Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan announces he won’t be running for reelection

Featured News, Featured Stories, News, State & National
Geoff Duncan

ATLANTA – Earlier today, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan released a statement on his decision to not run for reelection. He plans to focus on forging a new version of the Republican Party.

Duncan’s political energy will go toward the organization GOP 2.0. The group seeks to reform the Republican Party through policy, empathy, and tone, or PET for short.

“It always feels coldest right before the sun rises. I believe that is the exact moment in time the Republican Party is caught in right now, and I am committed to being a part of creating those better days ahead for our conservative party all across this country.  The national events of the last six months have deeply affected my family in ways I would have never imagined when I first asked for their support to run for Lieutenant Governor in 2017.  Through all of the highs and lows of the last six months they have never left my side and are once again united behind me in my pursuit of a better way forward for our conservative party – a GOP 2.0.

Today, I am announcing that I will not be seeking reelection for a second term as Lieutenant Governor.  It is truly an honor to serve as Lt. Governor and I have no intention of slowing down on my policy over politics platform. The people of Georgia elected me to serve four years and I will give them nothing less.  I look forward to working with the Senate during the upcoming Redistricting special session this fall and the 2022 legislative session starting in January.  Our office will continue to go to work each and every day looking for ways to positively affect the lives of all 11 million Georgians.

In the coming months, I will begin transitioning a majority of my political energy toward helping to build out an organization called GOP 2.0 on a national level.  This organization will focus on healing and rebuilding a Republican Party that is damaged but not destroyed through a strategy called P.E.T. Project.  GOP 2.0 will work hard every day reminding Americans the value of conservative Policies through genuine Empathy and a respectful Tone. This effort will no doubt be challenging but well worth it because both this country and this Party deserve better.”

Duncan supported the election results in November 2020 and earned the ire of former President Donald Trump (R) as well as his supporters.

Trump already endorsed Congressman Jody Hice (R) in his bid against incumbent Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R). He’s likely to find to endorse candidates in the Lt. Governor and Governor’s race too.

Duncan’s decision and Trump’s involvement in Georgia politics speak to the divide within the current Republican Party. It’s unclear which direction will prevail. However, Wyoming Congresswoman Liz Cheney (R) lost her leadership position in part because she wasn’t “towing the party line.”

She chose to continue to speak out about Trump and “the big lie” about the 2020 election, a narrative that many Republicans continue to believe.

Predominately, Republicans are choosing to stand by Trump for the time being.

With Duncan out of the race, the talk will turn to who will decide to run. Several Georgia GOP legislators might be weighing their options. Jeanne Seaver of Savannah announced her campaign previously.

On the Democrat side, State Representative Derrick Jackson (Fayette – D) announced in April and State Representative Erick Allen (Smyrna – D) announced in March.

Kemp issues 1,000 bonus for state employees

Featured Stories, News, Politics

ATLANTA, Ga. – On February 10, Governor Brian Kemp announced plans to pay nearly 60,000 state employees a one-time bonus of $1,000.

Speaker David Ralston (R – Blue Ridge), flanked by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan (R) and other lawmakers, said that the proposal was actually an extension to Kemp’s plan outlined in the State of the State speech last month.

“We wanted to extend that $1,000 bonus beyond our teachers to many of our frontline state employees who have also served our citizens through the worst days of this pandemic,” said Ralston.

Kemp reiterated that this bonus couldn’t come at a better time for many families that struggled through the pandemic.

Georgia State Capitol

“Our state employees have worked incredibly hard despite a global pandemic.  They have been going above and beyond the call of duty to deliver essential services to our most vulnerable, keeping our businesses open and delivering financial assistance to those who quite honestly many days were losing hope,” said Kemp.  “Like so many hardworking Georgians, they juggled jobs and school and the new normal for their kids and their families like we all have and to those of [you] here today we just simply cannot thank you enough.”

Much of the flexibility that allows Georgia to have an opportunity to propose legislation like this comes from the federal CARES Act passed by Congress and a 6.1% increase in state revenue compared to this time last year.

