Deal, Handel to battle in GOP runoff in Ga. gov’s race; winner faces ex-Gov. Barnes in fall

Deal, Handel to face off in GOP runoff for Ga. gov

ATLANTA — A former secretary of state will face an ex-congressman in a Republican runoff in the race for Georgia governor.

With 80 percent of precincts reporting, unofficial returns show Karen Handel had 33 percent of the vote and Nathan Deal had 24 percent.

Both have big names in their corners.

Deal had been a congressman from Gainesville and has the backing of former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Handel used to be secretary of state and her campaign has been buoyed by the backing of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

Handel and Deal were among seven Republicans vying for their party’s nomination. A runoff to be held Aug. 10 is needed because no candidate got 50 percent plus one vote.

The runoff winner will face Democrat and ex-Gov. Roy Barnes in November.