Georgia Republicans take shots at Democratic presidential ticket

(The Center Square) – Republican politicians across Georgia are pushing back against Vice President Kamala Harris’ pick for the Democrats' presidential ticket, which she announced Tuesday.

Both congressional and state-level politicians made statements about why they see Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as problematic for the future of the nation.

“Tim Walz was the preferred candidate of Bernie Sanders and Ilhan Omar,” said Republican Lieutenant Gov. Burt Jones in a statement on social media . “He has been a stronger advocate for gender conversion than for law enforcement. He has abandoned Israel to appease progressive activists. He’ll fit right in with his running mate Kamala Harris, the most liberal senator in the country, but he won’t play in Georgia.”

Almost all Democrats in the state have been quiet since the announcement about Walz being picked.

Rep. Nikema Williams did react though, posting to social media “we have a ticket!! #HarrisWalz2024.”

U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde, a Republican, called out Walz’ role in the rioting in Minneapolis after the death of George Floyd in 2020.

“As governor, Tim Walz wouldn’t even protect his own constituents,” he said. “How can we expect him to safeguard the best interests of ALL of Americans?”

U.S. Rep. Mike Collins was quick to crack a joke after the announcement.

“The Walz are closing in,” he said on social media.

Clyde and other Republicans are also pointing out what they see as the Democrats’ “progressive policies.”

“Kamala Harris: ‘Everyone needs to be woke.’ Tim Walz: ‘One person’s socialism is another person’s neighborliness.’ Radical. Left-wing. Wrong for America,” Clyde wrote on social media .

For many Republicans in Georgia, immigration has become a critical talking point.

“Young American citizen, Lauryn Ni’Kole, would be alive today if she had not been killed by this illegal migrant, who had been ordered to be deported years ago but never was,” Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said in a statement . “The Biden Harris admin’s open border policies is killing innocent Americans every single day.”

Clyde added to those concerns.

“Under Border Czar Kamala Harris, at least 99 illegal aliens on the terror watchlist were RELEASED into the U.S,” he said . “How can Americans feel safe in their communities if she’s in charge?”

While immigration is important for Georgia voters, a recent poll from the School of Public and International Affairs Survey Research Center at the University of Georgia found that likely voters are more concerned with inflation and the economy.

Yet, immigration is just one issue that Republicans are turning to as the election nears.

“When you look at issues like the stock market, inflation, border, crime, education, and debt, progressive democrats are on the wrong side of every major issue facing America,” Rep. Rich McCormick points out .

Democratic U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson pushed back against Republicans, pointing to voter rights as a key issue.

“The Voting Rights Act transformed our nation 59 years ago, but the fight to protect the freedom to vote continues,” he posted on social media. “We won't let MAGA Extremists in Congress and on the Supreme Court put barriers to the ballot box.”