GOP Governors Elect Rowland

WASHINGTON (AP) — Connecticut Gov John Rowland has been elected vice chairman of the Republican Governors Association.

Rowland and RGA Chairman Tom Ridge, governor of Pennsylvania, will oversee the organization during the 2002 election cycle. Thirty-eight states will have gubernatorial elections.

“Working with President Bush, we have a unique opportunity to carry our compassionate conservative agenda across the country,” Gov Rowland said in a news release posted on the RGA Web site.

The election took place Monday. Gov Ridge was reelected to a second term.

Two gubernatorial races take place this year and 36 next year. The GOP currently holds 29 governors’ offices.

Gov Rowland, a former congressman, was elected in 1994 and reelected four years later.

Florida Gov Jeb Bush said Govs Ridge and Rowland make a good team.

“Not only do they have exceptional skills as proven leaders in their states but they are known national spokesmen who will represent us well to the Congress and the executive branch,” he said.