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Sonny Perdue on Principles & Values
Republican GA Governor
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Held day of prayer during Georgia's worst drought
Sonny was a man of deep faith, and he never hesitated to show his faith in how he lived and governed.
A few years later, when he held a day of prayer during Georgia's worst drought in decades, many ridiculed him for turning to God.
What I saw was a man who had the courage to draw on his faith--a leader who embraced the role of God in our lives and our country.
Sonny helped me understand that faith could--and should--be part of any leader's decision making. This was an important lesson in leadership that I carry with me today. Oh, it rained!
Source: Planned Bullyhood, by Karen Handel, p. 26
, Sep 11, 2012
2001: Won election on central issue of Confederate flag
In Jan. 2001, Gov. Barnes introduced a new flag. The Confederate symbol was reduced in size and incorporated into a new design featuring other emblems of the State's history. Barnes saw the Confederate flag as a barrier to Georgia's future prosperity.
The new flag was adopted. Barnes' opponent, State Legislator Sonny Perdue, made the flag a central issue. Confederate flag supporters began disrupting every Barnes campaign appearance. On Election Day, Sonny Perdue became Georgia's first Republican
Governor since 1871.
There is little doubt that the flag was the crucial issue in Barnes' defeat, According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Barnes' support in Atlanta and other metropolitan areas increased or remained steady, but his support
among rural white voters dropped 25 points. Even the "flaggers" weren't satisfied with Barnes' defeat, but continued to heckle him up until his last day in office, shouting epithets as he left the Governor's mansion for the drive to his new home.
Source: Profiles in Courage by Caroline Kennedy, p.356-358
, Oct 1, 2001
Page last updated: Jan 21, 2020