Obama, Palin To Appear at Governors’ Economic Meeting
During his press conference today, President-elect Barack Obama took a question from a local Chicago television reporter about the role of state and local governments in his plan for economic recovery. Here’s part of his response:
“„We’re going to be working very closely with governors. We’re going to be working very closely with mayors of towns small and large, across the country. This economic recovery plan will require their input, their participation and part of our job is to make sure that we are listening to what’s happening on the ground, where the rubber hits the road, and not simply desigining something out of Washington.
Apparently, Obama is not going to waste any time in bringing the states into the discussion on how to proceed. The Wall Street Journal reports that Obama is scheduled to meet with governors of both parties to discuss the economy at a meeting of the National Governor’s Association next week in Philadelphia.
“„“The only agenda is two pieces: one, to get to know him, and two, discuss solutions to the economy,” said Nick Ayers, executive director of the Republican Governors Association. Mr. Ayers said the Republican governors are “looking forward to the opportunity (to) meet him and hear about his plans,” but that he expects the governors to show up with plenty of ideas of their own.
According to The Journal, the meeting was hastily arranged and announced Monday, so it is unclear who exactly will be in attendance. But a spokesperson for Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin confirmed that the former GOP vice presidential nominee is scheduled to be there. AWKWARD!
