NGA

PHILADELPHIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire was not present at the National Governors Association conference this weekend, but her tough re-election battle is on the minds of her Democratic colleagues gathered here.

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, who earlier today was named chair of the National Governors Association, is scheduled to host a Monday evening fundraiser for Gregoire at the Philadelphia law firm of Ballard, Spahr, Andrews, and Ingersoll. Rendell aides did not provide further details on the event.

Gregoire spokeswoman Deborah Carnes said the governor would not be able to attend the event because she was monitoring the fires in the eastern portion of the state.