Staff writers from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution are traveling with the top candidates in the governor’s race and the U.S. Senate campaign through the Nov. 4 general election. Here are Monday’s highlights from the campaign trail:
David Perdue
Republican Senate candidate
Where was he? Hiram, Cartersville, Rome, Chickamauga, Dalton, Ellijay, Blue Ridge
Themes: He described himself as the agent for change and labeled opponent Michelle Nunn as another vote for President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.
What he said: "Now we have got to offset the Democratic counties that are getting their vote out. This is a strong Republican county (Walker County). If we get our vote out up here, we'll offset DeKalb County, for example. That's what we've got to do."
What a voter said: "He's got good experience with economic issues. I also have a business background. That's a big part of it for me." – Matt Pearce of Dallas
Atmosphere: Perdue drew solid but not huge crowds — 50-plus in small towns. U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, traveled all day with Perdue on his "Outsider" RV.
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— Daniel Malloy
Michelle Nunn
Democratic Senate candidate
Where was she? Thumbs Up Diner in Atlanta and a Democratic Party gospel concert at the Galleria of South DeKalb
Themes: Rallying the faithful to get out the vote
What she said: In response to her opponent, David Perdue, saying that outsourcing is part of the free enterprise system, Nunn said, "I just don't think it's what Georgians are looking for in qualifications for U.S. senator."
What a voter said: "This outsourcing is a big no-no for me. I'm a small-business owner who employs people in Georgia. When I hear her opponent is someone with a history of outsourcing I can't support that." — Raymond Hall from Spring Valley
Atmosphere: The 50 or so supporters packed into the small diner were plenty enthusiastic, chanting "We want Nunn! We want Nunn!"
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— Aaron Gould Sheinin
Nathan Deal
Republican gubernatorial candidate
Where was he? Dahlonega, Cornelia, Blairsville, Cumming, Dalton and Rome
Themes: Protecting Georgia from the Ebola virus, deepening the Savannah port, celebrating new jobs deals
What he said: Speaking about whether the state could move from reliably Republican to elect some Democratic candidates, Deal said: "If you see somebody turning purple, there's something wrong with them. They are being starved from the truth."
What a voter said: "I'm here because he's the best governor we've ever had. And I mean that." — Ron Dinsmore, who attended Deal's rally in Cumming
Atmosphere: Crowds grew throughout the day — as did speeches. Deal traveled with a cohort of statewide elected officials and a gaggle of local politicians eager to remind voters of the down-ticket elections. About 75 people showed up at the first event in Dahlonega. Hundreds were gathered at a Cumming restaurant in the early evening waiting on the governor. Polite applause and attacks on Jason Carter ruled the day.
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— Greg Bluestein
Jason Carter
Democratic gubernatorial candidate
Where was he? LaGrange, Columbus, Buena Vista, Fort Valley and Macon
Themes: Boosting funding for education, buttressing the HOPE scholarship, watching out for the middle class, strengthening ethics in the state Capitol
What he said: "We have watched the numbers come in from early voting. We have felt the energy across this state. And I will tell you — as of today — right now — we are winning this election. The governor knows he cannot win on Election Day. More than half of the Georgians in this state are going to come out and reject the governor's leadership. We know that. The only question for us is do we get to 50 percent on Election Day or not."
What a voter said: "We need some young blood. This state has become so much for the wealthy." — Margaret Mishra, a pediatric nurse practitioner from Perry
Atmosphere: Crowds were large and enthusiastic. In a sun-splashed parking lot in front of a church in Columbus, supporters served barbecue while a band played. Carter was joined by his grandparents, former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter, and U.S. Reps. John Lewis and Sanford Bishop.
Follow on Twitter: @JeremyLRedmon
— Jeremy Redmon
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