Statewide Fincher listening tour precedes decision on U.S. Senate run

News release from Stephen Fincher

FROG JUMP, Tenn. – Listening to voters before launching a possible bid for the U.S. Senate seat held by retiring Senator Bob Corker, Stephen Fincher will travel the state from Mountain City to Memphis to hear what voters want in their next U.S. Senator.

Fincher will begin the tour in Mountain City on Monday and travel to multiple counties a day meeting with small groups of Tennesseans. The tour will work westward and conclude in Memphis in the coming weeks.

“I don’t really identify myself as a former congressman. I’m a farmer, a small businessman, and a part of a gospel singing ministry started by my grandmother over sixty years ago. We need leaders who truly care about the people they represent, and caring starts with listening, so that’s what I’m doing for the next week,” said Fincher.

Fincher said he would continue his policy of not accepting congressional insurance or retirement plan. “I paid for my own insurance for the six years I was in Congress, and I did not participate in the retirement plan. It’s a small way of acknowledging how out of step Washington and the professional politicians are, and I’m just not being part of that,” Fincher said.

Fincher, 44, served six years in the U.S. House, representing Tennessee’s 8th Congressional District. He says his focus will be bringing more decisions and control from D.C. to Tennessee. “Should I run, I will bring Tennessee values and common sense – balanced budgets, conservative spending, and conservative solutions – to Washington.” he said.

Fincher described himself as a “Tennessee conservative who will work with others to do what’s right for Tennessee. I would be totally committed to the people of Tennessee, to listen to them, to serve them with humility and integrity.”

“The people of our state and country know we’re in trouble. But we were in trouble when Ronald Reagan stepped up to lead and that turned out really well. It is about leadership. Working together to find conservative solutions, I know that America’s best days lie ahead. I hope to make a decision about running within the next few weeks.”