GOP senate candidates make their case in Peachtree City as JD Vance pitches economic policy

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Vice President JD Vance addressed a crowd in Peachtree City Thursday

Credit: Sarah Kallis/GPB News

Vice President JD Vance promoted the Trump administration’s economic agenda during a visit to Peachtree City Thursday and pitched for Republican Senate candidates vying for a spot to challenge U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff. 

He praised the administration’s policies making 2017 tax cuts permanent and eliminating taxes on tips to an enthusiastic crowd of hundreds at the Alta refrigeration manufacturing facility. He also highlighted tariffs on foreign-manufactured goods.

“And that's what President Trump's economic policies are all about, my friends. It's the carrot and the stick. We want to make it easier to build in America. We want make it harder to build overseas," he said. 

Vance also used the the rally to take shots at incumbent Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, whom he called a "far left liberal." Ossoff is up for re-election next year, and several Republicans have jumped into the primary race to challenge him next year. 

Three hopeful challengers, U.S. Representative Mike Collins, U.S. Representative Buddy Carter, and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley warmed up the crowd ahead of Vance's speech. 

Dooley delivered his first public speech since jumping in the race earlier this month. 

"Just like we had an outsider as president come in, not accept business as usual in Washington, and deliver results, I think we need more of that in the U.S. Senate, and that's the approach I'm gonna take," he said.

Vance did not endorse any of the Senate candidates, who all pitched themselves as Pro-Trump. 

Meanwhile, Ossoff blasted Vance's visit in a news conference the day before. 

"I think that the Vice President is coming on a damage control mission, because defunding hospitals and nursing homes to cut taxes for the wealthiest people in the country is not popular here in Georgia," he said.