Brian Kemp, Republican candidate for Georgia Secretary of State, said Tuesday during a visit to Tifton that his experience as a senator and small business owner make him the best choice for the job.

“I think it is a good fit for me,” Kemp said.

Kemp, a former state senator and Athens native who describes himself as a conservative Republican, said that he understands the issues facing small business owners and he will continue to “streamline” the office of Secretary of State to make it even more “user friendly.” He said he believes the way to boost the economy is to help small business owners “get back into the hiring mode.” He said the elimination of what he terms “useless regulations” will free up more money for small businesses to invest in capital projects.

“I don’t think we do enough for business,” Kemp said.

While in the Senate, Kemp chaired an appropriations sub-committee for higher education. He said he understands agriculture and that there is much opportunity for agricultural-related businesses in the state.

Kemp said he has been attending state election board meetings and that experience, along with having been a candidate for office himself, gives him insight into issues facing Georgia elections.

Georgia’s Secretary of Start is responsible for overseeing elections, managing corporation registrations, licensing various professions, regulating the sales of securities and maintaining the state’s archives.

Kemp is the owner of Kemp Properties, a small business specializing in real estate investments and property management. He currently serves on the board of St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens. He and his wife, Marty, have three daughters and are members of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.