Author: Aaron Gulbransen

Tennessee AG Herbert H. Slatery III: ‘We Have No Intention of Withdrawing from NAAG’

Aaron Gulbransen

In a statement released on Twitter, Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III announced that he “has no intention of withdrawing” Tennessee from the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG). 

“If you’re looking for bipartisan, effective cooperation on issues that affect Americans across the country, it’s happening at the state level among attorneys general. The National Association of Attorneys General plays a critical role in fostering that cooperation,” he said. “Tennessee has worked with other attorneys general across the country and ‘across the aisle,’ including those who have left the Association. All of those relationships are important to us. We have no intention of withdrawing from the Association and working with other AG Offices.”

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Guy Ciarrocchi Blasts PA-6 Democrat Incumbent Chrissy Houlahan

Aaron Gulbransen

Guy Ciarrocchi, a Republican candidate in Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District race, blasted incumbent Democrat U.S. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), saying “She let us down.”

Ciarrocchi explained how Houlahan’s actions in the U.S. House have disappointed the PA-6 community and how she’s been a rubber stamp for the Biden agenda, which is in direct contradiction to what she promised the voters in the previous election.

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TN-5 Candidate Beth Harwell Calls on Congress to Finish Trump’s Border Wall

Aaron Gulbransen

Former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives and candidate in the Republican primary for Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District Beth Harwell called on Congress to finish former President Donald Trump’s border wall.

Harwell said in a tweet, “Drugs & crime are pouring over our southern border as a result of the Biden Admin’s failed border policies. Open borders don’t work. For the safety of our border patrol agents & families, Congress must prioritize finishing Trump’s Wall & funding our law enforcement officers.”

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Federal Judge Smacks Down Starbuck’s Request for Injunction to Be Placed Back on TN-5 Ballot

Aaron Gulbransen

“On the basis of the foregoing, Starbuck’s Amended Motion for a Preliminary Injunction will be denied,” wrote District Court of the Middle District of Tennessee Chief Judge Waverly Crenshaw Judge Crenshaw as he denied Robby Starbuck’s request for an injunction which would have put him back on the ballot.

Judge Crenshaw appeared to telegraph this decision during oral arguments and the decisions points to the judge’s stated desire that the issue should be settled in state court.

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First Reading of Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and Grant Acceptances Highlight Metro Council Meeting Agenda

Aaron Gulbransen

The Metro Nashville Council agenda for the May 17 meeting is highlighted by the first reading of the budget as well as resolutions accepting grants from various agencies to address mental health, drug overdose, and tobacco issues.

The Tennessee Star previously reported that BL2022-1248, a bill on first reading, is the ordinance setting the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and is on the agenda.

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GA-6 Republican Candidate Jake Evans Talks Meeting with Former President Trump and Receiving His Endorsement

Aaron Gulbransen

The Trump-endorsed candidate in the May 24 Republican primary for Georgia’s 6th Congressional District seat, Jake Evans, spoke with The Georgia Star News about the importance of former President Donald Trump’s endorsement and what it was like to meet with him.

“I believe firmly that the America First agenda delivered four of the best years that we’ve had in a very very long time, definitely since the Reagan era,” said Evans. “I believe in secure borders, protecting our law enforcement, less regulations, lower taxes – all of which President Trump did.”

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Perdue Campaign Says ‘MAGA Surge Keeping Kemp Below the Threshold to Avoid a Runoff’

Aaron Gulbransen

The Trump-endorsed David Perdue for Georgia Governor campaign issued a statement on Wednesday that says Perdue is surging and Trump voters are turning out in an unprecedented way.

“Our Trump-endorsed campaign is experiencing a surge in early-voting MAGA voters that the public polls aren’t picking up. Our internal models show this MAGA surge keeping Kemp below the threshold to avoid a runoff, and our position is strengthening with each day of early voting,” said the campaign.

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PA-6 Republican Candidate Guy Ciarrocchi Explains Why His Former Employer Endorsed Incumbent Democrat in 2020

Aaron Gulbransen

Pennsylvania Sixth Congressional District Republican candidate Guy Ciarrocchi spoke with The Pennsylvania Daily Star and explained why he is running against incumbent Democrat Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06) even though the board of directors of his previous employer, the Chester County Chamber, endorsed her for re-election in 2020.

Ciarrocchi served as Chester County Chamber CEO from January 2014 until September 18, 2021. In that role, he ran the day-to-day operations but did not have a vote in the endorsement process.

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Perdue Issues Statement on ‘Out of Control’ Crime in Georgia and Threats Against SCOTUS

Aaron Gulbransen

The Trump-endorsed candidate in the May 24 Republican primary, former U.S. Senator David Perdue, issued a statement on Monday in the aftermath of the shooting of six people on Mother’s Day.

