Prominent former elected officials in Georgia from both sides of the aisle are banding together to launch a new group focused on restoring trust in democracy and defending the state election system. The Democracy Defense Project, which was announced Tuesday, will consist of some former heavy hitters in Georgia politics: former Republican Gov. Nathan Deal, former Democratic Gov. Roy Barnes, former Republican U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss and former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, who is a Democrat. 

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston say there will be no special session to override Governor Nathan Deal’s veto of a religious...