One of the more embarrassing moments  for the Georgia GOP came in 2012. Two years earlier, Chairman Sue Everhart had persuaded Ashley Bell, an African-American, a Democrat, and Hall County commissioner, to switch sides and become a Republican.

Bell was summarily defeated in the next GOP primary.

Four years later, Bell might be ready to say that his sense of justice has been restored. A White House pool report that just moved names the Donald Trump administration teams that are coordinating the presidential transition in various federal departments. It includes this line:

State Team: Former ambassador Charlie Glazier, Alex Gray, Jackie Walcott, Ashley Bell, Chris Burnham.

That's U.S. State Department, to be clear. Bell had joined the Republican National Committee effort this summer to turn out minorities for Trump.

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

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