U.S.A. –-(Ammoland.com)- Brian Kemp is a lifelong Georgian. He grew up in Athens attending Clarke Central High School. After high school, he went to the University of Georgia, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture.
After college Kemp became a small business owner running businesses in agribusiness, financial services, real estate management, and investment. He wanted to do more for Georgia. He felt a calling to give back to the state that has given him so much.
He ran for the Georgia State Senate, unseating the Democratic incumbent. In the State Senate, Kemp pushed to cut taxes and bureaucratic fees, and give more freedom for companies to create jobs. On January 8, 2010, Kemp became the Georgia Secretary of State when Karen Handel stepped down from the position.
Kemp ran for election for a full term to the post of Secretary of State later that year. He won in a landslide over his Democratic opponent. Once again, he won re-election in 2014.
While in the position of Secretary of State, Kemp leveraged technology to streamline processes that not only saved time but also saved Georgia money. Brian Kemp wants to bring his ideas of innovation to the Governorship of Georgia.
I had a chance to speak to with him for AmmoLand News and ask Secretary Kemp why he wants to be the Governor of Georgia as well as his stance on the pressing issues facing the state’s gun owners.
Brian Kemp Interview
John: Why do you want to be the Governor of Georgia?
Secretary Kemp: I’m running for Governor to put hardworking Georgians first. With experience in the private sector, legislature, and executive branch of state government, I am solely qualified to lead our state and ensure a bright, promising future for all Georgians – regardless of zip code.
John: What is your background in Government?
Secretary Kemp: Running for public office was never part of the plan. However, as a small businessman, I was fed up with job-crushing taxes and big government mandates. I ran for the State Senate and worked to repeal regulations, lower taxes, and protect conservative, Georgia values. After two terms, I left to raise my family and grow my businesses; I returned to public service as Georgia’s 27th Secretary of State.
John: What is your background in the private sector?
Secretary Kemp: I’m a small business owner from Athens, GA with years of experience in real estate development and construction, banking, timber, agri-business, and farming. From the backhoe to the Board Room, I know how to create jobs, grow companies, recruit start-ups, and make deals on the international stage.
John: What is your experience with firearms?
Secretary Kemp: I hunt, shoot, and carry. During my time in the Senate, I fought to protect and expand our Second Amendment Rights. As governor, I will be on the frontlines fighting for our gun rights.
John: It seems like the gun zone free zone thing isn’t working. Would you back a measure to get rid of gun free zones?
Secretary Kemp: Gun Free Zones are absolutely ridiculous. Yes, I will back efforts to end them.
John: There has been so much talk about the need to improve school security. Some people think we should arm teachers. Other people believe that would just cause more issues. What is your opinion on letting teachers carry concealed if they chose to bring a gun to school?
Secretary Kemp: I support arming teachers, employing veterans or retired law enforcement as security, and/or using innovation like facial recognition technology to curb violence at our local schools. However, these decisions should be made by local school boards – not by state government.
John: Campus carry has been a big issue in Georgia for a while. What is your take on letting college students carry a concealed handgun on college campuses if they are legally allowed to carry a gun?
Secretary Kemp: I support campus carry. Our constitutional rights should not end where a college campus begins.
John: There seems to be a resistance to campus carry from the left. Why do you think they have such a big problem with the idea?
Secretary Kemp: During my time as Secretary of State, I squared off against the Obama Justice Department, the ACLU, and left-wing activists to keep our elections secure, [accessible], and fair. Their efforts to undermine our Second Amendment Rights are completely unfounded.
John: Gun owners are under a campaign of harassment. From Wal-Mart to Citibank, it seems like the attacks on gun owners are ramping up. What do you think can be done to fight back against these corporations trying to impose their beliefs on us?
Secretary Kemp: I believe in free markets. If businesses target Second Amendment supporters, we, as private citizens, should express our objection with our wallet.
John: The NRA has been called a terrorist organization by politicians. I am a member of the NRA along with millions of other Americans. Will you fight back against politicians that label us terrorist?
Secretary Kemp: Absolutely. I have a track record of fighting – and winning – for Georgia values, and I will do the same as Governor.
John: You are a big proponent of using technology to cut out a lot of the bureaucracy and cut cost. Why have state governments and the National government been so slow to adopt proven off the shelf solutions to speed up the processes and reduce cost?
Secretary Kemp: Government leaders fail to innovate because they don’t know how.
Business owners like me have to innovate or we won’t be able to put food on the table. If we elect career politicians, we get more of the same. If voters elect a conservative businessman with a proven record, they get innovative solutions that save taxpayers time and money.
John: You want to ban sanctuary cities in Georgia. Why do you think so many left-wing groups support sanctuary cities?
Secretary Kemp: Sanctuary cities are a safe haven for criminal aliens. Left-wing radicals protect sanctuary cities because they support open borders, amnesty, and other policies that put illegal immigrants – not Americans – first.
John: How would you improve Georgia’s economy?
Secretary Kemp: The first pillar of my 4-Point Plan is to make Georgia #1 for small business. We do that through regulatory reform led by business leaders – not bureaucrats. If we take a chainsaw to job-crushing regulations, our small businesses – which are the backbone of the economy – will experience unprecedented growth and prosperity.
John: Is there anything else you want the AmmoLand News readers to know about you?
Secretary Kemp: I recently released a plan to track and deport criminal aliens from our jails and prisons in Georgia. I urge all of your readers to visit here to learn more.
The Georgia Republican Primary will be held on May 22nd, 2018. Brian Kemp’s campaign can be found here and he can be followed on Twitter and Facebook.
About John Crump
John is an NRA instructor and a constitutional activist. He is the former CEO of Veritas Firearms, LLC and is the co-host of The Patriot News Podcast which can be found at www.blogtalkradio.com/patriotnews. John has written extensively on the patriot movement including 3%’ers, Oath Keepers, and Militias. In addition to the Patriot movement, John has written about firearms, interviewed people from all walks of life, and on the Constitution. John lives in Northern Virginia with his wife and sons and is currently working on a book on the history of the patriot movement and can be followed on Twitter at @crumpyss or at www.crumpy.com.
“John: There seems to be a resistance to campus carry from the left. Why do you think they have such a big problem with the idea? Secretary Kemp: During my time as Secretary of State, I squared off against the Obama Justice Department, the ACLU, and left-wing activists to keep our elections secure, [accessible], and fair. Their efforts to undermine our Second Amendment Rights are completely unfounded.” He didn’t even answer the question, he dismissed opinions as being ‘unfounded’ where there is in fact real claim to not wanting campus carry. I support Campus Carry, but he didn’t even answer… Read more »
He has already stood up to Delta Airlines who’s corporate offices are in Georgia. When Delta pulled the discounts for NRA members he proposed removing a benefit from Delta where they were going to get a rebate for fuel tax. As far as I know the benefit disappeared. We are in desperate need of more people like him in government.
Actually, that was his opponent, Lt. Gov Casey Cagle.
We need many more people like Brian Kemp to get involved in our government at all levels!
Phil in TX
Agree. This man will go far. National is next after a coupe terms as governor.