Georgia Republican Senate candidate Mike Collins is facing criticism from local officials due to inaccuracies in his list of supporters, according to recent reports.
Collins and fellow Republican candidate Derek Dooley claim support from various Georgia sheriffs and local officials. Some of these discrepancies seem to result from shifting loyalties, while others raise concerns about the Collins campaign possibly exaggerating its endorsements.
Wayne County Sheriff Chuck Moseley stated that he requested multiple times for his name to be removed from Collins’ endorsement list, but as of now, he’s still on it. “I’ve talked to them twice. They could have fixed it, but they didn’t,” he mentioned.
Initially, Moseley supported Republican Georgia Rep. Buddy Carter but has since thrown his support behind Derek Dooley. “I wouldn’t vote for Collins even if he were the only candidate,” he added.
Additionally, Grady County Republican Chairman Jeff Jolley noted at an event with Dooley and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp that neither Grady County Sheriff Earl Prince nor Commissioner Sam Kines supported Collins, contrary to what was claimed. “I asked them why they were listed as supporters, and they seemed confused,” Jolley recalled.
Kines shared that he had received a text invitation to a Collins event and responded generically, but he never formally endorsed Collins. “I was surprised to find out my name was out there supporting him,” he said, adding that he has Dooley’s campaign sign in his yard and considers him his top choice.
Sheriff Prince denied ever endorsing Collins and expressed frustration over his name being used without consent. “I have no patience for that kind of behavior,” he said.
Worth County Sheriff Don Whitaker also found himself inaccurately listed as a Collins supporter despite backing Dooley. He mentioned that there was a miscommunication and confirmed that he had asked for his name to be taken off the list. “I support Derek Dooley,” he clarified.
Several other officials previously claimed to support Collins but later sided with Dooley. For instance, Franklin County Sheriff Scott Andrews is still listed as a Collins supporter, despite Dooley’s campaign showcasing his endorsement as well.
In a situation involving two Georgia congressmen, both announced their support for Collins earlier this year, only to shift their allegiance to Dooley later. One admitted to changing his support but didn’t explain why.
When approached for comments, Collins’ campaign officials referred inquiries to supporters in Georgia, one of whom acknowledged her support for Dooley. Thomas, chair of the Elbert County Republican Party, stated she should remain neutral and was inaccurately listed as a Dooley supporter.
A Collins campaign spokesperson responded dismissively, indicating that converting supporters required significant effort and comparing the success rate to Dooley’s previous coaching career.
