Stacey Abrams, a Democrat running in Georgia, rejected President Trump’s claim she is “not qualified” to become governor, citing her accomplishments in law school, business and minority leader in the state House of Representatives.
“I am the most qualified candidate running,” Ms. Abrams told CNN’s State of the Union. “I know what I’m talking about and I have the plans to prove it.”
Ms. Abrams said expanding Medicaid under Obamacare is a top priority, saying the influx of federal dollars will be a net benefit despite the state’s share of the cost. However, she hasn’t espoused “Medicare for all,” a key talking point for some liberal candidates, because she’d like to see a broader, national conversation first.
“A single state cannot make that change. Georgia doesn’t have the financial capacity to provide that type of coverage,” Ms. Abrams said.
She also said she supports gun rights but wants to crack down on the number of AR-15s or other powerful weapons in circulation.
Pressed on her support for a bill that appeared to require people to “turn in” those guns, she argued the legislation would be start of a “conversation” about buy-backs or other ways to reel in the firearms.
Ms. Abrams is locked in a tight race against Republican Brian Kemp, the state secretary of state.
She’s received public support from Oprah Winfrey and President Obama during the campaign, which has been marked by fights over ballot access.
Critics say Mr. Kemp is wielding his power as secretary of state to make it difficult for certain populations, including minorities, to vote, including the use of stringent “exact match” rules that compare voter registrations to other official documents.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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