Political Breakfast from WABE

Latest Episodes:

Gold Dome Scramble: Surprise Medical Billing and Foster Care Get Attention Feb 24, 2020

Show notes

Lawmakers are marred in budget battles as they move forward on surprise medical billing and foster care legislation. Also, the idea of digital billboards makes a quick appearance. Lisa Rayam talks with politics reporter Emil Moffatt and WABE health reporter Sam Whitehead.

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Georgia Democrats Prepare to Vote in the Still-Crowded Presidential Race Feb 21, 2020

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Hard to believe, but in just about a month, Georgia Democratic voters will have a say in the still-crowded presidential race. Republican voters will cast ballots, too, but there’s not quite as much suspense there. What we don’t know is how Georgia's rapidly changing voter demographics will affect the outcome. Plus, a look at the ongoing state capitol budget battles, and the push for affordable housing in Atlanta.

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Gold Dome Scramble: Money Woes Put Georgia Teacher Pay Raises in Peril Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

Agony over the state budget continues as Georgia lawmakers figure out how to pay for proposed teacher pay raises pushed by Governor Brian Kemp. WABE's Lisa Rayam talks with politics reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the nuances in the struggle over state dollars.

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GOP Senate Infighting; Democrats Prepare for GA Presidential Battle Feb 14, 2020

Show notes

Lots of unity talk, but not much evidence of it in both major political parties as their big internal showdowns get closer. Loeffler, Collins, Warnock, Tomlinson, Riggs Amico, Ossoff, and Abrams are just a few of the names you’ll hear on what you might call an endorsement edition of the Political Breakfast. WABE political contributor Denis O’Hayer is back with our highly-endorsed political strategists. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal; Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign.

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Gold Dome Scramble: Budget Woes Worsen and Trump Makes Promises in Georgia Senate Race Feb 10, 2020

Show notes

Policy-making comes to a screeching halt so that Georgia's legislature can figure out the state's money woes. Plus, President Trump promises to get involved in a Georgia senate race. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE's Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about these and other issues, including a look at Georgia's lucrative film tax credit, which got some scrutiny from lawmakers.

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Governor Kemp's Proposed Crackdown on Gangs Feb 07, 2020

Show notes

As the Georgia legislative session rolls along, we look at Governor Kemp's proposed crackdown on gang-related activity, and his push for a Medicaid waiver expansion program. Also, a high-profile retirement in Gwinnett could be a sign of how the county's political base is changing.

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Gold Dome Scramble: The Drama over Georgia's "Jungle Primary" for U.S. Senate Feb 03, 2020

Show notes

Governor Brian Kemp's pick for the U.S. Senate, Kelly Loeffler, gets some unwanted competition as Republican Doug Collins jumps into the race. Host Lisa Rayam talks with WABE political reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt about the drama surrounding the open Senate race, which now also includes prominent Democrat Rev. Raphael Warnock. We also talk about gambling, adoption, and foster care proposals.

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Collins & Warnock Dive Into Senate Race; Lawmakers Battle Over Budget Jan 31, 2020

Show notes

It finally happened: a couple of high-profile potential Senate candidates decided to realize that potential—one right after the other. So, Georgia Republicans are again learning what happens when you’re the majority party: you fight internal battles. Meanwhile, Georgia Democrats are working with some Republicans in one of those fights. But right now, the toughest fights of all are over where the state budget axe will fall. It’s a giant buffet set for you on this edition of the Political Breakfast! WABE political contributor Denis O'Hayer is back, with two very busy political strategists. Brian Robinson is a Republican strategist, communications consultant, and former deputy chief of staff for Governor Nathan Deal; Tharon Johnson is a Democratic strategist, public affairs and government consultant, and former national southern regional director for the Obama 2012 campaign.

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Gold Dome Scramble: In Georgia Math = Tough Budget Cuts Jan 27, 2020

Show notes

Lawmakers are struggling with the reality of tough budget cuts to Education, Health, Agriculture and other state agencies. Politics Reporters Emma Hurt and Emil Moffatt and Health Reporter Sam Whitehead join host Lisa Rayam to bring insight and context to the numbers.

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Trump's Chances with Minority Voters in Georgia Jan 24, 2020

Show notes

The Democratic presidential candidates might be in Iowa, New Hampshire, and other cold places up north right now, but Georgia will be on their minds sooner than any of us might think. And after the presidential race leaves Georgia, the state will still be dealing with some difficult issues of health, life and death.

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