SAVANNAH — U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson said Wednesday that Georgia’s governor “did the right thing” by vetoing a proposed religious-exemptions law opposed by major corporations, though he said conservatives angered by the decision have every right to voice their outrage.

Isakson, a Republican seeking re-election this year, spoke to reporters at the Savannah headquarters of business jet manufacturer Gulfstream. The two-term senator is trying to help the company win a big contract to replace the Air Force’s aging radar surveillance planes.

Isakson also said he’s optimistic the government will find more money in the next federal budget for the deepening of Savannah’s busy shipping channel.

Two fellow Republicans — Derrick Grayson and Mary Kay Bacallao — have signed up to challenge Isakson in the May 24 primary.