"I'm focused on keeping the state fiscally disciplined during these hard times," Hold said in the release. "Georgia has become one of the most fiscally responsible states in the union, an achievement we can all be very proud of. During this recession, however, many voices have called out for new revenue from increased taxes or debt - in my book, this is the worst time to give in to such temptations, and I plan on continued resistance to those calls. Georgia's discipline has allowed us to remain one of only seven states that have the highest possible AAA bond rating, and has helped us stay in the lowest ranked states for spending and debt per capita. This is a very advantageous position in which to enter the economic recovery. Adding new burdens would only slow our response when good times return, and we must never forget that tax increases rarely get repealed".

For more on this story, please see Wednesday's edtion of The Covington News.