Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers, Series II: Political, 1982-1992

Summary

Creator:
Thomas, Robert Lindsay, 1943-
Date:
1982-1992
Extent:
13 box(es) (13 linear feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Background

Scope and content:

The majority of the Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers, Series II: Political is composed of materials about Thomas's campaigns for election and re-election as the U.S. House representative for the First District of Georgia. The campaign records include files on fundraising efforts, financial reports for the Federal Election Commission, publicity materials, election results, and voter opinion surveys. Memorabilia from the campaigns is located in Series IX: Artifacts. The series also includes notes, which were written by Thomas and record his thoughts from meetings, conferences, and Congressional orientation sessions, and subject files. The subject files are the papers of Thomas's Executive Assistant Patrick Haynes and contain memos and reports about committees and subjects of interest, notably hunting, fundraising, and Congressional procedures. The series also contains appointment books, logs of phone conversations, the newsletter "Forum for the First" that he sent to his supporters, and memos and reports related to his involvement with the Democratic Party.

Biographical / historical:

Lindsay Thomas, a Democrat, was elected in 1983 to represent the First Congressional District of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives. During his terms, he served in different capacities on the Agriculture Committee (1983/1984; 1985/1986), Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee (1983/1984; 1985/1986), and Appropriations Committee (1989/1990; 1991/1992), and served as co-chair for the Wetlands Task Force and the Forestry 2000 Task Force. Thomas gained a reputation for his middle-of-the-road views and for supporting environmental causes. He chose not to run for another term in 1992.

After leaving the House, Thomas first worked as director of governmental affairs for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. He became president and CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce in 1996, building the organization into a powerful lobbying force for Georgia businesses. From 1998 to 2002, he served as the federal commissioner of the Georgia, Florida and Alabama Tri-State Water Compacts, and in 2002 he became senior vice president of governmental affairs for AGL Resources.

Robert Lindsay Thomas was born on November 20, 1943 in Patterson, Georgia and earned a B.A. degree in English from the University of Georgia in 1965. Prior to his political career, Thomas worked as an investment banker and stockbroker until 1973, when he took over management of a farm he inherited. He also served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966 to 1972.

Arrangement:

This series is organized into eight subseries: A. Campaigns, B. Caucus and Committee Files, C. "Forum for the First", D. Notes, E. Phone Call Logs, F. Schedules, G. Subject Files, and H. Democratic Party. The rest of Thomas's Papers are described in separate finding aids: Series I: District Office, Series III: Personal, Series IV: Legislative, Series V: Constituent Services, Series VI: Press Relations and Media Activities, Series VII: Office Administration, Series VIII: Photographs, Series IX: Artifacts, and Audiovisual Materials.

Access and use restrictions

Terms of access:

Library acts as "fair use" reproduction agent.

Before material from collections at the Richard B. Russell Library may be quoted in print, or otherwise reproduced, in whole or in part, in any publication, permission must be obtained from (1) the owner of the physical property, and (2) the holder of the copyright. It is the particular responsibility of the researcher to obtain both sets of permissions. Persons wishing to quote from materials in the Russell Library collection should consult the Director. Reproduction of any item must contain a complete citation to the original.

Preferred citation:

Robert Lindsay Thomas Papers, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.