John Ragan
Perhaps illustrating the importance of the race, top state and national Republicans are showing their support for Rep. John Ragan, an Oak Ridge resident and GOP candidate seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives.
A first-term legislator, Ragan is opposed in the Nov. 6 election by Democrat Jim Hackworth, a Clinton Democrat who used to hold the seat but lost to Ragan in the 2010 election.
Democrats and Republicans have both said the race in Tennessee’s 33rd District, which includes much of Anderson County, is one of a half-dozen key contests in the state.
On Friday, the Tennessee House Republican Caucus announced that U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander will be in Clinton and Anderson County on Tuesday to support Ragan. Alexander will be joined by U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann, a Tennessee Republican whose district includes Oak Ridge; Tennessee Sen. Randy McNally, an Oak Ridge Republican; and Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank.
“They will be meeting with Anderson County citizens and discussing plans for economic growth, the importance of fiscal responsibility, and the need to re-elect conservative state Rep. John Ragan,” a press release said.
They will meet at Hoskins Drug Store in Clinton from 2-3 p.m. Tuesday. Hoskins Drug Store is located at 111N. Main St. in Clinton.
Also this week, Republicans announced that top Tennessee officials had unanimously endorsed Ragan. The endorsements came from three top Republicans, Gov. Bill Haslam, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, and Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell.
“Having strong leaders in the state legislature is incredibly important, and I can always count on John Ragan’s consistent conservative approach to tough issues,†Haslam said. “John has a true servant’s heart, and works hard on behalf of Anderson County every day.”
Ramsey said Ragan has worked closely with senators to create a better environment for business and served as a “voice of reform” on the House Education Committee. Harwell said Ragan’s wide range of military and business experience make him a vital part of the Republican team in Nashville.
The outcome of the contest between Ragan and Hackworth could help decide whether Republicans pick up a supermajority in the Tennessee House. That would allow them to conduct legislative business without Democratic support, and they could pass legislation even if Democrats walk out of session.
In June, a Republican campaign aide said Republicans now have 64 representatives in the 99-member Tennessee House of Representatives. They would have a supermajority if they pick up three seats, giving them 67 total members, said Holt Whitt, a member of the Republican Caucus field staff in Nashville.
Early voting for the Nov. 6 election began Wednesday and ends Nov. 1.
maremartell says
I wouldn’t vote for this bigot if he was the only candidate left. I’ve never had a conversation with a politician that has left me feeling more violated than the conversations I’ve had with Rep. John Ragan. He was condescending to me and doesn’t take responsibility for what he can do. He only points fingers and claims he can’t do anything. I don’t want someone like this representing me.
I found this very enlightening as to his attitudes towards some of his constituents. http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/01/26/did-you-know-your-genitalia-determines-your-sexual-orientation-this-and-other-amazing-revelations-from-republican-lawmaker-in-tennessee/
Tj says
Then your other choice is a draft dodger and wife beater, with a correspondence course degree -A Non-thinking political hack who sponsors bills he doesn’t understand.
Ck Kelsey says
Sounds like she is on Hackworth’s payroll. So what they say means nothing, they can’t and won’t tell the truth ,EVER .
MW224 says
I agree with the below two comments. Hackworth spends more of his website bashing Ragan than putting forth his own ideas. And she says Ragan points fingers. Hey Mare, find me an ad from Ragan that remotely resembles the finger pointing Hackworth does. Look at my past posts about analysis of his website and voters will find them very enlightening to Hackworth’s attitudes. And Hack’s argumentative comments back to others. A sign of desperation is a candidate arguing with voters on a news website or blog….wait a minute, Angi sells ads on here too. Guess it is contagious.