“This was a lengthy endorsement process, including written and in-person interviews,” TEAM-PAC Chair Pat Bowman said. “In the end, I am pleased with the candidates we’ve endorsed.”
TEAM-PAC requested interviews from all the major candidates for Governor. Randy Boyd, Beth Harwell, Craig Fitzhugh, Karl Dean, and Bill Lee all responded. TEAM-PAC received no response from Diane Black’s campaign.
During TSEA’s annual Representative Assembly, held this year at Pickwick Landing State Park, state employee association delegates gathered to review candidate questionnaires as well as to hear from the candidates in person. After interviewing the candidates, the association delegates caucused and voted. The TEAM-PAC administrative committee, after reviewing the vote totals, chose to concur with the results.
“We appreciate the time each candidate spent answering questions from state employees, and for traveling to Pickwick Landing to answer our questions in person” TSEA Executive Director Randy Stamps said. “We look forward to working with both of our endorsed candidates in their bid to receive the nominations of their respective parties.”
About TEAM-PAC
TEAM-PAC is the political action arm of the Tennessee State Employees Association. Founded in 1974, TSEA represents the rights and interests of 40,000 state employees in Tennessee and has a rich history of improving the lives of its state employee members. For further information, visit TSEA’s website at www.tseaonline.org.
The two campaigns receiving the TSEA endorsement promptly sent out declarations of gratitude:
From the Fitzhugh campaign
“It’s a true honor to receive the endorsement of hardworking women and men who have dedicated their lives serving the people of Tennessee,” said Minority Leader Craig Fitzhugh. “For the past 24 years, I have fought for working people across this state to make sure they are compensated fairly, have access to quality healthcare and ensure they have safe work environments. Earning the trust of our state employees is a critical first step for the next Governor and I am honored to be their candidate of choice.”
Harwell comment from campaign email:
“I am so honored and grateful to receive the endorsement of the TSEA. I enjoyed the endorsement process and the opportunity to interact with TSEA. This is an organization that I know well, and I also know from first-hand experience the value our state employees bring to public service every day, and I applaud their commitment to help make Tennessee government run effectively and efficiently. TSEA has always had an open door and a listening ear from me, and that will continue when I am Governor!”
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