Handel concedes GOP nomination for governor to Deal
Update 2:49 p.m.: Gov. Sonny Perdue has now weighed in as well. While it was long rumored that he would support Karen Handel for the nomination, the outgoing governor stayed cautiously on the sidelines in the primary and the runoff. Now, he’s welcoming Deal to the fold.
Here’s his statement:
“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.”
Original post:
Yesterday, Karen Handel called Nathan Deal a “corrupt relic of Washington.” Today, however, Handel said she is endorsing him as the GOP nominee for governor.
In a statement just released from the Handel campaign, she said she called Deal this morning to concede the nomination.The November ballot is now set. Deal will represent the GOP and face Democrat Roy Barnes and Libertarian John Monds.
Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said that U.S. Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga., coordinated the phone call between Handel and Deal.
“They had a very good talk,” Robinson said. “Nathan congratulated her on a great campaign. She told him that she would not ask for a recount and that she would be on board to help the party to victory in November.”
Deal, Robinson said, “thanked her for her graciousness and said he looked forward to meeting with her in person.We thank her for putting the party first and saving us a lot of heartache. She has shown that she is putting Georgia first and we are greatly appreciative of her selflessness in this situation.”
Barnes issued a statement Wednesday at noon congratulating Deal.
“But it doesn’t matter who my opponent is, this election is about the serious issues facing all Georgians, not the out-of-state endorsements and sideline issues that the other team has used to divide voters,” Barnes said in a statement.
Earlier Wednesday, Deal appeared at a GOP “unity breakfast” in Buckhead, but Handel did not. But her statement this morning is clearly aimed at healing a party battered by months of a tough primary campaign and a brutal three-week runoff. Barnes, meanwhile, cruised to victory over six other opponents in the Democratic primary. While other Democrats, particularly House Minority Leader DuBose Porter, D-Dublin, took their shots at Barnes, that contest never reached the level of contention the GOP race.
AJC photographer John Spink said the room at the GOP breakfast was packed with at least 200 people. The GOP faithful warned that Barnes, the Democrat who lost to Sonny Perdue eight years ago, has wasted no time in launching an ad campaign against Republicans.
The event at 103 West on West Paces Ferry Road had the feel of a convention, with both winners and losers in Tuesday’s runoff encouraging the party to stay together to defeat Barnes in November.
Deal was one of the last speakers at the breakfast. He had already made the rounds at TV studios, where he expressed “cautious optimism” that he will be named the winner. At the breakfast, however, Deal spoke more confidently that he would prevail.
Deal called Handel, who did not attend the breakfast, a “worthy opponent.”
Although Deal was the most prominent candidate at the event, the one getting one of the longest standing ovations was state Rep. Melvin Everson, an African-American lawmaker who campaigned for labor commissioner but lost to state Rep. Mark Butler in the July 20 primary.
Everson brought the crowd to its feet after calling for party unity and then introducing his primary opponent. Butler will face Democrat Darryl Hicks in the November election.
Handel and Deal ended Tuesday night’s runoff election separated by fewer than 2,500 votes, or .04 percent. An unknown number of absentee ballots and overseas military votes had yet to be counted, but Handel said the “best thing for our party is to rally around” Deal and fight Democratic nominee Roy Barnes.
Here is Handel’s full statement:
“I want to thank all of my friends, supporters, volunteers and my campaign team for a tremendous effort over the last 16 months. We ran a terrific campaign, beat the odds to come in first place in the Primary, and came so very close in the runoff election.
“As of this morning, we are four tenths of a percentage point behind Nathan Deal with absentee ballots and overseas military votes yet to be counted.
“We certainly have the option of requesting the automatic statewide recount. But we are not going to do that.
“The best thing for our party is to rally around Congressman Deal as our nominee in the fight against Roy Barnes. Barnes would return Georgia to a past that is best kept in our rearview mirror. We must marshal all of our resources to defeat him.
“I spoke with Nathan this morning and let him know that I endorse his candidacy and look forward to the fight against Barnes. I have also called on all who were supporting me to give their same commitment and energy to Nathan.
I thank the people of Georgia for the opportunity to serve them and for allowing me to interview for the job of Governor. This was an amazing journey, and the friendships that Steve and I made enriched our lives immeasurably. I look forward to finding a way to serve this great state in the future.”
Republicans around the country are now weighing in. Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele said in a statement that “there is no doubt that Georgians will rally behind the pro-growth, limited government agenda of Nathan Deal.”
State Republican Party chairwoman Sue Everhart, meanwhile, congratulated Deal.
