State Senator Mark Green Archives - Tennessee Star

12 Mayors Endorse Dr. Mark Green for Congress, Bringing Total to 32

November 2, 2018November 2, 2018 Jason M. Reynolds

Mark Green

State Sen. Dr. Mark Green (R-TN-22) continues to pick up steam in his Seventh District Congressional campaign as he has picked up endorsements from 12 additional mayors. Green’s new endorsements mean 32 current and recently outgoing mayors in his district are backing him, his campaign said in a press release. “I’m humbled to have the endorsement of these mayors all across the 7th district,” said Green. “As I’ve traveled the 7th District over the last year, I’ve been honored to get to know each community and their people. If elected, I will fight to return as many powers as possible to the government that is closest to the people.” The new mayors endorsing Green for Congress are: Henderson County Mayor Eddie Bray Houston County Mayor James Bridges Hardin County Mayor Kevin Davis Lawrenceburg Mayor Keith Durham Dover Mayor Lesa Fitzhugh Lexington Mayor Jeff Griggs Chester County Mayor Barry Hutcherson Lewis County Mayor Jonah Keltner Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee Wayne County Executive Jim Mangubat McNairy County Mayor Larry Smith Humphreys County Executive Jessie Wallace The following mayors previously announced their support: Nolensville Mayor Jimmy Alexander Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson Erin Mayor Paul Bailey Fairview Mayor Patti Carroll Former Houston…

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Latinos for Tennessee PAC Endorses Seven Republican Candidates

October 6, 2018October 6, 2018 Jason M. Reynolds

A Latino political action committee has released the names of Republican candidates it supports in Tennessee state and federal mid-term elections which will be held on Nov. 6. The Latinos for Tennessee PAC said it has endorsed: Reverend Tommy Vallejos, Tennessee House of Representatives, District 67 Brian Kelsey, Tennessee State Senate, District 31 Dr. Mark Green, U.S. Congress, District 7 Scott DesJarlais, U.S. Congress, District 4 John Rose, U.S. Congress, District 6 Marsha Blackburn, U.S. Senate Bill Lee, Tennessee governor Latinos for Tennessee Executive Director Raul Lopez said, “We are happy to support these candidates who have demonstrated their commitment to defending faith, family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility.” “I’m inspired and encouraged by each of these excellent candidates,” Lopez said. “At each level, they’re working on policies that make sense, that preserve the freedoms that make this country the land of opportunity. Members of the Hispanic community, and all citizens, want the opportunity to flourish here in Tennessee.” “We encourage all Tennesseans to vote on November 6.” Latinos for Tennessee PAC is a political action committee committed to protecting and promoting faith and family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility among Tennessee’s growing Latino population. The mission of Latinos for Tennessee is…

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Franklin Workshop Offers to Teach People of All Ages How to Talk Politics Without Losing Friends

September 16, 2018September 16, 2018 Jason M. Reynolds

An Oct. 6 workshop in Franklin is offering to help high school students – or people of all ages – learn how to have political conversations without losing friends – and there is a taco feast too. The event is titled the Communications Workshop – Getting Your Friends to Understand Why. The Leadership Institute is holding the training from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Marriott Cool Springs, 700 Cool Springs Blvd. in Franklin. State Senator Dr. Mark Green (R-TN) is the guest speaker. High school economics students may remember the adage, “There is no such thing as a free lunch” (TINSTAAFL), referring to the cost of decision-making and consumption. So what’s the cost of this training workshop and lunch? Only $5. The event page for more information and registration is available here. But the organizers say the worskhop is not only for high school students, but also for any professional who needs advice on crafting his or her communications abilities. According to the Leadership Institute, “The Communications Workshop is designed to help you better connect with your friends. The workshop provides an in-depth look at how you can design and improve your political communications in person and online. You…

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State Senator Mark Green Commentary: Why the Delay on Federal Judges?

