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A near-capacity crowd filled the Community Center’s large room on Saturday evening to hear from state and local candidates, and to enjoy a dinner and rally for the Democratic Party.
Three candidates for Governor—Ward Cammack, and Senators Roy Herron and Jim Kyle—and one for U.S. Congress—Dr. Greg Rabidoux—were joined at the head table by former U.S. Congressman Bob Clement and State Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester.
Following opening remarks by Perry County Democrat Party Chair Wayne Swindle, and a patriotic salute to veterans led by Melanie Pace, Jesse Lee led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
All three mayors were in attendance.
Linden Mayor Jim Azbill welcomed the candidates, and urged them to add a new phrase to their vocabulary: “rural sourcing.” He said, “If you have the opportunity to place jobs in the state, please put them in the rural communities. I hope the candidates will make this a priority in their campaigns.”
Lobelville Mayor Robby Moore spoke to the concerted effort in Perry County to pull itself out of a tough economic situation. “It’s ‘we’ in Perry County, not ‘they,’” Moore said. “We talk with one voice, and I look forward to working with each candidate.”
County Mayor John Carroll thanked the candidates for attending the event, and for making Perry County their choice for that evening’s campaign stop.
Two local candidates addressed the group. Sheriff Roy Rogers is seeking re-election in 2010. He promised to continued to do the best job he could, noted that under his administration his department has come in $165,000 below budget, and has been able to employ eleven workers under the Perry County Recovery Program.
Also running for Sheriff, Bobby Garner said he is a lifelong resident of the county, and that he appreciates everyone’s influence and support in the 2010 election.
The first gubernatorial candidate to address the assembly was Ward Cammack, a businessman from Nashville. Offering the idea that “business leads, government regulates,” Cammack said his focus as governor will be economic development.
He pointed out that Texas recently invested $1 billion in wind power, while Tennessee plans to pay $1.2 billion to clean up the “mess” left by the TVA ash spill in East Tennessee. “The solar investments we’re making now are good, but we must more forward to put Tennessee at the forefront,” Cammack said.
“No more politics as usual,” the candidate said, “but forward thinking. We must make Tennessee a renewable energy leader worldwide.”
Cammack also stressed the role of agriculture, pointing out that one agricultural dollar grows to four, and that the state must protect its natural resources by “leading with our assets. Now is Tennessee’s chance.”
Congressman Clement was in attendance to support Senator Kyle who is married to Clement’s cousin, Sarah. The Kyles celebrated their twenty-second wedding anniversary on Saturday.
Clement voiced his gratitude to Perry County for supporting him while in public office, and said he always kept Perry County’s interests at heart when he served.
Clement said the nation must open up the rural areas by going after quality jobs. He said he was not particularly happy at the moment with either party, but urged both sides of the aisle to work together to “rebuild America.” Labeling the Bush years as the “worst Presidency in my lifetime,” Clement said Democrats must be elected to stop those eight years from ever happening again.
State Party Chair Chip Forrester rallied the group with a prediction that Tennessee would elect a Democrat for governor in 2010 “on the shoulders of Phil Bredesen who has successfully navigated the affairs of this state for the past eight years.”
He urged a strong Democratic vote next year because a continued Republican-controlled state legislature would result in redistricting that will eliminate Congressmen Davis, Tanner, and Gordon from their districts.
Forrester also said the state’s political plan in the coming year will be based on the successful campaign of President Obama, with an intricate networking system that keeps Democrats connected and informed. He urged everyone to visit the party’s website, www.tndp.org, and register as a Democrat, at no cost.
Senator Jim Kyle, from Shelby County, focused on education issues. He noted that Tennessee is 43rd in the nation for people with college degrees. He proposed new funding to produce more college graduates and a better-trained workforce through the state’s community college and technical school system.
As part of that plan, Kyle pointed out that 36,000 current students within one year of college graduation quit their post-secondary education. He suggested using a portion of the lottery revenue reserves to keep those students in college through graduation.
“When a student graduates from high school or college, everyone wins,” Kyle said.
Senator Roy Herron, who represents Perry County in the legislature, said if he is elected governor, Highway 13 connecting Perry County to the interstate system will be a top priority, to fulfill the original wishes of former Governor Ned McWherter who wanted every county seat connected to the interstate by a four-lane road.
“If I am elected governor,” Herron said, “my focus will be on three things: jobs, job, jobs.” Using his hometown of Dresden as an example, Herron said there were more jobs there at one time than there are people now.
Speaking to the local economic problems, Herron said, “People here have done things that couldn’t be done. I know what you have gone through, and I think about you every day. I will continue working for you. The people of this county are suffering, but you have demonstrated your endurance and offered hope to those of us who are blessed to know you.”
U.S. Congress candidate Dr. Greg Rabidoux roused the crowd, promising to create an atmosphere of cooperation if he is elected. “I want us to work together, regardless of politics, and get the job done,” he said. “I am a Democrat, but I am a public servant first.”
Rabidoux said, “We need a positive message. We can and will do better, and we don’t need a leader that drives wedges, who pits Tennessean against Tennessean,” referring to his opponent, Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn.
Rabidoux said the four pillars of his campaign are: jobs and economic growth; educational excellence; the environment and “green” issues; and health care, especially in “taking care of the less fortunate.”
State Representative John Tidwell closed the evening by urging a strong Democratic party. He said he had heard Perry County was “ripe” for leaning Republican because of the tough economy, but said his experience has taught that “hard times generate Democrats.” He also praised the state for the local Recovery Program effort that is helping “get Perry County back on its feet.”
The rally and dinner, with a delicious meal from George’s BBQ, concluded just before 8:00 p.m,, and also featured door prizes and a cake auction.
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