Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Stands By Voter Restriction Law

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) is unswayed by the massive backlash following his decision to sign new sweeping voting restrictions into law. The Republican-crafted bill has been condemned by many activist organizations as blatantly racist. Kemp, however, is not troubled by the outrage, saying in an interview, “I’m glad to deal with it.”

“If they want to have a debate about the merits and the facts of the bill, then we should do that,” Kemp said on CNBC’s Closing Bell. The Republican governor’s signing ceremony even garnered controversy as a member of Georgia’s House of Representatives was arrested in the state house for peacefully protesting the restrictive bill.

Following corporate condemnation from both Coca-Cola and Delta Airlines, Kemp said, “I would encourage these CEOs to look at other states that they’re doing business in and compare what the real facts are to Georgia.”

Kemp claimed that he and other lawmakers were in regular contact with Delta Airlines specifically while drafting the bill. “At no point did Delta share any opposition to expanding early voting, strengthening voter ID measures, increasing the use of secure drop boxes statewide, and making it easier for local election officials to administer elections — which is exactly what this bill does,” Kemp wrote in his statement.