Heather Hensley picked up a petition to run as a Democrat for State Representative District 89 against Republican State Representative Roger Kane. Her announcement is over on the local liberal playground KnoxViews, here. The only problem, she ain’t a Democrat. Today, I asked for and received her voting history and she is a Republican voter. Does that matter?
I agree with Knox Co. Democratic Party Chair Cameron Brooks:
“I am aware of Heather’s voting record. She stated to me that in the past she was more conservative in her political views but that through personal life experiences and the present state of the Republican party she now identifies with the Democratic party. I personally am satisfied with her answer and explanation. We are the true big tent party and want to open our doors not only to liberals but to moderates, disaffected Republicans and independents who support our party’s aims for a better America. I welcome her participation in the political process and for giving voters in the 89th district a choice.”
As someone who has known Mrs. Hensley since high school, I know where she stands. The heart and mind of a person is more important than the label or ideology one embodies. People vote with their feet and money and Heather – who knows where I stand in my very liberal political views – donated her money in 2011 toward a social issue campaign I ran as a stand against domestic violence and child abuse.
I too was once a “Republican” and saw the world a certain way. It was not the Democratic party or liberal ideology that changed me, it was life experiences and allowing myself to see the suffering in others that I too understood and emotionally connected with. These are types of changes that come from within as life continues to unfold. Some people will change, some will not but Heather’s heart has never wavered in the places where it counts the most.