In total, $59 million will be set aside to cover the bonuses.

Not all state employees will be eligible. Those making over $80,000 a year or who work for the Board of Regents may not see these bonuses.

State law still requires that both the House and Senate have to agree on the proposed amendment before it moves to the Governor’s desk.

“Un-American”: Kemp, Ralston, Duncan condemn violence at the Capitol

Featured News, Featured Stories, News
Kemp Capitol

ATLANTA, Ga – Georgia Republican Leaders Governor Brian Kemp, Speaker of the House David Ralston, and Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan spoke out against the violence in the United States Capitol.

Kemp called the actions of the extremists “un-American” and a “disgrace.” He commented on the peaceful protests that took place in Georgia over the summer, but “we did not allow anarchy and we certainly will not allow that now.”

He condemned those breaking into government buildings and berating police officers. The governor also alluded that a special session in Georgia would have ended in similar violence and denounced Rudy Guiliani for his “trial by combat” comments.

Duncan asked Trump to clearly instruct his supporters to leave DC.

Kemp extended the National Guard executive order as well.

Duncan “strongly and vehemently condemned the rioting and violence at the U.S. Capitol and other places across this country.” He asked President Donald Trump to deliver clear instructions to those in Washington DC and tell them to peacefully leave the Capitol. As for Georgians, Duncan implored them to “put down their differences, their partisanship, and pick up their freedom.”

Speaker Ralston called it a “sad day.”

“The shocking images we have seen from our nation’s Capitol today are indefensible, un-American, and frankly heartbreaking. I stand here with our governor, out lt. governor, and the support of the members of the General Assembly to condemn in the strongest possible terms these acts of lawlessness,” Ralston stated.

He remarked that the loss of an election isn’t a reason to “jeopardize” the safety of other citizens and reminded everyone that “we are one nation under God.”

Kemp added that they are looking into increased safety protocols ahead of the legislative session which begins on Monday.

Ralston spoke for the entire General Assembly to disavow today’s actions.

“We will move forward together working on the things that really matter to the people of our state,” Kemp ended.

Earlier today, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and staff were evacuated from their offices because of threats.

One woman was shot to the chest at the Capitol and the streets in DC continue to be filled with people. At this time, capitol police and other officers are working to clear out the Capitol. Some senators and representatives are hopeful they will return to Congress tonight.

April 27 to be a day of prayer for Georgia as fight against COVID-19 continues

Press Release
severe day of prayer

Atlanta, GA – On Monday, April 27, Governor Brian P. Kemp will join Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan, Speaker David Ralston, and faith leaders from across Georgia in holding a Day of Prayer service in the rotunda of the Georgia State Capitol at 10:00 a.m. As the state continues to battle COVID-19, Kemp, Duncan, and Ralston are calling on all Georgians and members of the faith community around the state to participate by posting videos of their prayers on social media throughout the day.

“Our unprecedented battle with COVID-19 has proven the resolve of the people of Georgia to fight hard, come together, and do what is necessary to stop the spread of the virus,” said Governor Kemp. “While we cannot all be together right now, we can join with one another in prayer for our frontline healthcare workers, first responders, law enforcement, business owners, local leaders, and fellow Georgians as we continue the important work of fighting COVID-19 and safely reopening our state. On Monday, I am calling on all Georgians to participate in our Day of Prayer by posting on social media and showing their support for their fellow citizens.”

“COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on countless lives across our state and nation. In the midst of tremendous loss, uncertainty, and anxiety, I look forward to joining together in prayer,” said Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan. “Faith and prayer are a comfort to millions of Georgians, and whatever your background, I hope Monday will be a chance for us to focus on those who are hurting and seek wisdom for the hard road ahead.”

“I’m very proud of the response to this crisis by our state government and local and federal partners as well as healthcare workers and frontline personnel,” said Speaker David Ralston. “In such trying times, it is appropriate that we come together to pray for those battling this disease and its impact as well as those who have tragically lost loved ones. I join with Governor Kemp, Lt. Governor Duncan, and all Georgians in praying for the mercy and comfort of our Lord as we look forward to brighter days ahead.”

