ROCK SPRING, Ga. -- On Monday, gubernatorial candidate Nathan Deal told a group of supporters that Georgia needs immigration laws like Arizona's, but on the same day, Arizona's governor said Georgia needs a governor like Karen Handel, one of Mr. Deal's opponents.
In a fundraiser hosted by Walker County Commissioner Bebe Heiskell, Mr. Deal told the group that illegal immigrants cost Georgia $1.6 billion annually and the state needs to train and certify all law enforcement officers in immigration enforcement.
"We are bearing the cost of it in every community," he said.
Arizona took similar but controversial measures earlier this year.
Mr. Deal, who represented Georgia's 9th District in Congress before resigning this spring, was introduced by Ms. Heiskell as "the next governor of Georgia."
Mr. Deal and Ms. Handel face a crowded ticket of five other Republicans in the primary on July 20. Seven candidates have also qualified on the Democratic side.
On Monday, Mr. Deal said the cost of illegal immigration shows up in health care through emergency room visits, education and law enforcement as police deal with a drug trade route through Atlanta.
"Gangs that we have always associated with Los Angeles -- they're right here in North Georgia," he said.
Just before the speech, the Handel campaign sent out a statement announcing an endorsement from Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, who Ms. Handel called "an inspiration to conservatives."
Gov. Brewer, who like Ms. Handel is a former secretary of state, said she is confident the Alpharetta Republican will help craft laws in Georgia similar to Arizona's.
"If President Obama tries to stop her, she will tell him to 'Bring it On,'" Gov. Brewer said in the statement.
When told of the endorsement, Mr. Deal played down the announcement.
"She doesn't vote in Georgia," he said, laughing.
ELECTION DATES
July 20 -- State primary
Aug. 10 -- State primary runoff, if needed
Nov. 2 -- General election
Nov. 20 -- General election runoff, if needed
Source: Georgia Secretary of State
Qualified candidates for governor
Jeff Chapman, Republican, Brunswick
Nathan Deal, Republican, Gainesville
Karen Handel, Republican, Alpharetta
Eric Johnson, Republican, Atlanta
Ray McBerry, Republican, McDonough
John Oxendine, Republican, Norcross,
Otis Putnam, Republican, Brunswick
Thurbert Baker, Democrat, Atlanta
Roy Barnes, Democrat, Marietta
Bill Bolton, Democrat, Marietta
Carl Camon, Democrat, Ray City
Randal Mangham, Democrat, Decatur
DuBose Porter, Democrat, Dublin
David Poythress, Democrat, Atlanta
Source: Georgia Secretary of State