Political Rewind: Georgia Elections Law Ignites Tensions Between GOP And Big Business

Caption

In this March 25, 2021, file photo African Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop Reginald Jackson announces a boycott of Coca-Cola Co. products outside the Georgia Capitol in Atlanta. Jackson says Coca-Cola and other large Georgia companies haven't done enough to oppose restrictive voting bills that Georgia lawmakers were debating as Jackson spoke.

Credit: Jeff Amy, AP

Friday on Political Rewind: When Nathan Deal became Georgia governor in 2011, some of his top priorities were economic development and enhancing the state’s business climate. He began commissioning reports and enacting policies aimed at building the kind of economy and culture that would attract businesses, big or small, to Georgia.

In the years since, state officials have touted Georgia as one of the best places to do business in the country.

But now, homegrown corporate giants are finding themselves in the crosshairs of the fierce partisan fight over the state’s new election law. Republicans are launching criticism of Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines and other companies for their statements denouncing new election laws that critics claim roll back voting rights in the state.

Meanwhile, voting rights advocates are demanding corporations go further in condemning what they call clear voter suppression or face boycotts.

So, how is the recent fallout affecting Georgia’s reputation as a state where business leaders and politicians can effectively work together? And if the GOP stands its ground on this issue, what is the future of the relationship between state Republicans and the businesses they have long courted?

Panelists:

Edward Lindsey — Former Republican State Representative

Ceasar Mitchell — Former President, Atlanta City Council

Maria Saporta — Founder and Editor, Saporta Report

Patricia Murphy — Politics Reporter and Columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution