No eggs yet, but they’re coming

Good morning from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s annual Eggs & Issues event at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Things are just getting started in the Thomas B. Murphy Ballroom. The wait staff is making its away around with what one can only suppose are plates of eggs. More importantly, we’ve yet to see carafes of coffee, despite the promise of a cup on the table.

The room is full. Gov. Sonny Perdue, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) are all up front, having been recognized by new Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in opening remarks.

The three top state leaders are all expected to speak soon and we’ll bring details once they do. Perdue, in particular, should have some interesting remarks on the day before he delivers his final State of the State address to lawmakers Wednesday. We expect to hear a preview this morning of his budget plans as well.

Several gubernatorial candidates are here, including Republicans John Oxendine and Eric Johnson and Democrats DuBose Porter and David Poythress. There are likely more here, but it’s a big ballroom.

Update: Other gubernatorial candidates here include U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal (R-Ga.) and Democrat Thurbert Baker, the state’s attorney general.

Check back soon for more.