Early voting is underway in Northwest Georgia’s 9th Congressional District
Voting again began Friday to replace Former Congressman Nathan Deal who is running for governor.

This is a runoff between two conservative Republicans in one of the nation’s most conservative congressional districts.
Former State Senator Lee Hawkins of Gainesville faces former State Representative Tom Graves of Ranger.

The runoff is regarded as measure of tea party strength as Graves has some of the movement’s endorsement.

Hawkins has pushed his business background and strong backing from Christian fundamentalist groups. Runoff Election day is June 8th.

Tags: Georgia, lawmakers, Atlanta, runoff election, Tom Graves, Lee Hawkins, georgia 9th congressional district