May 29, 2018May 26, 2018 Tennessee Star Staff

by State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) Why are there still more than 30 federal judge nominees awaiting a floor vote by the U.S. Senate? These well-qualified nominees are broadly-supported and have all been approved by the Judiciary Committee. At a time when federal courts are desperately needing new judges to handle their caseload, these nominees are still stalled. Why? After reading Scalia Speaks, the collected speeches of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, I understand why. In the not-to-distant past, judges were voted into the Judiciary in a bipartisan fashion. In fact, the vast majority of judges were approved with resounding majorities if they were not unanimous. The litmus test was minimal and usually revolved around the individual’s commitment to the original meaning of the Constitution. What did change the method of picking our judges has larger ramifications than the delay for these judges. It actually threatens the very existence of our democracy. The problem began with the creation and permeation of the concept of a living Constitution. From our nation’s founding until the 1950s or so, the analysis of the Constitution was intended to be the original meaning of the words contained in the document. During the era of…

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State Sen. Mark Green Calls for Special Session of Tennessee General Assembly to Override Gov. Haslam Veto of Cancer Patient Bill

May 3, 2018May 3, 2018 Tennessee Star Staff

State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) and State Rep. Bob Ramsey (R-Maryville) have called on the Tennessee General Assembly to reconvene for a special session to override the Governor Bill Haslam’s veto of the Cancer Patient Choice Act. That Act, which gives patients and their physicians the choice of proton therapy for cancer treatment, passed the Senate 29-1-1 and the House 85-13. “Let’s remember where this begins: A physician and patient. The physician makes a recommendation for what he thinks or she thinks is best for the patient. Next, the pa-tient decides they want that. But then, the insurance companies step in,” State Sen. Green, a medical doctor who is running for the Republican nomination for the House of Representatives in the 7th Congressional District, said. “Unfortunately, the Governor has chosen to side with the insurance companies and their vendors–ignoring what physicians and their patients have decided is best,” Green added. The authors of the bill agreed creating a special process was not ideal and placed the bill into summer study last year. The Haslam administration was given 18 months to find a solution, but when that failed, the General Assembly took action and overwhelmingly passed this bill to protect both…

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State Sen. Mark Green, M.D. Commentary: When Government Becomes Too Powerful

May 3, 2018May 3, 2018 Tennessee Star Staff

After five days off life support, 23-month old Alfie Evans died over the weekend. Having a neurodegenerative disorder, doctors didn’t expect him to live long–but Alfie fought and hung in there for nearly a week. Alfie’s parents wanted to take him to a hospital in Rome for further treatment, but the boy’s doctors disagreed, and the British courts sided with the doctors. The Italian hospital not only offered to take Alfie, Italy even granted him citizenship and had a plane ready so he could immediately be flown over. But the British government said no, and stationed police at the hospital to prevent Alfie’s parents from taking him to Rome–or even taking him home. As parents, my wife Camie and I are outraged, and join millions across the world in mourning Alfie and hurting with his parents. Our son had cancer as a child and I couldn’t even fathom how we would’ve felt if any doctor or court ever told us we couldn’t choose where to treat him. As a physician, I understand that some conditions in this fallen world are indeed incurable. But I also know–because I’ve seen it firsthand–that sometimes the impossible can happen and the incurable can be…

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Combat Veterans for Congress PAC Endorses Mark Green

April 25, 2018April 26, 2018 Tennessee Star Staff

On Tuesday the Combat Veterans for Congress PAC encorsed Iraq war veteran State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) in the race for the 7th Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07). Blackburn has no opposition for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Sen. Bob Corker (R-TN), and is expected to face former Gov. Phil Bredesen, a Democrat, in the November general election. “Founded to elect more combat veterans to Congress, the PAC has endorsed over 100 combat veterans since its founding in 2009,” the Green campaign said in a statement, which continued: In announcing its endorsement, the PAC commented that Dr. Green “will bring to Congress his extensive experience in public policy skills, medical issues, and wisdom to better solve problems in government and represent the 7th Congressional District of Tennessee and the Republic.” A graduate of West Point, Green’s decorated military career began as an infantry officer. As an Army special operations flight surgeon assigned to the 160th Special Ops Aviation Regiment, he planned and flew on some of the War on Terror’s most covert operations. Green’s most memorable mission was the capture of Saddam Hussein. His military awards include the Bronze…

