Deal or No Deal?*

His office won't confirm it, but there are reports that Republican Congressman Nathan Deal is going to run for Governor.

Deal would join Secretary of State Karen Handel and State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine on the Republican side. His office did acknowledge Deal will be holding a press conference this Friday morning in Gainesville to make what they describe as a "significant" announcement. Meanwhile, with Lt. Governor Casey Cagle dropping out of the race, Deal's close ties to Georgia business groups could make him the de-facto choice for trade and industry organizations. That's according to Trey Hood, political scientist at the University of Georgia.

"He's a fairly conservative Republican. I think he would play well with business interests maybe better than some of the other candidates in the race, and so I think he could attract that from the GOP quarters."

Deal has worked with the Chamber of Commerce on numerous issues, including a plan to dam the Flint River. Deal has served in Congress since 1992. He was elected as a Democrat, but switched parties in 1996. Deal was a captain in the Army and attended Mercer University.

*-Sorry about the cheesy headline...couldn't resist-John

Sec'y of State Handel in Gubernatorial Run

Secretary of State Karen Handel says she’s running for governor.

The race to replace Governor Sonny Perdue in 2010 is shaping up to be a crowded Republican field. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and State Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine have already announced their bids and built up their campaign funds.

The only Democrat in the race so far is David Poythress, a former commander of the National Guard. House Minority leader Dubose Porter says he’ll announce his intentions after the legislative session.

(Associated Press)