Georgia's new Republican senator sworn in

Wealthy Republican businesswoman Kelly Loeffler was sworn in on Monday as newest senator from Georgia, a political newcomer who takes office amid a presidential impeachment, swirling tensions with Iran and at dawn of what looms as a bruising national election.

Georgia GOP Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Loeffler to vacant seat despite a preference by President Donald Trump and his conservative allies for Rep. Doug Collins, a Trump loyalist and top Republican on House Judiciary Committee.

Kemp's choice of Loeffler was seen as a bid to court suburban and female voters, many of whom have reacted to Trump's harsh rhetoric and hard-right policies by moving away from GOP.

Loeffler was sworn in by Vice President Mike Pence, Senate's chief officer, reciting oath on floor of chamber. Of roughly 20 senators present, just one was a Democrat - Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, who faces his own difficult re-election this fall.

Loeffler replaces three-term GOP Sen. Johnny Isakson, 75, who stepped down in December because of health issues.

Trump backers criticized Loeffler, 49, as too moderate and inexperienced when her appointment was anunced in December. She has spent past several weeks travelling Georgia and trying to win over conservatives with a “pro-Second Amendment, pro-Trump, pro-military and pro-wall” mess.

In a brief interview after taking office, Loeffler said she's t spoken to Trump since being appointed.

She's alrey said she plans to vote against removing Trump from office. “I don’t think re was due process followed in House proceeding," she said, providing detail, but echoing complaints by or Republicans.

Democratic-controlled House impeached Trump last month after he blocked White House officials from testifying or providing documents about allegations that he pressured Ukraine's leer to provide dirt on Trump's potential Democratic rival, Joe Biden.

Loeffler has won praise from Senate Majority Leer Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who called her “a terrific appointment” and said Senate GOP campaign committee will support her.

She becomes ninth Republican woman currently serving in Senate, compared to 17 Democratic women.