Tag: Beth Harwell

Treasurer for Group Behind Attacks on Rep. Andy Ogles Is Former Tennessee Republican Party Director Who Endorsed Democrat in 2022

Tom Pappert
Randy Stamps

Federal Election Commission (FEC) documents confirm Randy Stamps is the treasurer for the Conservatives with Character super PAC, which so far has reportedly spent at least $140,000 on ads targeting Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN-05).

Stamps’ involvement in an effort which could benefit the only Republican to challenge Ogles, Metro Nashville Councilwoman Courtney Johnston, comes after he backed Ogles’ previous political opponent, former Tennessee House Representative Beth Harwell, in 2022.

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Fraternal Order of Police Endorses Beth Harwell in TN-5 Race

Aaron Gulbransen

Former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell announced on Monday that the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) endorsed her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives.

James Smallwood, the President of the Nashville Fraternal Order of Police, said in a statement provided to The Tennessee Star, “As speaker, Beth Harwell always prioritized public safety in Tennessee and was attentive to the needs of law enforcement professionals as we worked to promote safer and stronger communities across the State. Now, more than ever, we need that same attention in Washington D.C. The members of the Nashville Fraternal Order of Police are proud to support Beth Harwell for Congress because we know she’s the right person for the job!”

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Beth Harwell Blasts ‘Washington D.C. Groups Trying to Buy Tennessee’s 5th District’, Says ‘D.C. Swamp Will Control Andy Ogles’

Aaron Gulbransen

Tennessee 5th Congressional candidate Beth Harwell called out “Washington D.C. groups trying to buy Tennessee’s 5th District” and said “the D.C. Swamp will control Andy Ogles.”

“Tennessee’s 5th District has become the newest playground for Washington D.C. insider groups looking to handpick the next representative. They can’t vote in this district, I bet most have never even been to Tennessee, but they’ve spent millions misleading voters and propping up Andy Ogles,” the former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives said in a press statement.

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TN-5 Candidate Beth Harwell Criticizes Biden Administration over Recession Rhetoric and ‘Disastrous Policies’

Aaron Gulbransen

In a statement made on Tuesday and obtained by The Tennessee Star, Tennessee 5th Congressional District candidate and former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell took the Biden administration to task over it’s rhetoric on a possible economic recession and “their disastrous policies.”

“The Biden Administration wants to change the definition for ‘recession’ because they’re trying to cover up their disastrous policies that have put the American economy in this position. The American people are smart enough to see what they’re doing,” said Harwell.

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TN-5 Candidates Winstead and Harwell Show Significant Cash on Hand in 2nd Quarter FEC Reports, Ogles and Two Others Miss Filing Deadline

Aaron Gulbransen

The July 15 deadline for federal candidates to file their Federal Election Commission (FEC) second-quarter campaign finance reports has passed, and six of the nine candidates for the Republican nomination for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat have reports that are available for public viewing.

The FEC second-quarter reporting period covers April 1 through June 30.

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Exclusive: Beth Harwell’s Campaign for TN-5 Releases ‘Back the Blue’ Plan

Aaron Gulbransen

In an exclusive statement obtained by The Tennessee Star on Sunday, former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell’s campaign in the August 4 Republican primary contest for TN-5 announced her “Back the Blue” plan to support police and law enforcement.

Harwell’s six point plan calls for funding law enforcement officers and making sure they have the resources and training they need to fight crime.

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Exclusive: Beth Harwell Says ‘Joe Biden is Destroying America’ in New TN-5 Campaign Ad

Aaron Gulbransen

In an exclusive obtained by The Tennessee Star, former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell says that “Joe Biden is destroying America,” in her latest television ad for the August 4 Republican primary in the race for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat.

The ad begins with a voiceover from a narrator that says, “Chaos at the border, crime in our neighborhoods, runaway inflation – Joe Biden is destroying America.”

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Club for Growth-Affiliated Super PAC Launches $400K in TV and Radio Attack Ads Against Kurt Winstead and Beth Harwell in TN-5 Race

Aaron Gulbransen

On Friday, a Club for Growth-controlled federal super PAC, the School Freedom Fund PAC, launched a nearly $400,000 television and radio attack advertising blitz against Kurt Winstead and Beth Harwell in the August 4 Republican primary in the race for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat.

The ads attack Winstead’s Democrat voter and donor history as well as Harwell’s endorsement in the 2018 Tennessee governor’s race from a teacher’s association that endorsed in both the Republican and Democrat primaries.