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GOP Congressional Candidate Mark Green Set to Open Clarksville Campaign Office

December 5, 2017December 5, 2017 Admin

Tennessee Star

State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) announced Monday he will open his first campaign office as part of his effort to become the Republican nominee for the 7th Congressional District in Clarksville on Tuesday, December 19. To celebrate the grand opening, Dr. and Mrs. Green will host a Christmas Open House for the community. “In this season of giving back, we hope you can join us on December 19th for our campaign’s Clarksville grand opening, where we’ll also be collecting canned goods and unwrapped toys for local charities to serve those in need in our community,” Green remarked. According to campaign officials, this will be the first of two headquarters in his 7th Congressional District election efforts. The second is slated for opening in early 2018 in Franklin. Green is running to replace Marsh Blackburn, who in turn, is seeking to represent the people of Tennessee in the U. S. Senate. Green is a medical doctor, West Point graduate, and a career military veteran with a distinguished record of service. He is an outspoken advocate for limited government, secure borders, and fiscal responsibility. He is opposed in the August 2018 Republican primary by songwriter Lee Thomas Miller. Green was nominated earlier…

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State Senator Mark Green Announces Campaign Team in Race for GOP Nomination in 7th Congressional District

November 2, 2017November 2, 2017 Tennessee Star Staff

State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) announced his complete campaign team for his run to receive the Republican nomination in the 7th Congressional District in a press release issued by his campaign on Thursday: FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Today, Dr. Mark Green announced the team he has assembled to lead his campaign to victory. Leading the campaign are Darren Morris as General Consultant and Stephen Siao as Campaign Manager. A veteran of many campaigns and longtime public affairs consultant, Morris previously served as the Tennessee State Director and Florida Chief of Staff for President Donald Trump. The Vice Chairman of the Williamson County Republican Party, Siao was the Georgia and Tennessee State Director for Senator Ted Cruz and a manager at Heritage Action. “I’m thrilled to have assembled the top talent both here in Tennessee and nationally for my campaign for Congress—and to have this team standing in the trenches with me fighting for conservative values,” stated Green. Robin Smith, owner of Rivers Edge Alliance and a former state chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, serves as policy advisor to the campaign. The former President of Yes on 1 and former Director of Development for Tennessee Right to Life, Myra Simons, will…

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Award Winning Songwriter Lee Thomas Miller Preparing for Potential Congressional Race in Tennessee’s 7th District

October 30, 2017October 30, 2017 Admin

Congressman Marsha Blackburn’s (R-TN -07) decision to seek the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Bob Corker in 2018 has sparked a flurry of interest in filling her seat in Congress. State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) has already announced his intentions to run, and Williamson County Christian conservative activist Laurie Cardoza Moore is considering the race along with Franklin Mayor Ken Moore. However, another potential candidate is creating a lot of buzz as well. Lee Thomas Miller is an award winning songwriter and conservative advocate who lives in Williamson County with his wife Jana and their four kids. He has penned songs for some of the top country and Christian artists, including Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Jamey Johnson, Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton and Brandon Heath, to name a few. Most people know his hit songs, like “In Color,” “The Impossible,” “You’re Gonna Miss This,” and “I’m Still a Guy.” With, 7 No. 1 songs, 12 top-10’s, CMA and ACM wins for song of the year, and three Grammy nominations, this son of a Kentucky tobacco farmer and small town librarian is well known in music industry circles though not yet in the political arena. But in an…

