Republican governors meet in Georgia

Governor Sonny Perdue has welcomed his Republican counterparts to the state this week. The Republican Governors Association is meeting in Atlanta. The gathering also brings together some potential vice presidential candidates on the GOP side--Perdue has been mentioned in some quarters, as has Florida’s Charlie Crist, and Minnesota’s Tim Pawlenty. Perdue and Crist have had their differences over water issues in Georgia and Florida, but the two were together to take in a ballgame last night. They attended the Atlanta Braves game, both throwing out ceremonial first pitches.

GOP governors discuss healthcare at Lake Oconee

Lake Oconee in eastern Georgia was the host for Republican governors and their staff over the weekend--the reason was a retreat and discussion on healthcare issues. The GOP hopes to make a better connection with voters over issues such as healthcare costs, health savings accounts, and free-market proposals to boost competition. The meeting of the Republican Governors Association included former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and former Georgia governor Zell Miller, both serving as speakers. Sonny Perdue is the chairman of the GOP governors group.