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Harwell Scorches Liberal Prosecutors and Defund the Police Movement in Comments on Jose Alba Self Defense Situation

Aaron Gulbransen

TN-5 candidate and former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell castigated liberal prosecutors and the defund the police movement in comments that she made on the case of Jose Alba where he was charged with second-degree murder that even New York City Democrats said was a clear instance of self defense.

“It seems liberal prosecutors and district attorneys are more focused on cracking down on law abiding citizens than criminals.” Said Beth Harwell.

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Bulk of TN-5 Republican Primary Field Stands with Tennessee National Guard Members

Aaron Gulbransen

Most of the Republican field in the August 4 primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat has now voiced their support for the National Guard members who are scheduled to be fired on June 30 due to their defiance of a COVID-19 vaccination mandate.

Previously reported, former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell was the first TN-5 candidate to issue a statement in support of the National Guard soldiers, saying:

The Biden Administration’s forced COVID-19 vaccination policy for men and women in the military is absolutely wrong and it’s another example of more overreach by the federal government. I stand with the hundreds of National Guard members who could be removed from service and urge those who can help them to do so.

We shouldn’t fire these brave soldiers serving our country by keeping Tennessee safe. They made the decision to serve and I believe they can make their own personal medical decisions.

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Former Speaker of Tennessee House Beth Harwell Issues Statement in Support of National Guard Members

Aaron Gulbransen

Former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell issued a statement in support of the National Guard members who are scheduled to be fired on June 30 due to their refusal to comply with the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

“The Biden Administration’s forced COVID-19 vaccination policy for men and women in the military is absolutely wrong and it’s another example of more overreach by the federal government,” said Harwell.

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Exclusive: Beth Harwell Lauds SCOTUS Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade

Aaron Gulbransen

TN-5 candidate and former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell, in an exclusive statement sent to The Tennessee Star, lauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

“The Supreme Court made the right decision by overturning Roe v. Wade. I believe we must protect the right of the unborn and make sure those who can’t defend themselves have a voice,” Harwell said.

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Exclusive: Beth Harwell Describes What She Learned at U.S. Southern Border

Aaron Gulbransen

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – Tennessee 5th Congressional candidate and former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell shared with The Tennessee Star what she learned during her trip to the U.S. southern border.

Harwell visited to Naco, Arizona on May 26th to visit the wall and attain firsthand experience on the problems that arise on the southern border.

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Exclusive: TN-5 Candidate Beth Harwell Releases First TV Ad: ‘We Must Secure the Border’

Aaron Gulbransen

In an exclusive release first obtained by The Tennessee Star, former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell unveiled her first television ad for the August 4 Republican primary in the race for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat.

In the ad, Harwell calls on Congress to finish President Trump’s wall, fight for tougher penalties on criminals and ban sanctuary cities.

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Beth Harwell Celebrates Flag Day, Announces Support for Constitutional Ban on Burning American Flag

Aaron Gulbransen

In a statement first obtained by The Tennessee Star, former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives and a Republican candidate in the August 4 primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District Beth Harwell celebrated Flag Day and announced her support for a Constitutional amendment that would make burning the American flag illegal. 

“The American Flag is the greatest pillar of freedom across the globe. It is a guiding light to our troops and a symbol of hope to men, women, and children around the world who suffer under authoritarian regimes. Desecration of our flag is the greatest disrespect for the ideals our Founding Fathers sought to establish and to all who have given their lives to defend it. We must protect our flag and our freedom by passing a Constitutional amendment that outlaws the burning of our nation’s flag,” said Harwell.

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Exclusive: Beth Harwell Releases Border Security Plan After Visit to U.S. Southern Border in May

Aaron Gulbransen

In an exclusive document provided to The Tennessee Star, TN-5 candidate and former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell announced that she visited the U.S. southern border in May and released her border security plan.

Harwell’s campaign confirmed that she visited the U.S. southern border on May 26, likely making her the first TN-5 candidate to make that trip.

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Exclusive: Pro-Life SBA List’s Candidate Fund PAC Endorses Beth Harwell for TN-5

Aaron Gulbransen
Beth Harwell

In an exclusive announcement provided to The Tennessee Star, the Pro-Life Susan B. Anthony List’s candidate fund political action committee endorsed former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell, in the race for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat.

“Beth Harwell is a faithful champion of the unborn who proves that pro-life is truly pro-woman,” said Hon. Marilyn Musgrave, SBA List’s vice president of government affairs.

