Eric Martin said, “I have enjoyed the debate of ideas over the course of this campaign. Karen Handel has put forth a plan that will greatly improve the office of Secretary of State. She also will be a strong addition to our Republican ticket this fall with Governor Sonny Perdue. I endorse Karen Handel for Secretary of State and ask all my supporters to join me in working toward her election.”

Charlie Bailey said, “I have known Karen Handel for over ten years and consider her a friend. She is a real conservative leader with the highest character. Karen will bring leadership, honesty and integrity to the Republican ticket and the office of Secretary of State. I am proud to endorse Karen Handel.”

Karen Handel said, “I am honored to have the support of Charlie Bailey and Eric Martin. I thank them for the strong issue based campaigns that they ran and look forward to working with them as we elect the first Republican Secretary of State in Georgia.”

Karen Handel led in 106 counties and captured 44% of the vote in the general primary last week. With the support of Charlie Bailey and Eric Martin and their organizations, Karen’s already proven statewide base of support now represents almost 70% of the votes cast last Tuesday.

In congressional and statewide races, no candidate has overcome a double digit lead to win a runoff in Georgia in the past 10 years. And, in only 3 of 17 races has the second place finisher won the nomination.