Lt. Governor Casey Cagle (R)

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle Statement on Governor’s Proposed Federal Stimulus Task Force

7/10/09 Lt. Governor Casey Cagle released the following statement regarding Governor Perdue’s proposal to create a new statewide task force solely committed to monitoring and tracking Georgia’s use of federal stimulus dollars granted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009:

I commend the Administration’s efforts to further the culture of openness and transparency throughout state government.  As our state manages a historic budget shortfall and an influx of federal stimulus dollars, the need for fiscal accountability at all levels of government has never been greater.  Georgians have the right to know precisely how their tax dollars are being spent and I urge all Georgia citizens to join me in serving as watchdogs over state government by utilizing resources like the OpenGeorgia.gov initiative.”

Lt. Governor Casey Cagle Statement on Tri-State Water Litigation

7/17/09 Lt. Governor Casey Cagle today released the following statement in response to U.S. District Judge Paul Magnuson’s ruling in the tri-state water litigation:

“Today’s ruling is an extremely frustrating one for me. Georgia has grown while being good stewards of our water resources, including Lake Lanier. I am looking forward to working with Georgia’s Congressional delegation in an effort to resolve this issue.”

Regarding Cagle Opting Not to Run for Governor:

A statement from Karen Handel:

I am saddened to hear about the Lt Gov Cagle's health and his withdrawal from the race for Governor. I hope his health issue is resolved quickly. Steve and I will keep Casey, Nita and their family in our prayers and wish them the best.

A statement from John Oxendine:

As I said when Casey initially entered the race, I consider the Lieutenant Governor to be a friend and leader in the Republican Party. I have always acknowledged that Casey Cagle and I share the same general, conservative philosophy and he was an honorable opponent. I wish Casey and his family the very best.

I would consider it an honor to earn the support of my fellow Republicans who had initially chosen to support Casey Cagle. I am at their service to answer any questions they have about my race, and where I stand on the issues, and help move this party forward with a conservative nominee.

Lt. Governor Cagle Appoints Richard Smith to New Aviation Authority

7/10/09 The office of Lt. Governor Casey Cagle announced today Richard Smith has been appointed to serve on the new Georgia Aviation Authority... More

Cagle Announces Withdrawal from Governor's Race

3/16/09 Cagle announced yesterday that he was dropping out of the race for Georgia Governor. He will be running for Lt. Governor. Here is one statement he made regarding the move:

As you may already know, last year I filed paperwork to run for governor. I have experienced pain in my back and neck for years, but during this past legislative session, the pain worsened. At times my arm was numb and the pain spread. Therefore, as part of preparing to run, I visited my physician. That doctor's appointment significantly changed the way my life will look for the next several months.

I've been diagnosed with serious muscle and bone problems and a degenerative spinal condition. It may be hereditary, or it may be the result of an old injury, but the unfortunate reality is that it requires immediate surgery to treat.

While I feel a deep obligation to Georgia's future, I also have a strong sense of duty to my family. Georgia needs a strong governor, but Nita and my three boys also need a dad who can provide for them well into the future.

The only way I can balance both obligations is to make the difficult decision to end our campaign for governor. I expect to make a full recovery by next year's legislative session and intend to campaign vigorously for reelection to the office of Lt. Governor at the appropriate time.

Together, we have accomplished great things, and it's an honor to have been considered for this opportunity by so many Georgians. I pledge to continue working with you to achieve our goals for Georgia, and hope I can count on your continued support.

For Georgia,

Casey Cagle
Lieutenant Governor