“In this time of economic uncertainty when each Georgian is concerned about their future, it is important that we elect leaders that understand solutions won’t come from more government bureaucracy, debt and taxes. Congressman Deal will partner with Georgians as we move our state forward,” Everhart said in a statement.
The Republican Governors Association also commended the candidates.
“Nathan Deal brings a strong conservative voice to the race for governor,” RGA political director Paul Bennecke said in a statement.
Democrats, too, responded. Nathan Daschle, executive director of the Democratic Governors Association said Deal can’t be called a “winner.”
“A vicious runoff and the narrowest of margins produced the worst possible nominee in Georgia: a corrupt Washington insider,” Daschle said in a statement.”
Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
474 comments Add your comment
Walt
August 11th, 2010
11:41 am
Thank God Deal Won.There is no way Barnes can beat Deal. Read it and Weep DemoRats. Change YOU can believe in.
Whyslingmud
August 11th, 2010
11:41 am
I supported Karen Handle. I think she would have been a great governor. However, I am not giving up my morales, character, and beliefs because my candidate conceded to a qualified Nathan Deal. I think she could have held out and maybe win. But the harder decision is would this help defeat Barnes in November? I think not. He was a lousy governor then. Has defended horrible people as an attorney since. Good luck Nathan Deal. You now have mine and my families support!!! Win in November. Lets remove those who care only about their party and nothing about the people.
Reagan Democrat
August 11th, 2010
11:41 am
.
Roy Barnes for Governor
.
You are NO Tea Party Supporter
August 11th, 2010
11:42 am
You are certainly not a true Tea Party Supporter if you are backing a more government dem. You say you want less government, do you really think that’s what the liberal right is giving us? Tax and spend, my dear that is their agenda and if you don’t realize that you need to start paying attention.
Hooray for Nathan Deal…..I knew you could do it!
joey jr.
August 11th, 2010
11:42 am
Exactly right Walt. Deal will crush ObamaBarnes.
Marlene
August 11th, 2010
11:42 am
Roy didn’t do anything the first time, what makes you think he will now. Just remember the
Georgia Flag. He wouldn’t even stand up for it. Any Republican is better than Barnes.
Math Fail!
August 11th, 2010
11:42 am
fewer than 2,500 votes, or .04 percent.
Nope, it is 0.4 percent.
I can see Russia from my front door
August 11th, 2010
11:42 am
Loser Sarah Palin loses again.
Real Person
August 11th, 2010
11:44 am
It’s hard to read comments on here. Some of you people really believe that Sonny Perdue and the last 6-8 years of republican rule have been positive for the state? And you elect someone to be your nominee who has already been caught red-handed stealing but any republican is better than any democrat? Everything bad that happens to you and your families you deserve for being such idiots, rejecting the people who want to enhance your lives and the people around you. But is that the real problem? You would rather suffer at let the rich get richer so “others” won’t advance. The hate-filled rhetoric is so old.
Athens, Georgia
August 11th, 2010
11:44 am
————————————
Joshua Nesbitt for Heisman
————————————
James
August 11th, 2010
11:44 am
Pete C: I beg to differ. Once again, this is history and facts. If Hannity and Beck stated this, they were just stating facts. And stop calling me “son”.
LoL
August 11th, 2010
11:45 am
A vote for Deal means more teacher furloughs so the choice is clear.
Likely GOP nominee to make Georgia safe from gays | ATLmalcontent
August 11th, 2010
11:45 am
[...] make Georgia safe from gays Posted on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 by atlmalcontent UPDATE: It’s official. Handel [...]
Dewey Defeats Truman
August 11th, 2010
11:45 am
lol… enough people saw Karen for what she truly was, held their nose, and voted for Deal…I know I did….Maybe Palin will keep her nose out of Ga politics now as well….one of the big turnoffs for me supporting Karen as well….
Robert Luciano
August 11th, 2010
11:45 am
It is wonderful to see this hypocritical fraud give her endorsement to a “corrupt relic of Washington”. Deal is exactly the type of Right Wing, deranged Freak needed to maintain Georgia’s reputation as the most backward, xenophobic, President Obama hating state in the nation. Granted, the state gets plenty of competition for the dubious “honor” from neighboring South Carolina. Yet with someone like Deal looking to replace the fat clown currently in office, Georgia can match ignorance with anyone.
Elephant Greed
August 11th, 2010
11:46 am
The Tea Party is a joke.
Go drink some damn coffee you bums.
gee
August 11th, 2010
11:46 am
HOw do you go about counting electronic voting machines????? There is no paper trail.
