Tag: 2018 election

‘America First’ Ambassador John Bolton Endorses Dr. Mark Green for Congress

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Ambassador John Bolton, the firebrand Republican whom George W. Bush famously tapped to serve as the United States’ envoy to the United Nations via recess appointment, endorsed Dr. Mark Green’s campaign to represent the people of the 7th Congressional District, replacing Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) on Thursday. “Dr. Mark Green has served on the front lines of the War on Terror as a flight surgeon, most notably on the mission to capture Saddam Hussein,” Bolton said in a statement; adding: His unique experiences as a veteran of the U.S. Army make him well-suited to make sound foreign policy and national security decisions that will keep America and her allies safe amid a multitude of global threats. I have full confidence in Dr. Green’s ability to lead and to be a strong voice in Congress. During the course of the campaign so far, the current state senator and congressional hopeful has garnered the support of Republicans and conservatives across the conservative movement. Ambassador Bolton joins prominent conservatives like Senator Ted Cruz and Reagan economist Dr. Arthur B. Laffer in endorsing Green. Dr. Green said, “Few people understand the global challenges facing our nation better than Ambassador Bolton. I’m honored to receive his endorsement,…

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Tennessee State Senate Unanimously Passes Bills to Rectify Unjust Taxes Levied on Disabled Veterans

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The Tennessee State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 10 and Senate Bill 1675, both of which were sponsored by State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville). “I was honored to sponsor these two bills to help our veterans who have given sacrificially to serve our country. Senate Bill 10 and Senate Bill 1675 both correct injustices in our state law, and I’m glad the Senate voted unanimously to pass them. I look forward to the passage of these bills in the House under the leadership of Rep. Tilman Goins and Rep. Joe Pitts,” Senator Green said in a statement. Senate Bill 10 finally exempts severely disabled veterans who receive, as gifts, modified vehicles from the US Department of Affairs from paying sales taxes and registration fees: This bill exempts a new or used motor vehicle that is sold, given, or donated to a veteran or active-duty service member of the armed services from any applicable sales and use tax if: (1) The veteran or service member has a service-connected disability; (2) The veteran or service member receives a grant from the United States department of veterans affairs; and (3) The grant is used to provide or assist in providing the vehicle to…

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GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Lee Announces 100-Member Activist Coalition, ‘Students for Bill’

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Franklin-area businessman-turned-gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee announced “Students for Bill,” a new addition to his coalition of grassroots and citizens’ groups that support his bid to be the state’s next top executive. The Saturday announcement comes the same day Lee will address the 14th Annual Tennessee College Republican State Convention. “With this initial coalition of student activists from across our state, I’m so honored to see the continued grassroots support for this campaign and my vision for Tennessee,” Lee said in a statement. “These students make up a diverse group of leaders working to ensure our victory in November.” The Lee campaign says the coalition, which spans schools across the state, “will serve as an essential component of Lee’s grassroots support and help spread Bill’s ideas within their campus communities.” Students for Bill will have three Co-Chairs – to represent East, Middle, and West Tennessee – to lead the effort. University of Tennessee student Janey Green, the Co-Chair for East Tennessee said, “For some, running to be governor is just part of their political career. We don’t need a politician for governor; we need a businessman, a farmer, and a man of faith, working to improve the lives of Tennesseans. Bill…

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Washington Examiner: McConnell Favors Marsha Blackburn Over Bob Corker

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Republican leaders in Congress, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have “moved on” from Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), who recently indicated he is having “second thoughts” about not running for re-election, and are now all-in behind Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07), who is the presumptive Republican nominee, The Washington Examiner reported on Wednesday: Top Republican leaders, including McConnell and Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, as well as senior Blackburn advisors, some of whom were working for Corker’s re-election campaign before he pulled the plug, are baffled by suggestions that the congresswoman is putting this race in jeopardy. She has hit all of the metrics set for her campaign, launched only after Corker bowed out last fall. Her fundraising is strong, she is organizing on the ground, and she has the consensus support of the Republican establishment in Washington and the conservative grassroots in Tennessee long unhappy with Corker. Blackburn also happens to be a woman. That matters because the Republican Party is lacking female candidates — capable or otherwise — in an election cycle in which the GOP’s biggest vulnerability is a weakness among educated, suburban white women — just like Blackburn. “We simply haven’t been involved…

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‘Senior Adviser to Sen. Bob Corker’ Says ‘At This Point Nothing Has Changed’ When Asked About CNN Report He is ‘Reconsidering’ Retirement from U.S. Senate

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Late Sunday, “a senior adviser to Sen. Bob Corker”(R-TN)  told The Tennessean “It is true that Senator Corker has been encouraged by people across Tennessee and in the Senate to reconsider his decision, but at this point nothing has changed,” (emphasis added) when asked to respond to a CNN report earlier on Sunday filed by John King that rumors are circulating on Capitol Hill that junior Senator Bob Corker is ‘having second thoughts’ about retirement: CNN is told that in recent days. Senator Bob Corker of Tennessee has floated the idea of changing his mind and running for re-election this year. Now sources tell us fellow Tennessean Lamar Alexander and South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham are among those who discussed the idea with Senator Corker. But – and this is a big ‘but’ – when the idea was broached to the Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, his response, we are told is, it’s a non-starter unless Senator Corker can get President Trump on board. You might recall last year, Corker questioned the President’s competence and in return, he earned the Twitter nickname, ‘Liddle Bob Corker.’ They are back on speaking terms – the Senator and the President, now – but one source familiar with the conversations says the president,…

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Jeremy Hayes Withdraws His Candidacy for GOP Nomination in State House District 57

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Jeremy H.G. Hayes has cancelled his challenge to State Representative Susan Lynn (R-Mt. Juliet), after Lynn reported Hayes to the state election commission for voting outside his district, triggering a very public raid by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and an investigation into his actual residency. Wilson County District Attorney Tommy Thompson told the Lebanon Democrat, “Residency is one of the most evasive and one of the most difficult things to show,” said Thompson. “He used his grandmother’s address to be able to vote in the 2017 election. He may have had a move to his grandmother’s planned, but he hadn’t moved in our opinion.” The Lebonon Democrat reports: According to TBI public information officer Susan Niland, special agents executed a search warrant at Hayes’ townhome January 23 at 133 Noel Cove Circle in Hermitage in Davidson County. Hayes said TBI agents showed up at the door of his Hermitage townhome, as well as his grandmother’s Mt. Juliet home where he claims he lived at 120 Southwest Cook Road without a search warrant. Hayes said at the time he asked agents to leave after about four hours of questioning. Of the single vote cast by Hayes in 2017, Thomson told…

