John Isakson

John Hardy "Johnny" Isakson, a Republican, has represented Georgia in the United States Senate since 2005.

Iraq War
Isakson voted for the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 that started the Iraq War.

Environmental record
For more information on environmental legislation, see the Energy and Environment Policy Portal

Not Republican enough?
Isakson is often referred to as a Republican In Name Only (RINO) by those who opposed his nomination in 1996 and 2004. In fact, pundits such as Fred Barnes have said his predecessor, Zell Miller was more conservative despite being a Democrat. Despite the claims by some that Isakson is not conservative enough, Isakson has been given an "A" rating by the National Rifle Association, the "Hero of the Taxpayer" award by Citizens Against Government Waste, and a "92" rating on a scale of 100 by the Christian Coalition of America.

Bio
Isakson was was born December 28, 1944 in Atlanta. He was educated at the University of Georgia, and was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives (1976-90) and the Georgia Senate (1993-96). In 1996 he ran in the GOP primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sam Nunn. Derided as being "too liberal," after declaring himself "pro-choice," he lost in the runoff.

In January 1999, when 6th District Congressman and House Speaker Newt Gingrich decided not to take his seat for an 11th term, Isakson ran for the seat in a special election in February and won easily. He won the seat in his own right in 2000 and was reelected in 2002. He never faced an enthusiastic or well-funded challenge, as the 6th district is arguably the most Republican district in Georgia.

In 2004, he secured the Republican nomination for the Senate seat left vacant by the retirement of Zell Miller, who had once defeated Isakson in the 1990 race for Georgia Governor.

During his failed 1996 Senate bid, Isakson had announced he was a pro-choice candidate. Many pro-life Republicans never forgave him, and his stance cost him the Republican nomination. Since then, Isakson has drifted to the right on social issues. He is now anti-abortion (with some exceptions), anti-gay marriage and pro-gun rights. On the Issues, a nonpartisan Web site that rates candidates, labels Isakson "a Libertarian-leaning conservative." 

Isakson's election is fairly consistent with Georgia voters, who tend to be fiscally conservative, business-oriented, and moderate on civil rights issues.

Money in politics
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Committees in the 110th Congress (2007-2008)

 * Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
 * Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs
 * Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
 * Subcommittee on Private Sector and Consumer Solutions to Global Warming and Wildlife Protection
 * Subcommittee on Clean Air and Nuclear Safety
 * Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
 * Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs
 * Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps, and Narcotics Affairs
 * Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Democracy and Human Rights
 * Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
 * Subcommittee on Retirement and Aging
 * Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety

Committee assignments in the 109th Congress (2005-2006)

 * Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works
 * Subcommittee on Clean Air Climate Change and Nuclear Safety
 * Subcommittee on Superfund and Waste Management
 * Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
 * Subcommittee on Retirement Security and Aging
 * Subcommittee on Education and Early Childhood Development
 * Subcommittee on Employment and Workplace Safety - Chair
 * Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
 * Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs


 * Republican Main Street Partnership

More Background Data

 * See how you compare to Johnny Isakson

Articles and resources

 * Official website

Local blogs and discussion sites

 * Georgia Unfiltered
 * A Mad Democrat