The lobbyist for Georgia's public defender system has been named to lead the state's ethics commission. Holly LaBerge, of Senoia, was selected on Friday as executive secretary of the panel that handles campaign finance complaints and oversees lobbyists.

Gov. Nathan Deal says there’s not enough time during the special session to tackle a regional transportation tax vote. Lawmakers could reconsider the issue in January but that looks unlikely.

The Republican-controlled state House approved new congressional district maps Thursday. Democrats say the maps are part of a systematic plan to isolate minority voters. But Republicans insist they are following federal laws designed to protect minority voters.

Facing tea party opposition, Governor Nathan Deal has abandoned for now plans to shift a public vote on a transportation tax hike until the November 2012 general election.

A key House committee approved draft congressional maps Wednesday. The proposal will keep an air force base near Valdosta in the first congressional district. The draft maps now head to the full House for a vote. Under the map proposed Monday, Moody Air Force Base would have been taken out of the first congressional district.