To ensure adherence to social distancing guidelines, the Day of Prayer service will not be open to the general public. Georgians are encouraged to participate via livestream at www.facebook.com/GovKemp at 10:00 a.m.

Kemp, Duncan, Ralston announce plans to extend Public Health State of Emergency

Press Release, State & National
public health emergency

Atlanta, GA – Today Governor Brian P. Kemp, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, and House Speaker David Ralston announced plans to extend Georgia’s public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020, to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Under state law, the Governor may renew the public health state of emergency, which was otherwise set to expire on April 13, 2020. Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston agree it is necessary for the public health emergency to be renewed and will not be requesting a special legislative session, which was tentatively scheduled for April 15, 2020.

“To ensure the health and well-being of Georgians, I will extend the public health state of emergency through May 13, 2020. This measure will allow us to continue to deploy resources to communities in need, lend support to frontline medical providers, and keep preparing as we brace for potential patient surge in our healthcare facilities. We deeply appreciate the hard work of Georgians who are sheltering in place, using social distancing, and helping us flatten the curve. We are in this fight together,” said Governor Kemp. “I appreciate Lt. Governor Duncan and Speaker Ralston continuing to work with us to ensure resources are available to proactively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I thank them for their support of an extended emergency declaration. In these unprecedented times, we ask Georgians for their continued patience and prayers, especially for first responders, law enforcement, and the healthcare workers caring for the medically fragile. They are going above and beyond to keep us all safe, and we will never be able to repay them for their sacrifices.”

“We must continue our aggressive fight against COVID-19,” said Lt. Governor Duncan. “By extending the public health state of emergency, we can ensure Georgians have access to every available state resource during this crisis. Together, Speaker Ralston and I are working closely with Governor Kemp to do all we can to make sure we are meeting the needs of every Georgian. The General Assembly will continue to remain vigilant and available to assist our citizens in any way possible.”

“The entirety of our state government is working to protect the health and safety of our citizens, and I appreciate the work of our state personnel and first responders during this challenging time,” said Speaker David Ralston. “While we have difficult days ahead, we continue to coordinate with both local and federal partners in responding to needs as they arise. As Georgians, we will persevere and emerge stronger on the other side.”

Georgia Can’t Trust A Liar Like Geoff Duncan – Details on Geoff Duncan’s Lies

Featured, Politics

Geoff Duncan is lying about David Shafer. Every day, he is pushing a new lie to try and deceive Georgia Republicans. Don’t be fooled — Duncan will say and do anything to get elected. See below why we can’t trust a liar like Geoff Duncan.

Lie #1

Duncan maliciously lies, saying Shafer is being sued for conspiracy.

THE TRUTH:

The newspaper headline in the Duncan advertisement (“Candidate accused of conspiracy in CEO’s ouster”) refers to a lawsuit filed against another candidate, former gubernatorial candidate Clay Tippins.

Shafer is not named as a defendant or accused of wrongdoing in the Tippins lawsuit. In fact, David Shafer has never been named as defendant in any lawsuit.

Lie #2

Duncan lies by accusing David Shafer of not paying taxes.

THE TRUTH:

Shafer’s tax dispute was resolved in his favor and the tax lien issued against him was marked “issued in error and withdrawn.”

Lie #3

Duncan lies, claiming Shafer used political power to end an ethics investigation.

THE TRUTH:

David Shafer was completely exonerated by a two month, bipartisan ethics investigation.

Shafer cooperated fully. He sat for two interviews and produced 10 years of email and telephone records.

The independent counsel hired by the Ethics Committee to investigate the complaint determined that the allegations had been “fabricated” and were “politically motivated.”

Lie #4

Duncan falsely accuses Shafer of getting rich as a State Senator.

