David Grier Martin Jr. (born May 24, 1940) is an American retired lawyer, politician, and university administrator. Martin was a candidate for the United States House of Representatives in 1984 and 1986, losing to Alex McMillan. Martin later served as Secretary and a Vice President for the University of North Carolina system and has served as the host of North Carolina Bookwatch, a public access television show.

D. G. Martin
Born
David Grier Martin Jr.

(1940-05-24) May 24, 1940 (age 84)
EducationDavidson College (BA)
Yale University (JD)
Political partyDemocratic
Children2, including Grier
FatherDavid Grier Martin

Early life and education

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Born in Atlanta in 1940,[1] Martin grew up in Davidson, North Carolina, where his father, David Grier Martin, served as president of Davidson College from 1958 to 1968.[2] Martin attended Davidson, where he played on the basketball team for Lefty Driesell.[3] After graduating, he was commissioned in the United States Army. Following completion of Airborne School, Martin served in the United States Army Special Forces.[4] After leaving active duty, he graduated from Yale Law School.

Career

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After graduating from law school, Martin established a legal practice in Charlotte, North Carolina.[2]

In 1984 and 1986, Martin narrowly lost two races for Congress to Alex McMillan. He later served as both the Secretary and a Vice President for the University of North Carolina system. In 1998, he ran for the U.S. Senate, finishing second to John Edwards in the Democratic primary.[5] After that race, Martin took on interim leadership positions at North Carolina Central University, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, The Trust for Public Land, and the N.C. Clean Water Management Trust Fund.[6]

Martin writes a weekly column that appears in over 40 newspapers across North Carolina, including The Raleigh Telegram, The Chapel Hill News,[7] The Chatham Journal,[8] The Elkin Tribune, Mountain Xpress, The Pilot, and The Randolph Guide.[9] Since 1999, Martin has hosted North Carolina Bookwatch, a literary television show on UNC-TV, North Carolina’s public television network.[10] He also hosts a weekly radio interview show on 97.9 FM and 1360 AM radio station WCHL in Chapel Hill[11] and is the author of "Interstate Eateries," a guide to local restaurants in North Carolina.[12]

Personal life

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He is married and has two adult children, including state legislator Grier Martin. Martin enjoys running and has completed several marathons.[13]

References

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  1. ^ "The Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory". 1993.
  2. ^ a b "The Pilot Newspaper - Sandhills Scene and Seasons". Archived from the original on 2011-07-17. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
  3. ^ Charlotte Magazine - Lefty, Bob, and the Kid
  4. ^ John Hood on John Edwards & Iowa Caucuses on National Review Online
  5. ^ FOXNews.com - Facts, Positions: John Edwards
  6. ^ This Old State: In trouble? Dial 1-800-D.G. Martin
  7. ^ "D. G. Martin". The Chapel Hill News. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  8. ^ Martin, D. G. "One on One". The Chatham Journal. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  9. ^ "D. G. Martin". The Randolph Guide. Archived from the original on July 6, 2008. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  10. ^ "North Carolina Bookwatch site". Archived from the original on 2008-04-16. Retrieved 2008-04-04.
  11. ^ "WCHL program schedule". Archived from the original on 2008-09-05. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
  12. ^ Wilmington Star-News review of "Interstate Eateries"[permanent dead link]
  13. ^ Washington Post "What You May Not Know About John Edwards"
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