CNN
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Georgia Republican Gov. Brian Kemp revealed Wednesday that he didn’t vote for former President Donald Trump within the state’s GOP main in March.
“I didn’t vote for anyone. I voted, however I didn’t vote for anyone,” Kemp informed CNN’s Kaitlan Collins on “The Supply” the day earlier than the historic presidential debate in his house state.”I imply, the race was already over when the first obtained right here,” he continued, later including, “I at all times attempt to go vote and, , play a component in it, however have a look at that time, it didn’t actually matter.”
Regardless of not voting for Trump within the main, Kemp has maintained that he’ll “help the ticket” in November when Trump is about to face the presumptive Democratic nominee President Joe Biden.
“He was the presumptive nominee earlier than the first ever obtained right here. I imply, I didn’t help anyone within the race,” Kemp informed Collins of Trump. “I used to be serious about it however, , simply because a whole lot of circumstances and the way in which issues performed out, didn’t find yourself doing that, however mentioned all alongside for essentially the most half that I’d help the ticket, and that’s what I’ve at all times accomplished and that’s what I’m doing this November.”
Kemp had beforehand informed reporters in March that he would help the GOP’s nominee within the basic election, although he did not specify at the time whether or not he voted for Trump within the Republican main.
The governor’s feedback got here on the eve of the primary presidential debate, hosted by CNN, between Trump and Biden. He urged the previous president, with whom he has a contentious previous, to give attention to the long run – and never threat swing voters’ help – when he takes the rostrum in Atlanta.
“Trump has a terrific alternative to actually be ahead pondering. Not look within the rearview mirror, not centered on the previous, however keep centered on the long run distinction,” Kemp mentioned.
Within the 2020 election, Trump misplaced the state of Georgia to Biden by over 11,000 votes. Biden grew to become the primary Democrat to win Georgia since former President Invoice Clinton in 1992.
Kemp has clashed with the previous president after he refused to name a particular legislative session to assist Trump as he sought overturn the 2020 presidential election leads to Georgia. Trump was so livid with Kemp, he pledged to finish his political profession and backed a main challenger within the 2022 Republican gubernatorial main. The transfer failed spectacularly and Kemp beat David Perdue by over 50 factors.
Whereas he mentioned he hasn’t spoken with Trump immediately and mentioned there’s been no outreach from his marketing campaign, Kemp advised he may overlook the pair’s contentious historical past to advance Republican causes.
“We’ll see how the race performs out and what they could ask for or want. However, I imply, like proper now I’m centered on turning the ticket out so we win. I imply, no matter, , our historical past collectively, I’ve a vested curiosity in Georgia remaining in Republican arms,” Kemp mentioned.
Requested whether or not he was involved that Trump would once more attempt to overturn the election, Kemp mentioned he’s “very assured” democracy would maintain.
“I don’t fear in regards to the establishments of democracy an excessive amount of – they held up underneath a whole lot of stress,” he mentioned. “Democracy has been bent and challenged on this republic prior to now and it will likely be sooner or later. However I’m very assured that it’s going to maintain.”