The Red and Black

Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: News

MCKILLIP

Key Democratic victories in the Georgia General Assembly could create interesting developments during this legislative session, a politician plans to explain tonight.

Democratic State Representative Doug McKillip will speak tonight in room 348 of the Student Learning Center.

"The happenings of our state legislature are rarely mentioned in editorial pages, but what our General Assembly does today affecting taxes, education, transportation and environmental issues will have a profound impact on our generation and those beyond us," Payton Bradford, a junior and president of the Young Democrats, wrote in an e-mail Tuesday.

The meeting, hosted by the University/Athens-Clarke County Young Democrats, is free and open to the public, Louis Elrod, a sophomore and the organization's communications director, said Tuesday in an e-mail.

"This event is designed to inform students on the functions of the state legislature from the standpoint of a local Democratic legislator," he said.

McKillip, a native of Athens, is serving his first term in the Georgia House of Representatives, serving District 115. He is a 1994 graduate of the University's School of Law.

He also co-founded the law firm Lancaster & McKillip P.C., which focuses on civil litigation and real estate closings, according to his Web site.

McKillip lost a bid for Georgia State House of Representatives in 2000, but he defeated two opponents without a runoff in the 2006 election, Elrod said.

"Any student interested in politics on the local and state level should consider attending this event," Elrod said. "[McKillip] can cover anything from his successful grassroots campaign for the House to the intricacies of politics under the Gold Dome."

Bradford said his time volunteering on McKillip's 2006 election helped him learn about state issues and the candidate himself.

"[McKillip] was a great person to get to know and work with because it is so clear that he is passionate and committed to Athens and the state of Georgia," Bradford said.

In their meeting, the Young Democrats say they plan to facilitate a discussion focused on topics including the current legislative session and Democratic involvement, Elrod said..

"[McKillip] is the epitome of an Athens Young Democrat," Elrod said. "As a young elected official and UGA alum, he can communicate with our group like few others can."

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