May 20, 2013
Just one day after Linda Schrenko pleads guilty, Georgia's governor Sonny Perdue weighs in.
News 12's Kate Tillotson caught up with him in Columbia County.
Four years ago they were gubernatorial opponents.
A lot has happened since then, and Perdue says it's saddening.
It's a job state school superintendent Linda Schrenko was once gunning for.
And the man who sits in the governor's seat today can't believe she's now headed for a federal prison.
"I didn't follow the trial, and frankly was hoping Linda was not guilty," Perdue told News 12. "But obviously she made the choice to do what she felt was in her best interest. But it's sad anytime the public's trust is violated."
In 2002 Schrenko was considered a strong gubernatorial candidate and one of Georgia's most powerful women, and she was prepared to go head-to-head with Republican opponent Sonny Perdue.
Little did we know it was her fundraising during this very campaign that would later reveal a storm of conspiracy.
"I think it's always disappointing when someone that's entrusted by the people to lead the state in various efforts disappoint them and disappoint the people that trusted them. It's just a sad occasion. There's no joy in that at all," Perdue said.
They're among some of Perdue's first public comments about a woman he says took advantage of the system, giving a bad name to Georgia's democracy.
"I think it's very important that we've got to act in the people's best interest, and when that doesn't happen, that trust is violated and it chips away at our democratic republic," he said.
Governor Perdue is on the road, working on his current campaign for governor 2006.
One of two democratic hopefuls is expected to rival him this year: either Lieutenant Governor Mark Taylor or Secretary of State Cathy Cox.
