Vice President Mike Pence to campaign in Georgia for Brian Kemp, sources say

ATLANTA — Vice President Mike Pence is coming to Georgia to campaign for Republican candidate for governor Brian Kemp, sources told Channel 2's Richard Elliot.

The announcement comes just a day after President Donald Trump tweeted his support for the current secretary of state.

The event is scheduled for this weekend in Macon.

Rival gubernatorial candidate Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle told Channel 2 Action News Thursday that another endorsement should be more important for voters.

Cagle was all smiles as he made a campaign stop in McDonough to greet supporters. He said Trump’s endorsement for Kemp is a big deal, but said Gov. Nathan Deal’s endorsement of him is a big deal, too.

“Certainly, there are two gold star endorsements. One is President Trump. The other is Gov. Deal, and Gov. Deal knows this state,” Cagle said.

TRENDING STORIES:

At least one Cagle supporter Elliot spoke with thinks the president shouldn’t have endorsed anyone before Tuesday’s runoff.

“I think the president probably should’ve stayed out of it altogether.  It’s my opinion that he doesn’t know Georgia,” voter Elizabeth B.J. Mathis said.

"Sadly enough, lots of political insiders have given the president another set of bad information," Cagle said.

Sources within the White House said the president’s tweets surprised both campaigns and came straight from Trump himself, not from an adviser.

“Brian is tough on crime, strong on the border and illegal immigration. I give him my full and total endorsement,” Trump's tweet said, in part, Thursday.

Kemp campaigned in north Georgia Thursday. He told Channel 2 Action News he’s happy with the endorsement.

“I’m proud to have his support. I’m ready to stand with him.  He’s standing with me and we’re very excited,” Kemp said.

Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams stopped by the WSB-TV studios Thursday. Elliot asked her about the endorsement, but she said she’s more focused on her own campaign.

“I am not running against anyone. I am running for Georgia.  And as the Republican primary winds down, I wish them all well. We’re going to focus on lifting up all Georgians and go across the state getting all the votes we can,” Abrams said.

Pence will fly into Macon Saturday afternoon to campaign for Kemp. The runoff election is Tuesday.

Cox Media Group