3 Republicans Back Ossoff in Georgia Senate Race as Collins Faces Extremism Scrutiny
Updated
Updated · CBS New York · Aug 7
3 Republicans Back Ossoff in Georgia Senate Race as Collins Faces Extremism Scrutiny
3 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Aug 7
Summary
Three Republicans endorsed Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in three days, adding former GOP Sen. Jeff Flake to two South Georgia Republican mayors backing his reelection.
Flake said Ossoff's character, constituent service and respect for the Senate outweighed policy differences, and cited concern over Mike Collins' refusal to acknowledge Joe Biden's 2020 victory.
Scott James Matheson of Valdosta and Julie Smith of Tifton said Ossoff delivered for South Georgia, with Matheson saying he would accept political blowback rather than abandon that working relationship.
The endorsements land as Collins faces questions over reported ties between his campaign and antisemitic and white nationalist figures; his campaign has denied the allegations.
In a race expected to be one of November's top Senate battlegrounds, Ossoff is using the cross-party backing to court moderates and independents.