Mon., January 10, 2011 10:16am (EST)

A Conversation With Outgoing Governor Sonny Perdue

By Edgar Treigtus

Updated: 2 years ago

ATLANTA  —   In a surprise to many, Sonny Perdue won the governor's office in 2002, becoming the first Republican governor of Georgia since Reconstruction--and earning a second term in 2006.

There have been challenges for Perdue over his eight years--including trying to improve Georgia's standing in education, delivery of mental health and social services, and solving transportation gridlock. And some have thrown criticism Perdue's way for his Go Fish program and related projects.

But Perdue leaves office saying he's made Georgia work better for its people.