State Rep. Bobby Franklin found dead

State Rep. Bobby Franklin, R-Cobb County, was found dead today, Cobb police say. Hyosub Shin, hshin@ajc.com

Cobb County police just confirmed that state Rep. Bobby Franklin, a Cobb County Republican who skirted the outer reaches of conservatism and helped design the current state flag, has been found dead at his home.

“Our investigators are out there now, at the residence,” said police spokesman Mike Bowman. He promised more details later this afternoon.

From my AJC colleague Chris Joyner:

According to Cobb County sources, a family friend came to check on Franklin this morning after he didn’t show up for church Sunday. The friend saw Franklin’s truck in the driveway and, peeking through the window, saw his computer was on and called the police.

Franklin had complained of chest pains Friday and planned to seek the advice of a family friend who is a nurse.

Police found Franklin in his bed, dead.

Members of the Cobb County legislative delegation funneled press calls through delegation chairman Rep. Ed Setzler, who expressed condolences and remembered Franklin as a man of conviction.

“Rep. Franklin would want his legacy to be one of principled leadership. He was very fond of saying it is never the right time to do the wrong thing,” Setzler said. “He would want to be remembered first as a person of faith, and second as a person who loved his country and loved liberty.”

From House Speaker David Ralston:

“Jane and I are very saddened to learn of Bobby’s passing today. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. Bobby was a man of principle and a dedicated public servant who held steadfast to his views. The Georgia House of Representatives will miss the gentleman from the 43rd district.”

But this from Stacy Abrams, the House Democratic leader, may be more instructive:

Although many of his principles differed from my own, I had the occasion to work with Bobby on several pieces of legislation and consider those times to be among the high points of my career.

Bobby was never deterred from pursuing the things he believed to be right. He was willing to question authority and challenge paradigms – two things I found to be very instructive.

For you ladies and gentlemen who intend to comment below: Whether or not you agreed with him, Franklin was a kind and gentle man. Conduct yourselves accordingly.

Updated: Commenting on this post has been closed.

- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider

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