Republican gubernatorial nominee and current Secretary of State Brian Kemp stopped in northeast Georgia on Oct. 29 as part of his “Road to Victory” bus tour. Kemp campaigned in Winder, Watkinsville, Jefferson, Madison, Covington and Monroe.

“Well, certainly I know this area well. I grew up in Athens. So, it’s definitely home for me,” said Kemp. “It’s kind of fun. We know the area, know a lot of good people who are working hard for us.”

Grady Newsource caught up with the Athens native at Oconee Veterans Park in Watkinsville and then later in Jefferson. Kemp came out to garner support not only for himself, but for local Republican candidates as well.

Kemp told his audience in Watkinsville, “figure out how many votes Donald Trump got in Oconee County in 2016. Make it your mission for Brian Kemp and this whole Republican ticket to get more votes than the last presidential election.” 

In Jefferson, the GOP nominee brought along Gov. Nathan Deal, who said he and Kemp would be back in Jackson County soon with what Deal called a “special economic development announcement.”

Kemp said keeping the economy strong is one of his top priorities along with cutting government spending and putting Georgians before illegal immigrants. 

Grady Newsource spoke with Kemp about former president Jimmy Carter, who wrote a letter asking him to resign as secretary of state in light of accusations he has worked to suppress the minority vote.

“I’ll tell you, it’s just another political stunt by the Democrats to hide Stacey Abrams’ extreme agenda. It’s never been easier to vote in our state,” Kemp said. “We’re seeing that with record turnout right now.” 

Erin Valle is a senior majoring in journalism.