Thurbert Baker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thurbert Baker
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| 46th Attorney General of Georgia | |
| In office June 1, 1997 – January 10, 2011 |
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| Governor | Zell Miller Roy Barnes Sonny Perdue |
| Preceded by | Mike Bowers |
| Succeeded by | Sam Olens |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 70th district |
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| In office January 11, 1993 – June 1, 1997 |
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| Preceded by | John T. Simpson |
| Succeeded by | Stan Watson |
| Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from the 51st district |
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| In office January 9, 1989 – January 11, 1993 |
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| Preceded by | Ken Workman |
| Succeeded by | Billy McKinney |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thurbert Earl Baker
December 16, 1952 Rocky Mount, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Catherine Baker |
| Alma mater | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (BA) Emory University (JD) |
Thurbert Earl Baker (born December 16, 1952) is an American lawyer and politician. He made history as the first African American Attorney General for the state of Georgia. He was chosen for this important role in 1997 by Governor Zell Miller. Baker served as Attorney General until January 10, 2011.
When Governor Zell Miller appointed Thurbert Baker on June 1, 1997, it was a big moment. Baker became the first African American to hold the Attorney General job in Georgia. At that time, he was also the only black state Attorney General in the entire country. Baker was later elected to the position three times as a Democrat. He served the fourth-longest time as Attorney General in Georgia's history.
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Serving in the Legislature
Before becoming Attorney General, Thurbert Baker served in the Georgia House of Representatives. He was a representative from 1989 to 1997. From 1993 until his new appointment, he was a key leader in the House for Governor Miller.
Important Laws Baker Helped Create
During his time in the legislature, Baker helped create several important laws. One of these was the HOPE Scholarship. This program helps Georgia students pay for college. He also supported the "Two Strikes and You're Out" law. This law aimed to keep serious repeat offenders in prison for life.
As Attorney General
As Attorney General, Thurbert Baker had many responsibilities. He was the chief legal officer for the state of Georgia. He also served as the President of the National Association of Attorneys General from 2006 to 2007.
Working with Governors
Baker worked with different governors during his time as Attorney General. Sometimes, he and the governor had different ideas.
Clash with Governor Perdue in 2003
In 2003, Baker and Governor Sonny Perdue had a disagreement in court. They both believed they had the right to control the state's legal matters. The issue was about gerrymandering, which is how voting districts are drawn. Governor Perdue wanted Baker to stop an appeal in a case about new voting maps. These maps were drawn by the previous Democratic legislature.
Baker refused to drop the appeal. So, Governor Perdue sued him. The Supreme Court of Georgia decided that Baker was right. They ruled that the Attorney General is independent of the Governor. This means the Attorney General has the power to control the state government's legal affairs.
Disagreement over Healthcare Law in 2010
In 2010, Governor Perdue and Baker disagreed again. Perdue asked Baker to sue the federal government over a new healthcare law. This law was called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Obama Care"). Baker said no, explaining that he saw no legal reason for the lawsuit. He believed it would fail and called it a "waste of taxpayer money." Because Baker refused, Perdue appointed a special Attorney General just for that lawsuit.
Running for Governor in 2010
In 2010, Thurbert Baker decided to run for governor of Georgia. He wanted to lead the state. However, he was defeated in the Democratic primary election. Former governor Roy Barnes won that primary. Barnes then lost the general election later that year.
About Thurbert Baker
Thurbert Baker was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina in 1952. He grew up with other people who later became important politicians. These included Mike Easley and Roy A. Cooper, who both became governors of North Carolina.
College Life and Sports
While attending the University of North Carolina, Baker was part of the fencing team. He was very good at it! In 1975, he won the individual sabre championship for the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). In 2002, the ACC recognized him as one of the best fencers in its history. He was named to their 50th-anniversary fencing team. Baker moved to Georgia in the 1970s to start his law career.
Family Life
Thurbert Baker is married to Catherine, who is an educator. They live in Stone Mountain, a suburb of Atlanta. They have two daughters. Baker is a practicing Baptist and a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Education
- J.D., Emory University School of Law, 1979
- Bachelor of Arts, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 1975
Images for kids
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Thurbert Baker
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Thurbert Baker with Governor Zell Miller
