By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – Alabama's Republican leaders praised Governor Bob Riley's government reform proposals during a party meeting over the weekend. State Republican Party Chairman Marty Connors called Riley a reformer who is desperately needed in the state. The governor says the state must control rising health insurance costs for public employees and pass government reforms to restore public trust in government. Riley also urged election-year unity among Republicans. However, Roger McConnell, a former Republican Party chairman, says he's not convinced the governor is addressing the state's problems.