Americans must make it a priority to vote in this year's national elections, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue told local Republicans during a Wednesday fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Paul Broun.

"We can't afford to sit idly by -- not in this race, and not in the presidential race," Mr. Perdue told about 125 people at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. "The world is not a friendly place."

The governor urged constituents to return Dr. Broun to his 10th Congressional District seat.

"He believes in the majesty of the nation, its ability to take care of itself and the value of personal responsibility," Mr. Perdue said. "You'll get what you see, and you'll see what you get."

Dr. Broun, who is facing Democratic challenger Bobby Saxon, told supporters that America needs to resolve its energy crisis and its reliance on foreign oil.

"We're drilling for ice on Mars," he said, "but we can't drill for oil in America."

He also took a good-natured jab at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the presiding officer of the Democratic National Convention, where everyone is promising change.

"The change they're talking about in Denver is the little bit of change you'll have left in your pocket," he said. "Everyone deserves a better America -- even Democrats."

The hosts of Wednesday's event were Tony and Jeannette Loop, the founders of JANUS Research Group Inc.