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Mark Green Nabs Club for Growth Endorsement After Announcing Candidacy For 7th Congressional District Seat

October 13, 2017October 13, 2017 Admin

State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination to represent the 7th Congressional District in the House of Representatives last week. He was endorsed almost immediately by the Club for Growth for the seat that opened up when the incumbent, Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN-07) announced that she is running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat from which Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) is retiring. In an email to supporters, the Club’s president David McIntosh, a former Congressman from Indiana, said, “Mark Green may be the toughest conservative candidate we’ve ever met. If we can help Mark win his primary, he will go on to be a conservative rock star in Congress.” The Club for Growth endorsement continued, saying: “Club for Growth PAC is thrilled to announce support for Mark Green and his campaign for Congress,” stated Club for Growth PAC President David McIntosh. “Mark has been an outspoken conservative in the Tennessee legislature. He led the fight to oppose Medicaid expansion as well as fought against the Hall Income tax and big government regulations like occupational licenses. “Mark is an outstanding advocate for economic growth and would bring fiscal sanity with him when he comes to Washington.” “The Club for Growth’s endorsement is sought by every conservative in the…

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Laurie Cardoza Moore Considering Race for Congress in Tennessee’s 7th District

October 12, 2017October 11, 2017 Admin

Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn’s (R-TN -7) announcement that she will seek the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Senator Bob Corker (R-TN) in 2018 is creating growing interest in filling her seat. State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) has already announced his intentions to run, and now Williamson County Christian conservative activist Laurie Cardoza Moore confirms that she is considering launching her own campaign for the Republican nomination. “It may be a divisive time in our country, but as I listen to people about the issues that matter most to them and their families there is actually remarkable unity when it comes to what they want from our elected leaders,” Cardoza Moore said. “Americans want and deserve leaders who will stand and fight for our values and principles, not retreat or wilt in the face of media criticism or political pushback from the Establishment swamp dwellers. Most importantly, they want their representatives to clearly say what they mean, and mean what they say.” “Our conservative Christian American values have never been under greater assault from those who would seek to undermine us. Protecting unborn life, unleashing the restraints on our economy so that jobs and prosperity flourish, standing up for our friends…

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Mark Green Wins Award From Tax Reform Group

June 30, 2017June 30, 2017 Tennessee Star Staff

Tennessee Star

State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) has won an award from a tax reform group. “Tennessee Senator Mark Green, MD was honored for his ongoing work devoted to taxpayers via legislative and regulatory reforms by the Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy organization. The award presentation was made at the monthly meeting of the Center Right Coalition of TN meeting by Patrick Gleason of the Americans for Tax Reform (ATR),” Mark Green for Tennessee said in a statement released earlier this week: “My commitment to Tennesseans has not and will not change. A government should always look for ways to allow its citizens to keep more money in their family budget and not the State’s,” noted Green, physician and business owner. “The Hall Income Tax was bad policy that penalized both investors and those who saved.” Annually the Tax Foundation, a nonprofit, independent tax policy organization recognizes state leaders – legislators, governors and other officials – for the effective legislative and regulatory reforms that improve a state’s tax policy. The honoree, according to the group, must be noted as 1) outstanding, 2) achieved during the 2016 legislative calendar and 3) reform taxes to make simpler, more neutral, more transparent, more…

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EXCLUSIVE: Mark Green Says Army Secretary Nomination Derailed by Partisan Smear Campaign and Single Democrat Senator

May 31, 2017 Tennessee Star Staff

Tennessee Star

Tennessee State Senator Mark Green was selected by President Trump to serve as the next Secretary of the Army with the full support of Secretary of Defense James Mattis, and from Tennessee’s two Republican U.S. Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker. At the time President Trump announced his intention to nominate Green in April, it appeared the conservative Tennessean had all the political boxes checked to ensure his confirmation by the Senate. As a West Point graduate and former combat infantry officer, and special operations combat veteran, the military establishment was excited about the prospects of “one of their own” being named to the top direct civilian oversight position for the Army. As a businessman who had built and sold a healthcare company, he even had the bonus appeal to the Trump team’s preference for those who had achieved private sector business success. A relatively easy confirmation was expected by those close to the process. Then, the left wing media establishment initiated a smear campaign against Green that was designed to “take out” another Trump nominee with nothing more than misquotes and comments taken out of context, innuendo, and completely false information. With the spurious claims against him amplified…

