About Vice Chairman Chris D. Jackson
Chris D. Jackson was born on November 22nd, 1986 in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee to Roger and Judy Jackson. He has lived in Loretto, Tennessee his entire life and attended all public schools. Currently, he is a senior at Loretto High School and attend the University of North Alabama starting in 2005 and will major in political science.
Chris was raised in a semi-quasi political family. His father, Roger, was a
Tennessee democratic delegate for several years and also ran for a
county commission seat in 1998. Chris really began to be interested
in politics during the 2000 presidential election. It was during the
Florida recount, when he saw thousands of voters being disenfranchised
and he wanted to make a difference. The 2000 election was
also personal for the Jackson family, because they had
known Vice President Al Gore from his days in Congress;
when he had helped the family with various issues.
Soon after the 2000 election, Chris began looking into
the prospects of Al Gore running in 2004. He stayed
up-to-date on Gore events and waited for the news daily
to see if he was going to run. During late 2002, Chris was
able to meet Al and Tipper Gore in Nashville, Tennessee
at a book signing. Later, Chris writes that this experience
compares to when President Clinton met then President
Kennedy at the age of 17.
Around the same time, Jackson set up a grassroots website encouraging Gore to run in 2004; the Al Gore Support Center. After months of longing to know if Gore was running, on December 16, 2002, Gore announced that he would not seek the Democratic nomination for President. However, this did not stop Chris or thousands of other hardcore Gore supporters from trying to change Gore's mind. Instead, after Gore's announcement, Jackson became a leader in the national draft Gore movement. In June 2003, Jackson was an organizer at the Draft Gore rally in Nashville, Tennessee. During the summer months of 2003, Jackson was also involved with the media quiet frequently. He was interviewed by Fox, NBC, The Tennesseean, Hill Newspaper, the Associated Press and had a letter published on CNN's Crossfire. He also received letters from Congressman Lincoln Davis, and the office of Governor Phil Bredesen concerning his efforts. Chris continued his work with the draft movement into late 2003.
In early August 2003, Jackson was greeted with encouragement and well wishes when he received a personal letter from Al Gore. In November 2003, Jackson attended two lectures by the former Vice President. By the second lecture, Jackson realized that Gore actually remembered him when he called him by his name when talking. While there, Jackson talked to Gore about various issues, however at the forefront was Chris' future. Chris told Al that he was inspired by him and wanted to serve his country just as he did, which Al thought was great. Jackson also told Gore that he thought of him as his mentor, which humbled Gore.
On January 21, 2004 Jackson received a letter from Gore's staff on behalf of Gore, among other things, thanking him for his continued support and loyalty towards Al. On February 8, 2004, Jackson again got to see and talk to his friend, Al Gore, at a Democratic fund raiser/event in Nashville,Tennessee. At that same event Governor Phil Bredesen spoke along with Former Governor Ned McWherther, Former Senator Jim Sasser, Al Gore, Wesley Clark, and John Edwards.
On April 19, 2004, Jackson again got to meet and speak with his friend, Mr. Gore. During this time, Jackson presented Gore with a plaque that thanked him for his dedication and service to the United States.
The plaque read: Presented To Al Gore
The moral leader of the United States. For his long standing service to America and his dedication to the "People Not The Powerful."
Chris D. Jackson Administrator Al Gore Support Center
After the plaque presentation, Gore thanked Chris and wished him continued luck.
In months afterwards, Jackson stayed in touch with Gore several different ways including a visit in late November 2004.
Throughout 2004 Jackson was involved in several different political campaigns. He served as the campaign manager for State Representative candidate, Johnny Lyles. Through his work on the campaign, Jackson he was able to meet thousands of Tennessee citizens as well as his Governor, Phil Bredesen along with other high ranking state officials. During his spare time, Jackson also volunteered with the Kerry-Edwards campaign. Another highlight of 2004 was when Jackson was a special guest on 710 KIRO from Seattle, Washington. He was brought in for his insight on their gubernatorial recount and the 2000 election.
In early 2005 Chris was involved in the grassroots effort to elect Donnie Fowler the new national DNC Chairman. In the end, Fowler finished second behind Howard Dean.
Currently Jackson is working on a program with Congressman Lincoln Davis to get young people involved in the political process. On March 3, 2005, Jackson was elected by acclamation to be the interim Vice Chairman of the Lawrence County Democratic Party.
