in april 1971, while on television, carter was asked if he supported the idea of governor and lieutenant governor running together. he said, "i've never really thought we needed a lieutenant governor in georgia. the lieutenant governor is part of the executive branch of government and i've always felt—ever since i was in the state senate—that the executive branches should be separate". in july 1971, while in columbus, georgia, carter created a georgia human rights council that would help solve issues in the state of any possible violence.