By CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY
FILE – In this June 19, 2012 file photo, Democratic Georgia state Sen. Jason Carter talks during a news conference for the Carter Center’s election witnessing mission in Egypt, in Cairo. Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, tells The Associated Press Thursday Nov. 7, 2013 he plans to run for governor of Georgia next year. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser, File)
ATLANTA (AP) — Former President Jimmy Carter says he’s excited and proud that his grandson, Jason, has decided to run for governor of Georgia next year.
The elder Carter said in a statement Thursday that he believes his grandson has already done “great things for Georgians through his service in the state Senate and volunteer work throughout the state.”
The former president adds that Georgia faces serious challenges and would “greatly benefit from a smart and fresh leader focused on improving our schools, creating opportunities for a more prosperous middle class and restoring a sense of trust and transparency back to state government.”
Carter’s decision shakes up the 2014 race. Republican Gov. Nathan Deal already faces two primary opponents and now will deal with the prospect of a Carter campaign that will likely be well-financed
