So, the League of Women Voters of Knoxville/Knox County have held three virtual forums and no Republican candidates have participated. This is where I part way with the Republicans, the agree to disagree part. I have always heard that the league is not friendly to Republicans, I haven’t really seen that as a candidate, as an elected official, as a county Republican Chairman or as a 15 year internet blogger. The difference for me, is that I can still talk with individuals that I may not agree with me on most of anything and still get along.
The first forum was for #TN State House 14, 18 and 89. In District 18, Republicans Gina Oster, Eddie Mannis did not attend, Democrat Virginia Couch did. In District 14, Republican Jason Zachary did not attend, Democrat Justin Davis did. In District 89, Republican Justin Lafferty or Independent Greg Mills did not attend.
Watch the forum, here.
Moderator WATE Blake Stevens
Virginia Couch in District 18
Justin Davis in TN State House 14
In the second forum, it was for #TN State House District 13, 15, 16 and 19 In District 13, Democrat Gloria Johnson did participate, Republican Elaine Davis did not. In District 15, Democrats Sam McKenzie, Matthew Park and Rick Staples did. In District 16, Democrat Elizabeth Rowland did and Republicans Patti Bounds and Michelle Carringer did not. In District 19, Republican Dave Wright did not participate.
Second Forum, top left Elizabeth Rowland, top right, Moderator Blake Stevens, bottom left Sam McKenzie and bottom right Matthew Park
second forum, top left LWV Time Keeper, top right Rick Staples, bottom right Gloria Johnson.
Last night was the third forum and the race are United States Congress Second District and State Senate District Six. Republican Tim Burchett did not attend, Democrat Rene Hoyos did. State Senate District 6 Democrats Dr. Jane George and Sam Brown did attend, Republican Senator Becky Duncan Massey had a previously scheduled event. Watch the forum here.
Third forum top left Moderator Stevens, top right Dr. Jane George, middle left LWV Timekeeper, middle right Rene Hoys and bottom center Sam Brown
The final forum is Thursday July 16 with the candidates for Knox County Commission. Register here.
Early Voting begins on Friday July 17 and through August 1. The County General Election and Federal and State Primary is Thursday August 6.
