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Georgia Political Papers and Oral History Program

The Georgia Political Papers and Oral History Program is comprised of over 3,000 linear feet of archival collections, along with an extensive number of oral history interviews, that document the unique political culture of the state of Georgia.

James Randolph Evans

James Randolph Evans (1958 - ) is a lawyer who heads up several companies owned by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and is general counsel for the Georgia Republican Party. He has represented former House Speaker Dennis Hastert and former U.S. Sen. Bob Barr. He resides in Atlanta.; Interviewed by Dr. Mel Steely on September 21, 1998.; Evans speaks briefly of his background and talks about his decision to attend the University of West Georgia, pursuing a degree in political science, and his participation in debate the debate team. Evans describes his time at law school when he attended the University of Georgia, his classes, and the confidence he developed there. He talks about his time interning with Newt Gingrich in Washington, DC. After leaving law school, Evans married, moved to Cobb County and eventually relocated to Douglas County in order to build the Republican Party in that area. He speaks of the Republican growth and his own early advance in politics and his position of County Chairman to District Chairman and his relationship with Newt Gingrich. He speaks at length about his involvement with Gingrich's campaigns for congress in the late 80s and early 90s and talks about the redistricting of Georgia. From 1991 to 1995, Evans largely pursues work in litigation; but on Thanksgiving of 1996 became involved with Gingrich again when the congressional representative had been facing ethics charges-- Evans talks about the details and circumstances surrounding the issue.