Butch Miller was officially sworn in Thursday as a state senator at the Hall County Courthouse.

Miller will serve out the remainder of former Sen. Lee Hawkins’ term, which expires at the end of the year.

Miller said he is looking forward to representing the Senate’s 49th District.

“I’m excited about the prospect of doing the people’s work under the gold dome in Atlanta,” Miller said.

Judge Andrew Fuller performed the swearing-in ceremony in front of a number of elected officials and community members.
Miller said he is grateful for all the support he has received during his run for office.

“There are many people in this room who have placed their trust and faith in me,” Miller said. “Every person in this room, without exception, has been an encouragement to me and I am very grateful.”

Miller beat opponents Brandon Givens and Jimmy Norman in the May 11 special election by earning nearly 78 percent of the vote. The results of the runoff were certified Thursday by the secretary of state’s office.

He will run again in the July 20 primary for a full term in the Senate.

Following Miller’s oath of office, a few people in attendance offered remarks. Sheriff Steve Cronic said Miller has been a part of the Hall County community for many years.

“I’ve known Butch for a long, long time. He’s a dear friend and someone I think many of us have reached out to,” Cronic said. “We’ll be there for you, just like you’ve been there for us.”

Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said Miller will be an asset to the General Assembly.

“He brings a lot to the Senate, a broad array of business experience and his service in the community is really going to aid him well as he begins his service in the 49th senatorial district. We expect him to move with a great pace, learning the process very rapidly and being in a very important position very soon.

Cagle said Miller will set up a Senate office in Atlanta and will be assigned to committees, though the legislature won’t convene again until 2011.

Former Sen. Lee Hawkins, who is running for the 9th District seat in the U.S. House, said he is pleased that Miller will be serving in his old post.

“It was a very strange feeling,” Hawkins said of watching Miller prepare to serve the district he has represented in the Senate since 2006. “I know him to be a good, honest, man and I know he will represent Hall and a portion of Jackson extremely well.”

Miller said he is looking forward to the next few months and plans to continue talking to constituents to listen to what they think are important issues.

“Everyone has concerns that are important to them,” Miller said. “I want to make sure I understand how I can best represent the 49th District.”