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Diane Black Picks Up Her Petition to Officially File Her Run for Governor

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Gubernatorial hopeful Diane Black picked up her petition to run for Governor in her hometown of Gallatin Monday as friends and family looked on. “I was honored to join my family and supporters from middle Tennessee today,” Black said in a statement. “I’ve been humbled and energized by the outpouring of support I’ve received all across this state since announcing my campaign, and I’m grateful to all of those who have come out to show their dedication to having a strong conservative leader in the Governor’s office.” In the latest fundraising reporting, Diane Black outraised all other gubernatorial candidates, with a total of nearly $1.75 million dollars between August and January, representing more than 1,000 contributions from all 95 Tennessee counties. The Tennessee Star / Triton Poll released last week found that in a head-to-head contest, Black leads Democratic frontrunner Karl Dean by 11 percentage points.

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Commentary: Would a ‘Senator Mitt Romney’ Caucus with the Republicans?

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Mitt Romney & Orrin Hatch

by CHQ Staff   CNN’s Maeve Reston reports that Mitt Romney has signaled he is moving toward with a run for a US Senate seat from Utah, tweeting Thursday that he will make a formal announcement about his plans on February 15. “Looking forward to making an announcement on February 15th about the Utah Senate race,” he tweeted. While Romney has been quietly talking to potential aides in Utah, the tweet will allow him to hire a staff and make preparations more openly — while also courting the conservative delegates who control the Utah GOP’s nominating convention. However, before those delegates make a decision, we hope they will take a look at the real Mitt Romney. By means unknown, John McCain’s 2008 opposition research file on Mitt Romney – all 200 pages of it – ended-up on the internet. God bless whoever posted it, because it makes truly compelling reading and it shows conclusively that Mitt Romney’s greatest talent as a candidate is his ability to keep every hair in place while not telling the truth. http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/the-book-on-mitt-romney-here-is-john-mccains-ent For those who prefer not to wade through all 200 pages of the file there is a good “50 greatest hits list” here: http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/the-fifty-greatest-hits-from-john-mccains-giant-m…

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Commentary: How Trump and the GOP Congress Can Break the Midterm Jinx in 2018

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by Robert Romano   Congressional midterms after a President wins the White House can be a brutal affair. The out-party tends to be motivated and has a knack for taking it out on Congress. The incumbent party, usually, is unable to match the opposition’s energy and so losses tend to follow. It’s the midterm jinx. The White House incumbent party tends to lose House seats in midterm elections 89 percent of the time dating back a century, with losses averaging 35 seats. The exceptions were 1934, 1998 and 2002. But it’s not all bad. Sometimes there are losses, but minimal ones. In 1926, 1962, 1986 and 1990 the losses were kept to less than 10 seats. 1954, 1970, 1978 and 2014 the losses were less than 20 seats. On the Senate side, the situation is slightly less depressing, owing to the fact that only one-third of the Senate stands for election every two years. Still, the White House incumbent party tends to lose Senate seats about 71 percent of the time, with losses averaging about 6 seats. Here, there are more exceptions where seats were either gained or none lost: 1906, 1914, 1934, 1962, 1970, 1982, 1998 and 2002. Now,…

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Senate Candidate Marsha Blackburn Launches Radio Ads to Ask Listeners to ‘Stand for the Anthem’

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Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) launched a radio ad campaign Thursday asking NFL and SuperBowl LII fans to “Stand for the Anthem.” The sixty-second spot, which reflects previous criticisms she has made of the so-called NFL-Kneelers, is set to air through Game Day, February 4th, the Columbia Daily Herald reports. The advertisement begins with an announcer in voiceover  – accompanied by a soaring musical score reminiscent of Aaron Copland’s ‘Rodeo’ – who says, “Veterans. They fought for our freedom and they deserve our respect. Every. Single. Day.” Next, the listener hears Blackburn saying, “I’m Marsha Blackburn. I stand for our veterans, the president and ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’” The announcer returns, saying, “Marsha Blackburn, Tennessee conservative.” In her own voice, Blackburn offers her argument and her request: “I think it is important that each of us take that three minutes and use that as a time to sing those words. You have freedom of speech, you have a right of peaceful protest. But during that three minutes – that belongs to people who have fought to defend the freedoms that we have.” The announcer returns, saying, “Marsha Blackburn, standing with our veterans.” Blackburn adds, “I’m Marsha Blackburn. I stand for our veterans, the president and ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’…

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Businessman Bill Lee Launches His First TV Ad for Governor

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Williamson County businessman Bill Lee announced Friday he will launch his first television ad in his bid to win the Republican nomination for governor later. The sixty-second spot, titled “Why,” will begin appearing statewide starting today, Saturday, January 27th. Its emotional message is largely biographical, focusing on Lee’s personal journey leading to his decision to run for office. “We believe it is important that voters know Bill’s personal story and what shaped him,” said Chris Devaney, Bill Lee’s campaign manager. “This ad gives a real look at who Bill is.” The commercial opens with an early morning shot of a dewy pasture, blanketed in a thick fog. In the background is a hint of piano music. “I waved good-bye to Carol-Ann and my four-year-old and they rode off on horseback,” Bill Lee says, in voiceover. “I found my daughter, later, crying and alone. Then I found Carol-Ann,” he says. “Her horse had thrown her. She lived for three days.” The video fades from the pasture through black to show Lee, in an open-collar plaid shirt. “We cried, we mourned, we struggled. We prayed.” “We healed, we started laughing again,” he says, with the camera looking over his shoulder at his personal photo album of…

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Congressman Phil Roe Still Undecided on a 2018 Re-Election Bid

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Despite questions from constituents and local media,  Representative Phil Roe (R-TN-01) has not yet announced if he will run for re-election in 2018. The most recent inquiry came from, the Kingsport Times News, who asked on a conference call Friday if the retired physician had decided if he would be adding his name to the August primary ballot. “I have not,” the ten-year incumbent answered, adding: “… from a health standpoint … I’ve had a CT (computer tomography) scan, which was normal. I’m very pleased about that. … In another three to four weeks, I’ll have a blood test to see whether that’s normal and OK. Those things will impact the decision you make. So far, I’ve gotten great results. Physically I’m feeling better.” Roe was diagnosed with an early form of prostate cancer in 2017 and is reported to have responded well to treatment. As for the timeline on when he is decide one way or another, the Times News writes that Roe said he has “some things for the VA [Veterans Administration] that are critical” and, “All of these are weighing on my decision and it’s going to be coming rather quickly. … I have a national platform now.…

