Donald Trump Jr. is headed to Georgia on Thursday to host a fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Doug Collins, one of his father’s top defenders in Congress and a potential appointee to the U.S. Senate.
An aide to Collins expects the north Georgia fundraiser to raise about $300,000, giving him a financial boost that could be transferred to a Senate campaign if he’s appointed to the job by Gov. Brian Kemp.
The visit comes weeks before President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Georgia for a Nov. 8 fundraiser and a potential political event aimed at energizing black Republican voters.
Collins was among the first wave of prominent Republicans to formally apply to Kemp’s office for the seat held by U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson, who is set to step down at year’s end because of health issues.
The four-term lawmaker has become a household name to supporters of Trump because of his lead role on the House Judiciary Committee and his outspoken opposition to Democratic-led impeachment proceedings.
And his Gainesville-based district is one of the most conservative on the Eastern Seaboard and is home to the state’s largest trove of GOP primary voters.
But he’s far from certain to be tapped to the job by Kemp, who has said he wants to vet both high-profile politicians and unconventional candidates for the job.
About 500 people have now applied, including a prominent business executive, current and former state lawmakers, a U.S. ambassador, decorated military veterans, radio commentators and former Kemp aides.
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