Meet House Minority Leader DuBose Porter of Dublin, Georgia

The Americus Times-Recorder gives us a bit of background on DuBose Porter:

DuBose Porter pulls up in his white truck, suit jacket off and a big smile on his face as he greets the day and the reporter waiting for him.

DuBose Porter is running for governor of the state of Georgia, and he bases his thoughts on faith, family and the economy.

In a conversation . . . Porter spoke of his over 27-year legislative career which has centered on two beliefs: speak for the people and create economic opportunity.

Born in Dublin, Ga., Porter graduated from Dublin High School and received his undergraduate degree from Davidson College. He interned with U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn in Washington, D.C. Seeing Nunn’s ability to help others convinced Porter to devote his life to public service.

Porter earned his law degree from Cumberland School of Law and returned to Dublin, where he practiced law. Later, he went into the newspaper business in Dublin and became a small business owner with 40 employees, creating a product six days a week.

At the age of 28, Porter was elected to the Georgia State House of Representatives and went on to serve as floor Leader for Governor Zell Miller.

Porter was elected Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives in 2003, and leader of the House Democratic Caucus in 2005. He has served as chair of both Education and Higher Education committees and now serves on Appropriations, Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, and Rules and Ethics committees.

Porter works for Georgia’s families and believes a strong economy fosters strong families. He has been married to his wife, Carol Dodd of Wrightsville, for 26 years. They have four sons, Stephen, 24; Guyton, 21; and twins Asa and Inman, 20. All the boys, as well as DuBose, are Eagle Scouts.

DuBose and his family are avid outdoorsmen. They are active members of the First United Methodist Church in Dublin, where Dubose served on the Administrative Board and Carol teaches Sunday School.

Porter said, “The days of attracting high quality industry to our state, with massive incentives alone, have passed. What we must do is demonstrate that we have a healthy, well-educated workforce. Accepting progressive technology methods, empowering our teachers, partnering with parents in K-12 and strengthening our technical colleges, community colleges and universities will secure a healthy economy for our future. Education means more people working and sharing the tax burden with us all.”

He also added that “For Georgia to move forward we must have a functioning transportation system. Georgia needs a mass transit/multi-modal transportation system to end gridlock. It also needs working roads, turning lanes and curb cuts to attract industry. With team building leadership in the Governor’s Office we can unite urban and rural areas of our state with a transportation system that drives Georgia’s economy forward.”

Before leaving . . . Porter said, “I believe in Georgia. I believe we can rebuild Georgia’s economy by putting divisions behind us and the needs of the people before us.”