ELLIJAY, Ga. – Statewide elections candidates are returning to Gilmer County for voters in the final weeks up to the May 24 primary. Candidate for Secretary of State TJ Hudson, candidate for Lieutenant Governor Jeanne Seaver, and candidate for Attorney General John Gordon visited River Park yesterday, May 4, 2022, for a meet and greet event with citizens.

Hosted by Gilmer County’s Lady Patriots, the event was held at 5 p.m. The Lady Patriots is a group of politically active women in Ellijay. Not officially an organization tied to a political party, they stated that the event was to show their support and endorsements for the three specific candidates. A member of the Lady Patriots, Margaret Williamson said that one thing she loved about these three was that they haven’t run for office before.

When asked about small smaller or auxiliary groups like the Lady Patriots, Gilmer County Republican Party Chairman Richie Stone stated, “The more, the merrier.”

He added that organization is the key at this time to support groups all the way from the “macro” to the “micro.” Stone said that having people in the game at all levels helps the party and the candidates. Though he said that there was a little confusion as smaller groups gained popularity, now its a refreshing aid in the efforts of the party. Stone said, “After 2020, they’re off the sidelines, they’re all in.”

Running for Georgia’s Attorney General office, John Gordon spoke about election integrity and his push for prosecution for election fraud in past elections. He stated, “There have been 63 cases around the nation. The mainstream media says they have all been dismissed with no finding of fraud. Well, of course there is no finding of fraud. You have to look for the fraud to find the fraud. If you don’t look, you’re never going to find fraud.” He added there hasn’t been any evidentiary hearings so far.

Gordon spoke about the destruction of the republic and the need for someone to stand up and not cave to the liberals push. He added that he couldn’t understand why constitutional officers aren’t standing up for the people.

Gordon said he will be prosecuting rioters, protect the citizens, protect students and schools against Critical Race Theory, and work with police to set a plan in motion to halt the flow of Fentanyl into Georgia.

Running for Georgia’s Secretary of State office, TJ Hudson spoke about his experience in elections, Magistrate Office, and Probate office. He stated he has served as President of Georgia’s Probate Judges and President of Georgia’s Magistrate Judges. Serving through numerous different election systems.

Hudson stated, “We, as Georgians, have always said ‘Experience matters.’ I have done it for nearly two decades. The other candidates running for Secretary of State have only been candidates on a ballot. I’ve actually run elections. I’ve trained poll workers. I was there with election officials on November of 2020.”

He went on to say that he knows what to do on the ground level of elections and can take that experience into the Secretary of State’s Office. Instead of sitting in the office awaiting results on election night, he would be “boots on the ground” going from county to county making sure its done right. He also promised prosecution saying, “If you cheat under my watch, I guarantee your going to jail.”

Running for Georgia’s Lieutenant Governor office, Jeanne Seaver spoke about state taxes and the Fair Tax, consumption tax, and eliminating state income tax. She said this kind of change means everyone pays their fair share. She added that many people in Washington are following and putting forth ideas that she come up with. She also spoke about gambling in the state and her opposition to it. She warned of the lobbyists pushing to legalize these “resorts.”

Seaver stated, “It’s the highest addiction in the nation. One out five attempt suicide. And its targeting our children.”

She went on to speak about service for veterans. Seaver stated that the first person she wants to hire as Lieutenant Governor is a specifically designated position to serve veterans and their families. Seaver said it is because of veterans service that we lay our children’s heads on their pillows at night.

All three candidates also spoke to citizens before and after the event answering questions. Hudson was also in Gilmer on April 23, 2022, for a Secretary of State Debate for the Republican Candidates. Events like these are becoming more popular and groups of all levels are requesting candidates to visit events or even party meetings. Stone said that while he wasn’t at the meet and greet event for one candidate, he attends many events like it to listen to the candidates messages as he always finds it exciting to see statewide candidates visiting Gilmer County.