By John Fredericks / STAFF

GA. House Majority Whip Jan Jones (R-Milton) is known for her determined, hard nose style. She often shuns the limelight and tries to keep a low profile with the press.

Whether she likes it or not, that’s all changing now.

Jones held a campaign fundraiser for her majority caucus at the home of noteworthy Milton resident Ron Wallace last week. All the stars came out, turning the event into a who’s-who of North Fulton politics. Even House Speaker Glenn Richardson, from Hiram, showed up.

“We used to say Jones’ star is rising,” remembered House Speaker Pro-Tem Mark Burkhalter (R-Johns Creek).  “Now she is the star that has risen.”

Burkhalter said that Jones is “doing great things, and can go as far [in politics] as she wants.” When asked about the prospect running for Governor one day, Burkhalter answered quickly, “yes, definitely.” Burkhalter said he views Jones as his equal. “She is deeply involved in all aspects of House leadership,” the Johns Creek legislator maintained.

Richardson hailed Jones as “a highly intelligent, persistent, and detailed” member of the Republican leadership who has “earned the respect” of House members. “She keeps the troops in line while hearing everyone out,” Richardson added. “It’s a unique skill set that few possess.”

Jones said her GOP Whip job is like herding cats. “We’re all independent thinkers,” Jones said, “but we share a common philosophy and a vision that ultimately bind us together.”

Jones said one of her top legislative priorities in the 2010 General Assembly would center on garnering the two-thirds majority vote the House needs to make the creation of Milton County a reality. “Fulton County is larger than six U.S. states,” Jones said. “We need to get local government closer to the people.”