John Linder

John Linder, official portrait, 111th Congress

John Linder (born September 9, 1942) is a retired American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1993 to 2011. Linder, a member of the Republican Party, represented Georgia's 11th congressional district during his tenure in Congress. His political career is noted for his advocacy of the FairTax, a proposal to reform the federal tax system by replacing all federal income taxes with a single national sales tax.

Early Life and Education

John Linder was born in Dearborn, Michigan, and later moved to Georgia, where he pursued his higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota in 1964, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery from the same institution in 1967. Before entering politics, Linder practiced dentistry in Duluth, Georgia.

Political Career

Linder's political career began in the Georgia State Senate, where he served from 1974 to 1980. He made his first foray into national politics in 1982, running for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives but was unsuccessful. Linder won election to the House in 1992, representing Georgia's newly created 11th congressional district.

Throughout his tenure in Congress, Linder was known for his conservative stance on various issues, including tax reform, healthcare, and national security. He was a senior member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, where he played a significant role in shaping tax policy.

FairTax Advocacy

One of Linder's most significant contributions to American politics was his strong advocacy for the FairTax plan. He introduced the FairTax Act in 1999 and continued to reintroduce it in each session of Congress thereafter. The FairTax proposal sought to abolish all federal income taxes, including personal, corporate, capital gains, and estate taxes, and replace them with a single national retail sales tax. Linder co-authored a book with radio talk show host Neal Boortz titled "The FairTax Book," which outlines the benefits of the FairTax system. The book became a New York Times Best Seller, bringing widespread attention to the FairTax proposal.

Retirement

John Linder announced his retirement from Congress in 2010, ending an 18-year tenure in the House of Representatives. Following his retirement, Linder has remained active in political discussions, particularly regarding tax reform and the FairTax plan.

Legacy

Linder's legacy in Congress is closely tied to his advocacy for the FairTax. While the FairTax has not been implemented, Linder's efforts have sustained a continuing debate on tax reform in the United States. His work has inspired a dedicated following among tax reform advocates and has kept the conversation about the FairTax alive in American political discourse.