“This is another tragic example of what happens when a Governor keeps his ‘powder dry’ instead of taking bold action to keep people safe. Crime is out of control across the state. People are being shot daily, but Brian Kemp is missing in action. This disaster is happening on his watch. My question to the people of Georgia is do you feel safe? If not, then it’s time for a new Governor. Nothing is more important to me than ensuring you and your family are safe.” 

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Federal Judge Takes Arguments Under Advisement, Appears Extremely Skeptical of Robby Starbuck’s Case to Get Back on TN-5 Ballot

Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – District Court of the Middle District of Tennessee Chief Judge Waverly Crenshaw appeared to take an extremely skeptical view of the case presented by Robby Starbuck’s legal team during a Tuesday hearing on a preliminary injunction request.

In its motion, Starbuck’s legal team asked Judge Crenshaw to void the Tennessee Republican Party (TRP)’s decision to disqualify him from Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District Republican primary and to order the Tennessee Department of State to put him on the ballot.

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Georgia Department of Public Health Touts New Legislation That Protects Children from Lead

Aaron Gulbransen

On Monday, the Georgia Department of Public Health touted newly passed legislation that, in the view of the agency, helps protect children from the dangers of lead.

In a statement, Kathleen E. Toomey, M.D., M.P.H., commissioner, Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) said, “DPH is extremely grateful to the members of the General Assembly and the Governor for their decisive action which allows for a more robust program for identifying and preventing cases of lead poisoning, and protecting the children of Georgia.”

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Tennessee Attorney General Slatery Silent After Texas, Others Leave NAAG

Aaron Gulbransen
Tennessee Star

Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery’s office ignored two requests for comment when The Tennessee Star reached out after several of his counterparts in other states exited the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG).

The Attorneys General of Texas, Montana, and Missouri announced in a letter to the president of the NAAG, Iowa Attorney General Thomas Miller (D), that they were exiting the organization due to its left-wing bias.

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Vice President Harris Dodges Questions About Abortion Comments at Tennessee State University Graduation Ceremony

Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Vice President Kamala Harris’ press team refused to answer The Tennessee Star’s questions about her comments on abortion and allusion to the leaked draft of the SCOTUS decision overturning Roe v. Wade in her Tennessee State University (TSU) commencement address.

In her Saturday morning speech to the TSU 2022 undergraduate class, Vice President Harris said, “In the United States, we are once again forced to defend fundamental principles that we hoped are long settled. Principles like the freedom to vote, the rights of women to make decisions about their own bodies.”

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Georgia Democrat Labor Groups Express Opposition to Biden Energy Policies

Aaron Gulbransen

Several Georgia-based labor groups, which are traditionally Democrat in both endorsements and membership, have sent letters to the Biden administration urging them to change course on policies that have resulted in rising inflation and higher gas prices.

The Atlanta North Georgia Labor Council, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists – Atlanta Chamber, and UFCW-Retail Wholesale and Department Store Unions have all sent letters to the Biden administration expressing their displeasure with current energy policies, expressing the plight of their membership in relation to inflation and fuel prices, and demanding a change of course.

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Kamala Harris Delivers Partisan Democrat Talking Points in Tennessee State University Commencement Address

Aaron Gulbransen

Vice President Kamala Harris delivered the the undergraduate commencement address at Tennessee State University on Saturday at the Hale Building Stadium on Saturday morning and made several divisive partisan statements in her speech.

Harris’ speech, delivered at an institution that receives both federal and Tennessee taxpayer funding included typical Democrat talking points on voting issues, abortion, and the free exchange of information.

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Washington Examiner Fails to Note Key Facts in TN-5 Disqualification Process

Aaron Gulbransen

In an article titled, “Candidate booted from ballot sues Tennessee GOP”, the Washington Examiner failed to note key facts about the TN-5 candidate disqualification process.

The piece instead irresponsibly used comments by disqualified candidate Robby Starbuck and his lawsuit against the Tennessee Republican Party and the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office as its main source material.

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Perdue Slams Kemp and Calls for Special Legislative Session to Ban Abortion in Georgia

Aaron Gulbransen

Former U.S. Senator David Perdue slammed opponent Governor Brian Kemp’s lack of current action on abortion in Georgia in the wake of the leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

“I was extremely disappointed by the governor’s bureaucratic response to the news that the Supreme Court may soon overturn Roe v. Wade,” said Perdue on Thursday. “Georgia voters deserve to know where their governor stands on this issue. I’m calling on Brian Kemp to join me in calling for an immediate special session of the legislature to ban abortion in Georgia after Roe v. Wade is overturned. You are either going to fight for the sanctity of life or you’re not.”

