Tifton: Scott talks about change in plan
Scott talks about change in plan
Switch to Congressional race was about ‘making a difference’
TIFTON —Austin Scott, former gubernatorial candidate and newly announced candidate for the 8th Congressional District, came home to Tifton Wednesday to speak to the Tifton Rotary Club. Scott spoke briefly on his recent political activity and beliefs and then opened the floor to questions from Rotary members.
Scott’s April 29 move from the governor’s race to a hopeful spot in the 8th Congressional District aroused questions and concern from many supporters from across the state. Scott assured Rotary members that his decision to remove his name from the gubernatorial ballot was what he thought to be the best move for the country.
“The most important change that needs to be made is in Washington,” Scott said. “My family can survive whatever governor is elected to lead Georgia, whether Republican or Democrat, but I’m not sure my family or yours can survive another two years with the way things are in Washington. In the end it was a decision between proving a point and making a difference. I chose to make a difference.”
Before dropping from the governor’s race Scott spread word of his name by embarking on a 1,068-mile walk across the state of Georgia for 64 days beginning last June. He began in Chickamauaga, then walked down through Columbus, Valdosta, Savannah, up to Augusta, Athens, Clayton and many small rural communities before ending his walk on the steps of the Capitol.
Scott went on to tell the Rotarians that he believed a Republican-controlled house could balance the budget together with a Democratic president.
“This is the most expensive country in the world to live in and we have to reduce the cost of living,” Scott said. “I think we stand a good chance of balancing the budget with a Democratic president and a Republican House.”
Scott covered many issues, including gun rights, state and national budgets and the cost of insurance, but noted healthcare reform as the biggest issue facing America at present.
“It’s not insurance that is the problem in this country, but rather the cost of healthcare,” Scott said. “We have passed a lot of healthcare bills and a lot of them have to be repealed.”
Scott assured Rotary members that the right to bear arms is still among his long list of priorities.
“I am a lifetime member of the NRA and I own over 40 firearms myself,” Scott said. “I am an advocate of making sure that our citizens have somewhere to hunt, fish and enjoy outside recreation.”
Near the conclusion of the Rotary meeting, Scott expressed his appreciation for the support of all during his political career, and asked that everyone continue to support him as he makes his bid for a Congressional seat.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported me during my career and in the governor’s race,” Scott said. “I now ask for your continued support during the Congressional race.”
Scott will be challenging Jim Marshall (D-Macon) who was first elected to office in 2002.
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