The Georgia Hour, episode 67: Georgia GOP's Battle Against MAGA Influence

An effort to purge MAGA influence and "RINO-fy" the Georgia GOP is underway, with dark money and strategic maneuvering at play. Key figures like Cooper Whitmire, a Turning Point USA employee and 9th district resolution committee chair, and Josh McKoon, backed by the establishment, are central to this push. The 9th district, a former Republican stronghold, elected Stephen Aaron as chair, who avoids Trump references and limits resolutions to avoid media attention. McKoon, laying the groundwork for a Brian Kemp 2028 presidential run, is distancing the party from Trump and election fraud narratives, with support from the AJC and a 9-page NDA to control candidates. Grassroots victories, like David Oles’ reelection in the 11th district and paper ballots in several districts, show resistance, but the establishment secured wins in the 9th and 14th districts. Tactics like quorum calls and rules, such as maintaining a 2/3 vote for resolutions, hinder grassroots efforts. Turning Point USA and VFAF endorsements target anti-MAGA candidates, while figures like Stan Gunter, a former Democrat, hold sway despite strong Trump support in countries like Union and Towns. The grassroots face an uphill but winnable fight.