Republican lawmakers pony up for Deal’s re-election bid

Facing a tough challenge in his final campaign, Gov. Nathan Deal promised Republican state lawmakers he would return the favor if they helped him win re-election by donating to his campaign.

Campaign records show they came through in a big way.

GOP lawmakers reported donating about $550,000 to Deal’s campaign over the past three months, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis found, much of it after the governor privately urged legislators to help him beat back Democratic nominee Jason Carter. That amounted to more than 10 percent of the $5 million Deal has raised since July 1.