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Hearing Scheduled for May 10 in TN-5 Disqualified Candidate’s ‘Hail Mary’ Lawsuit Against Tennessee Republican Party

Aaron Gulbransen

A hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee regarding a motion made in disqualified TN-5 GOP Congressional candidate Robby Starbuck’s lawsuit against Chairman Scott Golden, the Tennessee Republican Party (TRP), and the Tennessee Secretary of State’s office.

The presiding judge is Chief District Judge Waverly Crenshaw, an Obama appointee.

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Beth Harwell Celebrates Tennessee’s Role Defending the Unborn in Wake of SCOTUS Decision Leak

Aaron Gulbransen

Former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell is enthusiastic about the role Tennessee will play in the defense of unborn babies in light of the leaked draft of a U.S. Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

“If SCOTUS’s decision to overturn Roe is confirmed and the responsibility is rightfully left up to the states, Tennessee is ready to defend the lives of all unborn children and the life of the mother, thanks to the constitutional amendment we passed under my leadership as Speaker and the Human Life Protection Act,” the candidate for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District said.

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David Perdue Blasts Brian Kemp’s ‘$1.5 Billion Payday’ to George Soros’ Company

Aaron Gulbransen

David Perdue, a former U.S. Senator and the Trump-endorsed candidate for Georgia Governor, blasted incumbent Governor Brian Kemp’s plan on Monday to “give $1.5 billion of Georgians’ tax dollars to a George Soros-owned woke corporation.”

“Brian Kemp just announced his plans to give $1.5 billion of Georgians’ tax dollars to a George Soros-owned woke corporation whose stated purpose is to combat climate change,” said Perdue. “This is the worst deal I have ever seen in my 40 years in business — $200,000 in taxpayer money per potential job. Think about how many small businesses in Georgia could be helped for this kind of money, instead of padding George Soros’ pockets.”

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Attorney General Candidate John Gordon: ‘If the Local Prosecutor Won’t Do Their Job, I’ll Do It for Them’

Aaron Gulbransen

Atlanta, Georgia – Trump-endorsed candidate for Georgia attorney general John Gordon told The Georgia Star News at an Atlanta stop of the Real Georgia Speaks Team Trump Bus Tour that if he is elected and a local prosecutor doesn’t do their job then he “will do it for them.” 

“I’ve worked hard for my family and now I want to work hard for the people of Georgia. I want to work hard to protect their constitutional liberties, especially the vote. I want to protect our communities,” said Gordon in response to a question about why he is running. “If I’m elected attorney general, there will not be rioting and looting in Buckhead. People will not get off scot-free. If the local prosecutor won’t do their job, I’ll do it for them.”

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Trump-Endorsed AG Candidate John Gordon Blasts Opponent, Offers Election Integrity Solutions

Aaron Gulbransen

Atlanta, Georgia – The Georgia Star News spoke with Trump-endorsed candidate for John Gordon at the Real Georgia Speaks Team Trump Bus Tour where he had strong words for his opponent, incumbent Attorney General Chris Carr.

“We refer to him as Chris ‘Do Nothing’ Carr,” Gordan said. “He just has not fulfilled the obligations and duties of this office. He’s done nothing on election integrity except deny that there was a problem.”

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Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger Dismisses Concerns About Georgia Drop Boxes During Debate

Aaron Gulbransen

ATLANTA, Georgia – During a Georgia Public Broadcasting-hosted and broadcasted debate on Monday, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger dismissed concerns about drop boxes and their impact on election integrity.

In response to a question about legislation banning drop boxes, Raffensperger replied, “People are missing the point on drop boxes because you can use the U.S. postal service.”

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U.S. Senator John Cornyn Endorses Herschel Walker in Georgia Senate Race

Aaron Gulbransen

Texas Senator John Cornyn endorsed Herschel Walker in the race for U.S. Senate in Georgia this week, adding his name to a long list of prominent Republicans who have endorsed the leading Georiga GOP candidate.

Polling with over a 50 percent lead in all recent polls testing the GOP primary field, Walker is the favorite to face U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in the November general election.

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Trump-Endorsed AG Candidate John Gordon Speculates Absent Incumbent Opponent ‘Must Have Moved into Joe Biden’s Basement’

Aaron Gulbransen

Former President Donald Trump-endorsed candidate for Georgia attorney general, John Gordon, in an interview on The John Fredericks Show, hammered his opponent – incumbent Attorney General Chris Carr – for what he described as a lack of accessibility on the campaign trail.

“I have been campaigning every day for the past two months and I have yet to see Chris ‘Do Nothing’ Carr anywhere,” he said. “In fact, I have concluded that he must have moved into Joe Biden’s basement because we can’t find him anywhere.”

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Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles Wins Marshall County GOP 5th Congressional District Straw Poll, Disqualified Candidates Allowed to Participate

Aaron Gulbransen

Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles won the Marshall County Republican Party’s Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District straw poll by a commanding margin, a poll which was conducted during the party’s annual fundraising dinner Thursday night.

