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Keisha Lance Bottoms, Mary Norwood face off ahead of election day

By Dave Huddleston, WSB-TV
By Dave Huddleston, WSB-TV

ATLANTA — Atlanta is just days away from choosing its next mayor and the two finalists faced off on the important issues for voters on WSB-TV.

Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mary Norwood are both vying to replace Kasim Reed as Atlanta's next mayor.

The newest WSB-TV, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Landmark Communications poll was released Friday and it shows Mary Norwood with a 6-point lead, and less than 4 percent of voters undecided.

Atlanta mayoral runoff debate

ATLANTA MAYORAL DEBATE: Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mary Norwood face off in a debate LIVE at WSB-TV -- Updates here: http://2wsb.tv/2AGsHwu

Posted by WSB-TV on Sunday, December 3, 2017

Minute-by-minute updates:


6 p.m.: The debate has ended.

5:54 p.m.: The candidates are asked about Atlanta's pothole problems.

5:51 p.m.: Keisha Lance Bottoms said she agrees with the principles of the Democratic party.

5:50 p.m.: Mary Norwood is asked about her independent background. She said that because that's who she is.

5:41 p.m.: The candidates are asked about Atlanta police and how to keep officers happy and in the city.

5:38 p.m.: Both candidates agreed on a moratorium on city contracts.

5:31 p.m.: Mary Norwood responded to Keisha Lance Bottoms' question by saying the tape was spliced together.

5:30 p.m.: Keisha Lance Bottoms asks Mary Norwood directly about a tape in which Norwood used "racially-coded language" about voter fraud in 2009.

5:26 p.m.: Mary Norwood said transportation management systems are critical for Atlanta's transportation issue.

5:25 p.m.: On transportation, Keisha Lance Bottoms said we should look at private rail lines.

5:23 p.m.: Mary Norwood responded to questions about properties with her name on them.

5:20 p.m.: Keisha Lance Bottoms responded to questions about liens against her.

5:10 p.m.: When asked about what she has done to crack down on corruption while being on the Atlanta City Council, Keisha Lance Bottoms said she has demanded transparency. Norwood said opposed having contracts being authorized before the next administration comes in.

5:08 p.m.: Mary Norwood responded that she will overhaul the city government.

5:06 p.m.: Keisha Lance Bottoms was questioned on the perceived notion of her being a "third term" for Kasim Reed. Bottoms responded that it is an "affront to strong women who succeed."

5:02 p.m.: Mary Norwood is chosen to give her opening statement first. Keisha Lance Bottoms follows.

5 p.m.: The debate has begun on WSB-TV!

4:52 p.m.: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's political Twitter account, @PoliticallyGa, is counting down the final minutes before the beginning of the debate.

4:44 p.m.: The debate's panel is ready for the debate.

4:25 p.m.: Debate host Justin Farmer is taking a final look at the studio before the debate.

3:42 p.m.: Channel 2's Dave Huddleston gets a sneak peek of the studio set ahead of the 5 p.m. debate.

3:30 p.m.: Debate host Justin Farmer is preparing for the debate between Keisha Lance Bottoms and Mary Norwood.

3:29 p.m.: Channel 2 producer Brian Lazaro makes his final checks before preparing the debate.

Cox Media Group

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