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Gubernatorial Candidate Randy Boyd: The Volume is Going to be Turned Way Up

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Boyd in Kingsport

During a campaign trip to Kingsport, tucked up on the northeast corner of the state, the local newspaper spent some time with gubernatorial hopeful Randy Boyd and came away with two clear messages: the Knoxville businessman and former Haslam appointee is in-it-to-win-it, and is about to ‘turn the volume way up.’ “It’s early and in some of the early polls, when they ask about me, it’s about name ID,” Mr. Boyd told the Kingsport Times News. “[Black] usually leads with name ID, but being known and being favored to be the next governor are two different things. Most people really haven’t spent a lot of time thinking about it yet, but over the next six months, the volume is going to be turned way up. People are going to learn more and more about the candidates. I still believe they are going to vote for a nonprofessional politician and business person and outsider over some politician in D.C.” (emphasis added) Boyd’s claim to be a ‘nonprofessional politician’ is accurate. However, recall that Randy Boyd was tapped by the Haslam Administration in 2013 to serve as a special adviser on higher education, where he helped to develop the ‘Drive to 55’ initiative. It was during his…

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Kid Rock Donates $122K from Fake Campaign to College Republicans Group

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Kid Rock has donated $122,000 raised by his fake Senate campaign to a College Republicans group promoting voter registration. The singer fueled months of speculation last year that he was considering running for Democrat Debbie Stabenow’s U.S. Senate seat in Michigan as a Republican. He launched a “Kid Rock for Senate” website and raised money by selling T-shirts, bumper stickers and road signs promoting the “campaign.”

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Commentary: Americans Won’t Let Democrats Weaponize Compassion on DACA

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Jeffrey A. Rendall   It’s not a stretch to claim Americans are a compassionate people. From an early age we’re schooled by parents, pastors and teachers to look kindly on our neighbors, help them in a pinch and give regularly to churches and charities to aid the less fortunate in their time of need. Beyond taking these basic personal moral lessons to heart we’re required by law to contribute to government safety net programs such as state worker’s compensation pools and federal Social Security and Medicare funds. These programs are so ingrained and visible that everyone sees how much their paychecks are reduced every pay period to pay for them – and they’re okay with it. Politicians struggle with the percentage of every dollar that should automatically be allotted to these essentially charitable purposes, but few would seriously suggest eliminating them entirely. Privatizing federal entitlement programs is one solution but politically we’re nowhere near taking such a bold step. No one wants to see others living on the edge of life and death. Americans’ compassion is boundless…but is it endless? The Democrats must think so because they appear willing to shut down the government over the controversial Deferred Action on…

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Franklin Mayor Ken Moore and Savannah Mayor Bob Shutt Endorse Dr. Mark Green for Congress

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State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) picked up two more endorsements Thursday as Franklin Mayor Ken Moore and Savannah Mayor Bob Shutt both added their full-throated support to Green’s bid to replace Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) in this Fall’s elections. “Mark Green served our country with honor in the United States Army and has served Tennessee with honor as a State Senator,” Franklin’s Mayor Moore said in a statement. I am confident he will continue his record of distinction as the next Congressman from the Seventh Congressional District.” Savannah’s Mayor Shutt added, “Like many Tennesseans in the 7th district, Mark grew up on a dirt road in a small town and understands firsthand the challenges facing our communities. He has dedicated his life to service, and I am confident he will represent us well in Congress.” The duo brings Dr. Green’s distinguished list of Mayoral endorsements to an impressive dozen. This is in addition to a myriad of statements of support and approval from individuals and groups from all 19 counties across the district, including the endorsements from 100 conservative leaders across Tennessee and a 147-member finance committee including 14 legislators. “I’m honored to have Mayor Moore and Mayor Shutt’s endorsements” Green…

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Commentary: Jeff Flake, Not Donald Trump, Is The Real Threat To Constitutional Liberty

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by George Rasley, CHQ Editor   Yesterday, Senator Jeff Flake excoriated President Trump for launching a “war” on the media. In his remarks, Flake compared the president to Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin and warned the country that nothing less than American democracy is at stake. Anyone who has studied the history of the 20th century will likely agree that if Trump was like Stalin, then Flake would be dead or in the Gulag, and the wall on our southern border would already be finished. Flake’s over the top characterization of President Trump as a dictator is intended to obscure the fact that the real threat to constitutional liberty is not President Trump and his conservative – populist agenda, but the elitist oligarchy that controls the establishment political parties and the establishment media. It’s a cinch that you are going to lose a fight—let alone a war—that you don’t even know you are in, but for the past one hundred odd years, the grassroots conservative voters of the Republican party have been under regular attack by the very people they elected to run their Party—the establishment leadership of the GOP. As CHQ Chairman Richard Viguerie documented in his book TAKEOVER, this…

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Conservative Activist Susan Gingrich Endorses Mae Beavers for Governor

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Susan with Beavers

Mae Beavers’ campaign announced Thursday at a rally in Lenoir City that long-time conservative activist Susan Gingrich endorsed the former State Senator from Mt. Juliet in her bid to win the Republican nomination for governor in Tennessee. The campaign released this statement about the endorsement: Newt Gingrich’s sister, Tennessee resident Susan Gingrich, strongly endorsed Mae Beavers for Governor today. A rally and special announcement event were held in Lenoir City with candidate for Governor Mae Beavers and supporters from east TN in attendance. Gubernatorial Candidate Beavers said, “I’m greatly honored with this endorsement since Susan took great effort and time to research each candidate, recognizing my support for conservative ideals, President Trump’s agenda, and noting the history of the proven, conservative credentials from my time as a Representative and Senator for our great state.” Susan Gingrich spoke eloquently about the citizens of TN, why she and her husband chose our state in which to live, and why Mae Beavers is the only candidate for Governor voters should support. Susan Gingrich noted that Mae Beavers and Newt Gingrich were one of the first few to see great potential in Donald J. Trump for President, and Gingrich stated, “With your help and…

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Rep. Diane Black: Economic Optimism Is Back