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Tennessee Pastors Network Calls for Protection of Sermons in Tennessee As Now Provided in Texas

May 30, 2017May 29, 2017 Admin

The Tennessee Pastors Network announced today that they are encouraging Tennessee legislators, and candidates for Governor, to embrace legislation signed into law in Texas on May 19, 2017 which shields pastors sermons from subpoenas issued by state courts. “Religious freedom is one of our most cherished rights, and pastors in Tennessee should be assured that they will not be targeted for government interference, threats or intimidation for what they prepare and deliver from their pulpits,” said Tennessee Pastors Network President Dale Walker in calling for Tennessee to follow Texas’ lead The Texas bill was authored by state Sen. Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and signed into law by Republican Governor Greg Abbott after passage in the Texas legislature. Texas Senate Bill 24 provides that a government cannot “compel the production or disclosure of a written copy or audio or video recording of a sermon delivered by a religious leader during religious worship … or compel the religious leader to testify regarding the sermon.” “President Donald Trump made protection of our religious liberties a centerpiece of his campaign and he carried Tennessee by a huge margin on that platform, including carrying all but one of Tennessee’s 95 counties,” Walker noted. “I would hope…

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Report: State Senator Mark Green ‘Could Withdraw This Week’ As President Trump’s Army Secretary Nominee

May 4, 2017May 4, 2017 Tennessee Star Staff

Tennessee Star

“President Trump’s pick for Army secretary could withdraw from consideration as early as this week, according to a report, following a slew of accusations from liberal groups over comments he’s made regarding LGBT issues and Islam,” the Washington Examiner reported on Thursday morning: Sources close to the nomination process believe Tennessee state Sen. Mark Green may not have enough support from Republicans and Democrats to be confirmed, CNN reported. Green, a conservative Christian, is under increasing fire from the political Left over past statements opposing gay marriage, transgender bathroom rights and teaching Islam in public schools. On Monday, Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., the No. 2 Democrat in the House, called his past statements “disgusting” and joined 31 fellow Democrats in urging the Senate to reject the nomination for what they called a history of homophobia and transphobia. “Republicans, meanwhile, have been mostly silent on the issue. Sen. John McCain, in a brief interview with USA Today, said he was bothered by Green’s past statements,” the Examiner reported. Should Green (R-Clarksville) withdraw, he would likely consider entering the race for the GOP nomination for Governor in Tennessee in 2018, where he would immediately become the conservative front runner. Two other candidates,…

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Teacher Bill of Rights ‘Common-Sense, Nonpartisan,’ Proponents Say

March 31, 2017March 30, 2017 Wendy Wilson

Tennessee Star

Promoters of state legislation called the Teacher Bill of Rights say it’s time teachers got more respect. The bill, sponsored by State Sen. Mark Green (R-Clarksville) in the Senate and State Rep. Jay Reedy (R-Erin) in the House, covers a wide range of issues of concern to educators, including student discipline and standardized testing. The bill goes before the Senate Education Committee next week. The proposed legislation gives Tennessee public school teachers backing in reporting student misbehavior and defending themselves against physical harm. It also says teachers have the right to review all materials used by their students and that teachers should not be expected to spend personal money on supplies. It also calls for teachers to be evaluated only by those with the same subject matter expertise and says teachers should never be evaluated based on the performance of students they have never taught. In addition, the bill says teachers should not be relocated to another school based solely on test scores from state mandated assessments. The bill also calls for allowing teachers to act on their “own conscience,” giving them more room to use their professional judgment and discretion. “Teachers have been under attack lately,” said teacher Kyle…

