Political Rewind: GA judge blocks Biden's mandate; Nationwide attention on Georgia's political races

Credit: Eric Lalmand, AP

The Panelists:

Greg Bluestein — Political reporter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Chart Riggall — Reporter, Marietta Daily Journal

Adrienne Jones — Political science professor and director, pre-law, Morehouse College

Alan Abramowitz — Professor emeritus of political science, Emory University

The Breakdown:

1. Georgia judge blocks mandate for federal contractors nationwide

• U.S. District Judge Stan Baker issued a preliminary injunction Tuesday against enforcing the nationwide vaccine requirement.
• Baker's ruling falls in line with similar lawsuits filed by Gov. Brian Kemp, Attorney General Chris Carr, and six other Republican-led states.

• Under the mandate, millions of workers would have had to receive their final dose by Jan. 4, 2022.
• Morehouse College professor Adrienne Jones believes Baker's ruling doesn't prioritize having a healthy workforce in Georgia.

2. Nationwide attention on Georgia's gubernatorial race

• Former President Donald Trump continues to influence the Georgia gubernatorial race with his support of Republican candidate David Perdue. 
• However, as Alan Abramowitz points out, Trump's influence is not unique to Georgia.

3. Insight as U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath moves over to 7th District

Caption

U.S. Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux will face fellow Democratic Congresswoman Lucy McBath in 2022.

Credit: www.house.gov

• The new Republican-drawn Georgia congressional map sets up a battle between Democratic incumbent U.S. Reps. Carolyn Bordeaux and Lucy McBath.
• With little chance to win in the newly drawn 6th District, McBath announced she is planning to run for Bordeaux’s 7th District congressional seat.
• Greg Bluestein adds that the contentious race between the two Democrats for the 7th District could clash against the messaging of unity from Stacey Abrams and other top members of the party.

4. State Rep. Jan Jones continues to push for legislation that could ban obscene materials in schools

• Jones is the second-highest ranked Republican in the Georgia House of Representatives.
• In a recent social media post, she says she wants to protect children from obscene materials.

• At this time, what Jones defines as obscene materials is unclear. 

5. A bright note from Warner Robins, Georgia

• Mayor-elect LaRhonda Patrick makes history as the first Black woman elected in the central Georgia town.
• Here is what Patrick had to say to Morning Edition host Leah Fleming.
• Patrick will be sworn in as mayor on Jan. 1, 2022. 

Tomorrow on Political Rewind: We will discuss the lack of access to health care, investment and opportunity faced by farmers and small-business owners in Georgia's rural communities.