Political Insider
Political Insider

Electoral College vote: Georgia GOP chair replaces anti-Trump elector

John Padgett stands between Gov. Nathan Deal and Sen. David Perdue. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

Credit: Greg Bluestein

Credit: Greg Bluestein

John Padgett stands between Gov. Nathan Deal and Sen. David Perdue. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM
By
Dec 19, 2016

Georgia GOP chair John Padgett was formally tapped as the state's 16th Republican elector on Monday, just minutes before the Electoral College was set to formally cast its votes for the New York businessman.

Padgett replaces Baoky Vu, a Georgia GOP elector who was forced to resign in August after he announced he might not cast his Electoral College ballot for Trump if he won. He's since been made into something of a hero for Trump critics hoping electors block his ascension to the White House.

Those efforts seem destined to fail. An Associated Press survey of more than 330 electors from both parties showed the overwhelming majority are sticking to their candidates. And 15 of the 16 Georgia electors reached by the AJC — dedicated GOP activists hand-picked by Republican party leaders — said they would support Trump.

Padgett's appointment as the final elector on Monday set the stage for a clean sweep for Trump in Georgia. The Athens businessman has been a stalwart Trump supporter throughout the campaign.

More: Georgia GOP electors signal they'll stand by Trump

Read more about Georgia’s Electoral College vote:

ExploreElectoral College vote: Live updates on state-by-state voting
ExploreAnti-Trump groups step up pressure on Georgia GOP electors
ExploreGeorgia GOP electors say they won’t be swayed from voting for Trump
ExploreAn Electoral College revolt against Donald Trump is quickly quashed in Georgia

About the Author

Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.

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