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Rhetoric heats up in Georgia governor’s race

Former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, left, embraces Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal after endorsing Deal in his reelection campaign at a press conference, Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman) Former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, left, embraces Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal after endorsing Deal in his reelection campaign at a press conference, Monday, Oct. 6, 2014, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

By Associated Press October 6, 2014 1 min read

ATLANTA (AP) – With less than a month until the Nov. 4 election, the pressure and rhetoric are ramping up in the race for Georgia governor.

Republican incumbent Nathan Deal’s campaign released a tough new ad, calling Democrat Jason Carter a silver-tongued politician who will increase state spending by more than $12 billion. Carter told reporters the number is “made up” and criticized Deal for cuts to Georgia’s pre-kindergarten program in recent years.

Deal defended the ad, saying politics is a contact sport and that Carter also has run some stinging ads during the race.

Both made campaign stops in the Atlanta area on Monday, the deadline for voter registration in the state.

Carter, Deal and Libertarian Andrew Hunt meet Tuesday for a debate at the Georgia State Fair in Perry.