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Representative Diane Black (R-TN-06) joined Charles Payne on Wednesday’s Fox News broadcast of ‘Cavuto Coast to Coast’ to discuss the possibility of a government shutdown, the inevitable blaming of Republicans by the mainstream media for it, and also the breaking news of Apple, Inc.’s decision to invest $350 billion in the United States which they say will create 20,000 new jobs. Payne opened the interview, asking, “Are the Republicans in danger of going into or cutting a deal that they don’t want because of PR pressure?” “We’re going to come out of this just fine,” Black answered. “There are always negotiations, as you know, Charles. Here in Congress we wait until the last minute which I don’t always agree with, but that’s where we are on this continuing resolution. In my opinion, we’re going to get a deal. We cannot, at this point in time, disrupt what you’ve already indicated, which is that the stock market is doing well.” Pivoting to the substance of the continuing resolution that the Democrats are balking at over the DACA non citizens, Black said, “We also need to fund our military, and this is very, very important that we don’t disrupt that. Right now, we have…

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GOP Congressional Candidate Mark Green Announces Franklin Campaign Office Opening

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State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) announced Wednesday he will open his second campaign office Saturday, January 27 in Franklin as the next step in his bid to become the Republican nominee for the 7th Congressional District in Clarksville. “Having spent a lot of time in Williamson County over the years, Camie and I have many friends here and love this community. I’m excited to have our campaign headquarters here in Franklin,” Green said in a statement. To celebrate the grand opening, Dr. Green and his wife Camie will host an open house featuring Senator Green’s chili recipe.  Although no cash donations will be accepted, the Greens are collecting canned goods to be donated to those in need in the 7th district. Dr. Green is running unopposed to secure the Republican nomination to replace Marsh Blackburn, who in turn, is seeking to represent the people of Tennessee in the U. S. Senate. In 2017, Green was nominated by President Trump to become Secretary of the Army, but he withdrew his nomination from consideration after a number of special interest groups objected to his strong record of support for Christian beliefs. He is a longtime active member of the Williamson County Republican Party’s Chairman’s Circle and…

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Club for Growth Poll Confirms Tennessee Star Poll: Marsha Blackburn Leads GOP Senate Primary by Huge Margin

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Free market conservative Club for Growth PAC released a poll Tuesday of Republican primary voters that found Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) is utterly dominating her Republican opponents in the race to replace retiring Senator Bob Corker. The poll found that Blackburn leads former Rep. Steve Fincher (R-TN-07) with Republican Primary voters by 53 points, 66 percent to 13 percent in a head-to-head match up. The findings of the Club for Growth PAC Poll, conducted between January 14 and January 15, mirror the findings of The Tennessee Star Poll conducted in December, which showed that Blackburn leads Fincher among likely Tennessee Republican primary voters by a whopping 47 points, 58 percent to 11 percent. The Club for Growth PAC Poll also showed that if incumbent Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN) were running for re-election in the Republican primary he would lose to Blackburn by 38 points. You can read the summary of the Club for Growth PAC Poll here: Today, Club for Growth PAC released poll results that not only demonstrate conservative champion Marsha Blackburn is expanding her commanding lead over Stephen Fincher in the Republican primary, but she also would be substantially ahead of ten-year incumbent Bob Corker were he to join…

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Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Lee Announces a Business Advisory Council with Over 100 Members

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Tennessee Star

Williamson County businessman Bill Lee made news Thursday with his announcement of the 100-plus member “Business Leaders for Bill Lee Coalition.” “I’ve spent my entire professional life in business, and I appreciate the support of these impressive leaders,” Lee said in a statement. “Business leaders know how to make a payroll, create jobs and grow our economy, and we need more of their know how and expertise to help improve government even more.” The coalition spans the entire state and will be Co-Chaired by three members representing East, Middle, and West Tennessee, the statement said: Kelly Wolfe, Mayor of Jonesborough and President of Wolfe Development – East Tennessee Cordia Harrington, Founder and CEO of The Bakery Cos. – Middle Tennessee Ruste Via, CEO of Christian Family Medicine – West Tennessee “As a businessman, I know we need business principles in government – putting people first, getting the job done, and being a man of your word — are important traits for the leader of our state. Bill Lee is that kind of leader,” said Wolfe. “As business leaders, we know Bill Lee is the most qualified candidate to lead Tennessee into the future. Bill brings real world business experience and…

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Education Issues May Dominate 2018 Legislative Session of the Tennessee General Assembly

Tennessee Star Staff
Tennessee Star

Several contentious education issues may highlight the legislative session of the Tennessee General Assembly that convened on Tuesday. And if a recent Tennessee Star Poll of likely GOP Primary voters is any indication, Republican legislators need to be sure they are on the right side of the issues if they want to return to the Legislature next year. IN-STATE TUITION FOR ILLEGALS. Another effort by State Senator Todd Gardenhire (R- Chattanooga) to resurrect a plan to allow illegal immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition at Tennessee colleges and universities is under consideration. A Tennessee Star Poll conducted in December 2017 that focused on GOP Primary voters underlines how support for using taxpayer funds to subsidize tuition for illegal aliens may be for Republican candidates facing primary opposition. Those polled were asked: In 2018, the Tennessee state legislature is expected to reconsider a bill to make tax-payer subsidized in-state college tuition available to illegal immigrant students. Do you support or oppose providing taxpayer subsidized in-state college tuition to illegal immigrant students? The question resulted in an astronomically high level of opposition, with 88.3% opposing in-state tuition for illegals while 6.4% were supportive and only 5.3% were undecided. The poll results are…

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Rebecca Anne Burke Pulls Petitions To Start Bid to Replace Retiring State Rep. Charles Sargent

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Well-known conservative activist Rebecca Anne Burke’s campaign to replace retiring State Representative Charles Sargent (R-Franklin) hit the ground running this week when  the conservative firebrand picked up her qualifying petitions, the first step in the process to get on the ballot for the August Republican primary. Burke surprised political watchers last September when she declared her intention to challenge Rep. Sargent, a 20-year incumbent, to represent the people of State House District 61, which includes North Franklin, Cool Springs, West and Central Brentwood. “Many think that we should be worried about the ‘Swamp’ in Washington D.C., but my sights are focused on the ‘Swamp’ in Tennessee,” she said at the time. Less than a month later, Sargent announced he would not seek re-election. Currently Burke serves as Williamson County’s State Executive Committeewoman to the Republican Party’s Board of Directors, an office she won in a four-way contest in 2014. In addition to her duties as a Republican Party official, she is a tireless presence in many key wins across the South. In 2016, she served the Trump presidential campaign as voter outreach phone center coordinator in the Orlando, Florida. Most recently, Burke traveled to Georgia to help Karen Handel defeat the heavily favored Democrat en jeune Jon Ossoff in…