Marge
August 11th, 2010
11:46 am
I guess Karen Handel now wants to ignore her convictions and her version of the the truth. ..to support the “most corrupt politician”, even if he is a “corrupt relic” who needs to “put on his big boy pants”. She is devoid of conscience and is only conceding so she can still play in the game. However, after her non-stop slander, I say she is damaged goods. And so is Tom Price. I asked his campaign chairman Jeff why he is the only republican congressman supporting her and he also used the “ethics charges”. So he is also a slanderer as well. He has been following Karen Handel around like a door mat instead of being my congressman (back in session) in Washington.
Eraserhead
August 11th, 2010
11:46 am
I voted for Karen but I have to admit that Nathan Deal has the best chance against Roy Barnes. I’m not sure if Karen could have beaten Roy.
I can see Russia from my front door
August 11th, 2010
11:47 am
Move to Alaska and go on a diet … Karen Handel.
CobbEd
August 11th, 2010
11:48 am
A classy move by Handel!
She’s proven once again that she knows Barnes is the true opponent of conservative common sense and fiscal responsibility.
Quitter
August 11th, 2010
11:48 am
Marge@11:46
Well Put
Will
August 11th, 2010
11:48 am
Georgia GOP is stupid. Instead of electing a leader for the future, they have elected a crooked, good ole boy from the past. Handel would have been a great governor for Georgia. Deal is a career politician with more baggage than American Tourister. GOP just does not get it.
I am not voting for Deal. Wont vote for Barnes either. But would prefer Barnes win so that Handel can run again in 2012.
Donademarco
August 11th, 2010
11:48 am
http://www.VoteMonds.com
First Libertarian in history to break 1,000,000 votes!!
And he did it in Georgia!!!!
Vote John Monds in November and send a principled message to get Gov’t off the backs of the people!
Roy Barnes
August 11th, 2010
11:49 am
I concede the race to Nathan Deal.
GADEM
August 11th, 2010
11:50 am
I wonder is she signed her statement “Fondly Karen”…. oh wait I forgot she only lets staffers do that. I am glad Karen lost but not so happy about Deal
DawgDad
August 11th, 2010
11:50 am
Imagine that. After the class-less negative ads her campaign put out this is a very encouraging development. There is a lot work to be done in this State and Nationally; plenty of opportunity for Karen.
gee
August 11th, 2010
11:50 am
so folks are made that Barnes did not stand up for GA flag that represented the Confederacy that LOST the civil war. Man you southerners are a piece of work LOL
Quitter
August 11th, 2010
11:51 am
Handel’s career is over. How can anyone stand behind her again. What will she do next time a race is close. Quit on us again. She is showing her colors. I will not support her at all. She is my namesake. And this name shoud stick with her forever
Vietnam Veteran
August 11th, 2010
11:51 am
.
—————————-
GO ROY BARNES !
_________________
.
…… Throw the Republican Rascals OUT .
Quitter
August 11th, 2010
11:53 am
All Barnes has to do is show Handels commercials and that is half the battle against Deal
Bankrupt Tea Party
August 11th, 2010
11:53 am
Good News !
——————————————-
Roy Barnes is our next Governor
——————————————-
EH
August 11th, 2010
11:54 am
The worst of two evils is gone. Maybe Handel will sit her uneducated Palin self down!
Georgia Politics: Deal or Handel? «
August 11th, 2010
11:54 am
[...] Breaking news: Handel calls Deal, concedes GOP nomination for governor [...]
David H
August 11th, 2010
11:54 am
I would have preferred Handel, for a number of reasons. I voted for her, twice. That being said, before the initial primary vote, I planned on voting for either her or Deal in November. I would have preferred Handel in November, I will have no problem whatsoever pushing the screen for Deal, and in fact, I look forward to voting against Barnes. Deal is a good man, (Handel is just a better woman.)
Jack
August 11th, 2010
11:54 am
Alright Roy it’s time to get to work and beat this “corrupt relic of Washington”. Most of us believe in redemption if you confess your sins and ask for forgiveness. Deal seems to be stuck in the mud with no remorse…….if we vote for him it’ll just be more of the failed Bush/Perdue mismanagement. Barnes has admitted his mistakes and is looking forward. He’s got this school teachers vote.
James
August 11th, 2010
11:56 am
Once again I see many people are convicting politicians on what other politicians have said. So why would you believe one over the other? Do you really think Roy Barnes is clean as a whistle? If you do I have some swamp land to sell you (with a view).
