Dalton mayor to woo conservatives in race for Georgia governor

Monday, November 18, 2013

photo David Pennington, the mayor of Dalton, Ga., stands outside of the City Hall facility
Arkansas-Florida Live Blog

ATLANTA - Dalton Mayor David Pennington has officially launched his campaign for governor, outlining a path to woo conservatives as he challenges Gov. Nathan Deal in next year's Republican primary.

Pennington said in an interview today that as a conservative he believes in lower taxes, fewer regulations and an open and transparent government. He says he'll make the case that Deal hasn't made those a priority and doesn't deserve a second term.

Pennington says he's been meeting with voters statewide and raised "hundreds of thousands of dollars" over the last few months.

Deal has been embracing his economic record, touting efforts to create a business-friendly environment and pointing to economic development deals that have brought jobs to Georgia.

Also running in the GOP primary is state schools Superintendent John Barge.