Nathan Deal's 'religious liberty' veto could define his legacy
After years of having a near flawless relationship with the General Assembly's Republican leadership, Gov. Nathan Deal faces the prospect that his tenure will become a tale of two terms: before "The Veto" and after it.
There was the time before his veto this week of the “religious liberty” bill that would have strengthened legal protections for opponents of same-sex marriage, when he enjoyed largely warm relations with lawmakers who supported his agenda and accommodated his behind-the-scenes efforts to tamp down some of their most controversial proposals.
And then there is the uncertain future he faces after the veto cleaved his tenure in two, a time that seems already destined for more open warfare between the governor and rank-and-file Republicans infuriated by his decision to kill the base-pleasing religious liberty legislation.
Even Deal allies predicted a tough fight ahead for Deal, who built his first term around sweeping criminal justice changes and his second one on an overhaul of Georgia's education system. Brian Robinson, a former top Deal deputy, said there would be "blood on the ground" next year as the governor pushes his agenda.
"It makes him a hero to some and a villain to others," said Chip Lake, a veteran GOP strategist. "But voters elect governors to make tough decisions. It’s part of the job."
More: 'Religious liberty' veto could be turning point for Georgia governor
About the Author
Greg Bluestein is the Atlanta Journal Constitution's chief political reporter. He is also an author, TV analyst and co-host of the Politically Georgia podcast.
