(The Center Square) – President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Dalton on Friday, less than three weeks away from the November general election.
U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, who is challenging incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, indicated on social media that he will be participating in the rally.
Polls show Ossoff leading Collins. The latest survey from Wedgewood Polls of 600 Georgians shows Ossoff leading with 55% to Collins’ 45%, with a 4% margin of error, according to 270towin.com.
The candidates met for their first debate on Thursday, trading opinions on issues such as tariffs, gas prices and healthcare.
Ossoff and Collins also engaged in personal disputes throughout the debate. Ossoff called Collins a “bigot,” amid accusations that Collins’ son-in-law is connected to the group Patriot Front and antisemitic comments.
“Imagine running for the U.S. Senate while neo-Nazi propaganda is disseminated to an audience of millions from your home,” Ossoff said. “Mike Collins is a bigot and it’s disqualifying for a candidate for the U.S. Senate.”
Collins defended his family against claims from Ossoff but did not deny his son-in-law’s associations. He attacked Ossoff for his support of Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and endorsement from online streamer Hasan Piker, “who has faced criticism for comments suggesting America deserved the Sept. 11 attacks.”
The two meet Tuesday night again in a debate sponsored by the Atlanta Press Club.
It’s not clear whether Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson will attend. Jackson, who once promised to be “Trump’s favorite governor,” did not mention the president during an Oct. 6 debate with Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Polls show Jackson has a slight lead over Bottoms, according to 270towin.com. The latest from Wedgewood Polls shows Jackson leading 51%-49%.