Marshall County Republican Chair Julie Quan allowed disqualified TN-5 candidates Robby Starbuck, Morgan Ortagus, and Baxter Lee to participate in the poll. In a Facebook post shared on Friday, Quan said that the former candidates would be included because the final plans for the event “were finalized prior to the changes by made the SEC.”

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Williamson County Judicial Candidate Who Was Recently Convicted of Two Felonies Sanctioned by Judge

Aaron Gulbransen

Connie Reguli, who recently was convicted of two felonies and one misdemeanor charge, has been sanctioned by a judge and ordered to pay $5,000 for her involvement in another matter.

In connection with her convictions, Reguli’s law license was suspended pending further court orders. Additionally, Reguli has been disciplined by boards of professional responsibility and the Tennessee courts system several times. Since 2009, Reguli has faced discipline that includes being suspended from the practice of law for nearly a year, a public censure from the Tennessee Supreme Court, and professional probation as ordered by the state courts system for a period of 11 months and 29 days.

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Misleading Claims Promoted About Disqualification of Ortagus and Starbuck from TN-5 Race

Aaron Gulbransen

The aftermath of the Tennessee Republican Party’s removal of Morgan Ortagus, Robby Starbuck, and Baxter Lee from the TN-5 ballot has seen several news outlets, social media influencers, national political figures, and affected candidates have make misinformed claims.

CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Star News Digital Media Michael Patrick Leahy, which owns and operates The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network, provided a full step-by-step breakdown of what really happened that led to Morgan Ortagus, Robby Starbuck, and Baxter Lee’s disqualification from the TN-5 race.

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Disqualified TN-5 Candidate Starbuck Asks Supporters to Tell the TNGOP to Do What Is No Longer Under Its Authority

Aaron Gulbransen

Disqualified TN-5 candidate Robby Starbuck is posting frequent calls on social media urging supporters to contact the Tennessee GOP (TNGOP) and demand that the State Executive Committee (SEC) vote to reverse its decision disqualifying him from seeking the Republican nomination.

There’s just one problem: The Tennessee Republican Party is not empowered to put Starbuck back on the ballot and couldn’t reverse its decision even if it wanted to.

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Georgia State Senate Candidate Shawn Still Wants to ‘Eliminate Drop Boxes’ in Georgia

Aaron Gulbransen

During an appearance on The John Fredericks Show, Georgia State Senate candidate Shawn Still reminded the audience that he filed a lawsuit in 2020 against Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and stated very clearly how important election integrity is to him.

“I have been on the forefront on election integrity since all of this began, when we saw the election irregularities. When we saw that we knew the election results, that we knew the election had been stolen, I filed a lawsuit in State Superior Court in Fulton County against the Secretary of State,” said Still.

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Sean Hannity Got Facts Completely Wrong in Radio Monologue on TNGOP Disqualification of Morgan Ortagus

Aaron Gulbransen

Sean Hannity got the facts completely wrong in a monologue he gave on the Monday, April 25 edition of his nationally syndicated radio program on the Tennessee Republican Party’s action disqualifying carpetbagger Morgan Ortagus from the Tennessee 5th Congressional District August 4 Republican Primary race.

On his radio show, Hannity accused the TNGOP of “actually being willing to change the rules in the middle of the game.”

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Morgan Ortagus Says She’s ‘Not Really Sure’ Why She Was Disqualified from TN-5 Ballot

Aaron Gulbransen

Morgan Ortagus, a former candidate for the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat, told a Fox News host on Monday morning that she didn’t know why she was disqualified from the ballot.

“You know, I’m not really sure, Brian,” Ortagus responded to Fox News host Brian Kilmeade when he asked her, “You’re not going to have a chance to run for the Republican nomination in Tennessee as a congresswoman. You got booted off the ballot, why?”

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David Perdue Lambastes Brian Kemp in First Georgia Gubernatorial Debate

Aaron Gulbransen

In the first gubernatorial debate faceoff hold on Sunday, April 24, former U.S. Senator David Perdue hammered his GOP primary opponent, incumbent Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

During an exchange, Perdue blamed Kemp for failing to secure Georgia’s elections, leading to his 2021 Senate runoff loss. “The only reason I’m not in the United States Senate is because you caved in and gave the election to liberal Democrats in 2020.”

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Carpetbagger Morgan Ortagus Alleges Tennessee Republican Party Corruption to Entire Country on Fox News but Offers No Evidence

Aaron Gulbransen

Former TN-5 candidate Morgan Ortagus told Fox News host Brian Kilmeade on Monday morning that the Tennessee Republican Party is corrupt but offered no evidence to corroborate her claims.

Ortagus told Kilmeade at the close of an interview, “We’re going to work on efforts to clean up the corruption here in the Tennessee GOP as well.”

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