Governor And Lawmakers Air Their Differences

Governor Perdue and the Republican-led legislature are entering what may be the public beginning of a contentious relationship.

At the beginning of this year's legislative session, the governor and Republican leaders pledged to work together in the spirit of cooperation. But the governor says she's tired of seeing lawmakers introduce and debate bills that have nothing to do with an enormous looming budget deficit of around 2 billion dollars.

 "Right now my friends I don't mean to come across as the adult in the room, but somebody has to be the adult and stand up but we've really got to focus on core- on jobs and education."

But Senate President Phil Berger told reporters earlier today that the tax and spending policies enacted by Democrats in the past led to the current deficit. He says Republicans are working hard to cut state spending to streamline government and make it more efficient.