Nathan Deal's hard work and consistent dedication to conservative principles have earned him the loyal support of grassroots Republicans and the respect of party leaders.

In Congress, Nathan fought to cut government spending through earmark reform and cost-saving Medicaid reforms. And he's worked to strengthen our immigration policy by authoring legislation to end automatic birthright citizenship and by successfully fighting to require proof of citizenship before receiving state or federal health care benefits.

Every weekend, Nathan has returned home from Washington to listen to the concerns of those he serves. On Sundays, you'll find Nathan and Sandra Deal at First Baptist Church of Gainesville, where Nathan has been both a deacon and a Sunday School teacher.

Like her husband, Sandra Deal was born to parents who both chose teaching as a profession. Sandra also became a teacher, graduating from what is now Georgia College and State University at Milledgeville.

While a student there, a friend set her up on a blind date with a college student from nearby Mercer University. His name was Nathan Deal.

Nathan and Sandra have been married for 43 years and have four grown children and six grandchildren.

Sandra has now retired from education and devotes her time to being a partner in Nathan's public service and being an active grandmother. Prior to their passing, George and Ida Lou Dunagan, Sandra's parents, and Nathan's mother, Mary, lived at Nathan and Sandra's home. Caring for their parents in their twilight years was an honor for them.

She regularly travels with Nathan as he campaigns across the state and is a tireless campaigner for Nathan.