Local Republican leaders accompanied 9th District Congressman Tom Graves Monday in a public meet and greet session in Buchanan and a tour of Tallapoosa’s Honda Precision Parts of Georgia, looking toward Graves representing Haralson County in the newly reapportioned 14th District.
“I know we’re going through some tough times economically, but I want to assure you that I will work toward a prosperous future,” Graves told a gathering of Haralson County officials, Republican leaders and retirees at the county commissioners meeting room. “I am a Republican and believe in conservative government and constitutionality.”
“I’d like to take back to Washington something to help manufacturing. I have a strong interest in manufacturing,” said Graves in anticipation of his visit to the Honda plant.
If elected to the 14th District next year, Graves will represent Haralson and 11 other northwest Georgia counties in the U.S. House of Representatives, succeeding Phil Gingrey, whose new 11th District alignment will include only three metro Atlanta counties. The 14th District will include Haralson, Polk, Floyd, Paulding, Catoosa, Chattooga, Gilmer, Gordon, Murray, Walker and Whitfield Counties.
Congressmen and women throughout the nation will begin serving their newly reapportioned districts on Jan. 1, 2013, if the U.S. Justice Department approves the redistricting plan and if they are elected to the House in 2012.
Graves was stripped of his vice-chairmanship of the Motor Vehicles Committee and seniority privileges in the Georgia House by former Speaker Glenn Richardson after Graves opposed him in choosing a new DOT chair. However, after his election to Congress, Graves was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee.
The 41-year-old father of three now resides in Ranger, a tiny community east of Calhoun, and has served the 9th District since 2010.
State Senator Bill Heath reminded reporters that Graves was elected to Congress after having to face 16 opponents in 4 elections over a 91-day period: a special election to fill an unexpired term and a runoff; the GOP primary and another runoff. He was unopposed in the general election.
Graves said that presidential candidate Newt Gingrich has endorsed his candidacy and said of candidate Herman Cain’s “9-9-9” plan, “An plan is better than no plan, which is what we have now.
“With changes in Georgia’s Congressional Districts, I have been reaching out and visiting folks within the new 14th District to hear what’s on their minds,” said Graves. “Listening and learning about what’s important to Haralson County families is important, and that’s what I will be doing today. This is a great part of Georgia and it will be an honor of represent it in Congress.”
State Representative Kevin Cooke of Carrollton said, “We have an awesome advocate for Georgia in Representative Graves.”
