A Few Thoughts On The Reaction To Georgia’s Newest US Senator
First of all, congratulations to Georgia’s new junior US Senator Kelly Loeffler. Second of all, congratulations to Governor Brian Kemp for joining the #RINO club. Don’t worry, Mr. Governor, you’re in fine company.
The cries of how Governor Kemp’s appointment of an alleged “#RINO” has ramped up before Thanksgiving. Him appointing an alleged #RINO makes him a #RINO too. Or something. Yes, it’s not official until Wednesday, but it’s pretty much a done deal at this point.
I believe this has less to do with who Kemp ultimately selected and more with him not complying with President Donald Trump’s wishes to have Congressman Doug Collins (R-GA-09) selected to be the next Senator from Georgia. Then came the Trump foot soldiers to try and rally the “grassroots” to urge Kemp to select Collins over Loeffler. Among those foot soldiers were Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. For a political party that has leaned towards states’ rights and federalism, there has been a lot of pressure from the Trumpian foot soldiers for Governor Kemp to capitulate to the President. Perhaps the Congressman should keep in his own lane and mind his business.
If you remember back to the gubernatorial primary in 2018, Governor Kemp gained an endorsement from Donald Trump over his rival then-Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. There was an assumption (that’s the feeling I get, at least) that Kemp “owed” Trump for his win in the primary–even though he would have likely won even without the endorsement.
“Kemp will be a one term governor!” exclaimed some Trumpists on social media. “Kemp has betrayed the grassroots!” others derided. Oh the humanity….nevermind the fact that Georgia voters will be filling the vacancy permanently via a jungle primary next November. Facts get in the way of good ol’ outrage. The fact is, Governor Kemp has an obligation and duty to do what is in the best interests of Georgia–not for what’s best for Trump, Inc. It’s how federalism is supposed to work.
The grousing of the Governor bucking the President inspired me to post the article I wrote back in February 2016 on social media saying that it was still relevant today. It’s the same article that was waved by a perennial loser for GAGOP office as if it were the bloody shirt trying to say I’m against “the grassroots”. I continue to stand by the piece. Quite frankly, the folks waving the bloody shirt are exactly who I wrote about–they care more about power than they do principles.
I’m willing to trust Governor Kemp’s judgment. If you think about it, we will have a trial period for our new US Senator. If we don’t like how she represents Georgia, then we get to make a change in November 2020. That’s how elections work!
We will see the usual political grifters manufacture outrage with a hand out for donations to “challenge #TheEstablishment” and line their pockets. There will be cries of RINOism, betrayal, and other words to trigger a knee-jerk reflex in the Trumpian base. Quite frankly, folks need to chill and stop being angry because someone told you to be.
About Author
nsmith
Father. IT Geek. Former 14th District GOP Chairman (2015-2017). Former Walker GOP Chairman (2009-2013). Resident of Chamblee. American. Georgian. Conservative.
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Good post Nathan. I would add the thought that many of those now screaming RINO were the same folks extolling Kemp’s bold signing of the abortion/attorney compensation bill just a few months back. Now they want to primary him….
Well said Nathan. If everyone would take a deep breath and slowly exhale we’d all be better off.
I reread your Feb 2016 article. What I responded then is true today: you continue to blame the fearful and resentful voters your party has spent decades and millions of dollars pushing to be more fearful and resentful. You should admit you’ve got the party you built.
Gaetz is an easy target and it’s no problem dumping on him, but you and Kemp should get him a nice gift for saving you both from the tougher job of taking on the Jenny Beth Martins and the Marjorie Dannenfelsers of your world.
Indeed never being too far right has been characteristic of the GOP for well over two decades. Just like there can never be too many guns permitted in too many places, too little regulation, taxes, women’s choice, etc.
The GOP can’t distance itself since it can’t govern without them. Party over principle only increases TEA Party influence. Getting to office by appointment is getting to be a thing too—Carr, Pridemore, Shaw on deck, and now Loeffler.
My favorite comment so far was something along the lines of, “Sonny lied and so did you!” And like idk, I feel like things turned out okay for Sonny Perdue.
I’m not a Republican or Democrat and happily a fiscal conservative independent so to me Kemp appointing Kelly Loeffler is a nothing burger. Over a month ago someone ask me who I thought Kemp would appoint and my response was a woman. This appointment has nothing to do with anyone’s platform other than Kemp’s. He wanted to appeal to a weak voting block and that is what this is about and that’s all.
How will Kelly Loeffler do? I don’t think anyone really knows but we have around 10 to 11 months to find out. I’m willing to give her a chance because if I don’t like her I will vote for someone else during the special election.
What I think is the most ridiculous antics is coming from the right wing media. Mr. Hannity in particular and Senator Mitch McConnell. Hannity I expected but McConnell basically said if someone, meaning Doug Collins, runs against Kelly Loeffler they will not receive support from the Republican Party. Nice, but that is “Party Politics” no matter which party it is. Actually governing for the people is secondary to party power is what all this proves to me.
I’m confused: Did the President consult with Kemp before tweeting about Collins? If not, then sorry, I don’t see any “due process” for the Georgia First crowd. Sometimes in federalism, America First should capitulate to Georgia First, and sometimes the other way around.
Anyways, as the Pres. cannot admit or acknowledge loss, he will be probably soon be writing this off as an outcome he still endorses. It leaves personality-focused voters in the lurch of emotional manipulation, but such is the due process nowadays.
The interesting thing will be next November: Will Collins run? Will Trump endorse him? Could he win?