Barge outlines '14 campaign for Ga. governor

SMYRNA, Ga. (AP) -- State schools Superintendent John Barge says education, ethics and economic development will be his top issues as he challenges Gov. Nathan Deal in the 2014 Republican primary.

Barge formally announced his plan to run for governor during a speech Tuesday outside City Hall in Smyrna, his hometown.

Barge is the second candidate to challenge Deal in the Republican primary. Earlier, Dalton Mayor David Pennington announced plans to run.

While Barge was short on specifics, he says he would increase funding for public education in Georgia while reducing the size of government. He also did not take an immediate position on Deal's refusal to expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act. Barge says he plans to consult with experts on the issues and have more details in the coming months.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2013/9/265175