More often than any other legislator, Rep. Bobby Franklin is willing to vote no on the electronic tote board in the Georgia House, a single red ''N'' surrounded by a sea of green yes votes. Every week, sometimes more than once in a single day, the Marietta Republican will find reason to vote against a bill supported by every other member of the General Assembly. Franklin said. ''I made commitments to my district when I ran for office that if you elect me, this is what I'll stand for. Or House Bill 172, which limits the number of horseshoe crabs people can take for bait. Franklin voted no, standing alone against 165 yes votes, because he didn't like the idea of state officials policing how many crabs were in someone's possession.
Most legislators are willing to compromise, accepting some bad provisions for a greater good.
I think Bobby has a value system and convictions, and I think he sticks with it to the nth degree, which to me is an honorable trait,'' said Westmoreland, who has also voted by himself on some bills. It's easier for Republicans to stand alone in the Democrat-controlled House because they have no power structure to enforce party discipline, Westmoreland said. As a minority party, Republicans are more free to say what they want and vote their conscience, he said. Franklin, a self-employed business analyst who turns 46 on Tuesday, said the people in his district want lower taxes but don't expect much from state government. That frees him from having to worry about currying favor from Democratic leaders during the budget process.