He made the announcement before a large gathering in Kenyon Square at the Hall County Courthouse just after 10:00 Friday morning.
Deal said he will be a governor who ``does his own thinking, ties his own shoes and can deliver a speech without a teleprompter.''
Deal, a Republican, is a one-time Democrat and former state senator and one of the most senior members of Georgia's congressional delegation. He began eyeing the race after Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle an early Republican favorite withdrew for health reasons. Both men are from Gainesville and share the same north Georgia political base.
Four Republicans are already in the race to replace Gov. Sonny Perdue.
As he began addressing the issues facing the state, Deal emphasized education, declaring at one point, "I believe that we must restore the joy to teaching" and saying Georgia should be known for the number of classrooms it has and not the number of prison beds; that encouraged Steve Coldiron, who stood near the podium in Kenyon Plaza.
"My wife is a school teacher and she knows the things the teachers have dealt with, its a wonderful opportunity," Coldiron said.
Deal said as governor he will work to bring the legislature, the state DOT board, and local government officials from all over the state together to solve the transportation woes facing Georgia.
Health care was another point that he focused on. "We must expand our trauma centers so that hour citizens no matter where they live" have access to the best emergency care available.
Regarding Lake Lanier and the state's water resources, Deal said it's time for Georgia to stake its rightful claim to the water that flows through it."It's time for the tri-state water war to be concluded. It's already lasted more than twice as long as the real 'war between the states.'" Georgia, Alabama and Florida have been fighting over water in Lake Lanier and other reservoirs in the state for more than a decade.
Four Republicans have already started down what is promising to be an arduous campaign trail. They are Secretary of State Karen Handel, Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, state Sen. Eric Johnson and state Rep. Austin Scott.
Hall Young Republican Joshua Morris said Deal would be his choice in the upcoming GOP gubernatorial nomination contest.
"He's a conservative by principle and he's going to take that message to the state and I think that debate is good for the state, " Morris said.
In his speech, Deal reached out to Christian conservatives, who will be critical in a GOP primary, saying he's a candidate who ``acknowledges the guiding hand of God in the affairs of men.''
He also highlighted education, healthcare, transportation and water issues as key to his campaign. His district includes Lake Lanier, the watershed that feeds metro-Atlanta and he pledged Friday to bring an end to the state's lengthy battle with Alabama and Florida over water rights.
``It's time to state our rightful claims to the water, which by the bounty of God fall upon and run through our great state,'' he said.
Talking to reporters after his speech, Deal said his biggest challenge will be boosting his name recognition outside his North Georgia district. He will also have his hands full raising money in what could be the most expensive race in state history.
A lawyer, Deal worked as prosecutor and juvenile court judge before winning election to the state Legislature. He won election to the U.S. House in 1992 and changed parties in the middle of his second congressional term, saying the Democratic Party had grown out of touch with his district.
Deal said he did not think the swap would harm his campaign.
``It didn't seem to hurt Sonny Perdue and he switched parties after I did,'' Deal said.
Deal is known as a tough opponent of illegal immigration, sponsoring legislation in 2005 that would end automatic birthright citizenship for babies of illegal immigrants.
The 2010 race for governor is shaping up as competitive for both parties,
On the Democratic side, Attorney General Thurbert Baker, House Minority Leader DuBose Porter and former Georgia National Guard Commander David Poythress are running. Former Gov. Roy Barnes is also considering the race.
A mad scramble is predicted to fill Deal's congressional seat. Former Senate Majority Leader Bill Stephens and former state Department of Transportation Board Chairman Mike Evans are among those expected to enter the race.
Deal said he is confident of his campaign's success.
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Deal said he launched his statewide campaign in Gainesville and was confident of its success
Crowd gathers to hear Congressman Deal
A supportive pat on the back for Deal from Steve Coldiron
http://accesswdun.com/article/2009/5/220067