(The Center Square) – When asked what policy decision he regretted during a debate of Georgia’s Republican lieutenant gubernatorial candidates, state Sen. Steve Gooch said he would end the campaign committees that allow top office-holders to raise funds during the Legislature’s session.
The Georgia General Assembly passed a bill in 2021 that gives the governor, lieutenant governor and House and Senate majority and minority leaders the authority to raise unlimited amounts of cash through what are known as leadership committees.
Gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson sued Lt. Gov. Burt Jones over his leadership committee. A federal judge issued an injunction and barred Jones from raising money through the committee. A stay was placed on the injunction, which temporarily allowed Jones to raise money from the funds. A judge denied Jackson’s motion to lift the stay and enforce the original injunction on Friday.
Gooch said during the Atlanta Press Club debate he tried to stop the leadership committee while he was Senate majority leader.
“I would make sure that gets stopped Day 1 to make sure that no one would be able to donate money to any leadership committee or other elected official while the General Assembly’s is in session passing laws,” Gooch said.
Sen. Greg Dolezal said that the leadership committees essentially “put the gold dome up for sale.”
“Why do you think we haven’t been able to fix that?” Dolezal asked Gooch.
“I think it’s the will of the leadership, the will of the lieutenant governor, the speaker and the governor, all three,” Gooch replied.
Gooch was a sponsor of the bill that established the leadership committees, Dolezal said. Another candidate, former state Sen. John F. Kennedy, is listed as a sponsor on the General Assembly’s website. Sen. Blake Tillery did not vote on the bill.
“I’m the only member of the Senate on the stage today that voted against the bill,” Dolezal said.
Gooch, Dolezal, Kennedy and Tillery were joined in the debate by state Rep. David Carter and Takosha Swan. Candidate Brenda Nelson Porter did not participate.
Clark said his top goal is to eliminate the property tax.
“And I know for seniors and disabled veterans, we need to eliminate it,” Clark said. “They’re getting crushed on the affordability of affording the property tax.”
House Speaker Jon Burns proposed eliminating homestead property taxes, levied by cities and counties, at the beginning of the 2026 session. Tillery led a Senate committee that proposed eliminating the state income tax. Lawmakers left without a bill to reduce property taxes, but passed a modified House bill that cuts the state income tax by 33%. The bill is on Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk.
“Did I want to cut it all? Yes. Would I take 33% instead? Heck yeah,” Tillery said. “Because we’re moving the ball forward.”
Swan said if elected, she wants to establish citizen councils.
“It’s time to bring the people into the legislative process,” Swan said. “Most of the candidates, I haven’t heard any plan about staying connected to the people when they become lieutenant governor.”
Early voting for the May 19 primary ends May 15. Candidates must receive 50% of the vote plus one to avoid a runoff, which is scheduled for June 16.