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Complaint Filed Against Former State Senator Jim Tracy for Alleged Violation of the Hatch Act over Fundraiser for Shane Reeves

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A complaint has been filed against former State Senator Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) for allegedly violating the Hatch Act for his participation in a fundraiser for candidate Shane Reeves, whom Tracy has endorsed to replace him. Tom Humphrey published a brief statement by John Anderson, the author of the complaint: An official complaint has been filed with the federal Office of Special Counsel charging Jim Tracy, newly appointed U.S. Department of Agriculture Director of Rural Development for Tennessee, with violation of the Hatch Act. Tracy recently hosted a political fundraising event for Republican candidate Shane Reeves, thereby violating federal law. The complaint was filed by retired schoolteacher John Anderson of Bell Buckle. Reeves is a political associate and protege of Tracy and is running with Tracy’s support for Tracy’s abandoned seat in the Tennessee state Senate. In an email sent out by Reeves’ Campaign Finance Director Rachel Barrett on November 7, 2017, recipients were solicited to attend a November 16 campaign fundraising event for Reeves hosted by Tracy. According to the Tennessee USDA Rural Development website, Tracy officially became a federal employee on November 13, 2017. His hosting a fundraiser for Reeves three days later was therefore a violation of federal law. Under…

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Longtime Cleveland Mayor Announces Retirement, Endorses State Representative Kevin Brooks as His Replacement

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State Representative Kevin Brooks (R-Cleveland) announced in a tweet Thursday morning that he would not be seeking re-election to a 6th term in at Legislative Plaza, but instead, he will run for Mayor of Cleveland, Tennessee, the Bradley County city with a population of more than 40,000. Thank You for the opportunity to serve the greatest city in Tennessee, in the TN House of Representatives. After much prayer, I will not seek re-election to the House, but offer myself as a candidate for Mayor of Cleveland TN. We ask for your Prayers, your Support, & your Vote. pic.twitter.com/hwQtwlPKSs — Mayor Kevin Brooks (@MayorKBrooks) January 4, 2018 In a joint press conference with Brooks, sitting Mayor Tom Rowland, who was first elected in 1991 and is now retiring, endorsed Brooks as his replacement. The announcement was broadcast on Facebook Live: JC Bowman, executive director of Professional Educators of Tennessee, a non-partisan teacher association headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, is one person who will definitely not be running for the seat in the Tennessee House of Representatives Brooks will be leaving. “I have been contacted by several people in my hometown who have inquired if I would have any interest,” Bowman said in a statement released on…

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State Representative John Forgety Will Not Run for Re-Election in 2018

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In an open letter to his hometown newspaper, The Daily Post-Athenian, State Representative John Forgety (R-Athens) announced Friday he would not seek re-election in 2018: To the citizens of the 23rd District of the Tennessee House of Representatives of McMinn and Monroe counties. After a great deal of prayer and consideration, Faye and I have decided that it would be best if I were to retire from the House of Representatives as of November 2018. I will be finishing my fourth and current term of the 110th General Assembly, but will not be seeking re-election. Serving the people of the 23rd District is truly an honor and a privilege. I am forever grateful that you have allowed me to serve four terms in this office. My experience in office is and has been a blessing to Faye and me. It is graphically obvious that the democracy and government of the people, by the people, and for the people truly works. If I can be of service during my final year in office, do not hesitate to contact me. May the good Lord hold you in the palm of his hand and bless you and keep you, and may he continue to…

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Marsha Blackburn Welcomes President Trump’s Help in Her Bid to Replace Trump Antagonist Senator Bob Corker

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During Representative Marsha Blackburn’s (R-TN-07) appearance Thursday on CNN’s “The Lead,” she seemed to surprise guest host Dana Bash with the suggestion that President Trump would be a welcome addition to the campaign trail in Tennessee as she seeks to replace the retiring junior Senator Bob Corker. As The Tennessee Star has reported extensively, before and especially after making the announcement he would not be seeking re-election, Bob Corker has repeatedly attacked President Trump in the media, calling into question the freshman executive’s mental state, negotiating skills, integrity, motivations, and more. Blackburn’s apparent open invitation to the President is a marked contrast to Corker – but no surprise, considering voters chose Mr. Trump over Hillary Clinton by more than 60 percent. Guest host Dana Bash asked Blackburn, “You’re in a big race down there in Tennessee. Do you want President Trump to come and campaign with you?” Blackburn answered, “What I want to do is spend my time working with the voters of this state, and that’s my focus,” Blackburn answered. “You know, President Trump is very popular in Tennessee. And people are so encouraged by the work that he has done in passing tax reform, Gorsuch to the Supreme Court–” Interrupting with crosstalk, Bash pressed,…

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Businessman Randy Boyd Claimed Over $30 Million in Taxable Income Over the Last Two Years Alone

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Boyds Tax Returns

Gubernatorial hopeful Randy Boyd, together with his wife Jenny, earned a total of more than $30 in taxable income over the last two years of reporting, according to documents reviewed by The Tennessean. The revelations come as media giant USA Today Network – Tennessee requested – and received exclusively – tax returns from the Knoxville based businessman. The documents are among a slew of information delivered by a number of the top-tier candidates running for Governor in 2018. In addition to Dean and Boyd, the Network asked Democrat Craig Fitzhugh, and Republicans Representative Diane Black, s\State House Speaker Beth Harwell, Williamson County businessman Bill Lee, and former state Senator Mae Beavers to submit their tax returns from 2013 to 2016. The Tennessee Star recently reported on Democrat Karl Dean’s remarkable $19 million haul over a four year period – which pales in comparison to Boyd. The Boyds initially declined to share their personal tax returns, opting instead to consider releasing them at a later date, The Tennessean reports. Ultimately, the couple shared only their IRS 1040 forms from 2015 and 2016 – and with them, the promise to share tax returns with the Network for the years Randy Boyd serves in office as Governor.  The information shared in the…

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Republicans Should Not Allow Elites to Set the Election Table in 2018

Tennessee Star Staff

by Jeffrey A. Rendall   Let’s not get carried away here. To say last week and (more broadly) even the last month was good for President Donald Trump (and to some extent, the entirety of the Republican congressional majority) does not require a great leap of logic. Together GOP elected leaders passed a major tax overhaul, put the American people’s future earnings back in their own pockets, pushed through a budget extension with a bit of Democrat cooperation, threatened to pull the monetary rug out from under the UN and various other actions that made conservatives smile. But we still must remember the new year arrives in a few days and with it Congress will return to the capital facing a whole new set of political barriers and an election in eleven months that promises to be challenging to keep a hold on GOP majorities while battling an enraged liberal half of the public that craves blood and won’t settle for much less. And we haven’t even mentioned the big leftist donors who will be unleashing their fortunes to search every nook and cranny for votes (legal and illegal) to purchase for use against Trump. Democrats will pull out all…

