Deal for Governor News Rss

Deal releases taxes

Calls on Barnes to disclose cases in front of judges he appointed.

Republican nominee for governor Nathan Deal today released 30 years of personal income tax returns, here.

The forms show that Deal has paid his taxes in full. This release of documents, combined with 17 years of financial disclosure reports, provide Georgia voters with a transparent look at Nathan Deal's income, his assets and his liabilities. His financial disclosures give details on his interests and partnerships as a small businessman and investor.

A Roy Named Sue

With the release of his tax returns, Nathan Deal calls on trial lawyer Roy Barnes to disclose:

1. In the past eight years, how many cases has he or his firm tried in front of judges whom he appointed to the bench?

2. How much money did Barnes or his firm earn in those cases?

Deal seeks teachers' input for platform

While his opponent has spent the past year apologizing to teachers for his past mistakes, Nathan Deal is actively seeking teachers' input on ideas to improve Georgia's public schools.

Deal has launched an online survey asking teachers to give their opinion on issues ranging from the amount of time spent preparing students for tests to their access to classroom technology.

"I can't develop an educational platform without the input of the professionals in the classroom," Deal said. "Teachers are already offering thoughtful and constructive advice and I look forward to hearing from more of them."

The survey also offers teachers an opportunity to submit written advice for Deal on priorities for education.

"Give teachers the power to teach their students in the most appropriate and beneficial way," wrote one teacher in her comments to Deal. "Teachers have to be treated with respect and we need an advocate not more dictators or enemies!"

Deal, who is married to a former school teacher and is the son of career teachers, said Georgia's teachers will have a strong advocate in him.

"When Roy Barnes was telling teachers what was wrong with them, I was helping my wife grade papers," Deal said. "I have been listening to Georgia teachers throughout my public life and welcome their input."

After reviewing the teacher surveys, Deal plans to release his education plan for Georgia in September.

OK of Voting Law a Victory for All Georgians

Georgia Republican nominee for governor Nathan Deal praised the federal approval of Georgia’s voter verification system, calling it a victory for the rule of law.

"The integrity of our elections process undergirds our democracy, and each state has the right to implement a system that assures that all voters are legal voters," Deal said. "Georgia has a responsible and fair system that protects the rights of the legal residents of our state. Secretary of State Brian Kemp and former Secretary of State Karen Handel have fought for this program. They led on behalf of all Georgians, and today that hard work has paid off."

In Congress, Deal was a leader on citizenship verification efforts. Deal authored the law requiring citizenship verification for government health care benefits, saving taxpayers billions of dollars in fraud. In Georgia alone, Medicaid rolls dropped by 160,000 recipients the year after the law took effect.

"The state of Georgia has the duty to assure that voters are who they say they are," Deal continued. "Voter fraud disenfranchises Georgians. Today’s decision confirms that basic truth. My only regret is that this decision took so long and our state was forced through bureaucratic hurdles by the federal government. Georgia is enforcing the rule of law fairly and equitably, and we shouldn’t be treated differently than any other state."

Deal: Handel selfless in devotion to Georgia, GOP

Former Secretary of State Karen Handel called Nathan Deal this morning to concede the race for the Republican nomination for governor. Selflessly putting the Republican Party first, Secretary Handel said that she would not request a recount.

"I'm extremely grateful to Secretary Handel for her graciousness," Deal said. "Secretary Handel has served our state with honor and distinction. She's a tenacious campaigner, so it's a relief to have her running with me. I think the close finish shows that both campaigns did a great job at convincing voters to support them.

"I had a productive conversation with Secretary Handel. She said that she would not seek a recount, even though the margin is less than 1 percent, and she said that she was encouraging her supporters to work for my candidacy with the same energy and enthusiasm as they showed hers. These actions are in keeping with Karen Handel's longtime devotion to her state and to the Georgia Republican Party. This selfless gesture allows Republicans to rally together to beat Roy Barnes.

"I look forward to working with Karen Handel and all the other candidates on behalf of the entire Republican ticket, which will include Johnny Isakson, Casey Cagle and other strong conservative leaders. Together as Republicans, we will offer our plan for lower taxes, new jobs and a better future for Georgia's families. Roy Barnes is a smart politician but even the smartest liberal will have a difficult time selling new big government programs at a time when Georgians are outraged by the explosion of debt under the Obama administration."

Statement by Governor Sonny Perdue

"Our Republican family has nominated an outstanding candidate for Governor. Nathan Deal has worked tirelessly to represent our Georgia values in Washington against the forced liberal agenda pushed by Roy Barnes'allies such as Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid and John Edwards. The refusal of those leaders to listen to the will of the people on critical issues such as out-of-control spending and health care mandates simply reminds Georgians about the way Barnes ruled imperially here before 2003.

