Nathan Deal, David Ralston form an alliance over 'religious liberty' bill

House Speaker David Ralston speaks at a January press conference, as Gov. Nathan Deal, right, watches. Bob Andres, bandres@ajc.com

Credit: Jim Galloway

Credit: Jim Galloway

House Speaker David Ralston speaks at a January press conference, as Gov. Nathan Deal, right, watches. Bob Andres, bandres@ajc.com

An alliance is brewing between Gov. Nathan Deal

and House Speaker David Ralston to force changes to the "religious liberty" bill that's inflamed corporate leaders and alarmed the LGBT community.

, Deal laid down guideposts for the legislation:

"I do not want us to do anything that will be perceived as allowing discrimination in the state of Georgia. That is not who we are as a people. And I don't think we have to do that in order to give the security that the faith-based community thinks we need. I want to make sure we don't go out of balance."

Ralston told the folks at Georgiapol.com that he hopes to get "calm heads around the table and people that don't have a political agenda" together over the next three weeks to hash out a compromise. From Georgiapol.com:

"One thing I found out this weekend from talking to people, even in my district is that people, they care about our image as a state. That was one of the things that I think informed the concerns of many people about bringing casinos into Georgia, and I think the same things informed them about that issue."

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Gov. Nathan Deal won't join the ranks of the #StopTrump activists. "I'll support whoever the nominee is," he said when asked about the billionaire frontrunner.

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We've noticed a surge of ads over the last two days, including TV spots targeting Marco Rubio's immigration stance and describing Donald Trump as too unpredictable for the White House. Also, we were on the receiving end of an unusual robo-call:

Then there was the robo-call from an arm of the Cruz machine – an endorsement from the star of Duck Dynasty that closed with just a hint of desperation. The script:

"We want someone on our side to preserve, protect and defend our God-given liberties. The upcoming presidential election is critical to this country. That's why I'm supporting Sen. Ted Cruz for president. I hope you will join me.

"He'll stand up for our families, our faith and our freedom. So get out. Whatever you do, get out and vote this Tuesday for Ted Cruz. And remember, take your friends and your family. We need all the help we can get."

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Gov. Nathan Deal on Monday set a special March 29 election in Chatham County to fill the vacancy created by the death of state Rep. Bob Bryant, D-Garden City. The 11-year Capitol veteran died last week.

A runoff would be held April 26. Qualifying for the post began today, and will close at 5 p.m. Thursday. The qualifying fee is $400 – and would essentially have to be paid twice. In essence, you'd be paying to have an "i" next to your name in the May primary.

The above election would be to finish out Bryant’s current term. Qualifying for a new term begins March 7.

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Just in time for the primary, the Democratic Party of Georgia has posted what it calls the "resumes of the leading GOP charlatans angling for the White House." Check them out here.