Graves' swearing-in Monday

RANGER - Georgia's newest congressman will be sworn in Monday.

Tom Graves was elected Tuesday to fill the unexpired term of 9th District Representative Nathan Deal who resigned in the spring. The swearing-in is scheduled on the floor of the House around 6:30 Monday evening.

However, Graves is still locked in a race for a full term in Washington which begins January 1; the first test in that quest comes in the July 20 Republican Primary.

He told The Al Gainey Show on WDUN NEWS TALK 550 Wednesday morning he will, however, not let that interfere with his new job. "If that means I'm in Washington, I'll be in Washington. If that means I'm in the district, I'll be in the district."

Graves also said he's ready for the next step in his political career.

"Now, it's time to get to work and I look forward to that and look forward to representing north Georgia in Washington."