Jack Kingston’s first taste of politics came in seventh grade when he ran for class president.
“I lost to Susan Sims,” he said with a wry smile. “But the hook was set.”
Set deep, apparently.
Last month, the Athens native and longtime Savannahian cast his final vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. Later, he sat down with the Savannah Morning News to reflect on more than 30 years of public service, the last 22 of them in Congress.
Q: What was the first thing you learned when you got to Congress?
A:“I think it was that in a country of 311 million people, you have a lot of opinions. And every single one of those 311 million people has a representative in Congress, a representative who is trying hard to reflect the wants and needs of his or her constituency. So the fact that there are a lot of diverse and contradictory opinions on Capitol Hill shouldn’t surprise anyone. The trick is finding ways to work together to craft solutions.”
Q: What have you learned about your country?
A:“I’ve learned a lot about our country by going outside of its borders. In my time in Congress, I’ve had the honor of visiting our troops all over the world. I’ve been to Iraq and Afghanistan several times. I’ve been to the Demilitarized Zone in Korea, to Yemen, Djibouti, some of the really rough outposts of the world. And the first thing that struck me was that this was the cream of the cream — these dedicated people in uniform who volunteered to do this for America. But it was also very clear that, despite political rhetoric to the contrary, the natives of these countries look to America for leadership. America is the dominant player in the world for a reason, and that carries a lot of responsibility.”
Q: What has surprised you the most?
A:“I think one of the most surprising things for me was just how messy the process is. It’s not at all as smooth as it’s portrayed, and I think it has probably always been that way.
“Disputes are certainly not new in U.S. government. Think about Aaron Burr shooting and killing Alexander Hamilton. Each one of us brings our own — and our constituents’ — cultural differences and philosophies to the table. Sometimes it’s about God, sometimes it’s about guns, sometimes it’s about spending.
“And each of us believes our solution is the best, even though it may be totally different from the next person’s belief.
“Legislation is a sloppy process. It involves a lot of emotions, a lot of clashes. Sometimes it seems almost miraculous that anything gets done at all.”
Q: Do you still think the two-party process is best?
A: “I do. In fact, I think there is probably room for more than two parties, although I’m thankful it’s just been the two during my tenure. I can’t imagine how much more chaos another party could add to the mix. Another good thing about a two-party system is that we know each other’s platforms and positions and that gives us a starting point for the process.”
Q: How did you and Libby stay grounded and maintain a semblance of normalcy for your children while you were serving in the House?
A: “Libby wanted to keep the kids in Savannah, so I basically commuted, going to Washington at the last possible moment.
“I never missed votes. My voting and attendance records were well into the 90s, percentage-wise. I just didn’t hang around when nothing was going on.
“More often than not I would drive carpool at home on Monday, hop a flight to Washington and get home in time to drive carpool on Friday without missing a vote or meeting. I didn’t take part in Congressional trips that didn’t directly affect my constituents.
“I remember one year Speaker (Denny) Hastert, noting that I hadn’t done any trips, invited me to join his delegation on a trip to Australia and New Zealand during a break. I think he thought I was crazy when I said ‘I’d really love to go, Mr. Speaker, but I have to drive carpool that week.’
“He said, ‘Well, there is a shorter trip I can get you on so you won’t have to miss carpool.’
“I ended up on Air Force One with President Clinton, Hillary and Chelsea, Madeline Albright and essentially his whole cabinet. I was the only Republican on the trip. It was a great experience and all because I had to drive carpool!”
“There was a lot of traveling back and forth between Savannah and D.C. in those years, but it was definitely worth it. The kids — Betsy, Trey John, Ann and Jim — knew I would be there for birthdays and as many school plays and games as I could. I think that, because they knew I would be home every weekend, we were able to maintain a relatively normal family life.”
Q: Looking back, what do you consider your most important accomplishments?
A:“I’d have to put getting the port deepened at the top of that list. It seems like I’ve been working on it almost since I came to Congress, but one thing I’m especially proud of came early on. And that was getting the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Brunswick built.
“It was badly needed and a big issue when I was elected. I was told, ‘You can’t get that done as a minority member.’ But we did. We got it done despite being in the minority.
“And that taught me a valuable early lesson. I learned that you could get things done, regardless of your stature. I wasn’t in the majority. I had no seniority. I wasn’t on key committees.
“But all those skills I had learned in the state legislature — working with people, knowing the legislation, not being a name caller — applied in the U.S. Congress as well. And I learned not to put a lot of stock in ‘You can’t do that.’
“Another thing I’m very proud of is the modernization of our military bases. When I came to Congress, Fort Stewart was largely operating out of World War II facilities. Now it’s modernized almost in every single building.
“Those facilities are used by soldiers who are protecting us every single day, and they deserve the best quality of life that we can give them. I was glad to work with all the people on military construction to facilitate more than $500 million in improvements.
“On the agriculture side, we were able to create a pond program that made it easier for farmers to build ponds in drought situations. We got 243 ponds built, which doesn’t sound like such a big deal, but if it’s 100 degrees three weeks in a row in July, it makes a huge difference for our food supply.”
Q: Who has influenced you most in your years in the House?
A:“I don’t know that it was any one person as much as I learned different things from different people.
