AUGUSTA -- Gov. John Baldacci is heading to Philadelphia to join other governors for meetings with President-elect Barack Obama.

Baldacci is leaving this afternoon for meetings Tuesday. Nearly all the nation's governors were expected to attend.

A group discussion at Independence Hall is expected to focus on the economic crisis, which is causing severe budget shortfalls in Maine and other states.

Many economists think aid to state and local governments should be a priority of any new stimulus spending, because they have less borrowing authority than the federal government during an economic downturn.

Baldacci has expressed hope the new Democratic administration can help Maine weather its financial problems.