Richard McCormick

Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., told Newsmax on Wednesday that Republicans are well positioned to keep Georgia red in the governor's race, while warning the party must draw a sharper contrast with Democrat Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., in the Senate contest.

Appearing on "Wake Up America," McCormick said the GOP has a major opening in the governor's race because Democrats may be saddled with former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as their nominee.

"I think I'm pretty confident about that one, especially since the Democrats keep on giving us the gift that keeps on giving," he said when asked whether Republicans Burt Jones or Rick Jackson could win the race.

McCormick said Bottoms would be "probably the worst person they could have chosen," arguing her record in Atlanta gives Republicans a clear line of attack.

"She was a horrible mayor," McCormick said. "She has a bad reputation. She ran the city into the ground."

"She's anti-law enforcement, anti-Second Amendment," he added. "She is a classic candidate to run against."

McCormick said the lack of an incumbent also gives Republicans a stronger opportunity to define the race early.

"I'm really excited about that race, especially in an open race where there's no incumbent," he said.

The Senate race, McCormick added, presents a tougher challenge.

Asked about the GOP runoff between Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., and Derek Dooley, McCormick said, "They're going to have their hands full no matter who comes out of that election."

"I mean, runoffs are kind of strange. They're hard to predict," he said. "I think they're within 10 points of each other."

McCormick said Ossoff should not be underestimated, calling him "a very slick candidate" who benefits from incumbency and a polished political image.

"He stands and gives a clapping ovation during [President Donald] Trump's speech, but his voting record is all wrong," McCormick said.

Republicans must focus on Ossoff's record and make the race about Georgia values, he said.

"When you talk about Second Amendment, when you talk about conservative values, when you talk about international opinions, what this guy votes for is extreme liberalism," McCormick said. "He's in line with the far, far left."

"Yes, he is slick; yes, he is smooth; yes, he is intelligent," he added. "But he is not a great representation for Georgia values."

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