When Rick Jackson announced his campaign for governor, had you ever heard of him?
I had not.
And that was surprising.
Starting with my January 1966 Gold Dome visit with Gov. Carl Sanders, I have known every Georgia governor since. That’s not a boast. But when Jimmy Carter, Lester Maddox, George Busbee, Joe Frank Harris, Zell Miller, Roy Barnes, Sonny Perdue, Nathan Deal and Brian Kemp tossed their hats into the ring, they weren’t strangers.
But health care businessman Rick Jackson was a 100 percent unknown to me. And when he won the Republican nomination by defeating Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, I decided it was time to pick up the phone.
In fairness to Democrat candidate Keisha Lance Bottoms, I have followed her political career since she was mayor of Atlanta. More on that later.
Reaching into Jackson’s campaign network, I asked one of his operatives to arrange a one-on-one with the billionaire businessman. If Rick has a chance to become Georgia’s 84th governor, I wanted to know what’s behind the man who is willing to spend more than $150 million of his own money to get the job.
Thanks to Brian Robinson, I got that opportunity Aug. 5.
Here’s what I knew before our sit-down:
Rick’s life is a Horatio Alger’s up-from-your-bootstraps story. His childhood was a poverty-stricken wreck—an absent father and an alcoholic mother. Moving through five foster homes, he was bullied and called no-good white trash. At 19, he used those misfortunes as rocket fuel to launch his career.
In our meeting, I told Rick that my childhood couldn’t have been more different. Big Dink and Margie—with modest means and abundant encouragement—showered my sisters and me with daily affection. And when each of our parents died, their last words were “I love you.”
Rick married at 19. The young Jacksons started out in a single-wide trailer, and he sold used cars. I laughed and said, “Pam and I married at 20. Our first home was a single-wide mobile home, and I sold used cars before going off to Army basic training. You and I entered business on borrowed money, but to compare our financial balance sheets is laughable. “
Years ago, a political strategist explained, “Only negative advertising moves the campaign needle.” I don’t like character-assassinating trash talk, but that’s today’s sad state of politics. And I said as much to Rick.
I went on to add that I understand candidates—Democrat and Republican—huddle to support each other. However, I do not support the egotism and dysfunction that has taken over Washington. And I explained that I believe character and credibility are essential for leaders.
This is what I believe about Rick Jackson. His personal story is one that exemplifies what is possible in America. He demonstrates how hard work and common sense solve problems. I trust his business savvy to keep Georgia fiscally sound while continuing our state’s legacy of robust jobs creation.
I admire how Rick embraced the experiences of his childhood to support today’s foster children. He preaches, “It’s not your fault that you are a foster child. But it’s your fault if you do not take advantages of the opportunities available to you.” And Rick, as they say, “puts his money where his mouth is” with his foundation’s investments in disadvantaged youth.
Gov. Brian Kemp has been an exceptional leader in some tumultuous times. (Remember COVID-19?) So, I asked my friend about Rick Jackson. This is what our governor said: “For Georgians still struggling to afford groceries, pay their rent or provide for their family, Rick Jackson knows how you feel because he’s been there. As your 84th governor, he will fight for every Georgian—no matter your zip code or circumstance—each and every day. I also know Rick will continue the last 24 years of strong conservative leadership by continuing to cut taxes, keep our communities safe, improve education, and bring good-paying jobs to every corner of our state.”
On Nov. 3, Georgia voters can choose between a Democrat or a Republican. I respect everyone’s individual right to vote for whomever.
Here’s how I made my decision:
I evaluated the performance records of both candidates. How did Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms lead Atlanta during her tenure? What has Rick Jackson accomplished in his career? And then I decided, in my opinion, which candidate is better suited to keep Georgia moving forward.
My choice was easy.
I am voting for Rick Jackson.
