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Monday, February 23, 2009
What’s Sonny Perdue thinking? Write your own caption here
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s hard to say what Gov. Sonny Perdue has on his mind here, but he appears to have more than a mild headache as he listens to President Barack Obama this morning in a session with the National Governors Association.
From left to right, those in the bipartisan picture are South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, a Republican; Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick, a Democrat; Perdue, a Republican; and Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas, a Republican.
Much of the debate over the weekend was over whether Republican-governed states would reject part or all of the $787 billion economic recovery package approved by Congress this month.
Perdue, of course, appeared to agree with Bobby Jindal of Louisiana on the issue of increased funds for the unemployed.
In his address to the governors, Obama addressed that concern specifically, citing it as an example of the “cable chatter” that is picking apart his initiative.
Said Obama:
“I think there are some very legitimate concerns on the part of some about the sustainability of expanding unemployment insurance. What hasn’t been noted is that, that is $7 billion of a $787 billion program.
“And it’s not even the majority of the expansion of unemployment insurance. So it is possible for those who are concerned about sustaining a change that increases eligibility for part-time workers to still see the benefit of $30 billion plus that is going — even if you don’t make the change….
“I just want to make sure we’re having an honest debate…”
Here’s a raw 11-minute clip from MSNBC:
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
After the White House meeting, in an interview with my AJC colleague Bob Keefe, Perdue praised the new president for his candor.
“It was a very candid, forthright discussion,” Perdue said. ” I thought he was very amenable in understanding the differences in our states and (our) different challenges and I was very encouraged that we’ve got an administration that states like Georgia are going to be able to work.”
When George W. Bush hosted governors during their annual winter meetings in Washington, the get-together was very structured. Bush typically only took one or two questions from the state leaders. In contrast, Monday’s meeting with members of the National Governors Association was much more open, Perdue and others said.
“It was more open-mike,” Perdue said. “We had a very forthright discussion in a variety of areas and the president was very gracious in taking many of our questions and acknowledging very upfront that there are some differences.”
Monday’s meeting came after the White House hosted what by some reports was a relatively raucous reception for the governors and their spouses on Sunday night. Legendary R&B band Earth, Wind and Fire performed at the reception, where a conga line apparently broke out.
Asked Monday whether he participated in the dance train, Perdue laughed and shook his head. “I’m an early to bed guy,” he said.
Photo credit: Charles Dharapak/Associated Press
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Radio ads target two Republican senators for school voucher vote
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Speaking of religious conservatives reasserting their clout.
The Georgia Christian Alliance launched radio ads this morning in Gainesville and Augusta, in an attempt to pressure two Republicans to vote a school voucher bill out of a Senate committee this week.
Listen here to the ad aimed at Bill Jackson (R-Appling). And here to the ad aimed at Jim Butterworth (R-Cornelia.
The legislation is S.B. 90, which state Sen. Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) is using as a cornerstone for his campaign for lieutenant governor. The voucher bill is scheduled for a vote by the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday.
The bill would allow parents to shift their children to the public school of their choice, with the receiving school having the authority to refuse, or to any private school.
Say both radio ads:
“I’m Jason Fields. I want the best education for my children, and one that does not conflict with our family’s values. The Georgia Legislature’s now considering Senate Bill 90, that will give parents like us vouchers to send our children to the school of our choice.”
The narrator is the son of Sadie Fields, chairman of the Georgia Christian Alliance. He has three sons, ages 8, 6 and 5.
Said Sadie Fields:
“We’re just trying to encourage them to pass the vote out of committee and see what happens on the floor.”
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Your morning jolt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
On ajc.com this morning:”
— Governor balks at some stimulus money.
— Perdue defends overhaul of transportation agencies.
— Georgia transportation plan a power shift of big funds.
— Growth screeches to halt. Last fall saw an increase of only 6,000 public school students.
— Is ag chief too close to businesses he regulates?
— The fight between state government and local governments.
— George W. Bush, in search of WD-40, is offered a job at a hardware store.
And from elsewhere
— AP: Owner of Philadelphia’s two major newspapers files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
— Reuters: Feds question Burris in Blagojevich case.
— Louisville Courier-Journal: Ky. senator says S.C. justice will be dead of cancer by year’s end.
— NYT: U.S. military specialists secretly lend Pakistan support to fight Al Qaeda and the Taliban.
— WP: Legal experts propose limiting power of U.S. Supreme Court justice.
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Get your bookmarks ready
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
In the next few days, thanks to a new blog format, Political Insider will move to a new URL. We’re told that posts will appear more quickly, as will comments — a great improvement over this current system.
The new site is still under construction — stay out of the way of the guys in hardhats, and be careful of the power tools on the floor. Nonetheless, go HERE to visit, then by all means BOOKMARK it.
