Georgia’s lieutenant governor repeatedly dodged questions on whether he agreed with Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s plan to reopen some businesses as early as Friday.
Kemp announced earlier this week that some retailers, nail salons, massage therapists, bowling alleys, and gyms will open Friday, marking the country’s most aggressive reopening plan to date, while attracting significant backlash.
Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, also a Republican, repeatedly declined to confirm his stance on Kemp’s orders during an interview with Fox News’ Neil Cavuto Thursday afternoon.
Cavuto’s first question of the interview was about the topic, and Duncan replied, “First of all, I think that a great place to start is to thank President Trump for his strong leadership through this crisis. I know that 11 million Georgians are in a better position because [of] the amount of federal resources that have flowed here, and also from an economic recovery standpoint, the number of resources from stimulus and [the Payment Protection Program].”
After Duncan’s answer, the host commented, “Alright, so you agree with what the governor is doing,” which the Georgian leader neither confirmed nor denied.
“Well, look, we are working hard like every other state is to try to understand what the new normal looks like. I think it is important to recognize the details matter in our approach here in Georgia,” Duncan explained. “It alluded to in the report right before you came to me was the long list of rules and regulations that we are going to require. Just a few handful of businesses here starting tomorrow, and then, once again, we will start again next week. But very, very small incremental steps.”
The host reiterated the claim that Duncan was supporting Kemp’s reopening plan, but the politician once again left the statement unanswered.
Trump announced Wednesday that he is not supportive of the idea.
“I told the governor of Georgia, Brian Kemp, that I disagree strongly with his decision to open certain facilities, which are in violation of the phase one guidelines … It’s just too soon,” Trump said at the daily press briefing.
Kemp’s plan contradicts the White House’s guidelines for “Opening Up America Again,” a three-phase plan that opens businesses and schools gradually once the rate of new cases begins to stabilize.
