Christian conservative group backs Black for governor
Press release from Diane Black campaign
Nashville, Tenn. — Family Research Council Action PAC has endorsed Diane Black for Governor. In the endorsement letter, FRC Action PAC Executive Vice President, Lt. General (Ret.) Jerry Boykin praised Black for her leadership on Capitol Hill and the strength she has shown fighting for Tennessee families.
“For Rep. Black’s dedication to the values of faith, family, and freedom, as well as her many votes to protect these values, she’s been a repeated recipient of FRC Action’s ‘True Blue’ award,” Boykin said. “She has a reputation as a leader who doesn’t merely give lip service to her values, but acts on them. Her record of staunch conservatism and her continual commitment to people above policy will undoubtedly serve the people of Tennessee well.”
“The work FRC does to preserve family values is unmatched and our nation is a better place because of their efforts,” Black said. “There are many issues Tennessee’s next governor will have to address, but the most important is that of protecting our Tennessee values because when our values are lost, it’s nearly impossible to get them back. I am honored that FRC will support me as governor to fight for what’s right.”
Diane has proven herself to be a fighter for conservative legislation since first running for office. In Congress, she has sponsored FRC-backed legislation to defund Planned Parenthood as well as the Balanced Budget Amendment and the No Budget, No Pay Act
“She has set out to break the political mold by holding fast to truth that’s often sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. FRC Action is confident that Rep. Diane Black will continue to be a principled advocate for strong family values and personal prosperity, and we are pleased to offer our endorsement of her candidacy for governor of the state of Tennessee,” Boykin added.
Note: The Tennessee Christian conservative version of FRC, Family Action Council of Tennessee, doesn’t make endorsements. But the group does a “voter guide” and posts on its website FACT President David Fowler’s interviews with some candidates answering questions on same-sex marriage, abortion and other topics. Black, Boyd, Lee and Kay White did the interviews and answered the questions. Harwell sent a video instead, with FACT did not post. Democratic candidates Karl Dean and Craig Fitzhugh did not participate.
The candidate interview videos, with transcriptions of the questions and answers, are available HERE. Black’s version is HERE.
Lee new TV ad twofer: One focused on Jesus Christ, the other on Donald Trump (he supports both)
Press release from Bill Lee campaign
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Today, businessman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee released two new statewide television ads.
Diane Black walks railroad track, talks God and family in latest TV ad
Press release from Diane Black campaign
Nashville, Tenn. – Today, Diane Black released her new TV ad, “Tracks,” which focuses on her parents, her upbringing and her faith in God.
TN Court of Appeals rejects lawsuit brought by same-sex marriage opponents
The state Court of Appeals has upheld a lower court’s dismissal of a lawsuit brought by opponents of same-sex marriage with David Fowler, a former state senator and current chairman of the Family Action Council of Tennessee, acting as attorney for the plaintiffs.
Bill Lee TV ad quotes Jesus — ‘Love the Lord… love your neighbor’
Press release from Bill Lee campaign
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – Today, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee released a new statewide television ad entitled, “Serve.” The ad is the second of his campaign, and is the first in a series of ads planned for the coming weeks.
Ad Script:
“Jesus said the greatest commandment is to love the Lord – but the second one is like it – love your neighbor.
And that means that we’re called to serve.
Now only He knows how imperfectly I’ve done that, but I do try to serve my family, my neighbors and twelve hundred employees every day.
As governor, you have my word – I’ll work to serve your family the very same way.”
Haslam advice to college grads: ‘Remain calm and be faithful to the Lord… do not panic’
In a commencement speech at Baptist-affiliated Carson Newman University, Presbyterian Gov. Bill Haslam offered some Christian-oriented advice, reports the Morristown Citizen Tribune.
“Just like you, I will be leaving my place of residence (Governor’s Mansion) and my area of work for the past 8 years,” said Haslam. “You also will be leaving your dorm rooms and academics. However, do not be afraid, and stay faithful to your Lord.”
Two proposed TN constitutional amendments die in windup House-Senate squabbling
Two proposed amendments to the Tennessee state Constitution were caught up in the final round of House-versus-Senate maneuvering Wednesday and both died with adjournment. One would have declared that “Almighty God” is the source of all liberty; the other would have laid out procedures for temporarily replacing a governor when he or she becomes incapacitated.
The upshot is that none of dozen or so state constitutional amendments proposed during the 110th General Assembly were approved. (A listing on the legislative website is HERE.)
With Haslam signature, legal Sunday booze sales can begin this weekend
Gov. Bill Haslam today signed into law legislation that authorizes Sunday sales of liquor and wine, according to his communications department. The bill (HB1540) says that, insofar as liquor stores go, it takes effect “upon becoming law” – meaning when governor signs it.
Thus, Tennessee liquor stores could legally be open on this Sunday if the operators wish – or have time to prepare. But the bill also declares the effective date for grocery stores and supermarkets that sell wine only is Jan. 1, 2019. The first Sunday after that date is Jan. 6, 2019.
House approves Sunday sales of liquor and wine, 55-35
Rep. Gerald McCormick (R-Chattnooga), center, speaks with Rep. Tim Wirgau (R-Buchanan), right, after a House vote on Sunday wine sales. (Erik Schelzig, Tennessee Journal)
The House voted 55-35 Monday evening to authorize sale of bottled liquor and wine on Sundays, sending the bill to the Senate where a vote is scheduled Wednesday.
Mandate for display of ‘In God We Trust’ in TN schools sent to governor
On an 81-8 vote and with little debate, the House gave final approval Monday evening to legislation that requires the words “In God we trust” to be prominently displayed in all kindergarten-through-12th grade Tennessee schools.
The “National Motto in the Classroom Act” (SB2661) was approved earlier by the Senate without any debate as a part of a “consent calendar” of non-controversial bills and resolutions. It now goes to Gov. Bill Haslam for his signature.
On the House floor, Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley) proposed an amendment that would have required schools to also display “the traditional national motto of the United States, ‘E Pluribus Unum’ (Latin for out or many, on) along with “In God We Trust.” But he withdrew it without any discussion after being told by the House clerk that he had filed the amendment too late for normal consideration on the floor.
The bill was sponsored in the House by Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Old Hickory), who briefly described the measure, declaring it appropriate that “a cornerstone of our freedom” be part of children’s schooling. The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Paul Bailey (R-Sparta).
Note: Previous post HERE.
