Conservative candidates for state House seat debate in Grovetown; economy, abortion addressed

Advance voting began earlier this week followed swiftly by a live political debate.

The Columbia County Republican Party hosted the debate at Grovetown High School on Tuesday for the candidates for the Georgia House of Representatives District 125.

The candidates currently on the ballot include three Republicans: political activist CJ Pearson, recent Columbia County Commissioner Gary Richardson and Steed's Dairy owner Jim Steed. There is also a Libertarian candidate, software engineer John Turpish, and a Democratic candidate, owner of Intome Management as well as IntoME Health & Beauty, Kay Turner. All except Turner were in attendance.

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After opening statements, candidates went through a set of previously-undisclosed questions, taking turns giving initial answers and brief rebuttals when necessary. The first question asked if the candidates believe illegal immigration is an issue for Georgia and, if so, what they would do to address it. All four agreed it's an issue, but came at the solution differently.

Pearson promised to never let Georgia become a sanctuary or a catch-and-release state. Steed and Richardson shared similar thoughts. Turpish said this is more of a problem that needs to be addressed at the national level while also noting the serious issues with the process involved with applying for a work visa.

The next question was whether or not the candidates believe the economy is in decline and what their plans are for easing Georgians' burdens. Again, all four agreed it's an issue. Richardson focused on the need for energy independence. Turpish said he believes inflation will accelerate and is interested in pushing gold and silver as legal tender as an alternative to the dollar. Pearson said he wants to eliminate the state income tax (something the other candidates later voiced support for) and he wants to cut through red tape small businesses have to endure. Steed also highlighted energy independence and small business issues while also adding that they can do some things on the state level, like suspending the gas tax, but national policy needs to change for the economy to really turn around.

After a handful of more long-form questions and answers, there were some rapid-fire questions. These were generally yes-or-no questions, but sometimes there were brief elaborations. One question was whether or not the candidates are against abortion and would support policy that says life starts at conception. Richardson, Pearson and Steed all said yes. Turpish said he is against abortion but would not support such policies.

Another rapid-fire question was whether or not they believe the candidates believe the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 was an insurrection. Richardson and Steed said yes. Pearson said he believes the people who committed violence that day were wrong, but that they should be talking about the summer of 2020 riots. Turpish believed Jan. 6 was a 'riot' not an 'insurrection.'

This election is being held in Columbia and McDuffie counties. Election Day is scheduled for Feb. 13.

The entire debate lasted for a little more than one hour. A video of the full debate is available on the Columbia County Republican Party's Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Georgia Representative District 125 candidates debate at Grovetown High