Dalton mayor officially launches gubernatorial campaign

ATLANTA (AP) 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 Monday 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.