THE TRUTH:

David Shafer has worked his entire life. He opened his first bank account at age 8 with money saved from mowing lawns. He worked as a church janitor at age 13 and a restaurant busboy at age 16. He worked his way through college as a department store sales clerk. After college, he earned his real estate license and invested in real estate and he has invested in and started numerous businesses. Shafer is proud of his business success.

Georgia Can’t Trust A Liar Like Geoff Duncan.

Sign up now for more updates at Deceptive Duncan

 

State Republicans will now move to a July Runoff

Election 2018, Politics
Georgia, May Primary Election 2018, General Election 2018, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Sarah Riggs Amico, Triana Arnold James, David Shafer, Geoff Duncan, Stacey Abrams, Stacey Evans, Brian Kemp, Casey Cagle, David Belle Isle, Brad Raffensperger, John Barrow, Dee Dawkins-Haigler, Rakeim Hadley, Democrat, Republican, General Primary Runoff, July 2018

Front-runner Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle will face Secretary of State Brian Kemp in General Primary Runoff.

BLUE RIDGE, Ga. – The Georgia Gubernatorial Race has heated up as Lt. Governor Casey Cagle will now face Secretary of State Brian Kemp in the July General Primary Runoff.

Cagle and Kemp emerged as front runners in the General Primary, with Cagle showing a slight edge over Kemp by receiving 39 percent of the votes (227,170 total votes). Kemp was not far behind having received 26 percent or 150,051 total votes.

The two candidates will move forward in a 9 week runoff and the winner of this race will move on to face Democrat Stacey Abrams in the Nov. General Election.

Abrams won, receiving 76 percent of the votes (373,829 total votes), over fellow democratic party candidate Stacey Evans.

While a Republican runoff was anticipated in the Georgia Gubernatorial race, other state elections saw similar fates.

Georgia Lieutenant Governor front-runner David Shafer fell shy of a clear win. Shafer pulled in a majority of the votes, 256,230 in total, but this was not enough to avoid a runoff. With Shafer only claiming 49%, he will now face Geoff Duncan in July.

Georgia, May Primary Election 2018, General Election 2018, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Sarah Riggs Amico, Triana Arnold James, David Shafer, Geoff Duncan, Stacey Abrams, Stacey Evans, Brian Kemp, Casey Cagle, David Belle Isle, Brad Raffensperger, John Barrow, Dee Dawkins-Haigler, Rakeim Hadley, Democrat, Republican, General Primary Runoff, July 2018

Shafer took a commanding number of votes, but was just shy of a clean win, and will now face Duncan in July.

Duncan came in a distant second to Shafer receiving 27 percent of the votes (140,741 total votes).

The winner of this runoff will face Democrat Sarah Riggs Amico in the Nov. General Election. Amico pulled in 56 percent of the votes (245,325 total votes) defeating opponent Triana James who received 44 percent.

Campaigns have not ended for Brad Raffensperger or David Belle Isle as they will also face off for in the General Primary Runoff for Georgia Secretary of State.

Raffensperger received 35 percent of the votes (178,502 total votes), moving him into top position. Belle Isle, however, was not far behind having received 29 percent or 145,915 total votes.

Democrat John Barrow will face the winner of this runoff in the Nov. General Election. Barrow was able to make a clean win with 52 percent over challengers Dee Dawkins-Haigler and Rakeim Hadley.

The General Primary Runoff will take place July 24, 2018.

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Governor’s race is still too close to call

News, Politics

Brian Kemp

ATLANTA – With 98 percent of the state’s precincts reporting, the top Election Day prize was still up for grabs at 7 a.m. today.

Republican Secretary of State Brian Kemp leads former House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams with 50.42 percent of the vote to Abrams 48.64. Kemp must win 50.1 percent to avoid a runoff.

Kemp told supporters “I am confident victory is near.”

Abrams has not yet conceded. She says she “will wait until every vote Is counted.”

Geoff Duncan

Forsyth County’s Geoff Duncan has claimed victory in the race for Lt. Governor over Democrat Sarah Riggs Amico.  Duncan has received 51.83 percent in the two-person race.

