Mac Collins
Michael Allen "Mac" Collins (October 15, 1944 – November 20, 2018) was an American businessman and Republican politician who represented Georgia's 8th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives from 1993 to 2005.-(C000640)/) Born in Jackson, Georgia, Collins attended local public schools, served in the Georgia National Guard from 1964 to 1970, and earned a business degree from the University of Georgia in 1967.[1] He founded and led Collins and Lowe, Inc., a trucking company in Jackson, while also engaging in local governance as a Butts County commissioner in the 1970s and chair of the commission from 1977 to 1981.[2] Collins advanced to the Georgia State Senate, serving from 1989 to 1993, before successfully campaigning for a congressional seat amid the 1994 Republican wave election.-(C000640)/) In the House, he focused on commerce, tax policy, agriculture, and transportation issues pertinent to his rural district, sponsoring legislation such as tax credits for distilled spirits wholesalers and reforms to real estate investment trust rules.[3] As Deputy Majority Whip, he helped marshal votes for key Republican priorities, including tax reductions and welfare reform.[4] After redistricting challenges and an unsuccessful 2004 bid for the U.S. Senate nomination, Collins declined reelection in 2004 and later mounted an unsuccessful comeback campaign in 2006.-(C000640)/) His congressional career emphasized pro-business policies and fiscal conservatism, reflecting his entrepreneurial roots.[3]