Book Endorsements

Endorsements

As a Georgia state senator, governor and U.S. senator, I was witness to a true evolution. As liberalism outpaced the Democratic Party on a national level, the Republican Party in Georgia stepped up and became the people’s party, gaining control of our state for the first time since just after the Civil War. A hearty congratulations to Tommy Hills for providing us a candid and engaging record of this rebirth. Red State Rising deserves a prominent place on the bookshelves of anyone interested in Georgia history and politics.

-Zell Miller
Former U.S. Senator
and Georgia Governor

As either a candidate or elected Republican in Georgia since 1974—back in the days when our party was vastly outnumbered—I have worked tirelessly to help elect other Republicans across our state.  Tommy Hills’ book, Red State Rising, is a detailed and well-written review of the people and circumstances involved in building a Republican majority in Georgia.  This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the rich history of Georgia government and politics.

-Johnny Isakson
U.S. Senator

Congratulations on a book that covers a significant series of events that have helped to bring about a watershed change in Georgia’s political history.  In 1964 Georgia had no viable Republican Party.  There had not been a single Republican Congressman or even a single Republican candidate for any statewide office since Reconstruction, almost a hundred years.  At that time, Georgia was the only state in the country that had never voted for a Republican president.  Today Republicans control the Governor’s office, both houses of the General Assembly, both U.S. senators, a majority of the members of Congress and a great many local offices in the cities and counties of Georgia.  It could be said that Georgia has gone from the most Democrat state in the union to the most Republican in a relatively short time.

A large part of this change began with the elections of 1964 and 1966.  For many people, that was the first time that most Georgians realized that the Republican Party could be a viable and electable force in the state.  Tommy Hills has performed a service, not only to the political junkies, but also to historians and those who are interested in the development of our State by providing a comprehensive history of the Republican Party in Georgia during this time.

-Bo Callaway
Callaway Gardens
1966 Republican Nominee for Georgia Governor
11th U.S. Secretary of the Army

What I look for in my governor is integrity, intelligence, vision, and perserverance. Governor Perdue has furnished this to me in spades! Thanks, Sonny, for the performance. And thanks, Tommy Hills, for putting it down for posterity.

-Larry Walker
Former Democratic Majority Leader
Georgia House of Representatives

Tommy Hills has presented an excellent portrayal of the Republican rise in Georgia.  I found his book both interesting and accurate, although he may have been too kind to me!  Reconnecting with all those who helped along the way was a real joy.



-Guy W. Millner

Chairman and CEO

AssuranceAmerica Corporation