GAGOP: Republicans Are Good Deal for Georgians

Atlanta, GA (GAGOP) - Following the Georgia State of the State address by Republican Governor Nathan Deal, gubernatorial candidate Senator Jason Carter (D-42) delivered a Democratic response. After Carter's speech, the Georgia Republican Party issued the following statements:

"Senator Jason Carter didn't give a rebuttal today. He merely recited the stale talking points of the Democratic Party," said Ryan Mahoney, spokesperson for the Georgia Republican Party. "From class warfare rhetoric to fiscal doublespeak, Carter once again proved that he's nothing more than a mouthpiece for the left."

Pulling a page straight from the playbook of President Barack Obama, Sen. Carter accused Deal of catering only to the wealthy by saying, "Gov. Deal doesn't care about the middle class."

"With over 200,000 new private sector jobs created in the last three years, the unemployment rate in Georgia is the lowest in five years," said Mahoney. "Clearly, all Georgians, regardless of economic or social standing, benefit when more jobs are available in the Peach State.

"What Sen. Carter conveniently forgot to mention was his strong support for Obamacare - the single biggest job killer in America. Despite skyrocketing premiums and thousands lof middle class families losing their insurance coverage right here in Georgia, Carter continues to support the President's healthcare initiative. Obviously, he cares more about pleasing the Party than serving the people."

Carter went on to trash Governor Deal's leadership on education, claiming the "education budget is broken" and the Governor's proposed budget that includes enhanced funding for education is merely an "election year ploy."

"Apparently, Senator Carter's political ambition has clouded his memory," said Mahoney. "Since taking office, Governor Deal and Republican Leadership have directed fifty cents of every dollar of new revenue to education. By adding almost a billion dollars of new funding to education, it's clear that Republican lawmakers are serious about investing in our children's future. That's not an "election year ploy," that's consistent conservative leadership."

At the end of the speech, the Atlanta liberal questioned Governor Deal and the Republican Leadership's conservatism stating that, "Trading in tomorrow for today is not conservative. It's reckless."

"Given Sen. Carter's record and lineage, he's obviously no authority on conservative fiscal policy," said Mahoney.  "However, credit agencies like Moody's, S&P, and Fitch are.  Georgia is one of ten states with a AAA bond rating - a feat only accomplished through fiscal restraint and conservative budgeting.  By increasing the Rainy Day Fund by over 500% and year-over-year revenues without raising taxes, Republican lawmakers are creating a stronger Georgia that future generations will be proud to call home.

"We applaud Governor Deal and the Republican Leadership in the House and Senate for doing their part to make this state great. Because of their hard work and the conservative initiatives they have championed under the Gold Dome, Georgia continues to grow, thrive, and succeed."