ATLANTA (AP) – Budget woes suggest it’s going to be a lean year in the General Assembly.

But if state lawmakers were talking about a diet from the usual political pork when they returned to the Capitol today, that didn’t stop them from ushering in the 2009 session with heaping plates of barbecued wild hog Sunday night.

More than 1,500 lawmakers, state employees and lobbyists packed the annual Wild Hog Supper near the Capitol. Now in its 47th year, the gathering has become as much a part of Georgia’s legislative session as the banging of the opening gavel.

State Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin said the supper has its roots in a simple, covered-dish dinner lawmakers once held in an Atlanta hotel.

The event’s popularity got a boost when the Addison family from Wilcox County began bringing along wild hog.

This year, Bob Addison and his three sons kept up the family tradition, serving up several wild hogs they trapped and barbecued themselves as well as 50 gallons of homemade Bruns-wick stew. Pork rinds, corn on the cob and peach ice cream were also on the menu. The event has drawn a roster of corporate sponsors.

This year the supper comes on the eve of what’s expected to be a tough session. The state budget shortfall could top $2 billion. Deep spending cuts are likely.

But the mood Sunday night was festive as legislators welcomed each other back with hugs and handshakes for the 40-day session to come.

“I think we all know this is going to be a difficult year and I think that will encourage a new cooperation, putting our partisan differences aside,” said state Rep. Calvin Smyre, a Democrat and 35 year statehouse veteran.

Still, there were already signs of the campaigns to come.

The three Republicans already jockeying to replace Gov. Sonny Perdue when his second term expires in 2010 worked the room, hobnobbing with supporters. Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, state Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine and Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel each have said they are interested in running for governor. Handel went public with her interest Sunday.

House Minority Leader DuBose Porter, who may seek the Democratic nomination, was also on hand.

The 2010 election is some 21 months away.