![]() He attempted to raise money for state education, welfare and mental health with a one cent sales tax, but could not push it through the state legislature. During his tenure, Maddox increased funding for the university system as well as state teachers' salaries. The new governor was sworn in on January 10, 1967. The election was, therefore, sent to the General Assembly which elected Maddox on the first ballot. In the General Election, the Republican, Howard "Bo" Callaway received more votes but fell short of the majority due to a write in campaign for Arnall. This proved effective, for Maddox came in second to Ellis Arnall in the Democratic primary and defeated Arnall in the runoff. Maddox ran a grassroots campaign with a platform based on segregation and federal encroachment on state and individual rights. In October 1965, he announced that he would seek the Democratic nomination for governor. He achieved national notoriety in 1964 when he drove African-Americans from his restaurant in defiance of federal civil-rights legislation and then closed the establishment rather than desegregate it. Although it was not successful, the campaign made him a well known figure in Georgia. Maddox faced his third defeat in 1962, after running for lieutenant governor. Four years later, in 1961, he once again lost his bid for the mayor's office. Running as an independent, anti-integrationist candidate, Maddox was defeated. Maddox's outspoken response to integration continued to be a catalyst for his political career, as evidenced by his 1957 campaign for mayor of Atlanta. These advertisements became more political after the 1954 school desegregation decision, putting Maddox in the public eye. Beginning in 1949, its weekly newspaper advertisements entitled "Pickrick Says" provided Maddox with an outlet for his political beliefs. The restaurant also served as a launching pad for Maddox's political career. This cafeteria-style establishment fared so well that it would expand 9 times within the next 15 years. He continued to hold odd jobs in groceries and real estate until 1947 when he once again opened a restaurant, the Pickrick. In 1944, Maddox opened a short-order grill in Atlanta that was sold a year later for profit. Maddox engaged in industrial manufacturing management and he was owner and operator of restaurant, grocery, and furniture stores. ![]() He was educated in Atlanta public schools but dropped out of high school to pursue odd jobs. "Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 30, 1915. ![]() Maddox, Lester, 1915-2003 Authoritative Name:
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