Senator Mack Mattingly Stumps for Eric Johnson

First Statewide Republican Since Reconstruction Endorses Johnson

Former United States Senator Mack Mattingly, the first Republican elected statewide since Reconstruction, today formally endorsed Eric Johnson. This follows the release earlier this week of over 50 current state legislators who have endorsed Johnson, far more than any other candidate running for Governor. He joins Republican leaders like Congressman Jack Kingston and Public Service Commissioner Stan Wise in supporting Johnson.

“For over 30 years, Eric has been my personal friend. He and I worked alongside so many to build the modern Republican Party in Georgia based on solid, conservative principles,” said Mattingly. “In the private sector, Eric grew a business, created jobs, and supported his family as a provider, husband and father. In the State Senate, Eric stepped into leadership of our first Republican majority and cut taxes, reduced wasteful spending, and cracked down on illegal immigration. Eric Johnson will be a great Governor.”

Senator Mack Mattingly was elected to the United States Senate in 1980, defeating longtime Senator Herman Talmadge. He also served as Assistant Secretary-General for Defense Support at NATO and as Ambassador to the Republic of the Seychelles. Additionally he was Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party. Johnson served as Chatham County Chairman for Senator Mattingly’s campaign and later spent two years on his staff.

“I am honored to have the support of one of the truly great visionaries of Georgia’s Republican Party,” said Johnson. “Senator Mattingly served our state with distinction and was one of my first political mentors. His election was a strong reminder of the strength of our proven conservative ideals and the power of a statewide grassroots network.”