VIDEO UPDATE: Turnout good for Gregg's book signing in Linton

BOOK SIGNING: Former Indiana Speaker of the House John Gregg (left and below) was in Linton on Friday signing his new book "From Sandborn to the Statehouse." Above, Gregg signs a copy of the book for Jathan Wright, grandson of the late Linton Mayor Jimmie K. Wright. The young Wright is a political science major and attends Vincennes University. He has aspirations to get into politics and was seeking some advice from the veteran state lawmaker. (Greene County Daily World/Nick Schneider) [Order this photo]

A book just published by former Indiana Speaker of the House John Gregg from nearby Sandborn has been selling very well -- much to the surprise of its author.

Gregg made a two-hour book signing stop in Linton on Friday and quickly sold out of his $19.95 book -- "From Sandborn to the Statehouse" -- in less than a hour. The 312-page book was published in December by New Century Publishing in Indianapolis.

The former state representative, who served in the General Assembly from 1986 to 2002, admitted that he had underestimated the number of the people who had turned out to greet him at the Linton City Hall and buy his book.

John Gregg [Order this photo]

It was the coldest day of the year -- with temperatures dipping to nearly -5 overnight.

That didn't chill the enthusiasm for Gregg's book that details his travels from his small hometown all the way to Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives.

"I've had a great turnout here," he said with a beaming smile.

John Gregg, at left, chats with former Greene County Sheriff Leon Allen (center) and Mike Smith of Linton on Friday during his book signing stop in Linton. (Greene County Daily World/Nick Schneider) [Order this photo]

Gregg explained that the reception at another book signing in Vincennes was also very good. Today he'll do a signing in downtown Indianapolis at the Emmis Building -- home of WIBC Radio -- where Gregg hosted a Saturday morning talk show for about seven years.

"It's more than surpassed my wildest dreams as far as its selling," Gregg pointed out.

Click on the arrow below to hear John Gregg talk about his new book:

The book is filled with plenty of stories about Indiana people, places, and events and told in Gregg's own humorous way.

"Most of the book is on the 16 years that I was in the General Assembly, which in the last eight I was the head of our (the Democrat) caucus as Speaker of the House. It starts out a little bit about me growing up in Sandborn and talks about some teachers and some people who influenced me to enjoy politics and the political process," Gregg explained. "It ended up in the Indiana Primary (2008). I was named Hillary Clinton's honorary chairman and I spent four fun-filled days in Indiana with former President Bill Clinton and three days with her."

The book features 30-pages of photos that trace his rise to the highest position in the Indiana legislature.

"The book's got a lot of funny stories. I kind of pride myself in being what I think is humorous. It has a lot of inside stories. It tells some humorous stories on former governor Evan Bayh, Gov. Bob Orr, it even has some on Gov. Daniels and Gov. Kernan and Gov. O'Bannon. Even Gov. Bowen, who I did not know until after he left office. We've got some inside stories on them and other Wabash Valley politicians. Even people that don't like politics will find this book has a light side to it and a lot of Hoosierisms in it."

Gregg, who's name has been tossed around in the past as a possible candidate for U.S. Congress and for governor, was asked if he might get back into politics in the future.

He hedged on his answer and left the door open.

"You know the greatest thing about politics is if you exit at the right time -- when you are kind of on top. You want to leave when people say 'why did you get out' as opposed to 'why don't you get out'. I just had some good timing. I learned that from Elvis. People always liked to hold up the lighters and clapping for Elvis when he had already left, so I have enjoyed it," Gregg explained. "I was at a ballgame last night. I've got a basketball game tonight -- both of my boys play basketball for North Knox and if I was in office I couldn't do that."

Gregg added with a smile, "You never say never in this business, but when I left I said I was leaving. I've enjoyed being out of office. It's been fun."

These days Gregg, who is a prostate cancer survivor, is content spending more time on his farm near Sandborn with his two boys, Hunter and John Blackwood. He is a partner in the prominent Indianapolis law firm of Bingham McHale that has an office in Vincennes. He also stays busy speaking at a couple of Jefferson Day Dinners a month throughout the state.

"When you don't have to go and you don't have to do that stuff ... when you can kind of pick and choose, it's fun because you don't have to do it," Gregg said.

Now, he's having a blast getting out and doing the book signings and renewing old political and personal friendships throughout the state.

In Gregg's familiar tongue-and-cheek style, he added, "I told (former Greene County Sheriff) Leon Allen earlier my goal is to live like a Republican."

Order your copy of "From Sandborn to the Statehouse" by writing to info@newcenturypublishing.org for information or visit the Web site www.newcenturypublishing.org for information. The price is $19.95 plus shipping.