Gregoire to head National Governors Association

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) has been chosen to head the National Governors Association.

Gregoire was named to the spot after a vote by the NGA executive committee and will be the second woman to chair the association. She replaces West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin (D), who was elected to the Senate on Nov. 2. He resigned the chairmanship last week. Her term will go through the NGA Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City in July 2011.

Meanwhile, the Republican governors are gathering in San Diego this week for their annual meeting. Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) is expected to be elected as head of the organization.

Republicans won a majority of the gubernatorial mansions up for grabs this year, picking up 11 seats from the Democrats.

President Obama will meet with all the newly elected governors Dec. 2 at the White House.