ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — The new chairman of the Georgia Republican Party says the party won't twiddle its thumbs under his leadership.

John Padgett says he plans to take it to Democrats during his two-year term. The Athens businessman defeated two others during a party gathering this weekend in Athens. He replaces sue Everhart, who was prohibited from running after serving six terms.

The Athens Banner-Herald reports that Padgett has been active in Republican politics for 35 years and most recently served as party secretary.