Georgia will be one of three Southern states voting for a new governor next year, and Nathan Deal told fellow Republicans on Saturday that he is the man to lead it.

The congressman, one of six GOP candidates running for governor, was guest speaker at the Columbia County Republican Party's monthly breakfast at Fatz Cafe in Evans.

Mr. Deal, who represents Georgia's 9th Congressional District, said several issues face the state and country. He expressed disdain with the climate change bill passed Friday by the U.S. House.

"It is a very, in my opinion, disastrous piece of legislation," he said. "It is one of those things that I think has not only international and national consequences, but it has negative consequences for the South and for the Southeast in particular, and Georgia as a part of that."

Mr. Deal said Georgia's non-unionized work force and low utility rates that attract business are being threatened.

Issues concerning water, transportation and education will continue to play a big role in the 2010 election, said Mr. Deal, noting the "water war" among Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

"All three states are going to have new governors after the next election cycle," he said. "Wouldn't it be nice to have a governor who knows the insides and the outsides of this vital issue, which I think is one of the keys to the future development of our state?"

Mr. Deal fielded questions about concerns ranging from state and national health care to the power of the Obama administration.

"Like anything in politics, the tendency is when you've got the power, you overextend it, and you go too far," he said. "People are beginning to understand that they've gone too far. If we don't stand up to it now, it'll be a process we'll have difficulty reversing."

Mr. Deal said it's crucial for a governor to maintain open lines of communication with those in the legislative branch. He compared the role of governor with that of a CEO, with members of Congress serving as the board of directors.

"I want to work with them," he said. "They're the ones elected at the local level by the people that they represent."

Mr. Deal noted his close ties to the area through his friendship with the late Rep. Charlie Norwood and serving as a military police instructor at Fort Gordon when he was in the Army.

Mr. Deal had plans Saturday to attend a party held in his honor by state Sen. Bill Jackson. Mr. Deal is the sixth candidate who has visited the county recently.

Reach Jenna Martin at 868-1222, ext. 109,or jenna.martin@augustachronicle.com.