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Ten Municipal and County Mayors Endorse Dr. Mark Green for Congress

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Dr. Mark Green for Congress announced Thursday that 10 municipal and county mayors – all hailing from the 7th Congressional District’s Williamson and Montgomery Counties – have endorsed the popular state Senator to replace Representative Marsha Blackburn in the U. S. House. “Having run a business based in Williamson County and as an active member of our county Republican Party, Mark Green is well-known and well-liked in our county,” Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson said in a statement. “I’m proud to support him and look forward to him being our next Congressman representing Williamson County.” Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett added, “As a successful business leader, physician, and Army veteran, Mark Green knows what it takes to lead. I’ve worked closely with him the last few years for Montgomery County citizens and am confident he will take the effective leadership we’ve seen here to Congress.” The announcement indicated that this was the first of what will be a series of such endorsements. So far, the list features: Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson Erin Mayor Paul Bailey Fairview Mayor Patti Carroll Houston County Mayor George Clark Ethridge Mayor Robin Cobb Montgomery County Mayor Jim Durrett Spring Hill Mayor Rick Graham Stewart County Mayor Rickie Joiner…

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Failed Former Governor Don Sundquist – Who Tried To Force State Income Tax on Tennesseans–‘Is Helping Randy Boyd’ In His Gubernatorial Race

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Sundquist Boyd

Don Sundquist, the establishment Republican who failed in his efforts to force a state income tax on Tennesseans when he served as the state’s governor between 1995 and 2003, has a new political purpose–he wants to help his “friend and neighbor” Randy Boyd become the next governor of the state. The Tennessee Star obtained a copy of the Sundquist family Christmas Letter for 2017 in which the former governor and his wife issued a call for help and support in the gubernatorial campaign of Knoxville-area businessman, Randy Boyd. At the end of the second paragraph of the five-paragraph missive, the Sundquists boast about the many high-level political events they have been a part of through the year. After a quick recap of what was undoubtedly a beautiful week spent in a villa in Tuscany, Italy, the couple talk about their time in Washington, D.C. for the 50th anniversary of the Fund for American Studies that the letter says former Governor Sundquist “has been a part of since its inception.” A notable high point of the event was a featured speech by the newest member of the Supreme Court, Justice Neil Gorsuch. Next, the letter sets up for a pivot and an ‘ask,’ with:…

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State Senator Jack Johnson Endorses Mark Green for Congress

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In the latest of what is shaping up to be an impressive list of endorsements and statements of support, State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) announced Wednesday that fellow State Senator Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) has given him the nod to replace Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) in the 2018 primary to be held August 2. “Having worked side by side with Mark Green, I have witnessed his principled and effective conservative leadership firsthand,” Johnson said in a statement. “With all the dysfunction going on in Congress today, we need to send someone to Washington who will represent us as well as Congressman Marsha Blackburn has. Mark is the perfect man for the job.” First elected to the State Senate in 2007, Johnson is the Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. “I’ve been proud to serve alongside Jack Johnson in the State Senate,” Green said. “Jack is one of our finest leaders, and both Williamson County and Tennessee have benefited tremendously from his leadership.” The announcement is the latest in a long and growing list of endorsements: Green has coalesced the support of Republicans across the spectrum. Nationally, he has received the endorsements of the Club for Growth, Family Research Council, and House Freedom…

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Rep. Diane Black Will Step Down as House Budget Committee Chair After Trump Tax Cut Victory

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Diane Black

In an op-ed appearing on FoxNews.com, Representative Diane Black (R-TN-06) announced Wednesday she will step down as House Budget Committee Chair in time for the Republican House Leadership to select a new Chair in January.  While she will no longer be in that leadership role, she will continue to serve in Congress as she campaigns to be Tennessee’s next Governor. “What a difference a year makes,” she begins: Twelve months ago, the country was ending one of the most fiscally irresponsible presidencies of the modern age. Now we’re wrapping up a year of bold fiscal leadership from President Trump and conservatives in the U.S. House of Representatives. I became chairman of the House Budget Committee one year ago and have been proud to serve in that role along with our new president. He has pushed an agenda of action – responsible budgeting, repealing ObamaCare’s worst mandates, and aggressive tax-cutting to get our economy going. This has been exactly the kind of work I came to Congress to do and we have done it. But my heart has always been at home. This why today I’m announcing that I will now step down as chairman of the House Budget Committee, while continuing…

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New Group Seeks to Elect ‘Scientists’ Like Phil Bredesen to Office

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Liberals have launched a new effort to recruit scientists to run for office. One of their favorite “scientists” is former Gov. Phil Bredesen, who is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee. The new group, named ‘314 Action’ after the first three digits of the mathematical constant “pi,” TheHill.com welcomed them to the national political scene: A group focused on recruiting and training scientists to run for office is eyeing two more key House and Senate races as it plans to ramp up involvement in the 2018 midterms. 314 Action, named after the first three digits of pi, is closely watching the race for Rep. Dave Reichert’s (R-WA) open seat and the Tennessee Senate race, which has garnered some national attention. But the group has yet to make endorsements in either race. Former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D), who has a bachelor’s degree in physics, is running for the open seat in Tennessee. He’s seen as a top recruit for Democrats in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate in nearly 30 years. In the race to fill Reichert’s seat, the group is closely watching pediatrician Kim Schrier (D), who’s running in a crowded…

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Republicans Face Huge Challenge to Keep Capitol Hill Majorities in 2018

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Despite a booming economy and a general peace, Republicans could lose both chambers of Congress in 2018 elections, say GOP political observers. With recent statewide losses in Alabama, New Jersey and Virginia, Republicans face a big challenge in retaining control of Congress. It’s a bleak picture with less than a year to go for crucial midterm elections, but Republicans can escape minority status, according to GOP political experts.

