Democrat Wins Endorsements In Congressional Race

MILTON, GA — A former television anchor who has launched a campaign to unseat Karen Handel to represent Georgia's 6th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives has announced his latest endorsements in his race.

Bobby Kaple's campaign said the Milton resident has received the support of U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Democrat from Louisiana and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

"Georgia needs change, and Bobby Kaple is building a campaign that is looking to represent his entire district," Richmond said in a statement released by the campaign. "Bobby is running his campaign on the issues that we all care about: making sure everyone has affordable healthcare and fighting for jobs in the 6th. I'm proud to endorse Bobby Kaple for Congress."

Kaple's campaign also said it has the backing of Richard Keatley, a former professor who initially announced his plans to become Kaple's opponent for the Democratic nomination for the seat. However, Keatley is now running to become Georgia's next labor commissioner.

“Bobby will fight in Washington for the same things I will fight for here in Georgia as your next labor commissioner,” said Richard Keatley. “I am confident Bobby will work for opportunity, equality, and justice — he will use his position in Congress to give Americans a better deal. I’m proud to endorse Bobby Kaple."

Other supporting Kaple include former U.S. Rep. Buddy Darden, State Senator Elena Parent, former U.S. Senator Max Cleland, Georgia Senate Minority Leader Steve Henson and Jim Barksdale, a 2016 Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Cleland, a military veteran, said he's seen the "dysfunction" up close in Washington, D.C., and believes Kaple will "cut right through it."

"He has the backs of our veterans and will fight tooth and nail for the residents of District 6," he said. "I proudly endorse Bobby Kaple."

Darden noted Kaple is a rising star in the Democratic Party and said he believes the Milton resident has what it takes to succeed in Congress. Barksdale added he believes Kaple is the strongest contender to defeat Karen Handel in the upcoming election while Henson said he will be a champion for working families in the 6th Congressional District. Sen. Parent added she knows Kaple will fight for equaity and women's rights at the United States Capitol.

"We need someone who will protect a woman's right to choose and the family values we hold dear," she added. "Having known Bobby, he will do just that, and I'm excited to his endorse his campaign."

Incumbent Republican Karen Handel won the hotly contested congressional race, defeating Democrat Jon Ossoff in a race that became the most expensive in U.S. history. The 6th Congressional District covers the North Fulton County cities of Roswell, Sandy Springs, Alpharetta, Milton, Mountain Park and Johns Creek. It also includes parts of East Cobb and the parts of the DeKalb County cities of Dunwoody and Brookhaven.

Before entering the world of politics, Kaple was a former anchor at CBS 46. He and his wife live in Milton where they are raising their toddler twins. For more information, visit Bobby Kaple's website.

Image via Bobby Kaple's campaign