Kemp asserts Georgia Senate appointee will align with Trump policy amid reports of tensions

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) asserted any potential appointee he chooses to fill outgoing Sen. Johnny Isakson’s (R-Ga.) seat will align with President Trump on key policy areas following reports of a tense meeting at the White House on Sunday during which they discussed the future vacancy. 

Kemp took to Twitter on Wednesday to reaffirm he’s supportive of the president and his policies. 

“I stand with hardworking Georgians and @POTUS. The idea that I would appoint someone to the U.S. Senate that is NOT pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-freedom, and 100% supportive of our President (and his plan to Keep America Great) is ridiculous. (1 of 2) #gapol,” Kemp tweeted. 

“The attacks and games are absolutely absurd. Frankly, I could care less what the political establishment thinks. Happy Thanksgiving! More information after the holiday! (2 of 2) #gapol.”

His comments come in the wake of a Wall Street Journal article that revealed Kemp was reportedly at odds with Trump. The president advocated for Rep. Doug Collins (Ga.), the top Republican on the powerful House Judiciary Committee and one of his strongest allies in the House, while Kemp was leaning toward business executive Kelly Loeffler. 

According to reports, Trump has upped his lobbying push for Collins to assume the position. Collins is expected to play a leading role in defending the president as the impeachment inquiry moves to the Judiciary Committee and is seen by some as a potential key ally in voting against impeachment if he moves to the upper chamber. 

Collins has also not ruled out the possibility of running for the upper chamber if he is not appointed to the role. 

“In recent days and weeks, I’ve heard from more and more Georgians encouraging me to pursue statewide service. Those Georgians deserve to have me consider their voices — so I am, strongly,” he told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in a recent interview.

“As I focus on defending the president against partisan impeachment attacks, I recognize Georgia needs someone with experience serving at home and making them heard in Washington,” he said.

Since Loeffler’s name was floated, the prominent executive has come under fire from some conservative groups including Susan B. Anthony List, March for Life Action and Tea Party Patriots, for sitting on the board of Atlanta’s Grady Memorial Hospital, which performs abortions. 

Isakson, the current occupant of Georgia’s coveted Senate seat, announced his plans to retire at the end of the year last summer after suffering from a series of health complications. The senator is 74.

Kemp is expected to announce his decision shortly after Thanksgiving.