Stacey Abrams is a skilled chess player … meaning that in all likelihood, she is moving at lightning speed ahead of Republican Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who she is running against this November. Her latest move is a suit filed Monday seeking court approval to use the same law that gives Kemp an enormous advantage in raising money for his reelection bid.
The suit is asking the court to give her the right to use the law that allows “leadership committees” in campaign fundraising.
The law approving the use of the committees was signed by the GOP-controlled Georgia General Assembly last year, and it gives Kemp as the incumbent the ability to raise as much money as possible throughout the campaign, even during legislative sessions. The law weighs heavily in favor of the incumbent, as the challenger can’t use money from these leadership committees until they win their party’s nomination.
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Abrams, who is unchallenged for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination in Georgia, would like to use One Georgia and the money it raises for her campaign.
The law, Senate Bill 221, was pushed by the Republican majority, opposed by Democrats, and signed by Kemp without a single public announcement.
As reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Abrams’ lawyers argue that she should be treated as the nominee, and there’s no need to wait for the May 24 primary. Rep. Nikema Williams, the chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, filed an affidavit declaring Abrams the nominee.
The Washington Post reports that Abrams called the law unconstitutional in court filings, labeling it a “poorly-designed, if potent, scheme for incumbency protection” benefiting Kemp.
“Plaintiffs thus are competing to raise funds with one hand tied behind their backs compared to Gov. Kemp, who effectively enjoys two campaign committees — one of which can raise funds in unlimited amounts as he looks ahead to a competitive statewide election in the foremost swing state in the nation.”
Abrams and Kemp’s GOP rival Sen. David Perdue formed an unlikely alliance critiquing the law, and Perdue also challenged it in court.
A federal judge ruled in February that Kemp would not be allowed to use campaign contributions from a special leadership committee to win the Republican primary. However, he could use the money in his reelection battle against Abrams if he wins the GOP primary.
As there are limits to what an individual or business can give to a candidate, having the ability to raise cash via the leadership committee gives Kemp huge financial leverage.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that as of Jan. 31, after signing the law, Kemp’s Georgians First Leadership Committee had raised at least $2.3 million since June, adding to the $12 million he’s reported having in his war chest.
Abrams reported $9.2 million in donations in December and January, but using her One Georgia committee would open her cash flow up considerably.
