Drew Ferguson: “Senator Isakson--that feels a little formal saying it. Johnny, as a constituent, is how I know you. I want to thank you…”

“Senator Isakson--that feels a little formal saying it. Johnny, as a constituent, is how I know you. I want to thank you so much for your dedicated service to our State. As others have talked about their first meeting with you, I remember mine fondly. Not unlike my colleague, Mr. Graves, it was at the University of Georgia. I was a freshman, sitting on the steps of a fraternity house, completely clueless about the world, not having an understanding, self-absorbed. I remember sitting on the steps as you came--I had no idea who you were--and you talked to us about a brighter future. You talked to us about what it meant to be a Georgian. {time} 1630 I remember, when you left, thinking two things from that moment, the first is: That is maybe the nicest person that I have ever heard from in my entire life. Secondly, I was pretty touched that someone was looking out for my future that didn't even know me. Over the years as I watched you and began to follow you, I saw that play out firsthand. I saw how important the State of Georgia was to you, and what made it important was the millions of Georgians that you love and care about; the ones that you don't know; the ones that you do know; and the ones that are yet to come. Your unwavering commitment to make our State and this Nation a better place for all of us is something that can never be forgotten. You have set a standard for being a gentleman and a statesman that we should all follow.…”