ATLANTA - A Washington-based watchdog group has filed an ethics complaint against Georgia congressman and Republican candidate for governor Nathan Deal who calls the claims against him "outrageous and false."

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington said in a statement Wednesday it filed the complaint with the Office of Congressional Ethics against Deal for "violating House rules and federal law by intervening with Georgia political leaders to preserve a program that financially benefits him."

"I welcome the opportunity to defend myself and my office from this allegation that has been made," Deal said in a statement Wednesday.

The complaint stems from a Sunday report by a local newspaper that the Gainesville Republican personally spoke to government leaders in Georgia to preserve funding for a state program that benefits his company.

Deal and business partner Ken Cronan run Recovery Services Inc., also known as Gainesville Salvage & Disposal. The company provides equipment and locations for state inspectors to examine salvaged vehicles.

State Revenue Commissioner Bart Graham has for years tried to expand the system by implementing competitive bidding or privatization. He has said the current system supports what are essentially regional monopolies.

According to state records obtained by the newspaper, Deal and Cronan's company earned $1.5 million from 2004 through 2008 through its agreement with the state. Deal himself earns up to $150,000 a year from the business, according U.S. House reports obtained by the newspaper.

Deal met with Graham three times in the last year and a half to discuss changes Graham had proposed to the way the state inspects rebuilt salvaged vehicles, the newspaper reported. Deal's efforts were coordinated through the office of Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.

The congressman's chief of staff also used his congressional e-mail account to contact Georgia Senate and Revenue Department staff to discuss the plans and set appointments for Deal to meet with officials, including Cagle, the newspaper reported.

"The implication that I intervened with state officials to benefit myself is completely outrageous and false," Deal wrote.

"I look forward to a speedy resolution as not to distract from my duties and service to the Ninth District of Georgia."