Nan Orrock oral history interview, August 3, 2008

Interviewed by Janet Paulk. In this interview, Orrock recounts the origins of her campaign for the Georgia House of Representatives, and how people such as John Sweet and Debi Sternes were instrumental in her success. There is some discussion about why so few women run for office and the structure of campaigning in Georgia. Once in office, Orrock helped found a bipartisan Women's Caucus which remains active today. She discusses other women in the Legislature such as Mary Margaret Oliver. She also talks at length about her work on health care issues and with the Women Legislator's Lobby, and how she eventually worked her way into the Majority Whip position only to see the Republican Party take control of the House. The discussion follows her move from the House to the Georgia Senate and Women's Action for New Directions (WAND). Orrock talks about the importance of building caucuses and her work for the Progressive States Network, Women in Government, and the Center for Policy Alternatives. She concludes with a discussion about her sons and how she managed to accomplish so much, and relflects upon her life in the movement for social justice.