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Several TN-5 Candidates Come Out Against $40 Billion Ukraine Aid Package

Aaron Gulbransen

Several candidates in the Tennessee 5th Congressional District GOP primary have announced their public opposition to the recently approved aid package to Ukraine.

In addition to former Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell and Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles, candidates General Kurt Winstead, Jeff Beierlein, and Tres Wittum have come out against the $40 billion Ukraine aid package.

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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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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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Maury County Mayor and U.S House Candidate Andy Ogles Wins Another TN-5 Straw Poll

Julie Carr

Aaron Gulbransen, Political Reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network, reported from the Marshall County Republican Party Annual Dinner and Straw Poll in Lewisburg, Tennessee.

He interviewed several candidates in the Republican Primary for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District seat, including Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles, former Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives Beth Harwell, and State Senate aide Tres Wittum.

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Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles Dominates in Wilson County GOP TN-5 Straw Poll Results

Aaron Gulbransen

Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles dominated in a straw poll held by the Wilson County GOP, the first test of grassroots strength in the contest for the Republican nomination in the race for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District.

The straw poll was conducted at the conclusion of the candidate forum hosted by the Wilson County GOP. The Tennessee Star’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief Michael Patrick Leahy served as the master of ceremonies. The people of Wilson County packed the room and showed tremendous excitement for the upcoming elections.

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National Conservative Women’s PAC Maggie’s List Endorses Beth Harwell for TN-5

Aaron Gulbransen

Former Speaker of the Tennessee House Beth Harwell has earned the endorsement of Maggie’s List in the race for Tennessee’s Fifth Congressional District. Maggie’s List is a federal political action committee (PAC) dedicated to electing fiscally conservative women.

In a release, Harwell said of the endorsement, “I’m honored to have the backing of such a prominent group, like Maggie’s List, that’s leading the way to get conservative women elected to Congress. We can restore America’s greatness by securing our border, lowering taxes, and ending the reckless spending that’s causing inflation.”

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Retired Brig. General and TN-5 GOP Primary Candidate Kurt Winstead Announces Key Campaign Personnel

Aaron Gulbransen

Retired Brig. General Kurt Winstead announced key personnel additions to his campaign for the Republican primary for Tennessee’s 5th congressional district.

The Winstead campaign announced that Chris Devaney, campaign manager for Governor Bill Lee’s 2018 campaign, will serve as senior advisor to the campaign. Kim Kaegi, a veteran of numerous successful campaigns across Tennessee, will serve as the campaign finance consultant. Jimmy Granbery will serve as the campaign finance chairman. Granbery is currently the chairman of the H.G. Hill Company and CEO of H.G. Hill Realty Company.

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Former Brigadier General Kurt Winstead Formally Announces Candidacy for TN-5, Joining a Crowded GOP Field

Aaron Gulbransen

Former Brigadier General Kurt Winstead has formally announced his candidacy for Tennessee’s 5th Congressional District, entering the Republican primary.

Winstead formally joins the Republican field that includes former Speaker of the Tennessee House Beth Harwell, businessman Baxter Lee, Natisha Brooks, California native Robby Starbuck, and recent Tennessee immigrant and former State Department spokesman Morgan Ortagus. Maury County Mayor Andy Ogles has not yet announced whether his will enter the race or not.

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Beth Harwell Hands the Gavel to New Speaker of the Tennessee House Glen Casada As 28 New State Representatives Are Sworn In

Laura Baigert

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – In the first phase of new leadership in the State of Tennessee, 28 new Representatives were sworn in to the 111th Tennessee General Assembly and the speaker’s gavel was handed from the first female Speaker, Beth Harwell, to Glen Casada. Tennessee’s leadership transition will be complete when Governor-elect Bill Lee is inaugurated on January 19. In front of a capacity crowd on the floor and in the galleries consisting largely of their families, the duly elected state representatives made their oath of office. The next order of business was to elect a new Speaker of the House, which started with a motion by House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Cottontown) nominating Republican Speaker-elect Glen Casada (R-Franklin). Karen Camper (D-Memphis) was the Democrat nominee for Speaker. A roll-call vote resulted in 75 votes for Casada to Camper’s 22 with one “present not voting” and one representative absent. In his acceptance speech which he began near tears, Casada recognized former House Speakers Bill Jenkins, Kent Williams and Jimmy Naifeh. Casada also expressed his appreciation for his immediate predecessor, Beth Harwell, calling her “a woman of character” and a “true class act,” which was punctuated by a standing ovation. With Harwell…

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David Hawk Wants to Succeed Beth Harwell as Next Tennessee House Speaker

