ATLANTA (AP) — Democrat Jason Carter is seizing on a memo written by the head of the state ethics commission in which she says an attorney for Gov. Nathan Deal threatened her agency during its investigation of ethics complaints against the governor.

Carter, who is running against Deal, told reporters Tuesday it was "clear now that there is a pattern of intimidation and interference on the part of the governor's office." He renewed his call for a state investigation.

Holly LaBerge, the commission's executive secretary, wrote in the memo the threat came during a 2012 call with Deal's chief counsel, Ryan Teague.

Deal's personal attorney, Randy Evans, has said the memo proves the contentious negotiations with commission staff. Deal's spokesman says the memo supports the governor's contention that the commission didn't grant him any favors.

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