His opponent, Sonny Perdue, a little-known ex-Democrat, had defeated two similarly obscure challengers in the Republican primary.

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Georgia elected its first Republican governor since Reconstruction with the win of Sonny Perdue, and renowned and popular U.S. Sen.

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There was also a flap when Mr Perry and Sonny Perdue, the Republican governor of Georgia, joined forces to scold Mr White.

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First of all, I want to thank President Kathy Love and the entire Savannah Tech community for their hospitality. (Applause.) I want to thank your governor, who I just had a chance to see recently, host him in the White House with the other governors -- Mr. Sonny Perdue. (Applause.) Your mayor, Otis Johnson, is in the house. (Applause.) Congressman John Barrow -- you're in his district. (Applause.) That's right.

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