ATLANTA — Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue swore in new Secretary of State Brian Kemp on Friday at the Capitol.
Secretary Kemp, a state senator from Athens, Ga., replaces former secretary Karen Handel, who resigned recently to campaign for governor.
At the swearing-in, Gov. Perdue responded to criticism that his secretary appointment gives an incumbency advantage to a candidate before primary voters can freely choose a secretary this year.
“I don’t regret the choice I’ve made, and I think that he will be affirmed by the voters,” Gov. Perdue said.
Former Sandy Springs City Councilman Doug MacGinnitie and former Flowery Branch City Councilwoman Robin Carlisle also are candidates for the Republican nomination for the job.