OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Former Vice President Mike Pence has gone against his former boss in the Republican primary election for governor of Georgia.
Pence will be campaigning for Gov. Brian kemp as he competes against former Sen. David Perdue who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, CNN reported.
“Brian Kemp is one of the most successful conservative governors in America,” the former vice president said. “Brian Kemp is my friend, a man dedicated to faith, family and the people of Georgia. I am proud to offer my full support for four more years of Brian Kemp as governor of the great state of Georgia!”
“Marty, the girls, and I are incredibly honored to have the support of Vice President Pence as we build on our campaign’s strong momentum through Election Day on May 24th,” the governor said. “The Vice President’s leadership was instrumental in creating the most prosperous economy in American history, including here in Georgia, and his commitment to building a safer, stronger America represents the highest ideals of our party. We could not be more grateful for his friendship to our family and state, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the campaign trail in Georgia!”
We could not be more grateful for his friendship to our family and state, and we look forward to welcoming him back to the campaign trail in Georgia!
Stay tuned for details at https://t.co/1GzY2CecFd! 🇺🇸#gapol #GAGov
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) May 13, 2022
CNN reported.
Despite the attacks from Trump and Perdue, Kemp has maintained a lead in the polls. And while there is frustration among many Republicans over Kemp certifying the 2020 election in Georgia for President Joe Biden, some voters who back Perdue have said even if he loses the primary, they would still back the incumbent governor in the fall.
Pence is not the only high-profile Republican bolstering support for Kemp. Govs. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska and Doug Ducey of Arizona, as well as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie — all of whom have clashed with Trump — will also campaign for Kemp ahead of the Georgia primary, a source familiar with the plans previously told CNN. Ricketts and Ducey are co-chairs of the Republican Governors Association, which has poured money into the race to support Kemp, including a large TV ad buy in the state.
Pence, who in the past loyally aligned himself with Trump and his political movement, has increasingly taken on the former President in public, most notably on the 2020 election but also in regard to other matters, such as Trump’s praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In December the former president endorsed Perdue against Kemp who he blames for the Geeorgia Presidential election results.
“Great to see that David Perdue is running for Governor of Georgia. He is a Conservative fighter who isn’t afraid of the Radical Left, and is the only candidate in Georgia who can beat Stacey ‘The Hoax’ Abrams in November. Brian Kemp has failed Georgia,” he said. “The signing of the Stacey Abrams-backed Consent Decree, so stupidly giving her and the Democrats everything they wanted, was a monumental mistake for not only Georgia, but also for our Nation!”
“Kemp has been a very weak Governor—the liberals and RINOs have run all over him on Election Integrity, and more. Most importantly, he can’t win because the MAGA base—which is enormous—will never vote for him. We need strong leaders who will fight, and time is running out! David Perdue will eliminate the Income Tax, secure the Elections, defend the Second Amendment, support our great Farmers, get crime in Atlanta and other places under control, take care of our great Vets, and put parents back in charge of the schools,” the former president said.
“David Perdue and Herschel Walker (who I have already strongly endorsed) will make an unstoppable team for Georgia. Trump supporters will turn out to vote for these great leaders in big numbers. David Perdue has my Complete and Total Endorsement. He will not let you down!” he said.
