June 25, 2024
Correction 9:03 a.m. June 25, 2024: This file was updated to correct the name of Mike Welsh.
Good morning! We start today with this week’s unprecedented presidential debate. We then look at a U.S. senator’s fundraiser in Savannah and the unclear political future of Chatham County’s ailing sheriff. Finally, we look at some political news affecting Coastal Georgia that you may have missed. Questions, comments, or story ideas? You can reach me at craig.thecurrent@gmail.com
NEWS: POLITICS
Tuning in
Watch parties for this Thursday’s 90-minute debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump are being held across Coastal Georgia.
Glynn County Democrats are convening at SchroGlo Community Restaurant & Bar at 1305 Gloucester St. in Brunswick starting at 8 p.m. To RSVP, click here.
The Chatham County Democratic Committee, partnering with the Biden campaign, is holding a watch party at C&B Entertainment at 1057 US 80 in Pooler starting at 7:15 p.m. For more information click here and here.
As of last evening, local GOP organizations up and down the coast were still weighing their plans, with some Republicans on Skidaway Island gathering in homes and not public venues.
Wherever Coastal Georgians congregate to watch the debate, what they will see is, in many ways, unprecedented. Coming even before the Biden and Trump have been officially nominated by their parties, it’s the earliest such presidential debate in U.S. history. It’s also the first debate in which either candidate has participated in this campaign season.
Notably, there will be no live audience. The microphones will be muted when the other person is speaking. The candidates are barred from talking to aides during the two scheduled commercial breaks. And they’re allowed to have only a bottle of water, a sheet of paper, and a pen on the podium.
NEWS: GOVERNING
Ossoff comes to Savannah
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff faces doesn’t face reelection for another two years, but the first-term Democrat from Atlanta was in Savannah on Friday to attend a fundraiser at the home of Barbara and Charles Cortese on Gaston Street.
Two people who attended the fundraiser said Ossoff delivered a brief set of prepared remarks then fielded questions. What stood out, one said, was his candor. “He didn’t sidestep any question that was thrown at him,” she said.
Those who turned out to take Ossoff’s measure firsthand were, of course, inclined to support him in the first place. Still, one of the attendees told us, many were captivated by his performance.
As he addressed climate change, saving the North Atlantic Right whales, Medicaid, bipartisanship, and the importance of poll watchers and poll workers to ensure voter protection in the upcoming election, they compared Ossoff — as other supporters of the senator have before them — to a legendary Democrat. “He’s a young Jack Kennedy,” more than one attendee whispered.
Ossoff told his audience on Friday that he expects to face Gov. Brian Kemp for reelection in 2026. Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Loeffler has been mentioned as another possible challenger. And 1st District U.S. Rep. Earl “Buddy” Carter has already expressed his interest in running against Ossoff.
Besides Barbara and Charlie Cortese, listed on the invitation as hosts for the fundraiser were Susan and Stan Allen, Annette and Stephen Friedman, Rosemary Wiggins Mackey, Jason Rooks, Liz McFadyen, Luke Moses, Dr. Alicia and Andrew Shillington, Mitzi and Mark Toth, and Marti and Mike Welsh.
NEWS: ELECTIONS
‘Still serious’ but ‘improving’
Chatham County Sheriff John Wilcher remains hospitalized in a Savannah-area hospital following what his family described as a “cardiac event” two weeks ago.
In an open letter posted on Facebook last week, Wilcher’s family described his condition as “still serious” but “improving every day.” In the letter, they expressed their thanks for the outpouring of prayers and support Wilcher has received from across the area.
Wilcher, a Republican who has served as county sheriff since 2016, is seeking another four-year term in office and is scheduled to face Democrat Richard Coleman in the November. But how or whether he will now stand for reelection remains unclear.
Under Georgia law, any vacancy in the office of sheriff would be filled by the chief deputy sheriff. If that vacancy were to occur within six months of the end of Wilcher’s term — or July 1 — a special election would be held in mid-September for someone to complete his term.
In this case, the state Republican Party would appoint a candidate to stand in the election, presumably against Coleman, the Democrat.
The potential problem faced by election officials is one of timing, with preparations for the Nov. 5 general election already crowding the calendar. Would there be enough time to organize a special election, including candidate qualification, the printing of ballots, and the testing of voting machines?
Another deadline for elected officials to consider: If Wilcher completes his term but decides not to seek reelection, his name would have to be replaced on the ballot by about Oct. 7, the deadline for ballots to be completed. Otherwise, Coleman’s name would appear on the ballot alone.
NEWS
ICYMI
- Misusing campaign funds: The state ethics commission fined state Rep. Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah) $17,000 for misuse of campaign funds.
- Growing pains: With some communications issues, the Trump presidential campaign quietly opened an office in the Chatham County Republican Committee’s headquarters on Savannah’s south side. In attendance: 1st District U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter; Georgia senators Billy Hickman (Hinesville) and Ben Watson; (Savannah) and state representatives Steven Sainz (St. Marys), Ron Stephens (Savannah), and 1st District GOP Chair Kandiss Taylor.
- ‘Atlanta-centric party’: The executive director of the Georgia Democratic Party, Kevin Olasanoye, told Skidaway Island Democrats last week that he’s committed to building the party in Coastal Georgia and elsewhere across the state. “We cannot win if we are an Atlanta-centric party. We cannot win if we are a metro-centric party.”
- Literacy: House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) and state Sen. Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro) yesterday helped launch the “Georgia Reads Campaign” at the annual meeting of the Georgia Municipal Association being held at the Savannah Convention Center. The campaign is a project of the Georgia Council on Literacy.
- Mystery solved: The identity of the Savannah River bridge mystery mailer is revealed.
- ‘Tepid and token’: The Chatham County GOP derides .15 millage rollback by Savannah-Chatham County school board as “tepid and token.”
- ’40 Acres and a Lie’: Some Skidaway Island history published in “How 99 Black Americans Gained — Then Lost — Land on an Idyllic Georgia Island.”
We want to meet your friends! If you like this newsletter be sure to share it.
YOUR DAILY HEALTH NEWS
KFF Health News is a nonprofit national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues.
Georgia’s Black voters could be key as Biden, Trump vie for support ahead of Atlanta debate
There has been a concerted effort by the Trump and Biden presidential campaigns to woo the Black vote during recent efforts in metro Atlanta, other Georgia cities.
Want to run for office? There’s still a way to get on November ballot.
With petition signatures, independent candidates can reserve a spot in the November lineup.
Mystery man who campaigned against Savannah bridge replacement plan unmasked
Dulany has long advocated for a bridge or tunnel in an alternative location and has business interests downriver near another potential crossing point. He has also openly feuded with the state-owned ports authority over conflicts over his own development plans.
Ranger Hall of Fame set to induct Savannah man
Suddath grew up in Savannah, attended West Point before graduating from US Army Ranger School at age 32.
We want to meet your friends! If you like this newsletter be sure to share it.
Support independent, solutions-based investigative journalism without bias, fear or favor on issues affecting Savannah and Coastal Georgia.
You must be logged in to post a comment.