Georgia Sen. Perdue pulls out of final debate to rally with Trump
Sen. David Perdue and challenger Jon Ossoff. Photos: Drew Angerer/Getty Images; Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Georgia's final Senate debate between Sen. David Perdue (R) and Democrat Jon Ossoff was canceled Thursday, after the Republican senator pulled out of Sunday's scheduled event so he could instead rally with President Trump, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Why it matters: The race between Perdue and Ossoff could prove pivotal in determining which party controls the U.S. Senate. Cook Political Report rates the race as a "Toss-up."
What they're saying: "Senator Perdue just cancelled our final debate," Ossoff tweeted Thursday.
- "At last night's debate, millions saw that Perdue had no answers when I called him out on his record of blatant corruption, widespread disease, and economic devastation. Shame on you, Senator."
The other side: Perdue will instead join Trump for a campaign rally in Rome, his spokesperson John Burke told AJC.
- “As lovely as another debate listening to Jon Ossoff lie to the people of Georgia sounds, Senator Perdue will not be participating,” Burke added in a statement to local media.
- The rally has yet to be formally announced by the president's campaign.