Georgia Governor, US Senator. He served in the United States Senate from the state of Georgia from July 24, 2000 to January 3, 2005. He also served as the 79th Governor of Georgia from January 14, 1991 to January 11, 1999. He graduated from Young Harris College in 1951. He attended Emory College before leaving to join the United States Marine Corps in 1953. He served in the Marines from 1953 to 1956. After his military service, he went on to earn both his bachelors and masters degrees in history from the University of Georgia. He served as the mayor of his hometown of Young Harris, Georgia from 1959 to 1960. From 1961 to 1964, he served in the Georgia State Senate. He was an unsuccessful candidate for a seat in the United States House of Representatives in both 1964 and 1966. He went on to serve as the chief of staff for Governor Lester Maddox during the latter's administration. From 1973 to 1975, he served on the Georgia state Board of Paroles and Pardons. In 1974, he was elected Lieutenant Governor of Georgia and served in this position until 1990 when he decided to run for the state's governorship. He was elected governor as a Democrat in the November general election, defeating Republican Johnny Isakson, and served two terms before stepping down in 1998. During his tenure as governor, he was a staunch supporter of public education and helped found the HOPE scholarship program. He also delivered the keynote speech at the 1992 Democratic National Convention. After leaving the governorship, he became a visiting professor at Young Harris College, Emory University, and the University of Georgia. In 2000, he was appointed to the United States Senate by Governor Roy Barnes, filling the seat of Republican Senator Paul Coverdell who had passed away, He served in the Senate until 2005 when he decided to step down. During his tenure in the Senate, he established himself as a conservative on all economic issues and virtually supported Republican President George W. Bush in many areas. In 2004, he became the first person to deliver the keynote speech at both parties' conventions by giving the keynote speech at that year's Republican National Convention. He later served on the American Battle Monuments Commission. He passed away after being in failing health for the past several years.