ATLANTA – Former congressman Nathan Deal says he’s cautiously optimistic about winning the Republican nomination for governor of Georgia, while runoff opponent Karen Handel isn’t saying anything.
Deal appeared on morning television shows in Atlanta on Wednesday and said he’s optimistic about holding his narrow lead over Handel, Georgia’s former secretary of state, as military, provisional and oversea ballots are counted. Handel declined to appear on the morning shows.
Deal promised to campaign on the issues if he winds up running against Democrat Roy Barnes. He said Georgia needs a more favorable business climate.
Barnes, a former governor, said the campaign will center around who can put Georgians back to work and children back in school. He said it’s possible for candidates to show differences without being mean.