Trump-backed nominees lost in Georgia, but can Republicans escape the specter of Maga?

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Donald Trump’s big lie lost bigly in Georgia on Tuesday night. Some might take this as proof that his spell over the Republican party has finally been broken, but that is what the Republican party wants people to believe.

Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp at a primary election returns party<br>epa09973488 Republican Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) and his wife Marty (L) react with supporters during a primary election returns party at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, 24 May 2022. Kemp easily defeated former Senator David Perdue and will face Democratic challenger Stacey Abrams in the November general election. EPA/ERIK S. LESSER
Resounding setback for Trump as Kemp wins Republican primary in Georgia
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The former president had been waging a personal vendetta against Georgia’s governor Brian Kemp and secretary of state Brad Raffensperger for failing to overturn the 2020 presidential election in his favor.

Trump handpicked former senator David Perdue and congressman Jody Hice to challenge Kemp and Raffensperger in the Republican primaries. Both parroted the big lie and both were soundly beaten. It was a tangible sign that even many Trump voters are now weary of “stop the steal” and eager to look forward. It was also a blow to Trump in a primary season where his scattergun endorsements have come up with a decidedly mixed win-loss record.

R&I – FS

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Article URL : https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/may/24/donald-trump-georgia-losses-republicans-maga