2 candidates for Loeffler Senate seat appear before local residents

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Two candidates for the Senate seat held by Kelly Loeffler made local appearances Wednesday.

Congressman Doug Collins was in Columbia County, while leading Democrat the Rev. Raphael Warnock appeared virtually in Augusta.

"We're taking our message to every voter in the state of Georgia and Columbia County has been so good to us and we're excited to be over here. We've been over here before and we understand the area and the folks that come out, they know we're going to fight for them and they know we're going to fight for Georgia," said Collins, a Republican.

Collins also visited Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. in Augusta to tour the facility and learn more about how the business is adapting in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rep. Doug Collins visits Textron in Augusta on Aug. 19, 2020.(WRDW)

“For over 60 years, Textron has proudly called Augusta home and has provided thousands of jobs for hardworking Georgians in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA),” Collins said. “As one of the most significant manufacturing centers in the region, it’s clear Textron thrives due to their hard work and innovation. Manufacturing is critical to getting Georgians back to work and our economy booming again, which is why I’m especially proud of how they have quickly adapted and remained dedicated to their workers in the midst of this pandemic. It was great to be back at their facility yesterday and I look forward to their continued investment in the CSRA.”

Gunnar Kleveland, President and CEO of Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc., said today: “We thank Congressman Collins for visiting us yesterday and for his continued interest in our business and our operations in Augusta and Georgia.”

Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc. has been headquartered in Augusta for over 60 years, employing over 1,300 people on two neighboring manufacturing campuses.

Warnock, meanwhile, held a meeting online with Augusta media, focusing on election rights and state health care.

"I say all the time that elections have consequences, and we're learning in this moments it's literally a matter of life and death. And right now I'm running against two opponents," Warnock said.

Warnock and Collins are looking to unseat Sen. Loeffler in a special election this November. Loeffler was appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp after Sen. Johnny Isakson stepped down. There are 18 other names on that ballot.