ATLANTA (AP) – David Perdue proudly points to his executive experience running major corporations as evidence that he’s best positioned to tackle the nation’s debt.
The former CEO of Dollar General and Reebok touts his business acumen while campaigning for Georgia’s Republican Senate nomination and hopes to follow his cousin, former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, into politics. Voters will choose between Perdue and Rep. Jack Kingston in a runoff election July 22. The race has gained national attention as Republicans seek control of the Senate.
“I know what it takes to develop economic growth globally, and there are not that many people in Washington who know how to do that,” Perdue said when announcing his campaign.
A closer look reveals a successful business executive comfortable with taking risks but who is not immune to criticism from investors and analysts. And that’s created an opening for Kingston to attack.
“Just as my record as a member of Congress is being scrutinized, I think someone’s business experience is relevant,” Kingston said during a pre-primary debate.