ATLANTA (AP) — The quiet maneuvering began almost immediately after Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia announced he’d retire at year’s end: name drops, phone calls, subtle and not-so-subtle pleas for support. Now, amid speculation over whom Gov. Brian Kemp might appoint to replace Isakson until a special election is held, some hopefuls are raising their hands for consideration. One of those prominent contenders is Rep. Doug Collins, who has emerged as one of President Donald Trump’s chief defenders in Congress through his role as the top Republican on the House Judiciary panel. But what exactly Kemp is looking for in a replacement is still largely unknown. The Republican governor — sidetracked by Hurricane Dorian barreling up the Eastern Seaboard — has said little publicly. That’s despite being inundated by politicians and their supporters contacting him about the seat, according to an official familiar with the conversations who was not authorized to discuss deliberations and spoke on condition of anonymity. Isakson said he plans to step down in December. Whomever Kemp appoints will serve for about 10 months before a special election on Nov. 3, 2020, for the remaining two years of Isakson’s term. Georgia’s other senator, Republican David Perdue, is also defending his seat on the November 2020 ballot. The two open Senate seats have raised Georgia’s status as a must-watch 2020 battleground. There will be no primary elections for Isakson’s seat, meaning the special election will be open to qualified candidates from all political parties. That could significantly increase the likelihood of a runoff, required by Georgia law if no candidate receives over 50% of the vote. Republican strategists say other potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Tom Graves and statewide officers like Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and Attorney General Chris Carr. When asked about Isakson’s seat in a recent interview, Collins told The Associated Press: “If the governor were to ask me, would I like to take that position and begin that cycle? I would say yes.” Collins acknowledged that he has discussed the seat with Kemp, saying, “We had a short conversation that dealt with more than that.” Collins has used his role on the Judiciary panel to criticize continued efforts by Democrats to investigate special counsel Robert Mueller’s report on Russian election interference and obstruction of justice. While Collins has generally been well liked by lawmakers on both sides, he has become more confrontational since Democrats won the House majority and he ascended to the top GOP spot on the committee. “This year, because of the majority’s dislike of this president, the endless hearings into a closed investigation have caused us to accomplish nothing except talk about the problems our country is facing,” Collins said in July as Mueller testified before the panel. At the same time, he has worked with Democrats on legislation in the past. Collins, a former pastor, worked with New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on legislation to reform federal sentencing and prison laws that was eventually signed by Trump last year. Brian Robinson, a Republican political adviser in Georgia who served as communications director under former Gov. Nathan Deal, says that several members of Georgia’s congressional district have a “leg up” in seeking the appointment because they have the proven campaigning ability and fundraising network needed in such a short sprint. Robinson said that Collins’ relationship with the president could give him a big advantage. “Donald Trump likes Doug, and if Donald Trump weighs in for Doug, that’s going to be very persuasive,” Robinson said. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report from Washington. Source: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/

ATLANTA (AP) — The quiet maneuvering began almost immediately after Republican Sen. Johnny Isakson of Georgia announced he’d retire at year’s end: name drops, phone calls, subtle and not-so-subtle pleas for support. Now, amid speculation over whom Gov. Brian Kemp might appoint to replace Isakson until a special election is held, some hopefuls are raising their hands for consideration. One of those prominent contenders is Rep. Doug Collins, who has emerged as one of President Donald Trump’s chief defenders in Congress through his role as the top Republican on the House Judiciary panel. But what exactly Kemp is looking for in a replacement is still largely unknown. The Republican governor — sidetracked by Hurricane Dorian barreling up the Eastern Seaboard — has said little publicly. That’s despite being inundated by politicians and their supporters contacting him about the seat, according to an official familiar with the conversations who was not authorized to discuss deliberations and spoke on condition of anonymity. Isakson said he plans to step down in December. Whomever Kemp appoints will serve for about 10 months before a special election on Nov. 3, 2020, for the remaining two years of Isakson’s term. Georgia’s other senator, Republican David Perdue, is also defending his seat on the November 2020 ballot. The two open Senate seats have raised Georgia’s status as a must-watch 2020 battleground. There will be no primary elections for Isakson’s seat, meaning the special election will be open to qualified candidates from all political parties. That could significantly increase the likelihood of a runoff, required by Georgia law if no candidate receives over 50% of the vote. Republican strategists say other potential candidates include U.S. Rep. Tom Graves and statewide officers like Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and Attorney General Chris Carr. When asked about Isakson’s seat in a recent interview, Collins told The Associated Press: “If the governor were to ask me, would I like to take that position and begin that cycle? I would say yes.” Collins acknowledged that he has