The leading Democrat contender for governor Roy Barnes showed up at the state capitol Wednesday, and right after him came the only female in the crowded ring of Republican candidates Karen Handel.

After filling out the paper work and paying the fee to run, Democrat and former Governor Roy Barnes gave his take on the legislative session set to wrap up Thursday.

"What has been happening down here is shameful, the lack of support of our public school systems, making us the laughing stock of our nation talking about microchips in the head," says Barnes.

One of the first bills to pass this session was Republican-sponsored legislation that banned implanting humans with microchips against their will.

One of the last bills to pass will be the state budget. Right before qualifying, Republican Karen Handel said she sees the cuts as an opportunity to trim government.

"I think clearly how we deal with the budget is going to have an impact going forward. This is our time to really make the decision to have limited government and really transform state government," says Handel.

According to the latest Rasmussen poll, Barnes is the likely Democratic candidate for governor. On the Republican side, Handel is coming in third after Congressman Nathan Deal and Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine.

Tags: lawmakers, Karen Handel, state Capitol, qualifying week, governor's race 2010, Governor Roy Barnes