DOUGLASVILLE, Ga. — It's just 10 days away from Election Day, and here in Georgia, the push for votes remains strong as candidates continue to hit the campaign trail.
One of the most high-profiles races is for governor. Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams rallied in Douglas County Saturday for her "Let’s Get It Done Bus Tour."
Abrams told the crowd she wants to move Georgia forward, and she focused on the issues of education, healthcare, and the economy. A fired-up crowd of about a hundred people packed the inside of the RainFire Arena in Douglasville.
Lyles Hayes is from Lithia Springs and saw Abrams for the first time. He said the atmosphere resembled that of a pep rally.
“I wanted to see my future," Hayes said. "I wanted to see the next governor. She’s absolutely qualified. She’s brilliant."
The people who attended the rally have a clear vision of the issues behind their votes.
“I liked to hear her talk about affordable housing, which is very important," Hayes said.
Robin Zuniga-Ortega lives in Douglasville. She said homelessness and healthcare are key issues for her.
“I’d say Medicaid expansion is definitely a big one," Zuniga-Ortega said. "I’m an educator, so education is a big one, and I like Stacey’s take on education,"
Abrams said at the rally she wants to expand financial aid and create free technical schools.
“I intend to create a starting salary of $50,000 for every educator in Georgia and give a pay raise of $11,000," Abrams exclaimed.
Abrams, who campaigned Friday with former President Barack Obama, expressed concern about how the closure of Atlanta Medical Center will affect people in need.
“We need a governor who is working with an insurance commissioner who’s going to put insurance cards in the pockets of half a million Georgians to save the lives of our people and lift up our communities and create 64,000 good-paying jobs," Abrams said. "That’s what Medicaid expansion will do.”
The campaign for Gov. Brian Kemp sent 11Alive a statement. It didn't mention Abrams by name but instead discussed his work during the COVID-19 pandemic:
"Governor Kemp and his family have been all over the state, campaigning on his record of economic success, keeping Georgia open during the pandemic, and creating the lowest unemployment on record in the Peach State. The Governor looks forward to continuing to meet with Georgians in the final stretch of the campaign and talking about his plans to give families relief from 40-year-high inflation and build a safer, stronger Georgia."
Abrams and Kemp will face off in their final debate on Oct. 30.
Former Vice President Mike Pence will campaign for Kemp in north Georgia on Nov. 1.
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