Interview with Margaret Holliman, October 27, 2012

Partial Transcript: I'm Bob Short, and this is Reflections on Georgia Politics, sponsored by the Richard B. Russell Library at the University of Georgia and the Duckworth Library at Young Harris College.

Segment Synopsis: Interviewer Bob Short introduces interviewee Margaret Holliman.

Partial Transcript: You were born in Bainbridge, Georgia.

Segment Synopsis: Holliman describes being introduced to conservative politics by her husband.

Keywords: Atlanta, Georgia; Barry Goldwater; Cleveland, Ohio; Conservative; Doctoral studies; Georgia Institute of Technology; Georgia Tech; Ph.D.; Republican party; Volunteer

Partial Transcript: Do you remember your first campaign?

Segment Synopsis: Holliman recalls her early political work with the Goldwater presidential and Bo Callaway gubernatorial campaigns.

Partial Transcript: Well, let's talk about that for a minute--tell us a little bit about how the Republican party went about becoming as strong as it is today.

Segment Synopsis: Holliman discusses the switch from primarily Democratic to primarily Republican state in Georgia and talks about some of the reasons she believes Georgia was ready to become a Republican dominated state.

Keywords: Bottom-up politics; Local elections; Southwest Georgia; State office; Statewide elections

Partial Transcript: Moving ahead to, uh, the first Reagan campaign--you were involved in that one, too.

Segment Synopsis: Holliman discusses her work on the Reagan and Nixon campaigns, her view of the Whitewater scandal, and her favorable impression of the Reagan presidency.

Keywords: Fiscal conservative; Georgia Federation of Republican Women; Impeachment; Miami Beach, Florida; National defense; Optimism; Optimist; Republican National Convention; Richard Nixon; Sam Tate; Soviet Union; Tax cuts; U.S.S.R.; Watergate scandal

Partial Transcript: Getting back to Georgia, let's talk about some, uh, of the Republican leaders you knew in those days who helped build the foundation of the present-day Republican party.

Segment Synopsis: Holliman discusses some of the notable Republicans who helped build the party in the state and indicates that she welcomes Democrats who switch to the party.

Keywords: Atlanta mayor; Billy Lovett; Bob Shaw; Door-to-door canvassing; Kil Townsend; Metropolitan Atlanta; Mike Egan; Party principles; Paul Coverdell; Politician; Richard Freeman; Rodney Cook; Rusty Paul; State senate; Strategist

Partial Transcript: While we're on the subject of parties, let's talk for a minute about the Tea Party.

Segment Synopsis: Holliman speaks about the role that the Tea Party and religious right have had in growing the Republican party in Georgia.

Keywords: Christian Coalition; Church; Herman Cain; Leadership; Party switchers; Political endorsement; Religion in politics; Religious right movement; Sadie Fields

Partial Transcript: Uh, what do you think is the future of the Republican party in Georgia--will it remain as strong as it is today?

Segment Synopsis: Holliman suggests that the Republican party is inclusive because it welcomes all individuals who believe in its principles, and indicates that she generally approves of current Republican leadership, though she might choose different platforms.

Keywords: African-Americans; Bench strength; Black leaders; College Republicans; Diversity; Economy; Elected office; Foreign affairs; Founding fathers; Inclusiveness; Johnny Isakson; Non-inclusive; Non-partisan; Primaries; Primary races; Professional conduct; Race relations; Recruitment; Republican headquarters; Republican leadership; U.S. Constitution; World power; Young Republicans

Partial Transcript: So how involved are you today?

Segment Synopsis: Holliman discusses her current work with the Republican party and her intentions to remain involved and briefly mentions some other notable Georgia Republicans.

Keywords: Bob Shaw; Fundraiser; Mitt Romney; Organizer; Political mailing; Political strategist; Ralph Reed