“That’s exactly why I can win in November. I can promote, secure and expand our conservative values, and even put those in a context where Democrats are happy to vote for them, ”he said. “Every senator has a vote, and every senator has a vote, and every vote deserves to be heard.”
The state Senator hit the headlines earlier this year when Duncan refused to chair a legislative debate on election restrictions – and Miller gave him “a pinch blow” and the ceremonial gavel during the trial. He is a staunch supporter of the measure passed weeks later, Senate Bill 202.
Republican Senator Steve Gooch from Dahlonega, right, speaks with Senate President Pro Tem Butch Miller, R-Gainesville, while Miller presides over the Senate during a debate at the Georgia Capitol. Miller picked up the hammer after Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan had apologized from the debate because he refused to roll back the postal vote in Georgia. (Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com)
Photo credit: Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com
Photo credit: Alyssa Pointer / Alyssa.Pointer@ajc.com
“A lot of people are still upset about it. My Republican friends don’t think it went far enough, my Democratic friends think it went too far, ”he said.
“I think it will go down in history as a very important law,” Miller said. “Ultimately, both Democrats and Republicans will appreciate the structure, trust and integrity that SB 202 has added to the process.”
Democrats firmly oppose the new law, which sets new ID requirements for the use of postal ballot papers, restricts ballot boxes, and gives the GOP-controlled legislature greater control over local elections. State and federal election officials found no evidence of widespread fraud in Georgia’s vote, and several votes confirmed Trump’s defeat.
A crowded list of politicians is already maneuvering to follow Duncan.
Two Democratic lawmakers are already in the running: Rep. Erick Allen announced his campaign in March, and Rep. Derrick Jackson entered the contest in April.
On the Republican side of the ledger, activist Jeanne Seaver announced her campaign earlier this year. But Miller’s most formidable rival could be Senator Burt Jones, a wealthy oil executive who sought Trump’s support and recently posted a picture with the former president at his Mar-a-Lago, Florida property.
Jones is also seen as a potential US Senate candidate, despite recently telling activists that he is more likely to run for Georgia’s second-largest job.
Miller said he believed Trump was “favorable” to running as well, but made it clear that he was running for the job anyway.
“If you win elementary school, you have to remember that you have to win in November, otherwise everything will be for free. And that’s the key: I can win in November, ”said Miller. “I don’t care who is taking part in this race besides Jesus. If he comes in, I’ll be out. “
Excerpts from the questions and answers:
About his relationship with Governor Brian Kemp:
“I am very proud of Brian Kemp’s achievements. He reminds me of the “man in the arena”. He’s been hit, he’s sweating, he’s working, he’s bleeding. And he just keeps fighting. He keeps coming back. And I love that. I love a fighter. “
Why is he running now after flirting with a bid in 2018:
“Running for public office is a deeply personal decision. You need to have the right timing in your life, in your family, and in your career. I am 64 years old, I think I have 10 good years of service left. My health, my energy and my commitment are good. And my support for my family, my community and my wife is all there. “
Senate President Pro Tem Butch Miller announced Tuesday that he would be replacing Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, who has fallen out of favor with many Republicans over his argument with former President Donald Trump over the integrity of the 2020 election. “I think Geoff Duncan did a good job in many ways,” said Miller, who said he and Duncan were friendly after getting off to a “rocky start”. (Bob Andres / Constitution of the Atlanta Journal / TNS)
Image credit: TNS
Image credit: TNS
About his relationship with Geoff Duncan:
“I think Geoff Duncan did a good job in many ways. He has become a friend of mine over the years. He and I got off to a very rough, rocky start. I think he thought I was trying to rob him of his authority. That was not the case and it was never the case. …
“The lieutenant governor operates nationwide, and voters vote for that lieutenant governor because they believe that he has certain power and authority. And until that power and authority is abused or improperly used, he deserves this opportunity to exercise that power. …
“I want to build on my relationship with my Senate colleagues to ensure that the lieutenant governor’s office works with the majority. And we haven’t seen that in the recent past. No member would have to worry about being surprised that I tweeted something or saw something in the newspaper that was inconsistent with what the caucus and majority party want to see. “
Whether Joe Biden won the presidency:
“Joe Biden is the president. We need to focus on 2022 and 2024. And we had Senate Draft 202 to address those issues. “
About Donald Trump’s Influence on the Race:
“I took out my atlas and looked and Mar-a-Lago is not in Georgia. I really like many of President Trump’s policies, whether you’re talking about border controls, the introduction of the coronavirus vaccine, the reduction of regulations and taxes, and his criminal justice reform. I really like this policy.
“I’ve attended events in the Rose Garden, had breakfast in the White House, and had lunch with President Trump in Atlanta. I have no reason to believe that President Trump would only be favorable to my candidacy. I have not spoken to him about it, nor would I foresee it. “
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