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State Senator Mark Green Picks Up Another Endorsement in His Congressional Bid to Replace Rep. Marsha Blackburn

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State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) announced Wednesday another conservative group, GOPAC, has endorsed him in his congressional run to represent to people of District 7 on the U. S. House of Representatives. “Because of Dr. Green’s active involvement in our programs, we can attest to his dedication to advancing ideas to make our lives easier, safer and better. His medical background of taking care of soldiers in combat as well as founding a healthcare company will bring a much-needed perspective to the conversation of fixing our broken healthcare system. Further, his work to end the Hall Income Tax will serve him well as President Trump and Congress push to give Americans a pay raise by reducing the federal tax burden.” GOPAC Chairman David Avella said in a statement, adding: The GOPAC Election Fund is focused on assisting GOPAC-affiliated state legislators running for federal office in their Primary and General Elections. Our endorsement includes receiving the maximum allowable federal contribution. In addition, GOPAC members and followers will be encouraged to donate directly to Dr. Green. We will also consider bolstering him through independent expenditures that will exclusively tout his biography and ideas for addressing the challenges facing America. Dr. Green responded,…

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Representative Diane Black on Tax Reform: ‘Let’s Get Our Job Done’

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Representative Diane Black (R-TN-06) joined Neil Cavuto on Fox News to talk about the final steps in completing tax reform for the American people. “We have got to get this done. The American people are just not going to accept the fact that we do not get our job done. We’ve talked about this for years. I’ve been here for 7 years and we’ve been working on this for 7 years. We need to get this over the line and it’s going to be great Christmas present for all the American people, especially those in the middle income and they’ll see that at the first of next year – I think in February is what the IRS says is they can put these in place. And they’re actually going to see that money in their pocket.” Watch the full segment here:

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Mackler Withdraws from Senate Race to Clear Democratic Field For Bredesen, Launches Anti-Blackburn PAC

Tim Dukeman

Democrat James Mackler announced on Thursday that he is withdrawing from the race to replace retiring Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), a move that clears the Democratic field for front-runner, 74-year-old former Gov. Phil Bredesen. Mackler also launched a political action committee called “Believe in Service” to “continue holding anti-service extremists like Marsha Blackburn accountable,” WATE reported. An Iraq War veteran, Mackler, launched his campaign for the Democratic nomination in April. After Bredesen’s entry into the race for the Democratic nomination last week the 44-year-old Mackler likely did not see a path to the nomination against the far better-known Bredesen, as his announcement indicated: This is a moment for unity and we cannot risk dividing those seeking change in Washington because there is no time to waste. While I am stepping back from this U.S. Senate race, I will continue holding anti-service extremists like Marsha Blackburn accountable through a political action committee called “Believe in Service.” Using the platform Tennesseans helped me build, “Believe in Service” will support federal candidates who will protect and expand our national service programs that provide so many opportunities for service here and abroad. It has been an honor to have been a candidate during this critical time in our democracy and I am humbled…

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Vice President Mike Pence’s PAC Gives the Nod to Gubernatorial Candidate Diane Black with a Campaign Donation

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Republican gubernatorial candidate Rep. Diane Black (R-TN-06) received an early Christmas present in the form of a donation from Vice President Mike Pence’s leadership PAC, Great American Committee, the campaign announced in a statement on Tuesday. Black tweeted her appreciation for the support later that afternoon: Thanks to my friend @VP Mike Pence for donating to my campaign! Proud to work with you and @realDonaldTrump to make America great again! https://t.co/YzGqbq4N9b — Diane Black (@DianeBlackTN) December 13, 2017 Along with the donation was a letter of encouragement from Mr. Pence. “President Donald Trump and I are grateful for your steadfast support, your principled leadership, and your strong stand with our administration. It’s remarkable to think about everything we’ve accomplished in partnership with leaders like you,” it begins. The letter continues on Great America Committee letterhead: We’re keeping our promise to Make America Prosperous Again. We’ve slashed regulations at a record pace, unleashed American energy, and laid the groundwork for historic tax cuts, infrastructure reform, and more. Noe the American economy is roaring once again. And to Make America Safe Again, our administration is rebuilding our military, supporting out veterans, standing with the men and women of law enforcement, and restoring the credibility…

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Mae Beavers Applauds President Trump’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of Israel

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From her campaign headquarters in Mount Juliet, former State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Mae Beavers delivered a powerful statement in favor of President Trump’s announcement that the United States will officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I am proud to support President Trump’s historic decision to put U.S. law, passed overwhelmingly in 1995, into effect by moving our Embassy in Israel to the capital in Jerusalem. The status quo has NOT produced peace between the Palestinians and the Israelis, and President Trump is absolutely correct to move forward with what has been U.S. policy — at least on paper — for 22 years. If the Palestinians and their terrorist supporters react with violence, as they have threatened to do, that will simply confirm that they have no real interest in a peaceful solution to the divisions in that region. It will prove that they simply want to dictate terms beneficial only to them rather than being part of a resolution that can produce peaceful coexistence with Israel. I am happy to stand with President Trump and Israel as we prepare to move our embassy to the rightful capital of Israel. National security is a Tennessee security issue. We cannot…

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Phil Bredesen Hit Over ‘Record of Covering Up Sexual Assault Allegations’ One Day After Announcing Senate Campaign

Tim Dukeman
Phil Bredesen

Just hours after announcing his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, claims of cover ups of sexual assault allegations have resurfaced against former Gov. Phil Bredesen, the front-runner for the Democratic nomination for the 2018 Senate seat being vacated by retiring incumbent Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN). While two major national press organizations published major investigative stories that Bredesen has a “record of covering up sexual assault allegations,” the dominant local news media outlets in Tennessee, the newspapers that make up the USA Today-Tennessee group, apparently made no mention of it on Friday. Bredesen is facing withering criticism over his handling of sexual assault investigations that were conducted of top officials in his administration while he was Governor of Tennessee, according to a Washington Free Beacon article on Friday, “Top Dem in Tennessee Senate Race Has Record of Covering Up Sexual Assault Allegations: As governor, Phil Bredesen’s office covered up details of harassment allegations against top officials,” which reported: Tennessee Democrat Phil Bredesen, a top party recruit who announced his Senate campaign on Thursday morning, was criticized for hiding details of sexual assault investigations into his top officials during his tenure as the state’s governor. The campaign announcement by Bredesen, who was Tennessee’s governor from…

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Lee Thomas Miller, GOP 7th Congressional District Candidate, Strongly Supports President Trump’s Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital

