James (Jim) Martin (D)

Current Job:

Attorney

Birth Date:

August 22, 1945

Religion:

Presbyterian

Education:

University of Georgia, BA
University of Georgia, LLM
University of Georgia, JD Law

Biography:

James (Jim) Martin was born in Atlanta and currently lives there. He overcame polio at age 8 and went on to serve in the U.S. Army, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Martin attended the University of Georgia where he earned a bachelor's degree and two law degrees.

Martin's legal career included work as a legal aid lawyer and assistant legislative counsel to the Georgia General Assembly. He was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1983 and served nine terms, which included a stint as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. Martin was appointed by Gov. Roy Barnes in 2001 as commissioner of the state Department of Human Resources, a massive department which oversees social service programs. He resigned in 2003 after Republican Gov. Sonny Perdue was elected. Martin launched an unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor in 2006.

He and his wife, Joan, have four children.

Profile:

James (Jim) Martin entered the Senate race late and only after being urged to do so by national Democratic party leaders who pledged to help fund his campaign. He has quickly jumped out to a fundraising lead among his four Democratic rivals and was the first to run a statewide television ad.

Martin has been portrayed by his rivals as a reluctant candidate, paid for by special interest money. He has denied that and said he has made a career fighting special interests. He said at one candidate forum that he entered the race after surveying the Democratic field and determining that none could beat Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss.

Martin has made standing up for the middle class the centerpiece of his campaign.

Campaigns:

James (Jim) Martin defeated Vernon Jones, chief executive of DeKalb County, to claim the Democratic nomination for the Senate Tuesday, Aug. 5. With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Martin led Jones by 60 percent to 40 percent. The runoff win means Martin will face Republican incumbent Saxby Chambliss in November.Martin won a five-way primary for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor in 2006. But he went on to lose to Republican Casey Cagle, 54 percent to 42 percent.Martin won nine terms in the Georgia General Assembly, serving in the state House from 1983-2001.