Deal, Handel scrounge for local support

By LARRY PETERSON

Savannah Morning News

Nathan Deal bagged a state senator and representative; Karen Handel landed two county commissioners, a sheriff and a school board member.

So it went Wednesday as the foes in an Aug. 10 runoff for the Republican gubernatorial nomination scrambled for local endorsements.

Experts differ concerning their impact, but most say some voters are swayed by advice from elected officials they know and like.

Former secretary of state Handel and former congressman Deal are wooing supporters of other candidates in the July 20 primary.

In and around Chatham County, the search targets previous backers of former Savannah state Sen. Eric Johnson.

Johnson narrowly trailed Deal, runner-up to Handel on July 20, but drew 71 percent of the vote in Chatham County. Most local elected officials rode his bandwagon.

On Wednesday, state Sen. Buddy Carter of Pooler lined up behind Deal. So did state Rep. Ron Stephens of Savannah.

Carter said he thinks Deal will be stronger against former Gov. Roy Barnes, the Democratic nominee.

He had advice for Handel.

“She should lay off bashing the legislature” he said. “Sure, there’s some bad apples, but that doesn’t mean we all are. She’s got to work with us if she wins.”

Meanwhile, Handel lined up county commissioners Pat Farrell and David Gellatly, Sheriff Al St Lawrence and Savannah-Chatham school board member Julie Gerbsch.

“Handel has solid executive experience and has always balanced budgets,” Farrell said. “That sets her apart in this race, and it’s extremely important in our current difficult fiscal environment.”

So far, Johnson is still on the sidelines, but on Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston, a long-time ally and friend, came out for Deal.

But Handel said Joe Rogers, Jamie Reynolds and Nancy Coverdell, all key members of Eric Johnson’s finance team, have signed on with her.

State Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams of Lyons, another major Johnson ally, supports Deal.

County Supervisor Dean Kicklighter and State Rep. Ann Purcell of Rincon said they have not made up their minds.

State Rep. Burke Day of Tybee Island and Savannah business leader Steve Green, Johnson’s campaign chairman, did not return calls made to seek comment.

Handel released a list of elected officials from other areas who have lined up behind her; Deal is expected to issue his own roster today.

Handel is due in Chatham County today and in Chatham and Bryan counties on Friday.

She has scheduled a “meet-and-greet” for noon today at GOP headquarters, 11 E. 73rd St.

Deal plans to campaign in Chatham County next week.