taught in county classrooms as a school board meeting attracted hundreds of people angry about any effort to teach students that there is systemic racism built into American institutions.

Panelists:

Patricia Murphy — Political Reporter and Columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Sarah Riggs Amico — Business Executive and former Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor, Senate

Leo Smith — Political Strategy Consultant, CEO of Engaged Futures Group

Donna Lowry— Host, Georgia Public Broadcasting's Lawmakers