Only the final margin is in question in the race for Ninth District U.S. Congress where Republican incumbent Doug Collins has won 79.6 percent of the vote to Josh McCall’s 20.4.

Republican Brad Raffensperger and John Barrow are headed for a runoff. Raffensperger has received 49.28 percent of the vote to Barrow’s 48.49. Smythe Duval has received 2.22 percent.

Elsewhere, Republicans held comfortable margins. Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black leads his Democrat challenger Fred Swann with 53.27 percent to Swann’s 46.73.

U.S. Rep. Doug Collins

Incumbent Republican State School Superintendent Richard Woods has won 53.21 percent of the vote to Otha Thornton’s 46.79.

Another incumbent Republican, Labor Commissioner Mark Butler leads Richard Keatley 52.68 percent to 47.32.

Republican Jim Beck leads a three-way race against Democrat Janice Laws and Libertarian Donnie Fowler. Beck has won 50.56 percent to Laws’ 46.79. Fowler has received 2.6.

Fetch Your News will update these results when they become official.

 

 

 

 

 

Raffensperger wins nomination for Secretary of State

Election, Election 2018

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Brad Raffensperger has defeated David Belle Isle in the July Runoff Election.

Raffensperger and Belle Isle vied for the Republican nomination to seek the seat of Georgia Secretary of State. The Secretary of State seat is open with no incumbent as current Secretary of State Brian Kemp moves forward in the gubernatorial race.

With all 159 counties reporting, Raffensperger was able to receive 61.76 percent of the vote while Belle Isle fell short only receiving 38.24 percent.

Raffensperger will move forward to the November General Election where he will face Democratic nominee John Barrow.

 

 

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]

Duncan wins tightest race in July Runoff

Election, Election 2018

Blue Ridge, Ga. – Geoff Duncan narrowly beats out David Shafer in the July Runoff Election.

In what was by far the closest race to take place during the runoff, Duncan beat out Shaffer by a mere 1672 votes. In some precincts across the state this race showed wins by a margin of only 2 votes.

Duncan and Shafer vied for the Republican nomination to seek the seat of Georgia Lt. Governor. The Lt. Governor seat is open with no incumbent as current Lt. Governor Casey Cagle chose to throw his name in the hat for the Republican nomination in the gubernatorial race.

With all 159 counties reporting, Duncan was able to receive 50.15 percent of the vote while Shafer fell short receiving 49.85 percent.

Duncan will move forward to the November General Election where he will face Democratic nominee Sarah Riggs Amico.

Runoff races bring heavy turnout in Dawson Co.

News

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. – With three days of advanced voting remaining, Dawson County Director of Elections and Registration Glenda Ferguson is delighted with the turnout thus far.

“We have had more votes cast in the runoff already than we had in the May primary,” she said.

As of 4 p.m. Tuesday, 696 Dawson County voters had cast a ballot. “That’s about 50 votes more than had been cast with three days left in advanced voting in May. So, I’m thrilled.”

Ferguson said she believes the high turnout could be because the state’s three highest offices – governor, lieutenant governor and secretary of state — are up for grabs.

Polls indicate there is an extremely close race for governor between Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Secretary of State Brian Kemp.

David Shafer and Geoff Duncan have waged a no-holds barred battle for the position of Lt. Governor. Shafer just missed winning without a runoff when he received 48.38 percent of the vote in a three-way race with Duncan and Rick Jeffares in the general primary.

In the secretary of state election, voters must choose between Brad Raffensperger and David Belle Isle.

Advanced voting will continue in Dawson County through Friday with polls open until 5 p.m. each day. The elections office is located at 96 Academy Avenue in Dawsonville. Election Day is Tuesday.

 

Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that covers Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYN attracts 300,000+ page views per month, 3.5 million impressions per month and approximately 15,000 viewers per week on FYNTV.com and up to 60,000 Facebook page reach. If you would like to follow up-to-date local events in any of those counties, please visit us at FetchYourNews.com

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