discussed the seat with Kemp, saying, “We had a short conversation that dealt with more than that.” Collins has used his role on the Judiciary panel to criticize continued efforts by Democrats to investigate special counsel Robert Mueller’s report on Russian election interference and obstruction of justice. While Collins has generally been well liked by lawmakers on both sides, he has become more confrontational since Democrats won the House majority and he ascended to the top GOP spot on the committee. “This year, because of the majority’s dislike of this president, the endless hearings into a closed investigation have caused us to accomplish nothing except talk about the problems our country is facing,” Collins said in July as Mueller testified before the panel. At the same time, he has worked with Democrats on legislation in the past. Collins, a former pastor, worked with New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries on legislation to reform federal sentencing and prison laws that was eventually signed by Trump last year. Brian Robinson, a Republican political adviser in Georgia who served as communications director under former Gov. Nathan Deal, says that several members of Georgia’s congressional district have a “leg up” in seeking the appointment because they have the proven campaigning ability and fundraising network needed in such a short sprint. Robinson said that Collins’ relationship with the president could give him a big advantage. “Donald Trump likes Doug, and if Donald Trump weighs in for Doug, that’s going to be very persuasive,” Robinson said. Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report from Washington. Source: https://www.realclearpolitics.com/

By: Johnny Isakson On the Fourth of July, Americans all across the country join together to celebrate America's independence. From Main Street parades to firework displays, every American has their own tradition for honoring the red, white and blue. Personally, I can think of no better way to celebrate than by honoring our veterans and the men and women of our U.S. armed forces who protect and defend the values and freedoms that make America the greatest country on the face of Earth. Currently, 2.1 million Americans have answered the call to serve in our all-volunteer force. Understanding that we live in a world of unknown and dangerous threats, these dedicated men and women have taken an oath to defend our nation against all enemies. Just as these troops have dedicated their lives to serving our country, we must be equally dedicated to equipping them with the support, training and resources necessary to remain the most elite force on the planet. As a member of the U.S. Senate, I believe my foremost responsibility is to safeguard the peace and tranquility of the American people. Congress must set priorities for our national defense and provide full funding for those who lay it all on the line to protect us. We do this by passing a law each year called the National Defense Authorization Act to set those priorities and fund them. Last week, my colleagues and I in the Senate took the first step in this process by passing our version of this important legislation. The Senate's National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2020 keeps our promises to our military and builds on last year's increased investments in readiness, modernization and benefits for our service members. Nearly 90,000 soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in Georgia will benefit directly from the Senate measure if enacted, as will our state's military installations. Georgia plays an active and strategic role in our national defense. The Senate-passed bill increases end-strength troop levels for the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Navy and provides our active duty troops with a 3.1% pay raise, the largest in a decade. It also directs the Pentagon to carry out major construction projects at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Ga.; Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Ga.; Fort Gordon in Augusta, Ga.; and the Air Dominance Center at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Savannah, Ga. Our Senate bill makes investments in equipment upgrades, procurements, replacements and cybersecurity. It includes new and improved facilities and education efforts for current service members. It also supports programs like the STARBASE youth program and academic cyber institutes at colleges and universities to ensure a strong pipeline of future cyber elite and long-term dominance in cyber warfare. Supporting our warfighters also means providing for their families. The fiscal year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act includes housing construction and improvements for military families and members who live on base and an improved professional licensing process for military spouses to make it easier when families are transferred to a new state. It also creates a Military Tenant Bill of Rights, which is a clear and fair dispute resolution process for military tenants. The measure increases oversight of military contractors, enhances quality assurance and quality control measures to make sure these facilities are worthy of our service members and their families. I was glad to work to secure these priorities and to see this bipartisan measure pass the Senate by an overwhelming vote, with Republicans and Democrats working together to strengthen our national defense and fulfill our promise to the brave men and women serving in uniform. This July Fourth, I encourage all Americans to reflect on what the stars and stripes really represents in the United States. Were it not for the men and women in uniform, we would not have the freedoms we celebrate. I thank our service members, past, future and present, for their service and sacrifice to keep our country safe and free. On this July Fourth and every day, may God bless our troops, and may God bless the United States of America.