In contrast, Nathan is a common-sense conservative who has consistently represented the principles and beliefs of our state's citizens. Unlike his opponent, Nathan Deal listens first and talks second. Now it is time for our family to come together and keep Georgia moving forward."

Huckabee urges GOP voters to back Deal

Former Arkansas governor attends Gainesville rally

Ashley Fielding
afielding@gainesvilletimes.com
August 8, 2010

He can't vote in Georgia, but Mike Huckabee told supporters at a Gainesville campaign rally Sunday that if he could, he would cast a ballot for Nathan Deal.

With two days left until Republican voters decide between Deal and former Secretary of State Karen Handel, the former Arkansas governor spoke on Deal's behalf in front of hundreds of the Republican gubernatorial candidate's supporters at the Gainesville Civic Center.

Huckabee, who won Georgia presidential primary in 2008, called Deal a candidate with authentic convictions, praised his stance against abortion and touted Deal's endorsement by the National Rifle Association, a group Huckabee called "politically pure."

"There is no one who has been standing taller for things that matter to us than Nathan Deal," Huckabee said.
A poll released Sunday commissioned by the Georgia Newspaper Partnership showed Handel with a slight lead over Deal in the race for Georgia's governor's mansion, 47 percent to 42 percent.

In the final days before Tuesday's runoff, both candidates are bringing high-profile Republicans to the state to help them rally support. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is appearing with Secretary of State Karen Handel at a Buckhead hotel today.

Some supporters at the rally said they hoped Huckabee's visit to Georgia would give Deal an edge over Handel.
Deal, who worked with Huckabee while in Congress when the former Arkansas governor came to Washington with the National Governors Association looking for Medicaid reform, said he wanted an endorsement from someone who knew him.

Huckabee said Deal, as chairman of the health subcommittee, spent hours with him hammering out the changes the governors asked for at the time.

"This is a person that's not just somebody from outside who's endorsing a candidate for governor of Georgia who doesn't know who they are," said Deal. "I'm going to tell you, Mike knows who I am."

Many of those at the rally said they had been longtime supporters of Deal. Some said they grew up with his children. Others were relatives.

Christel Mahler-Wolf, a 46-year-old business owner from Gainesville, said she appreciated the way Deal kept her informed through newsletters and town hall meetings during his 17-year tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"I always liked him as a person and as my congressman," she said.

Holly Coleman, a physician, said she knew Deal since she was a child, calling him a "genuine" man who took a stand against recent federal health care legislation.

Coleman hoped Huckabee's appearance with Deal would influence voters. So did Bill Crowell, the father of Deal's daughter-in-law Denise Deal, who stood near Coleman in the crowd.

"I'm hoping it kicks him over the edge," Crowell said.
Standing alongside Deal, Huckabee encouraged supporters to make calls on Deal's behalf and to take others to the polls to vote for the former congressman. He joked that they should let the air out of the tires of people who planned to vote for other candidates.

"I cannot believe that the same Georgia that was smart enough to give me your confidence (in the 2008 primary) wouldn't be smart enough to make sure that their next governor is named Nathan Deal," Huckabee said.

Speaking with reporters after the rally, Huckabee steered clear of any direct attacks against Handel or Palin, and he said he didn't see his appearance as an unofficial contest between him and Palin before the 2012 presidential election.

"It has nothing to do with Sarah Palin or even the congressman's opponent," Huckabee said. "I'm here because I've watched this guy work. I've worked with him. I'm grateful. I'm indebted."

Before Deal and Huckabee arrived, state Sen. Butch Miller, R-Gainesville, gave a speech that, at times, bordered on Sunday sermon.

Miller said he has known Deal for 27 years. He called Deal a man with a servant's heart and urged those at the rally to show up at the polls on Tuesday for Deal.

"I want a better Georgia for my children. Amen," said Miller. "I want a better Georgia for my grandchildren. I want a better Georgia for my aging parents. I've got commitments in my life. I've got commitments in my life and you've got commitments in yours, and we've got to vote. We've got to leave this place a better place than we found it."

Miller introduced Georgia House Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, who flew to the event in a helicopter with Deal and Huckabee.

Jones is the highest-ranking woman in the state legislature and the first woman to serve as speaker pro tempore in the state House of Representatives.

"I don't need somebody coming here from Alaska telling me how to vote," Miller said, referencing Palin's visit to Atlanta on Handel's behalf. "I don't need it."

Jones, who later introduced Deal, told the crowd that "nearly every one" of the conservative female leaders she knew in the state legislature were voting for Deal on Tuesday in spite of the possibility of heralding in Georgia's first female governor.