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If Mark Green Does Not Run, Mae Beavers Will Be Only Potential or Announced GOP Candidate For Governor Who Opposes The Gas Tax Increase

March 22, 2017March 22, 2017 Tennessee Star Staff

Tennessee Star

“Sen. Mae Beavers, R-Mt. Juliet, said she is in the early stages of a possible run at the state’s top position after the leading conservative candidate might be headed to the nation’s capitol,” the Lebanon Democrat reported on Monday. If State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville) becomes the next Secretary of the Army, as many insiders expect will be the case, State Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet) will be the only potential or announced GOP candidate for Governor who opposes the gas tax increase. “Beavers said the idea to run for governor emerged recently after several phone calls and comments from supporters, many of which she spoke with at the recent Wilson County Republican Party Convention,” the Lebanon Democrat noted. “I said on Friday I would throw out the idea and see what happens,” Beavers told the Lebanon Democrat. “Sen. Green was the most conservative candidate. A lot of people felt the need to support a candidate who shares similar views,” she added. When the State Senate Transportation Committee passed an amended version of Gov. Haslam’s Improve Act last week that raised the gas tax by 6 cents per gallon rather than 7 cents per gallon, Beavers was the sole no…

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EXCLUSIVE: Spirit of America Rally in Nashville on March 4 to Show Support for Trump and Call for Impeachment of ‘Out-of-Control’ Judges

February 20, 2017July 17, 2018 Tennessee Star Staff

The Spirit of America Rally will be held at the Legislative Plaza in Nashville on Saturday March 4, beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing to 1 p.m., America First Tennessee, in partnership with liberty-minded grassroots groups across Tennessee, announced on Monday in a statement first released exclusively to The Tennessee Star. In addition to Mark Skoda, speakers at the event will include Tennessee radio heavyweight Ralph Bristol, host of Nashville’s Morning News on 99.7 FM WWTN, Ohio Tea Party leader Tom Zawistowski, Tennessee gubernatorial candidate State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarksville), State Senator Mae Beavers (R-Mt. Juliet), and co-sponsor of the event, Tennessee House Majority Leader State Rep. Glen Casada (R-Franklin). “People I talk with want President Trump to know that we stand with him; and that we, too, see that the Judiciary is coming off the rails. Furthermore, we are ready to do something about it,” rally organizer and Memphis Tea Party founder Mark Skoda said. “We will urge our Representatives [in the United States House of Representatives] to impeach, and for the Senate to try, convict, and remove [Federal District] Judge James Robart in Washington and [Federal District] Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia,” Skoda said. “They expose an allegiance not…

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State Senator Mark Green Would Take All State Funding from ‘Sanctuary Cities’

February 13, 2017February 13, 2017 Tennessee Star Staff

State Senator Mark Green (R-Clarskville) appeared on 99.7 FM WWTN’s Nashville Morning News with Ralph Bristol on Monday. Ralph Bristol provided this report on his interview with Green to The Tennessee Star, which we reprint here with permission. By Ralph Bristol A state senator, running for governor, is demanding Tennessee cities toe the line on federal immigration laws, or risk all their state funding. Sen. Mark Green, a Republican who represents Clarksville, has introduced a bill he says would “put teeth” in Tennessee’s existing law that bans cities from adopting so-called “sanctuary city” policies – which means, generally, they refuse to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities in ICE’s efforts to deportation illegal immigrants in their cities, including their jails. Appearing on Nashville’s Morning News, Green insisted his bill does not go beyond existing state and federal cooperation orders, but rather only enacts a punishment for disobeying existing law. Green said he was inspired by comments made after the election by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who joined other Democrat sanctuary or sanctuary-oriented Mayors who have vowed to defy Trump’s threat to remove federal funding from true sanctuary cities. Green stopped short of accusing Barry of violating the law,…

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