Obama picks Perdue for defense council

On the Council of Governors, Perdue will exchange views and advice with the defense and homeland security secretaries and other national security advisers.

Perdue said in a statement early Friday that she intends to be an advocate for the National Guard.

"The members of the National Guard serve our nation not only on the front lines of overseas battles, but here at home in times of our greatest needs," she said. "I will advocate for the National Guard's needs at the highest levels to accomplish their missions at home and overseas."

The council, which Obama created by executive order in January, is aimed at better integrating state and federal military activities.

"This bipartisan team strengthens the partnership between our state governments and the federal government when it comes to ensuring national preparedness and homeland defense," Obama said in a statement.

In picking Perdue, Obama cited her work as lieutenant governor during the 2005 round of military base closings and realignment. She has also served on the National Governors Association's Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety.

As co-chairs of the Council of Governors, Obama picked Vermont's Republican Gov. James Douglas and Washington State's Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire. Other members include Democratic governors Brad Henry of Oklahoma, Jay Nixon of Missouri and Martin O'Malley of Maryland and Republican governors Janice K. Brewer of Arizona, Luis G. Fortuno of Puerto Rico, Bob McDonnell of Virginia and Michael Rounds of South Dakota.