Jim Marshall (U.S. politician)
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Marshall first ran for Congress in 2000 as the Democratic candidate for the 8th District, giving now-Senator Saxby Chambliss his closest contest ever. The Georgia state legislature renumbered the 8th as the 3rd after the 2000 Census, making it much more Democratic. Despite this, he barely defeated Republican Calder Clay due to the Republican wave that swept through Georgia. Marshall thus became the first white Democrat to represent Georgia in the House since Nathan Deal switched parties in 1995. Marshall handily defeated Clay in their 2004 rematch, winning 63% of the vote.
In 2006, Marshall may face a tougher reelection fight. Early in 2005, the Georgia state legislature approved a new map of congressional districts that would make the Marshall's district significantly more Republican-leaning. The new district would also include the home of former U.S. Rep. Mac Collins, who has indicated that he would likely run against Marshall. Per the Voting Rights Act, the map currently awaits U.S. Justice Department approval.
Marshall is a fairly conservative Democrat by national standards. He opposes abortion, gay marriage, and gun control and supports a constitutional amendment to ban flag-burning.
External link
- official website (http://www.house.gov/marshall/)