Deal: Ethics complaint 'completely outrageous and false'

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Ninth District Congressman Nathan Deal responded Wednesday afternoon to a complaint filed with the Office of Congressional Ethics by a Washington watchdog group, alleging he has violated House rules and federal law in connection with a Gainesville business he co-owns.

Deal called the allegations "completely outrageous and false."

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) cited an article that appeared over the weekend in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The article stated that Rep. Deal, a Gainesville Republican, along with his business partner Ken Cronan, own a business that provides inspection stations to the state for the inspection of salvaged vehicles. According to the article, the business earned $1.4 million between 2004-2008 and Rep. Deal personally took home $150,000 a year.

CREW alleges that Rep. Deal used his elected position to manipulate state contracts to benefit his business.

Deal issued the following statement Wednesday: "I welcome the opportunity to defend myself and my office from this allegation that has been made. The implication that I intervened with state officials to benefit myself is completely outrageous and false. I look forward to a speedy resolution as not to distract from my duties and service to the Ninth District of Georgia."