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Governors join 'Idol' fray

As the finale of American Idol drew near, the governors of Georgia and North Carolina campaigned to bring the title home.

Gov. Sonny Perdue urged Georgians to support Diana DeGarmo, 16, of Snellville by watching today's live broadcast and casting a vote for her by telephone. North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley encouraged Tar Heel viewers to vote for Fantasia Barrino of High Point. Clay Aiken, a Raleigh native, narrowly lost to Ruben Studdard in last year's final American Idol voting.

"I think history will judge me as a man who was neutral in American Idol competitions when decorum called for it, but now the rubber is hitting the road. I am standing by Diana DeGarmo," Perdue said in a statement. He signed a proclamation declaring Tuesday as "Dial for Diana DeGarmo Day," accompanied by detailed voting instructions.

Easley wrote Barrino, 19, last week, inviting her to visit Raleigh regardless of the outcome. On Monday, he asked North Carolinians to help her win. "He encourages people to watch the show and vote for the best talent - and that's Fantasia," said Ernie Seneca, a spokesman for Easley.

Some members of DeGarmo's family will be at Perdue's mansion in Atlanta with about 200 friends and neighbors to watch today's broadcast, said Dan McLagan, Perdue's spokesman.

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