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May 28, 2009

Graves running for Congress

Ranger Republican seeks GOP nomination to replace Nathan Deal

Calhoun Times

State Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ranger, has filed paperwork to run for the 9th Congressinal District seat currently held by U.S. Rep Nathan Deal, who is running for governor.

Graves is one of several North Georgia Republicans who are lining up to replace U.S. Rep. Nathan Deal in Congress. Deal, a former Georgia state senator, won election to the U.S. House in 1992 as a Democrat and changed parties in the middle of his second congressional term.

Other Republican who have said they will seek the nomination include former state Senate Majority Leader Bill Stephens, of Cumming; former state Rep. Mike Evans, the ex-chairman of the state transportation board; Whitfield County Commissioner Mike Cowan; and and activist Jeremy Jones.

The 9th Congressional District stretches across North Georgia from Alabama to South Carolina.

Graves said he will bring his common-sense approach to issues to Washington. “I have a track record of dealing with the difficult issues facing Georgia,” he said. “People know that I am willing to stand up to the establishment when something goes against my beliefs or the constituents I represent.”

“I have received a tremendous amount of support as I talked about this to folks in the district,” he said. Graves, who was first elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2002, has made a name for himself as a strong advocate for business.

This session, he sponsored House Bill 481, known as the JOBS Bill, which would have given employers a tax credit for hiring unemployed workers. It also would have cut the state capital gains tax in half. The State House and Senate overwhelmingly approved the JOBS bill, but Gov. Sonny Perdue vetoed the bill. Graves said he will work hard this summer and fall to craft another job creation package for next session with a focus on creating, expanding and attracting jobs for Georgians.

Graves represents state House District 12, which consists of the western side of Gordon County, Pickens County and part of Bartow County.

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