Georgia Democrat Stacey Abrams made waves with her statement on Saturday at the Gwinnett County Democratic dinner when she stated, “I am tired of being told that we are the best state in the country to do business when we are the worst state in the country to live.”
Abrams is running unopposed for Georgia’s Democratic primary for governor. She will face the eventual winner of the Republican primary election which will be decided on Tuesday. Abrams’ statement received criticism from Republicans.
“Just before the 2018 election, a massive hurricane destroyed South Georgia crops. Abrams, in South Georgia after the storm, announced that people could ditch the agriculture industry and go get service jobs in Atlanta. It went over as badly as this will,” said radio talk show broadcaster and host of the Erick Erickson Show, Erick Erickson.
Abrams clarified her statement in a tweet, where she listed more problems she thinks the Peach State has.
“GA may be #1 place for biz, but we’re #48 in mental health, #2 in uninsured. #1 in maternal mortality & new HIV cases, #9 in gun violence. For too many, Kemp’s Georgia doesn’t include them. Why? Because #KempDoesntCare. As Governor, I’ll lead #OneGeorgia that’s #1 for all of us,” she said.
GA may be #1 place for biz, but we’re #48 in mental health, #2 in uninsured. #1 in maternal mortality & new HIV cases, #9 in gun violence. For too many, Kemp’s Georgia doesn’t include them. Why? Because #KempDoesntCare
As Governor, I’ll lead #OneGeorgia that’s #1 for all of us.
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) May 22, 2022
Several Georgia Republican Congressional candidates fired back at Abrams. “It’s clear Stacey Abrams doesn’t understand business. We are the #1 state to do business in large part BECAUSE people like living here. Can’t imagine that would have been the case (especially during Covid) if she were at the helm,” said Meagan Manson, Georgia Sixth Congressional District Candidate.
It’s clear @staceyabrams doesn’t understand business. We are the #1 state to do business in large part BECAUSE people like living here.
Can’t imagine that would have been the case (esp during Covid) if she were at the helm. #gapol https://t.co/Om0RlO5gQH
— Meagan_M_Hanson (@Meagan_M_Hanson) May 22, 2022
“Georgia is the best state in the country to live, to work, to raise a family, and to thrive. We are also a state that continuously looks to improve. Many folks are tired of Abrams’ negativity. We shall see exactly how many come November,” said Will Wade, House Representative for Georgia’s Ninth District.
“‘Living in Georgia sucks’ is one helluva campaign message in…Georgia,” said Republican strategist and CNN political commentator, Doug Heye.
Abrams’ controversial statement comes on the heels of a Georgia Star News report that revealed she sponsored legislation related to her private business interests.
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Addison Basurto is a reporter at The Georgia Star and The Star News Network. Follow Addy on Twitter and GETTR. Email tips to [email protected].
