Graves Featured Speaker at “God and Country” Rally in Gainesville

State Representative Tom Graves (R-Ranger) joined more than 100 others at the “God and Country” rally Sunday at Popular Springs Baptist Church, where he was a featured speaker at the event organized by Christian Men for America.

The purpose of the rally was to promote “Real change in America” and Graves urged participants to secure our republic, restore our liberty and advance God’s purpose for the generations to come.

“As we hear of calls for change, you have to ask yourself ‘is it really change that you seek or is it the resolve to follow the compass and return to the proper course that I really long for?’” asked Graves. “We are off course as a nation because of the winds and currents of change…they are fighting hard to push this Christian nation, a nation under God… into the reefs of history.”

“I am here today because I love America, and I’m not willing to let her stray off course without a fight,” said Graves. “There has never been a more critical time in our country’s history since its founding for Christians to engage in this struggle.”

Graves, currently serving in his fourth term in the Georgia House of Representatives, spoke along with Congressman Nathan Deal, Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine and Congressman Paul Broun.

Deal, the current 9th District Congressman, is retiring to run for Governor and Graves is seeking his congressional seat.

“If it is real change that we seek, it first begins in the heart with an eternal change,” said Graves. “Then, we as Christians must be willing to humble ourselves and pray. And not be ashamed or apologetic of our Nation, her heritage or for our faith. We must seek God’s wisdom, and discernment, coupled with the courage to act and to work as we’re called. To again lead this country that is hungry for truth, for morality and for leadership.”

After the rally, Graves attended the “Restore America Conference” at First Redeemer Church in Cumming where retired Lt. Col. and host of Fox News “War Stories” Ollie North spoke.

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About Graves:

Currently serving his fourth term in the Georgia House of Representatives, Tom Graves has been recognized statewide as a conservative leader and a sought after guest speaker on fiscal issues. Awarded the “Legislative Entrepreneur of the Year Award”, Representative Graves was one of only two state legislators from the Nation selected by the Freedom Works Foundation for his tireless efforts to stem the tide of expansive government and to reduce the tax burden on Georgians. Additionally in 2008, he was awarded the “Champion of Georgia Cities” by Georgia Municipal Association.

Representative Graves has chaired numerous subcommittees including Education, State Highways, Tax Reform and General Health. He has served in several leadership positions including Senior Deputy Whip and one of the House Speaker’s Hawks. Representative Graves is continuing his membership services to the Transportation, Ways & Means and Health & Human Services Committees for which he served many years. And most recently, Rep. Graves was appointed to Vice Chairman of the Motor Vehicles committee.

Born in St. Petersburg, Florida, Representative Graves spent his early years in Cartersville, Georgia where he graduated from Cass High School. He later went on to attend and graduate from the University of Georgia, where he earned a B.B.A., specializing in Finance. When he is not busy with his legislative duties under the Gold Dome, he enjoys providing homes for families in the multifamily housing industry and redeveloping underperforming properties.

He is a past member of the Gordon County Board of Elections and an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. Graves plays an ongoing role in the American Legislative Exchange Council and the National Council of State Legislatures. He is also a Coverdell Leadership Institute Graduate and serves as a regular guest speaker.

Tom is married to Julie Howard Graves, a native of Marietta. The couple now has three children, JoAnn, John, and Janey. They attend the Belmont Baptist Church in Calhoun.