On Wednesday morning, Gov. Brian Kemp formally named wealthy businesswoman and Republican donor Kelly Loeffler to replace the retiring Sen. Johnny Isakson on Jan. 1.
This came despite strong backlash from prominent conservative pundits and politicians. The fallout came partly from the perception that Kemp has made the decision against the wishes of President Donald Trump. U.S. Rep. Doug Collins has said Trump supported him for the choice instead.
“There’s been a lot of political agendas from Washington, D.C., and New York, but this is about putting Georgians first,” Kemp said about that backlash at the announcement. “This is why I have made this pick. And now I just urge everyone who’s been clamoring to settle down, learn the truth and the facts.”
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