Trio of Nathan Deal aides arrives in London

A trio of Gov. Nathan Deal's top aides has landed in London with less than two weeks until the election.

Deal's spokesman Brian Robinson, his executive council Ryan Teague and his chief operating officer Bart Gobeil arrived across the pond on Thursday and are set to return next week, in time for the Nov. 4 election. Of the three, only Robinson is on the campaign payroll.

Robinson, who said he'll be back in the office Monday, said the three paid their own way and that they plan economic development meetings with local executives and Georgia business leaders who are also in town. They also will take in the Atlanta Falcons matchup against the Detroit Lions.

"I'm working from here but at this stage of the game our messages are all out there and it comes down to the fact we have the better candidate," Robinson texted.

At least one Democratic operative expressed relief - and surprise - that Robinson, the sharp-tongued Deal defender, was out of pocket for a few days.

As for Deal's reaction? He quipped that he wasn't invited.