Ahead of Tuesday’s voting, Pence did not directly criticize former President Donald Trump in a speech on behalf of incumbent Brian Kemp nor name David Perdue, the former senator whom Trump has backed in the race.

“Elections are about the future. There are those who want to make this election about the past,” Pence said, speaking in an airport hangar to a crowd of several dozens. “When you say yes to Governor Brian Kemp tomorrow, you will send a deafening message all across America that the Republican Party is the party of the future.”…

“Having Pence here is a step in the right direction for the Republican Party to step away from the Trump train,” said realtor Kay Morgan, 64, who voted for Trump twice but was dismayed by his false election claims and said she would not support him again. “I would like to see Pence run for office.”

Tony Willingham, 54, a project manager in an electric utility business, said he had never supported Trump and was encouraged Kemp was far ahead in the polls. “We’re huge fans of Vice President Pence. We believe in his Christian values and the wisdom he gets from God,” Willingham said.