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Conservative Republican songwriter Lee Thomas Miller, a candidate for the Seventh Congressional District GOP nomination, issued a statement of strong support Friday for President Trump’s announcement that the United States will recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and that the U.S. embassy will be relocated to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv: As President Trump said in making the announcement, failing to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has not led to lasting peace in the region. The Trump Administration action is consistent with current U.S. law and reaffirms what we already know: Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people and Israel for thousands of years in every way but modern political designation. I support President Trump’s decision and applaud him for his courage and for keeping his often repeated campaign promise to do exactly what he has done. I am proud to stand with him and Israel, which remains our strongest ally in the region. President Trump also noted in his historic announcement that The Jerusalem Embassy Act was passed in Congress by an overwhelming bipartisan majority. In the Senate, the bill passed on Oct. 24, 1995, by a 93-5 margin. Later that day, the House followed suit,…

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7th Congressional District GOP Candidate Mark Green Signs Term Limits and Taxpayer Protection Pledges

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In his latest move to replace outgoing Representative Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07), State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) has signed two pledges many conservative and Republican voters look to when evaluating a candidate for office. Today, Dr. Mark Green announced he has signed both the U.S. Term Limits Pledge as well as the Taxpayer Protection Pledge. A part-time citizen legislator, Green has consistently fought against both career politicians and tax increases. “I am proud to have championed both term limits and lower taxes in Tennessee, and will continue to fight for both if elected to Congress,” stated Green. “President Trump is right–Washington, D.C. is a swamp, and we need term limits to drain it. My pledge to Tennesseans is I will continue to be a citizen legislator and fight against any tax increase on them.” In the State Senate, Green has won numerous recognition for his efforts on behalf of Tennessee taxpayers, including the Tax Foundation’s Outstanding Achievement in State Tax Reform award, National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Guardian of Small Business award and the ACU Conservative award from the American Conservative Union. Green faces songwriter Lee Thomas Miller in the August 2018 Republican primary to become the party’s nominee in the…

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Maury County Republican Party Chairman Scott Cepicky Declares His Candidacy to Replace Retiring State Representative Sheila Butt

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Scott Cepicky

Early speculation came to pass Thursday as Maury Republican County Chair Scott Cepicky announced he is running to represent the people of State District 64 in the Tennessee House of Representatives. In an open-letter style statement, Cepicky said: As most of you know by now, State Representative Sheila Butt will not be seeking re-election in 2018. She has devoted the last six years to successfully serving the people of Maury County. Her passion and enthusiasm for the belief in Faith, Family and Freedom has endeared her to the citizens of our county. Today, after much prayer and thoughtful consideration, and with advice from family and friends, I hereby announce my intention to seek the nomination of the Republican Party for the position of State Representative for the 64th District. I will pick up the mantle of Faith, Family and Freedom and continue to move our county forward. I appreciate the support of Representative Butt, and her team in this endeavor. Representative Butt and I have developed a professional friendship and respect for each other’s beliefs and work ethic. I am honored to receive her endorsement and am humbled by the responsibility that comes with the position of representing friends and…

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Mark West Responds to Tea Party and Liberty Movement Pushback over His Endorsement of Diane Black for Governor

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After careful consideration over the course of several months, Chattanooga Tea Party Founder and President Mark West decided to endorse Rep. Diane Black (R-TN-06) in her bid for governor, as The Tennessee Star reported on Wednesday. An experienced activist, West was an early organizer of the Tea Party rallies in 2009 with his founding of the Chattanooga Tea Party. For nearly a decade, he has poured his time, talent and personal resources into critical efforts to promote politicians and policies that live up to his high standard of constitutional muster. West has won more political battles than he’s lost and along the way, has emerged as one of Tennessee’s most respected leaders of the Liberty movement. He expected some pushback from factions among his friends and allies in Tennessee’s conservative grassroots community for his endorsement of Rep. Black. But when some strident “keyboard warriors” began to attack Rep. Black’s stance on the sanctity of life, West decided to respond via a semi-private Facebook channel. With his permission, we publish his full remarks, here: Following my endorsement of Diane Black for Governor, there has been a harsh response from some. The personal attacks are fine. Sadly, I’ve come to realize that’s the norm from…

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Senator Al Franken Will Resign ‘In a Couple of Weeks’ Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations

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Sen. Al Franken on Thursday announced he was quitting the austere upper chamber amid mounting accusations that he forcibly kissed or groped women, bowing to resignation calls from at least 32 of his fellow Senate Democrats. However, he said he was stepping down despite knowing he was not guilty of the behavior described by his accusers. He said it was the right thing to do for the people of Minnesota.

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Congressional Candidate Mark Green Announces 147-Member Finance Committee

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State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville), a candidate for the Republican nomination in the 7th Congressional District, announced his campaign finance committee Thursday, as the candidate gears up for the grand opening of his first campaign office December 19: Today, Dr. Mark Green announced his 147-member Finance Committee for his campaign for Congress. 68 members of the General Assembly are on the Finance Committee, including 14 legislators who represent all 19 of the 19 counties in the 7th congressional district. Among the well-known Republican fundraisers on the Committee are former Williamson County Republican Party chairman Doug Grindstaff, former Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, and business leaders Lee Beaman and Willis Johnson. The full list can be found here: http://www.markgreen4tn.com/finance_committee “Camie and I are truly honored and humbled to have this powerhouse group of political and business leaders on our finance committee. With this team’s leadership, we will have the resources to win this race,” Green noted. In the two months since announcing his run for Congress, Green has coalesced the conservative movement both nationally and in Tennessee behind his campaign, with endorsements from the Club for Growth, Family Research Council Action, the House Freedom Fund, Senator Ted Cruz, Senator Rick Santorum, Dr.…

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State Rep. Sheila Butt Will Not Run for Re-Election in 2018

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Sheila Butt

In what was considered a bit of a surprise to her fellow Republicans and the Tennessee political community in general, State Rep. Sheila Butt (R-Columbia) announced Tuesday afternoon she will not run for re-election when her term ends in January 2019. Butt has been one of the most reliably conservative members of the Tennessee House of Representatives since her election in 2010. Republicans are now looking for someone of similar stature to hold the seat for the party, while Democrats believe that the seat–considered unwinnable for them as long as Butt was in office–might come into play again in 2018. Through a statement appearing in The Columbia Daily Herald, Butt said, “After much prayer and consideration, I will not be running for re-election for the next General Assembly which will convene in January of 2019.” Adding: Being a representative of the people was never intended by our Founding Fathers to be a profession, and was specifically designed to be a limited time of public service. As the year ends and January is approaching, I am looking forward to the second half of the 110th General Assembly beginning in 2018. It has truly been one of the highest honors in my life…

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