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The Atlanta Braves franchise is wading into the race for Georgia governor by hosting a high-dollar fundraiser this month for Republican Brian Kemp, though the team said it expects to also chip into Democrat Stacey Abrams’ campaign.
The team was among dozens of sponsors for an Aug. 27 fundraiser featuring Kemp and U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson at the Georgian Club, which is near the team’s Cobb County home of SunTrust Park. The event cost donors $13,200 to host and $1,000 to attend.
Braves spokeswoman Beth Marshall said the franchise often donates to candidates from both parties, and noted it gave $1,000 to Abrams in 2015 and 2016 during her state House runs. She said the team’s donation does not amount to “taking a political stance for either gubernatorial candidate.”
Marshall added: “As of today, we have yet to be contacted to support Abrams’ campaign, but are expecting to do so.”
The Atlanta Braves are one of the better politically-connected businesses in Georgia, and the team regularly hosts powerful politicians, including a recent event held by the Republican Governors Association. Over the last decade, the Braves…
