The Marietta Daily Journal – Ga schools superintendent to run for governor

ATLANTA — State schools Superintendent John Barge said Friday he will run for governor in 2014, setting up what will likely be a heated Republican primary against Gov. Nathan Deal in which education and school funding will be major issues.

Barge, in a telephone interview, said he was proud of accomplishments made within the Department of Education since he took office in January 2011 despite challenges brought upon by Deal.

“There is more to be done, and I just don’t feel like I can get it done from where I am,” said Barge, a former Bartow County school administrator. “There needs to be some direction and some better vision from the other side.”

Deal’s spokesman Brian Robinson said the governor was in a strong position for re-election and characterized Barge as another weak challenger who is unlikely to garner much support from voters.

“You can tell the strength of Gov. Deal’s position with the Republican primary electorate by the quality of the opponents who have announced against him,” Robinson said in a statement.

Although Deal can still be considered a favorite, Barge’s entrance into the race will force the governor to spend more of his campaign cash during the primary to defend his record. The relationship between Deal and Barge has been noticeably chilly since the two were on opposite sides of the debate over a state charter schools amendment. The measure, opposed by Barge as unnecessary, ultimately passed and was popular among Republican voters.

via The Marietta Daily Journal – Ga schools superintendent to run for governor.