Georgia lawmakers and 2022 candidates yesterday took a break from the nearby Capitol to see and be seen at the annual Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition legislative luncheon at the Georgia Freight Depot. But this year’s event was a little different as FFC Founder Ralph Reed seemed to break from tradition and offered what appeared to be a strong endorsement for GOP U.S. Senate candidate Herschel Walker.
While all the other lawmakers and candidates addressed the crowd from a podium, alone on stage, Walker was invited to sit in a chair which had been placed on the stage. He was joined by Reed for a short question-and-answer period. During his introduction of Walker, Reed declared: “The Braves won the World Series, the Georgia Bulldogs won the National Championship, and Herschel Walker is going to win the Senate and go to Washington.”
Walker talked about his faith in Jesus Christ, and said it was the reason he was in the race to begin with. “Right now, we have a problem,” said Walker. “God is not looking for a politician, he is looking for a warrior… I am going to do what God wants me to do. I trust Him to deliver me where he wants me to do.”
One of Walker’s Republican Senate opponents, Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black, spoke before Walker and also expressed his strong Christian faith. But later when Reed declared that Walker would ultimately be victorious, it appeared Black turned the other cheek and went quietly into that good afternoon.
Other highlights from the event:
● Speaker of the House David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, said “Unity is a powerful force. That’s a message that has been passed down to us.” He went on to say that by working together Georgia lawmakers were able to “pass historic legislation to protect the unborn child, pass a strong elections integrity law, and this year we will expand the rights of Georgians under the 2nd Amendment.” Ralston added, “My only ask is that you pray for us to find the wisdom to stand together and do what’s right.”
● Former U.S. senator and current GOP gubernatorial candidate David Perdue also called for unity among Republicans: “We have to come together to win this governor’s race.” Perdue also said he was committed to ensuring that Georgia elections are secure. “This includes creating an elections Law Enforcement Division in the GBI and requiring that every statewide race be audited by a third party. This is bigger than me. This is about the future of our State.” He also opened his talk by proudly stating that he “is the candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump.”
● Gubernatorial candidate Vernon Jones reminded the crowd that he was now a “Republican” and is the candidate to defeat Democratic candidate Stacy Abrams.
● Republican Lt. Governor candidate Jeanne Seaver was the only candidate who mentioned proposed statewide gaming legislation – an issue that is sure to come up again during this legislative session. “I am the only candidate for lieutenant governor standing up against gambling, and I am standing alone.”
● Republican lieutenant governor candidates Burt Jones and Butch Miller also addressed the crowd on the importance of this year’s election— with Jones emphasizing his Trump endorsement..
● Georgia Governor Brian Kemp received a standing ovation as he recapped some remarks from his recent State of the State address and talked about Georgia’s strong recovery from the pandemic. “I am glad to be living in the great State of Georgia. We are leading the nation in economic recovery, and my budget calls for returning $1.6 billion back to hard-working Georgians… We have the strongest pro-life law in the nation, and I plan to sign Constitutional Carry into law after this legislative session… We have chosen freedom over lockdowns, we have stood up for law enforcement, we have made tough decisions because they were the right decisions… I believe Georgia’s best and most prosperous days are ahead of us…”
