ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Republican Senate candidate David Perdue says he's "proud" of his career, arguing that a misunderstanding of what outsourcing means is to blame for attacks on his business record.

Perdue spoke with reporters at a small business in Atlanta Monday, a few days after a 2005 court deposition surfaced in which the former Dollar General CEO talked about spending much of his career on outsourcing.

The campaign of Democrat Michelle Nunn has blasted Perdue, arguing he cared more about the bottom line than employees.

The Senate race has gained national attention as Republicans seek control of the Senate. Nunn is considered among the best Democratic hopes nationally to pick up a seat.

Perdue says outsourcing is about companies procuring products and services and blames federal policies for jobs sent overseas.