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 Tuesday’s general election. Here are Thursday’s highlights from the campaign trail:
Jason Carter
Democratic gubernatorial candidate
Where was he? Atlanta, Douglasville, Jonesboro, Forest Park, Stockbridge, East Point
Themes: Getting out the vote and thanking supporters in the Atlanta area
What he said: "We also want ethics in the governor's office, right? And we want honesty and integrity back in that office. That is our house. That is our representative to the world. And we can't have someone who embarrasses us with scandal after scandal after scandal."
What a voter said: "He will win. He is honest. He is a man of integrity. He is a people's man." — Cleveland Yarday of Stockbridge, talking about his intention to vote for Carter
Atmosphere: Up tempo. Carter started out with breakfast in Atlanta with actor and comedian Ed Helms, a supporter. Then he attended a lively rally at an Irish pub in Douglasville before making stops in Jonesboro and Forest Park. He got his biggest, most spirited reception of the day at a community center in Stockbridge. Democratic state and local officials met him at several of his stops.
Follow on Twitter: @JeremyLRedmon
— Jeremy Redmon
Nathan Deal
Republican gubernatorial candidate
Where was he? Savannah, Rincon, Evans, Greensboro, Monroe
Themes: A closing message that his record means results - and his opponent has nothing to show for his time in office.
What he said: "The truth of the matter is Carter will have to raise your taxes or else he is making promises he knows he can't fulfill. And that's the worst thing any politician can do."
What a voter said: "He's an honest gentleman, and I think he's been portrayed wrongly in advertisements and the media." — Stephen Need of Greensboro
Atmosphere: The crowds were bigger, louder and more enthusiastic as the campaign swung through bigger population centers. Republican congressional candidates Jody Hice, Rick Allen and Buddy Carter popped in for a few stops, and down-ballot candidates begged voters not to forget about them.
Follow on Twitter: @bluestein
— Greg Bluestein
David Perdue
Republican Senate candidate
Where was he? Dublin, Statesboro, Savannah, St. Simons, Waycross
Themes: Taking on President Barack Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev. Tackling the debt and the importance of getting out the vote.
What he said: "People are concerned about Washington. They think Washington is broken and it's intruding in their lives. And they're concerned about the economy and the debt."
What a voter said: "He wants to do it in an intelligent, reasonable way. Now personally I'm a hand-grenade thrower. I'd like to get rid of all of them, but that's never going to work." — Jim Lowry, 76, St. Simons
Atmosphere: Perdue drew a large crowd of supporters in Savannah at the GOP headquarters of Chatham County. Fans flocked across the street of a polling location at St. Simons, where Perdue lives, to see him moments after he cast his vote for himself. He was joined on the campaign trail by Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black and 1st Congressional District candidate Buddy Carter.
Follow on Twitter: @nick4iezos
— Nicholas Fouriezos
Michelle Nunn
Democratic Senate candidate
Where was she? Atlanta
Themes: Getting out the vote. Nunn and a few dozens supporters joined former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo as he cast his ballot in Fulton County.
What she said: Asked about David Perdue's attack on her as a "rubber stamp" for the president, Nunn said: "There is absolutely no evidence, except that I have said I have experience working across party lines and have committed to working across party lines. What David represents is a rubber stamp for continued gridlock in Washington."
What a voter said: "I'm here with my friend Michelle Nunn, who will be our next senator. I'm asking all my friends and their families, those who have not voted yet, please get this thing ready before Nov. 4 when it will be too late." — Dikembe Mutombo
Atmosphere: Encouraged, enthusiastic. Nunn and Mutombo spoke outside the Grant Park polling place where he would cast his ballot.
Follow on Twitter: @asheinin
— Aaron Gould Sheinin
