ATLANTA (AP) — Even with all his family wealth, there is no way for Burt Jones to outspend billionaire Rick Jackson in the Republican primary for Georgia governor. So Jones tried something else — harnessing his leadership of the state Senate to seek an edge over Jackson.
Using his position as lieutenant governor, Jones pushed legislation that would have disqualified Jackson’s company from receiving taxpayer-funded contracts. The proposal failed, but Jones is running a television ad attacking Jackson on the subject at the same time Jones argues he is a “proven leader.”
The episode is another turn in an unexpectedly ugly battle for the Republican nomination. Jones was endorsed by President Donald Trump last year, but Jackson has elbowed into contention by spending more than $50 million.
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