With less than two weeks to go in the Georgia primary race, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) Georgia PAC announced on Thursday it is endorsing Brian Kemp for re-election as governor.
“On behalf of our small business members, I am proud to announce the NFIB Georgia PAC’s endorsement of Gov. Brian Kemp. From Day One of his administration, Governor Kemp has been a tireless supporter of Georgia’s small businesses,” said NFIB State Director Nathan Humphrey. “During the pandemic, Governor Kemp fought to keep Georgia’s economy open while other states were forcing small businesses to close. His leadership protected both lives and livelihoods, brought record jobs to Georgia, and resulted in the largest income tax cut in state history.”
Kemp has touted his small business bonafides since his run in 2018 and as he looks to avoid a primary runoff, the endorsement from one of small business’ biggest associations in Georgia could help to push him over the 50 percent mark. Not a lot of voters are likely hanging on the endorsement from the NFIB but the endorsement can help to build on momentum.
“As a small businessman for over 35 years, I am honored to receive the endorsement of the NFIB in Georgia,” said Kemp. “Working with these great leaders during my first term, we’ve cut taxes, slashed red tape, scaled back bureaucracy, and championed pro-business policies that led Georgia to record economic success. As Governor, I’ll continue to fight alongside the Georgia NFIB and hardworking Georgians across our state to keep Georgia the best place to start and grow a business.”
The announcement comes on the same day that Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, made it official and endorsed Kemp. Ralston’s endorsement was expected and not a surprise but is representative of few in the legislature willing to jump to the other side and endorse former Senator David Perdue – except for those who have left the legislature to run for other offices where they need the support of former President Trump. Perdue’s challenge to Kemp has a certain level of strong support because of the endorsement of Trump. However, beyond the Mar-a-Lago endorsement, outside groups may be wary to endorse Perdue lest they get on the wrong side of a current and future governor.
Not to mention at this point, some groups may start reading tea leaves and think an endorsement of Kemp is a safe bet and will help them to get on the good side of a current and future governor. Political campaigns are often dependent on momentum and there may be some indication that Perdue is closing the gap but as the actual day of voting gets closer without Kemp dipping below 50 percent in the polls, that outcome may feel inevitable.
“Governor Kemp has been a small business owner and a proud member of NFIB, and he understands the challenges facing our members,” Humphrey said. “Governor Kemp has shown us time and again that he’s willing to make the tough decisions essential to making Georgia a great state for small business.”
