BILOXI,MS-  Only about half the governors invited are expected to attend the National Governors Association annual meeting over the weekend in the heart of the state’s famed Gulf Coast, according to organizers, their respective offices, and party sources.

Both the Democratic Governors Association, and the Republican Governors Association confirm to Fox that their last count stands at 16 confirmed Democratic governors, to 8 Republicans governors who are attending the summit. A current total of 24.

Notable among those not attending are Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK),Gov. Tim Pawlenty (R-MN), Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger(R-CA), Gov.Bobby Jindal (R-LA), Gov. Brady Henry (D-OK),Gov. Charlie Crist (R-FL), and Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC).

Chief reasons being cited are scheduling conflicts, and of course, budget uncertainties that many  are facing back in their states like  the current economic turmoil that has enveloped California and its Governor Schwarzenegger.

Sanford is on a personal trip with his wife, this weekend, according to his spokesperson. The South Carolina governor was officially admonished by his own state party following the recent scandal over his affair with an Argentine woman.

Gov. Haley Barbour (R-MS), the new head of the Republican Governors Association,after Sanford stepped down from that post, is hosting the 101st annual meeting in his home state. The 4-day summit will focus on a range of issues including repairing the economy, and infrastructure, according to organizers. The last time the gathering was held in Mississippi was in 1935.