Gingrich endorses Deal

ATLANTA - Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is throwing his support behind Republican Nathan Deal in the GOP primary for governor.

Gingrich on Tuesday called Deal ``a solid conservative with a solid record.''
He made the remarks after a Georgia Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Atlanta. He arrived wearing a Deal lapel pin.

Gingrich served in the U.S. House with Deal and called the Republican from Gainesville ``an old friend.''

Seven Republicans are vying for their party's nomination in Georgia's July 20 primary. Gingrich said he is ``not against any candidate. I'm for Nathan Deal.''
Gingrich's support comes the day after former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin endorsed Karen Handel, one of Deal's rivals.