ATLANTA — A state trooper gunned down in a traffic stop late last year has prompted a scramble at the state Capitol to make sure his widow is able to keep her health insurance benefits.

Lawmakers — led by House Speaker David Ralston — are rushing through a bill that would permit the spouse of a state employee killed in the line of duty to continue health coverage under the state plan.

And at the center of the push is an unlikely alliance — Gov. Nathan Deal and the Democrat he beat in November, former Gov. Roy Barnes.

Barnes — who's representing the widow of slain trooper Chadwick LeCroy pro bono — contacted Deal's office and the Republican agreed to help.

Deal's predecessor — Sonny Perdue — vetoed a similar bill in 2006.