"This race is not about gender," she said. "In fact, it's really not about geography. It's about all of Georgia. This race isn't about whether the governor carries a pocketbook. It's about strength of character, vision, leadership. It's about who is the most qualified to keep Georgia moving forward."

http://www.gainesvilletimes.com/section/154/article/36320/

Huckabee comes to Georgia Sunday for Nathan Deal

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee will be in Gainesville Sunday for a rally for Nathan Deal. The event is free and open to the public. It will take place at the Gainesville Civic Center, 830 Green Street, Gainesville. Doors will open at 12 noon, the event will begin at 1 p.m.

Overflow parking is available at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel Funeral Home and First Baptist Church. Bring your family and join us for this historic event.

Huckabee proudly endorses Nathan Deal for Governor

Statement from Gov. Mike Huckabee:

“Like many across the country I’ve been watching this race develop for some time; and as of late I’ve become increasingly concerned by the negative tone the race is taking.

“And today, I’m pleased to announce that Huck PAC and I proudly endorse Nathan Deal for Governor.

“I developed a relationship with Nathan while he was in Congress, and I was serving as Governor of Arkansas. Nathan was helping Governor’s nationwide fight the overreaching arm of the federal government. At the time, the federal government was forcing expensive Medicaid reform on states – but refusing to fund it. Nathan clearly understood that those federal mandates into healthcare would bankrupt states’ budgets, so he stood firm by the Governors and fought to protect the states.

“The only difference between the federal government’s overreaching arm then as compared to its overreaching arm now – is that now, it’s bigger, stronger and more arrogant. The power of the federal government has exploded in the past two years – and as the federal government grows increasingly intrusive, Nathan will continue protecting the rights of all Georgians.

“He wasn’t afraid of a fight then and he’s not afraid of a fight now. Nathan is battle tested – and that’s what Georgia needs now more than ever.

“As Georgia’s Governor, Nathan would not only support a [federal] Fair Tax, he’d champion it – having been a co-sponsor of the Fair Tax since its introduction to Congress. It was also important to me that a man I deeply respect, Georgia Congressman John Linder, also supports Nathan. The National Rifle Association and Georgia Right to Life have endorsed Nathan, and he believes marriage can only be defined as being between one man and one woman.

“Please join me in supporting Nathan Deal, let’s make him Georgia’s next Governor.”

Statement from Nathan Deal:

“I cannot thank Gov. Huckabee enough for the friendship and support in this important election for Georgia’s future. There is no question that this endorsement will influence Republican voters in every corner of Georgia. Mike Huckabee is a conservative champion, an excellent governor and the winner of the 2008 Georgia Republican presidential primary. He has traveled this state, ran a statewide campaign in this state, and has actually worked with Georgians to advance our common conservative goals. Governor Huckabee’s endorsement is just one more reminder to the people of Georgia that I am the real conservative in this race on August 10th and the one who will beat Roy Barnes in November.”

Nathan is endorsed by most Georgia House Republicans

Conservative Republican candidate for governor Nathan Deal announced the endorsements of the vast majority of state House Republicans - including new endorsements which have followed the wave of defections this week from Karen Handel to Deal. Below are listed 70 House members and two state House Republican nominees.

"I'm honored and humbled by the huge outpouring of support from the state House Republicans," Deal said. "Georgians are blessed with these conservative leaders who protect our tax dollars and protect our family values and who have courageously reduced the size of government in these tough times. These leaders have reformed our ethics laws, giving our Legislature one of the strictest codes of conduct among the 50 states. These public servants have put the people of Georgia first. As governor, I'll continue these efforts by implementing a total gift ban for me and all executive branch staff."

Speaker David Ralston said Deal's qualifications and proven leadership make him the ideal candidate to lead the state as it faces another tough budget year. "Nathan has spent his life serving his fellow Georgians, from his days as a U.S. Army captain at Fort Gordon to his days fighting for immigration reform and tax cuts on behalf of his constituents back home in Georgia. Nathan Deal always put Georgia first. His love for our state is matched only by his qualifications to lead it. We need a governor who can work closely with all of our state's elected officials. That's why I'm voting for Nathan Deal."

Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones: "Nathan Deal and I share a dedication to education reform. Nathan is a graduate of Georgia public schools, the son of public school teachers and a husband to a retired public middle school teacher. He's helped his wife grade papers at 2 a.m., knowing he wouldn't get to sleep otherwise. Together with the Legislature, Nathan will work every day to build a brighter future for Georgia's young people, who need to leave high school ready for college, work and life. We can have schools that prepare our students for a 21st century economy with knowledge, critical thinking skills and the ability to adapt."

