Governor Perdue Names Representative Jim Cole Assistant House Floor Leader

Governor Perdue Names Representative Jim Cole Assistant House Floor Leader

ATLANTA, GA – Governor Sonny Perdue today appointed Representative Jim Cole (District 125) to serve as Assistant Administration Floor Leader in the Georgia House of Representatives.  Cole joins Representative Vance Smith (District 129) as Assistant Floor Leader.  He is filling the vacancy created by Representative Jay Roberts’ election to chair the House Republican Caucus.  Representative Rich Golick (District 34) continues to serve as the Administration Floor Leader.

            “Jim will make an excellent addition to the House Leadership team,” said Governor Sonny Perdue.  “He has a great knowledge of the House of Representatives and close relationships with his colleagues.  I look forward to his leadership in the House.”

            Cole represents District 125 (Portions of Jasper, Monroe, Jones and Lamar Counties) and was first elected in 2004.  He attended Mercer University on an academic and athletic scholarship.  After graduating with honors, he was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers and played professional baseball before an injury ended his career.  Cole then completed his MBA at Mercer, and founded Culligan Water of Middle Georgia.  He is active in many parts of his community including serving on the Board of Directors of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce, and the Georgia Industrial Children’s Home.

            “I welcome the opportunity to serve Governor Perdue as one of his floor leaders,” said Representative Jim Cole.  “Along with Representatives Golick and Smith, we will work hard to advance the Governor’s agenda.”

           Representative Cole is married to the former Gaylyn Lawson of Forsyth.  Together they have two children: Caroline and Lawson.  They attend Forsyth United Methodist Church.

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