Barnes, Deal oppose mosque near ground zero

ATLANTA - Georgia's gubernatorial hopefuls both say they oppose building a mosque near ground zero in New York City.

Nathan Deal told The Associated Press on Thursday that as "a potential governor of the state of Georgia" he really didn't have a say.

But the Gainesville Republican said "that as an American" he opposes the mosque being place there, saying it "keeps the wounds of 9-11 alive."

Barnes, a Democrat, said in a statement that the area "is hallowed ground and it is too painful and divisive to build a mosque there."

The issue has become a political flashpoint this election season.