“For example, from Paul Ryan I learned that you can rise quickly through the ranks because of an expertise. Newt Gingrich rose because of great speaking ability and communication skills. Denny Hastert rose to become Speaker of the House because he was a team player.
“I’ve tried to borrow something from each of them. I’ve never shied away from public speaking. It’s something I’ve studied and tried to get better at, but I’m also a team player, and I’ve tried to develop expertise in those issues that are important to my district.
“So, in that sense, I feel fortunate to have been in their company and have the opportunity to learn from them.
“I also learned so much from Tom Coleman. He was a Democrat member of the state Senate who became chair of the Georgia Department of Transportation.
“Tom, a Savannah native son who passed away recently, always had this calm demeanor, this confidence that he could get things done. He would listen to people, but couldn’t be intimidated.
“He was just a great Georgia leader, and I was so grateful for his advice and example even after I went to Congress. Tom always kept me from going too far out on the partisan fringe, which there are certain temptations to do. He taught me that you have to stand up for what you believe is right for the people you represent, regardless of what your party or the other party wants you to do.
“You can’t be afraid to make the hard decisions. Legislation is rarely a 90-10 proposition. It’s almost always 51-49, and there will always be someone who is unhappy. Every single bill you come to, the easy vote is always no. You have to be strong in your convictions and stay true to what you feel is in the best interests of the people you serve. I had some great role models in that respect.”
Q: How did you determine what was best for your constituents?
A: “I always liked doing town hall meetings. And when the kids were growing up, being the dad on the sidelines, people would come up and talk to me about what was on their minds. It’s that unfiltered information that is often the most valuable.
“You know, when you’re having hearings in Washington, particularly on the military and you’re only hearing from generals, that’s filtered information. And when a cabinet secretary submits something to Congress, you know it’s been read — and filtered — by 17 people. It might be good information, but sometimes the less-filtered stuff — somebody grabbing you in the parking lot and asking ‘What the heck were you thinking?’ — that’s what you need to hear.
“As a congressman, I may know more about a bill, but the people I serve know more about their lives and how that bill might affect them. So you really have to listen to people on the ground level.”
Q: Who has earned you admiration over the years?
A:“Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) is a very, very liberal member of Congress. We’ve worked together for years. I have been her ranking member when she was chair of a committee, and, more recently, she was my ranking member when I was chair.
“We don’t agree on anything. Nothing. But we have a great working relationship, and I have grown to admire her for her dedication and passion as I think she has grown to admire me for my beliefs.
“And, somehow, we have been able to sit down and work through things to make progress.”
Q: What are some of your fondest memories?
A:“That’s tough because I can honestly say serving in public office for the last 30 years has been a true privilege. I’ve met wonderful people, cast tough votes and made some difficult decisions. It’s been an honor, a challenge, a great responsibility and I have enjoyed it all immensely.
“It’s had its light moments, too, like the early morning when workers opened the Post Office on Fahm Street in Savannah and discovered a goat in the building.
“The county’s animal control unit came out but didn’t have jurisdiction because it was a federal building. We ended up having to get the U.S. Department of Agriculture involved before the goat was finally shipped off to a farmer in Statesboro.
“To this day, no one knows how the goat got in the building.
“Then there was the family that had bats in their attic. You would think it would be a simple thing to get rid of them, but it turned out they were endangered. That got to be a comedy of errors really quick. It’s always great to be able to help when the rules of the federal government meet the face of the people.
“On the more solemn side, I’ve had the incredible honor of pinning a medal on a Bataan Death March survivor and another World War II veteran, this one from the Normandy Invasion on D-Day. And I pinned a Purple Heart on an Iraqi vet.
“Those are memories that stay with you forever.”
Q: Have you made any decisions about your future? Would you consider going back into the political arena?
A:“I haven’t made any decisions. I’m still looking and exploring options. I would, under the right circumstances, consider going back into politics. I have enjoyed it. I love the state of Georgia. Although I don’t know if I’d want to jump into a multi-candidate slugfest with self-funders.”
Q: What advice do you have for Buddy Carter (the Pooler Republican elected to succeed Kingston) as he takes the reins of the 1st District?
A:“Buddy is an experienced legislator. He’ll hit the ground running. I told him I’d would try to refrain from giving him unsolicited advice, but if he asks, I have plenty.
“Always come back and listen to the people. There is truly wisdom on the street. You may have more information on legislation than they do, but they know more about their lives. Don’t ever let a well-intended friend, staffer or volunteer get between you and a constituent who wants to take you to task. Hear him out.
“Engage with colleagues from all parties, philosophies and geographic regions. Be respectful, especially of those with whom you don’t agree. You can’t insult someone in the morning and expect them to support your bill in the afternoon. Never pass on the opportunity to work with anyone who wants to make this country a better place.
“Be active — attend committee meetings, read testimonies and ask questions. Speak and participate on the House floor. Run for leadership and caucus positions. Return press calls and say yes to interviews. Don’t be afraid to go on and spar with Chris Matthews or Bill Maher. Return Stephen Colbert’s call. It will make you a better-informed and stronger member.
“Keep your mind, body and spirit in shape. There are many Bible studies on the Hill. Join one. Join the gym — the fellowship alone is worth it. Play on one of the congressional sports teams. It’s a great way to raise money for charity in addition to being good for you.
“Above all, always remember that you are, first and foremost, a public servant.”