Graves Statement on Congressman Linder's Retirement

(RANGER, GA) – State Rep. Tom Graves (R-Ranger), the leading Republican candidate for Congress in Georgia’s 9th District, released the following statement today after Georgia Congressman John Linder (GA-07) announced his retirement this morning:

“For over 30 years, Congressman Linder has been a conservative voice for Georgia, serving seven terms in the Georgia General Assembly and the past 18 years in Congress.  His leadership contributed to the effort that built today’s modern day Georgia Republican Party.

“His efforts with the FairTax are remarkable.  He took a commonsense idea that empowers individuals and elevated it into a national following.  State by state, region by region, his endeavors created a groundswell of grassroots supporters for the issue, which ultimately raised the debate in Congress.

“I wholeheartedly support the FairTax and I am the only candidate in the 9th District that has joined Congressman Linder, Neal Boortz and Herman Cain in campaigning for its enactment across the country.  

“When I am elected, those who support the FairTax can be assured that I will continue Congressman Linder’s efforts and will fight in Washington to pass this important piece of legislation.  I will introduce H.R. 25 at the beginning of the 112th Congress.  I will find other like-minded members to join in the effort.  And I will continue to build the grassroots support across the country that is needed to enact this legislation.

“I will stand for the FairTax.

“Julie and I thank Congressman Linder and his wife Lynn for their many, many years of service to Georgia, and wish them well in the many years ahead.”