No endorsement in 2010 race for governor, Perdue says — not yet

Gov. Sonny Perdue this morning signed H.B. 280, a measure granting higher pay to math and science teachers. The bill was delivered by robot — which was done merely for effect , and not intended as any reflection upon the state Legislature.

The governor also made two other bits of news, according to my AJC colleague Aaron Gould Sheinin, who posts over at Gold Dome Live:
— Asked if he was ready to make an endorsement in the 2010 race for governor, Perdue said no. But he left the barn door wide open for future involvement.

“I’m not precluding endorsing anyone at any time I choose. But I’ve not done that, I’ve not made any calls on anyone’s behalf at this time. But I won’t rule out that eventuality in the future,” Perdue said.

Secretary of State Karen Handel announced her campaign team earlier this week. Significant figures were part of Perdue’s 2002 campaign.

— The governor also gave his blessing to a deal cut by the Atlanta Regional Commission and MARTA, whereby ARC will give the transit agency $25 million in federal stimulus money for operations. In exchange, MARTA will feed ARC the same amount out of its capital reserve fund.

“It’s a good decision, a positive decision,” Perdue said. “This is a good example by both entities of working together.”

State law requires MARTA to spend on operations only half of the revenue generated by a sales tax in Fulton and DeKalb counties. The transit agency tried — but failed — to have the law changed during the past session of the General Assembly.

The ARC/MARTA deal effectively kills talk of a special session of the Legislature — which the governor had opposed.