Lawmaker's Office an Oasis in Capitol Social Interaction, Sodas Always on Tap

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Byline: Brian Basinger, Times-Union staff writer

ATLANTA -- Anyone who has spent much time under the Gold Dome of Georgia's Capitol knows where to snag a free Coca-Cola on a hot day.

Tucked away in the corner of Rep. Jack Connell's office is a 3-foot-tall glass refrigerator filled with dozens of cans of soda.

"We try to keep it cold,'' said Connell, D-Augusta, who receives the drinks for free from the Coca-Cola Co.

During Connell's 34-year career in state politics, everyone from former Gov. Zell Miller to football sensation Herschel Walker has stopped through for a drink with Connell, whose role as speaker pro tem makes him the second-ranking …