Granddaughter starts political career
Brittany Jackson is no stranger to politics.
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As the granddaughter of state Sen. Bill Jackson, she grew up going door to door campaigning with him.
The Evans native and 2003 Augusta Christian Schools graduate has now started her own political career. She began a fellowship in Gov. Sonny Perdue's office on Aug. 21.
"I don't want to be a politician," Jackson said, adding that she'd love to work behind the scenes on campaigns or event planning. "I don't want to make any speeches."
The Governor's Intern Program, started in 1971, offers work experience in the office of the governor or a state agency. Jackson, 22, is one of 19 college students and graduates chosen to participate in the program for the fall. Two Augustans - Lauren Claffey and Sarah Elizabeth Eubanks - also were chosen.
Jackson, the daughter of Billy and Robin Jackson of Evans, was assigned to the state Office of Appointments. Her job is to research anyone nominated or recommended for state boards. The governor makes appointments based on the research she provides.
"There's pressure," Jackson said. But her days go by quickly because she stays so busy. "It is kind of intimidating, but it is fun."
Jackson graduated from the University of Georgia in July with a bachelor's degree in political science and a minor in sociology.
"I want to get a job kind of like I have now, in government, campaigns or something related to politics," Jackson said. She might accept a full-time job before going back to school for her masters of business degree.
As a child, Jackson said, she didn't like politics. But politics became an interest, then a passion, when she got into college.
"She was a big help to me when I was running," Jackson's grandfather said of his recent campaign to replace Jim Whitehead in the state Senate. She has worked on several other campaigns, including those for Perdue and Casey Cagle.
"I am very proud of her," Bill Jackson said. "She's a piece of work. She loves that swirl of politics."
Jackson began training Tuesdays and Thursdays on Aug. 21 and recently began full-time work in the Office of Appointments. With her political experience, she said, walking into the Capitol to work was not intimidating. Her grandfather served three terms in the state House between 1979 and 2002.
Jackson said she had been traveling back and forth from Evans to Atlanta for training, but moved into her own apartment Aug. 29 and will be busy setting up and starting the fellowship full time:
"I am a very busy girl."