U.S. Rep. Phil Gingrey is running for the U.S. Senate seat opened by Saxby Chambliss's upcoming retirement. The Marietta Republican launched his campaign in Augusta, where he grew up and later attended medical school. The 70-year-old was flanked by his wife, mother and brothers.

Conservative groups spoke out Tuesday at the state Capitol about legislation under consideration, including a video poker bill. They say it would expand gambling in Georgia. The bill would allow the state to regulate video lottery machines that award non-cash prizes. Backed by Gov. Nathan Deal, the measure would aim to crack down on the machines’ illegal payouts.

No matter what happens with two same-sex marriage cases before the U.S. Supreme Court this week, gay marriage will probably remain against the law in Georgia, according to Mercer University law professor David Oedel.

The Georgia business lobby won another victory Monday as the Senate approved a change on paycheck deductions for union dues and limited unemployment benefits for certain temporary workers. The dues provision would require that workers be able to opt out anytime from agreements to pay dues through an automatic paycheck deduction. Current law calls for an annual decision

A bill making changes to employee benefits at a single state agency has evolved into an argument over abortion. As a result, the Georgia Senate voted Monday to forbid any state employee insurance plan from covering abortion services, with the exception of those necessary to protect a pregnant woman's life or health.