Chris Butler
David Hawk

State Rep. David Hawk (R-Greeneville) has joined the list of legislators who want to succeed Beth Harwell as the next Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives. Hawk told The Tennessee Star he will do things differently than his predecessors. Hawk’s first priority — creating a committee system that he said reflects Tennessee’s values. “The first responsibility the speaker will have is to place legislators into positions on committees creating leadership on those committees and committee members,” Hawk said. “The approach I will bring to filling those committees is recognizing the strengths and skillsets of my fellow legislators and then placing them on the committees where they will be most successful. That will help them be successful in formulating good policy.” The second priority, Hawk went on to say, is not showing favoritism. “I will not create a committee system based on rewards,” Hawk said. “I don’t plan to place someone on a particular committee just because they voted for me. Likewise, I will not penalize someone if they don’t vote for me (as speaker). I want each legislator to be able to succeed in their role in the general assembly.” The Star asked Hawk if he thinks his predecessors…

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GOP Gubernatorial Candidates Plan Election Night Parties as Bitter Battle Comes Down to Final Day

Jason M. Reynolds
Bill Lee, Diane Black, Beth Harwell, Randy Boyd

As The Tennessee Star reported Wednesday, the gubernatorial candidates have engaged in a venue-filled, final days sprint across the state to rally votes for today’s primary. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Candidate schedules, in no particular order, are: Beth Harwell Beth Harwell announced she will hold a watch party at 6:30 p.m. CT tonight at ThreeOneThree Facilities, 701 Murfreesboro Pike in Nashville. More information is here. Harwell’s campaign website is here. Diane Black Diane Black’s campaign announced she will host a watch party tonight. The party will be at the Symphony Ballroom of Loews Hotel in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. CT. The address is 2100 West End Ave. To RSVP, email [email protected]. Her campaign website is here. Black’s Facebook page is here. Black released the record-high amount of voter contact conducted by her campaign. Her team has knocked on 503,186 doors and made 460,806 phone calls in all 95 counties, according to a press release. Bill Lee Bill Lee planned to start Election Day in Spencer from 11-11:30 a.m. The address is 179 Veterans Square, the Old Courthouse. Van Buren County was his campaign’s first-ever stop. Lee will hold an Election Night Party at 6:30 p.m. CT…

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OFF THE RECORD: Harwell ‘High’ on Herself …

Chris Alto
Beth Harwell

Tennessee Speaker of the House Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) is “high” on herself as the only gubernatorial candidate who wants to legalize medical marijuana which she usually refers to as “cannabis” as a way to make non-smokers believe she isn’t really talking about weed – known by some as mary jane, pot, ganja reefer, grass, dona juanita. She and her supporters may not be rolling out the paper for recreational use just yet, but NORML, the national group which supports “responsible marijuana use” for personal and medical reasons has a mission of changing laws across the country so you can take your pick of how you want to practice being a “responsible marijuana” user: NORML supports the right of adults to use marijuana responsibly, whether for medical or personal purposes. All penalties, both civil and criminal, should be eliminated for responsible use. Further, to eliminate the crime, corruption and violence associated with any “black market,” a legally regulated market should be established where consumers could buy marijuana in a safe and secure environment. Well, pot smokers in Oregon are so responsible that they’ve pretty much decimated the medical cannabis market after the state legalized recreational use. A very interesting tidbit has…

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PAC Ad Supporting Harwell Says Legalized Marijuana Will ‘Create a State That Lets People Live in a Better State’

Admin
Bruce Wolfe

A new ad from a PAC called TN State Victory touting gubernatorial candidate Beth Harwell’s support of medical marijuana has hit the airwaves. Sources tell The Tennessee Star the PAC is spending $87,000 to run the ad on broadcast and cable television stations around the state, beginning today and continuing until Wednesday, the day before the Thursday August 2 primary election. Accompanyed a dramatic piano musical score, the 30-second spot features Dr. Bruce Wolfe. He says: All my training tells me to do everything I can to help my patients. Suffering comes in all forms, and patients need options for relief. We need to legalizae medical marijuana so we can regulate its use and help cancer patients, people with siezure and anxiety disorders, and give patients in pain an alternative to avoid addictive opiates. The only candidate for governor that is for medical marijuana is Beth Harwell. Beth will help Tennesseeans create a state that lets people live in a better state. Watch the ad: According to polling, the Tennessee State House Speaker Beth Harwell is in a distant fourth place behind front-runners Bill Lee, Diane Black, and Randy Boyd. Last Friday, Harwell promised a ‘major announcement.’ Many political watchers…

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