Georgia Senate Race: Happy To Force Runoff

[Voluntarist]

With all of today's news about Herschel Walker's alleged payment to pay for an abortion, it's easy to forget that there's a third candidate in the race. And in such a close race, it could force a runoff (and who turns out for runoff elections?).

Georgia Libertarian Senate candidate would be 'happy' to force runoff, wants to offer third option for voters

U.S. Senate candidate Chase Oliver, running as a Libertarian in Georgia for the seat held by Democrat Raphael Warnock, said he would be "happy" to force a runoff because it would reveal that voters are not pleased with Democrats or Republicans. Candidates must receive 50% plus one vote to win outright in the Peach State.

Recent polling shows Oliver with about 4% of the vote. He is unlikely to have a shot at winning the Senate race against Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker, who is facing several controversies regarding his personal life. However, the Libertarian could force his opponents into a January runoff.

"I'm happy that there is a runoff because we need to have over 50% support of a candidate for them to be elected," Oliver told FOX 5 Atlanta. "I don't believe in plurality voting. That's what leads to, you know, somebody who gets 40% of the vote representing 100% of the people. So, runoffs are a system that prevents that."
...
Among Oliver's priorities outlined during his campaign is ending the war on drugs. He said marijuana should be legalized at the federal level.

"Over half the United States population lives in a state where cannabis is legal," he said. "I think it's time we legalize it federally, and it will be good for the farmers in Georgia to have a new cash crop."

Other issues at the center of Oliver's campaign include immigration reform, criminal justice reform, cutting red tape for small business owners, defending the right to privacy and ending wars.

He said he's pro-choice and believes the government should not tell women what they can do with their bodies.

Oliver also said he's a supporter of Second Amendment rights, highlighting that he is a gun owner and believes it is a "good idea" for people to arm and defend themselves.

He's not going to win though. It'll just force a delay until the runoff can be conducted - and then it becomes a matter of who can rally enough of their forces to turn out for the runoff.

 

[Occam's Banana]

https://twitter.com/michaelmalice/status/1577855509746663426