The Georgia Politics Podcast

The Georgia Politics Podcast, established in 2019, covers all things politics under the Gold Dome and across the state. The show highlights key developments from Georgia's House of Representatives and State Senate during the legislative session.

  1. FEB 13

    Surprise Entry Jolts the Georgia Governor Race

    Welcome to The Georgia Politics Podcast! This week, we dive into the seismic shake-up underway in the race for Georgia governor. Billionaire health care executive Rick Jackson has thrown his hat into the GOP primary, stunning political observers with a well-funded outsider bid that's rattling the established field of candidates. We break down what Jackson's entry means for the dynamics of the contest — from his policy pledges to his promise to invest tens of millions of dollars into the campaign and how that's already altering the narrative. We'll also unpack the most recent financial disclosure reports that reveal the cash on hand across the top contenders and how internal money battles are shaping the fight for nomination for both parties. Meanwhile, we examine the latest Republican National Committee activity, including RNC letters that could influence their support strategy for incumbent Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, and what that might mean for his standing as a perceived establishment favorite. Finally, we look at the competing tax cut plans in the Georgia Legislature — from sweeping proposals to slash or even eliminate personal income taxes to contrasting visions for property tax relief — and how these fiscal debates are becoming central issues in the governor's race. Join us for a comprehensive look at how an unexpected candidate, campaign finances, national party influence, and major policy battles are reshaping one of the most consequential gubernatorial contests in recent Georgia history. Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1 Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network. #gapol

    1h 4m
  2. FEB 6

    1976, Part 2: Buckley v. Valeo

    Part two of The Georgia Politics Podcast's special mini-series on the pivotal year of 1976 turns to one of the most influential — and still debated — Supreme Court decisions in American political history: Buckley v. Valeo. In this episode, we unpack how a post-Watergate push for campaign finance reform led to a constitutional showdown over the role of money in politics, and how the Court's ruling permanently reshaped the rules governing campaigns, candidates, and political advocacy. We walk through the origins of the case, beginning with Congress' sweeping reforms to the Federal Election Campaign Act, designed to curb corruption and restore public trust after Watergate. From there, we explain the legal challenge that followed, the arguments presented to the Court, and the reasoning behind the justices' complex, split decision. The episode breaks down the key distinctions the Court drew between contribution limits and expenditure limits, why one was upheld while the other was struck down, and how the ruling established the enduring doctrine that political spending is protected speech under the First Amendment. The discussion also connects the decision's immediate effects in the 1976 election cycle to its long tail in modern politics — from PACs and independent expenditures to later cases that built on Buckley's framework. Along the way, we highlight how these legal principles continue to influence campaign strategy, fundraising, and political messaging at both the national and Georgia state level. Whether you're a political history buff, a campaign law follower, or simply curious about how today's election finance system took shape, this episode provides clear context, practical explanations, and thoughtful analysis of a ruling that still defines the boundaries of money and political speech nearly 50 years later. Connect with The Georgia Politics Podcast on Twitter @gapoliticspod Hans Appen on Twitter @hansappen Craig Kidd on Twitter @CraigKidd1 Lyndsey Coates on Instagram @list_with_lyndsey Proud member of the Appen Podcast Network. #gapol

    1h 1m
4.8
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

The Georgia Politics Podcast, established in 2019, covers all things politics under the Gold Dome and across the state. The show highlights key developments from Georgia's House of Representatives and State Senate during the legislative session.

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