1 Boring Old Man » Deal just won’t do…
August 11th, 2010
11:56 am
[...] on Wednesday 11 August 2010 Handel calls Deal, concedes GOP nomination for governor Atlanta Journal Constitution by Aaron Gould Sheinin August 11, 2010 11:07 [...]
Quitter
August 11th, 2010
11:57 am
James, How much you selling it for?
Review: Top Republican Candidates For Georgia Governor 2010 «
August 11th, 2010
11:57 am
[...] Breaking news: Handel calls Deal, concedes GOP nomination for governor [...]
Independent
August 11th, 2010
11:58 am
ROY BARNES 2010!!!
Georgia Republicans Nominate Birther For Governor
August 11th, 2010
11:58 am
[...] down-to-the wire Georgia Republican Gubernatorial Primary ended late this morning when Karen Handel conceded the race to former Congressman Nathan Deal. You probably haven’t heard much about Deal, but you’ll soon be hearing this: U.S. Rep. [...]
katie
August 11th, 2010
11:58 am
Great. It appears the American people are realizing how discredible the tea party, Palin, Bachman, Angle, Paul etc are. We most certainly do not need people who support and push hate, anger, fear mongering, distort, lie and spread propaganda.
And, we most certainly do not need to return to Wall St, the rich having total control and receiving numerous perks, benefits, politicians sacrificing us and our country.
Laurie
August 11th, 2010
11:59 am
That sucks! I would have voted Republican this year if she made it. Guess now Georgia loses no matter who is elected governor.
Mr. Thomas Anthony "The Taxman Cometh" Jones, SR
August 11th, 2010
12:00 pm
As an African-American voter I fully support Governor Roy Barnes and the Democratis party. As out racist opponents the Tea Party/Republican/Trent Lott and Storm Thurmond attack out president we must stand united. The Republicans must be defeated at all costs. I call on all African-Americans who have ever been denied a job, promotion, or loan because of the color of our skins, ever Hispanic-American who has been pulled over by a racist sop, every gay person ever caleed a name by a Republican, every environmentalist concerned about the envireonment, and every union person underpaid to vote for Governor Roy Barnes.
Let’s all hope that the ethics investigation continues into Nathan Deal.
Get every unployed person to vote against the Republicans. Remember they are opposed to extending the Unemplotment Benefits to the unemployed. Make Republicans unemployed!!! We fully support President and First Lady Mr. and Mrs. Barack Hussein and Michelle Obama and their children. We win in 2010 in Georgia and in 2012 we carry the Obama family to vitory. The days of racist of African-Amnericans are over! Hallelujah!!! Freeat Last!!!!
lynn marie
August 11th, 2010
12:00 pm
Real Person @ 11:44 –
it’s amazing, isn’t it? these are people who are swayed by their irrational subconscious. they don’t bother to be rational about things. just say LOWER TAXES and that’s all they need to hear. it’s like nothing else exists.
DawgDad
August 11th, 2010
12:01 pm
Will: The speed of the accord for Handel to concede the race seems to indicate reconciliation with the GA GOP party apparatus was a foregone conclusion anyway. I hate to appear this cynical, but did you REALLY think Handel represented the kind of structural change you seek? Politics just doesn’t work that way. Look at Palin (not that way); for all her maverick rhetoric she is ABSOLUTELY a creature of the inside establishment. They are trying to rebrand the party and the message and she has tremendous appear with a certain segment of the base. There are intramural power struggles, sure; there always are. In the end, the power players just want a politician they can work with. This runoff has been nothing more than a beauty contest.
Sally Yates
August 11th, 2010
12:01 pm
When will Nathan Deal get indicted by the ferderal grand jury? I just hope there will be enough time for him to step down as the GOP candidate so that Handel can get on the ballot. Deal apparently misunderstood the meanings of “public servant” and “government service”.
Enough is Enough
August 11th, 2010
12:01 pm
I am very disappointed that Handel lost – I voted for her. That really leaves us with a rotten choice in November – two lawyers/career politicians, just what Georgia needs. While I would never, ever vote for Roy Barnes, I also cannot vote for a corrupt player like Deal. No amount of “unity talk” on the Republican side will change my mind. So I will vote Libertarian.
Jim
August 11th, 2010
12:02 pm
I applaud Karen Handel throwing her support to Nathan Deal. As an teacher Roy Barnes was almost an enemy of education in Georgia. He was often at odds with teachers. He went into office in his prior administration saying he wanted to “Shake things up!” and he did. It was a horrible time. A nightmare. Nathan Deal is the son of teachers and his wife a teacher understands local control and does not want big government. Teachers need to teach and not be oppressed by the likes of Roy Barnes big government intrusion into the classroom.