Carter Should Blast Deal on Ethics, Jobs

Democratic State Senator Jason Carter has fallen behind in the polls against incumbent Republican Nathan Deal in the Georgia governor's race. However, he can regain momentum by criticizing the state's top leader on issues of ethics and job creation. 

Carter could start by addressing recent scandals that have affected the Deal Administration and Republicans statewide.  For example,  the state of Georgia has had to pay millions to former members of the State Ethics Commission,  who were wrongfully terminated by Deal appointees for blowing the whistle or complying with an official investigation of the governor's 2010 campaign. These payoffs represent a waste of taxpayer dollars that could have been better spent on education or infrastructure.

Additionally, Governor Deal displayed a serious lapse in judgment during the January snowstorm that paralyzed the state.  He delayed the evacuation of schools and businesses despite the advance warning of the impending blizzard, which resulted in thousands of Georgians,  including students, stranded on highways, interstates, and in schools and businesses overnight. Following the incident,  the governor's standing in the polls plummeted.

Next,  Carter could address the governor's weak record on the economy, which has led to divisions in the state.  Like his predecessor, Republican governor Sonny Perdue,  Deal has increased jobs primarily in areas like north of Atlanta, which do not represent a cross-section of Georgians.  Meanwhile, other parts of the state, particularly the southwestern region, have experienced unemployment rates as high as thirteen percent during Deal's tenure.

Overall, regardless of whether they are Democrats or Republicans- seem eager to see Nathan Deal removed from the governor's office.  Jason Carter,  a capable and appealing leader,  must step up and rise to the challenge to make this change happen.