Georgia Senate president pro tem Tommie Williams.

• Position: People & Politics - Brief article

GEORGIA SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEM TOMMIE WILLIAMS has announced he will step down from his leadership post when the Legislature convenes in January. An onion farmer and teacher from rural Georgia where Republicans rarely won, Williams was elected to the I Senate in 1998 and played a key role in the GOP take-over &the chamber in 2002. He served as majority leader, then president pro tern in 2009. He helped orchestrate a coup that stripped much of the power of the lieutenant governor, later stating, "I feel strongly that the powers that reside with the Senate should remain with the Senate as the legislative branch." Williams, 57, is running unopposed for his seat. In an...