Republican House members endorsing Nathan Deal

Rep. Stephen Allison, Blairsville
Rep. Amos Amerson, Dahlonega
Rep. Lee Anderson, Grovetown
Rep. Rick Austin, Demorest
Rep. Paul Battles, Cartersville
Rep. Timothy J. Bearden, Villa Rica
Rep. Tommy Benton, Jefferson
Rep. Mark Burkhalter, Alpharetta
Rep. Jon Burns, Newington
Rep. Charlice Byrd, Woodstock
Rep. David Casas, Lilburn
Rep. Mickey Channell, Greensboro
Rep. Brooks Coleman, Duluth
Rep. Doug Collins, Gainesville
Rep. Burke Day, Tybee Island
Rep. Tom Dickson, Cohutta
Rep. Matt Dollar, Marietta
Rep. Earl Ehrhart, Powder Springs
Rep. Terry England, Auburn
Rep. Harry Geisinger, Roswell
Rep. Mark Hamilton, Cumming
Rep. Ben Harbin, Evans
Rep. Michael Harden, Eastanollee
Rep. Buddy Harden, Cordele
Rep. Mark Hatfield, Waycross
Rep. Calvin Hill, Woodstock
Rep. Billy Horne, Newnan
Rep. Penny Houston, Nashville
Rep. Rick Jasperse, Jasper
Rep. Sean Jerguson, Canton
Rep. Jan Jones, Milton
Rep. Jerry Keen, Saint Simons Island
Rep. Tom Knox, Cumming
Rep. Roger Lane, Darien
Rep. Gene Maddox, Cairo
Rep. Judy Manning, Marietta
Rep. Charles E. "Chuck" Martin, Alpharetta
Rep. Howard Maxwell, Dallas
Rep. Tom McCall, Elberton
Rep. John Meadows, Calhoun
Rep. James Mills, Gainesville
Rep. Greg Morris, Vidalia
Rep. Jay Neal, Rossville
Rep. Larry O'Neal, Bonaire
Rep. Butch Parrish, Swainsboro
Rep. Don Parsons, Marietta
Rep. Jay Powell, Camilla
Rep. Anne Purcell, Rincon
Rep. David Ralston, Blue Ridge
Rep. Tom Rice, Norcross
Rep. Jay Roberts, Ocilla
Rep. Carl Rogers, Gainesville
Rep. Ed Rynders, Albany
Rep. Martin Scott, Rossville
Rep. Tony Sellier, Fort Valley
Rep. Ed Setzler, Acworth
Rep. Donna Sheldon, Dacula
Rep. Barbara Sims, Augusta
Rep. Chuck Sims, Ambrose
Rep. Kip Smith, Columbus
Rep. Richard Smith, Columbus
Rep. Tommy Smith, Nicholls
Rep. Ron Stephens, Savannah
Rep. Willie Talton, Warner Robins
Rep. Len Walker, Loganville
Rep. Tom Weldon Jr., Ringgold
Rep. Joe Wilkinson, Sandy Springs
Rep. Roger Williams, Dalton
Rep. Mark Williams, Jesup

Republican nominees:
Kevin Cooke, Carrollton
Brett Harrell, Snellville

For 4th time in a row, Deal is Georgians choice, GOPs best bet

In an independent poll released Thursday, Rasmussen Reports shows for a fourth straight time that Republican candidate Nathan Deal is the strongest candidate in a head-to-head matchup with Democrat Roy Barnes.

In the poll on the Georgia governor's race conducted a day after Deal captured a spot in the Aug. 10 Republican runoff, Deal had 49 percent to Barnes' 43 percent. This gives Deal an advantage beyond the poll's margin of error.

Deal's opponent in the runoff, Karen Handel, managed only a 45-44 lead over Barnes, putting the two candidates in a statistical tie.

The poll also showed that 54 percent of those polled believe Nathan is a conservative. That is 10 percent higher than Handel, who has received a "Pants on Fire" rating from Politifact for her efforts to deny her liberal record.

"This poll backs up my argument for why I'll win on Aug. 10 against Karen Handel and why I'll win in November against Roy Barnes," Deal said. "Georgia voters are studying the candidates, and they see that I'm the conservative they can trust on the important issues. Georgia Republicans are returning to the polls to decide their nominee for governor. They want a conservative and they want a candidate who can beat Roy Barnes. On both counts, I am that candidate.

"Republican voters will consider not only this lead over Barnes, but also the consistency of this lead over a period of months. Even after Barnes spent millions on television ads all over the state, my polling advantage over him has remained unchanged."

Also this week, Barnes issued a challenge for the eventual Republican nominee to debate him face-to-face without a panel of reporters.

"I accept Governor Barnes' challenge," Deal said. "When I am the Republican nominee, I'll meet him whenever and wherever. I hope Republican voters will strongly consider which candidate in this race is best prepared to take on Barnes toe to toe. My opponent skipped two major debates last week, including the only statewide televised debate. I look forward to explaining my plans for lower taxes on Georgia's families while Barnes tries to explain who is going to pay for the billions in new spending he has proposed."