A tour of the Xcel Center by Sarah Huckabee and Drake Jarman

Melissa and Anna arrived in Minneapolis, MN this afternoon, and are attending their first event of the Convention with the Tennessee delegation.

We hope to have pictures to post soon!

Vance Dennis Wins Republican Nomination for State Representative!

Our candidate for State Representative, Vance Dennis, won the Republican primary with 2,922 votes (53%) to his opponent's 2,591 votes (47%)! (Numbers are unofficial at this time.) Vance Dennis will face Stan Wheeler (D) in the November election.

Congratulations to Vance and Ashley, Walker and William!

At the McNairy County Courthouse awaiting the election results

The ballot boxes down in the basement ~ where the votes are being countedJonathan and Amanda read the latest numbersNotice how many voted Republican!

Huckabee on Hannity and Colmes - 8/7/08

Tom Leatherwood responds to Election Results

MikeHuckabee.com Website

The MikeHuckabee.com website was re-launched today! The new site will be used to promote Gov. Huckabee's books and upcoming events and to keep everyone updated with news, speeches and videos. Gov. Huckabee has also launched a website for his new Vertical Politics Institute.

Upcoming Huckabee Media Appearances

Gov. Huckabee will be on the radio subbing for Paul Harvey on Thursday (Aug. 7) at 12:00 p.m. CST and again on Saturday (Aug. 9th).

Gov. Huckabee will also be a guest on Hannity and Colmes on Thursday evening.

Gov. Huckabee From McCain Headquarters

Click here to watch Gov. Huckabee's commentary on FoxNews yesterday from the McCain Headquarters. Since Gov. Huckabee is now a FoxNews contributor, he does a lot of political analysis. You can keep up with his media appearances at www.hucksarmy.com.

Voting!!!

Early voting ends this week, so some of us went to vote this morning.

The McNairy County Courthouse (from the side)

And here are a couple of reminders for those who haven't voted yet! :)

News Channel 3 Reports On Marsha Blackburn's Dishonest Mailer

The best part is at 2:20!


Just for clarification:

Mr. Leatherwood never said he supported SCHIP -- the article the Blackburn campaign referred to in the mailer simply said that it was hypocritical for Marsha to oppose that bill WHILE she supported the Houston Zoo earmarks. The article can be found here: http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jun/04/leatherwood-talks-02

As to SCHIP providing health care for illegals, Senator Lamar Alexander (who Marsha Blackburn supports) stated in his weekly column that SCHIP "does not expand access to include illegal immigrants. It explicitly prohibits illegal immigrants from receiving Medicaid and SCHIP benefits. It requires, for the first time, an established process for states to verify citizenship of SCHIP enrollees." The link to Sen. Alexander's entire article is here.

Leatherwood seeking Blackburn's 7th District

By JAKE LOWARY • The Leaf-Chronicle • July 26, 2008

Tom Leatherwood says it's time for a change in Washington.

Leatherwood, 51, an Arlington native, is running against Marsha Blackburn for the Republican nomination for the 7th Congressional District.


Leatherwood on Friday met with veterans and Clarksville residents at the Golden Corral on Wilma Rudolph Boulevard to listen to their concerns and see what issues they face. "Veterans are very well informed," he said, praising the interest each has in what gets accomplished.
The big concerns he's heard on the lengthy campaign trail are no surprise. The economy, gas prices, immigration and the war in Iraq are all major issues Leatherwood has heard during the past several weeks.



But to achieve any goals, Leatherwood said some changes within Congress need to be made.
"I think people are tired of incumbents going (to Washington) and fighting all the time," he said in an interview Friday with The Leaf-Chronicle.


He admits, though, that not all of the country's problems can be fixed overnight. "You can't solve every problem, but you can try," he said.


During his recent campaign, Leatherwood says his opponent has been spreading information that is false. He says Blackburn has claimed he's used tax dollars while serving as the Shelby County register and has gone over his budget.


In truth, Leatherwood said, he has come in under budget in at least two years and has generated a budget surplus. "It's just not true, she's making stuff up," he said.


To address the struggling economy, Leatherwood says he hopes to allow domestic oil drilling and put an end to pork-barrel spending and earmarks, which he says have helped damage the economy.


"That's part of the problem with the deficit," he said, specifically noting a $300,000 trip to the Houston, Texas, zoo that Blackburn allegedly supported.


He also called Blackburn's tactics unethical, referring to the hiring of her children as lobbyists for groups that addressed committees on which she sat. "That creates a real conflict of interest," he said.


Leatherwood also hopes to spark a reform of the Republican party, and says it's possible for the party to pick up seats in November, despite analysts' opposite projections. "With Obama at the head of the ticket, we ought to be talking about picking up seats," he said.


Leatherwood faces off against Blackburn on Aug. 7.

Tom Leatherwood Responds To Dishonest Mailer

Special Alert

Tom Leatherwood's response to Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn's dishonest mailer.

July 26, 2008

Dear Voter,

Marsha Blackburn has said that I would support “taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants.” This is absolutely not true and she knows it is not true. She is desperate and desperate people say and do desperate things. I am and always have been absolutely opposed to free health care for illegals or a nationalized (socialized) health care system.

If you would like to see the June 4th Commercial Appeal article she refers to on her mail piece, you can click on the link at the end of this article. You will notice that there are absolutely no statements about free healthcare for illegal immigrants. I have also provided a link to a letter to the editor which I wrote addressing the false information she and her staff began putting out weeks ago.

Illegal immigration is out of control and we have a Congress that does not take action. That is in large part why I am running. We need to secure our borders and enforce current laws. I am opposed to taxpayer-funded health care benefits for people who are here illegally. I have spoken consistently on these issues at forums and town hall meetings across the district.

I am a Reagan conservative and have a consistent conservative record as a state senator and as county register. This is why 37 elected Republican officials have endorsed me. For this many elected officials to come out openly for a challenger against an incumbent member of Congress is highly unusual. It’s because they know like so much of the public that our congresswoman talks a good game but she is not effective.

Please help spread the word to correct this bizarre and untrue information that Marsha Blackburn and her operatives are putting forth. Feel free to call me on my cell at 901-569-5100 or at home at 901-867-7780 if you have any questions or would like to discuss this issue.

I humbly ask for your vote in early voting or on election day, August 7th. I ask you to come alongside me to start our country back on the road to the conservative values which made our country great.

Sincerely,
Tom Leatherwood

RESOURCES:
Montgomery Co. Rep. Women - Commercial Appeal
Schip letter to the editor - Commercial Appeal

Commercial Appeal Endorses Tom Leatherwood

Click here to read the endorsement article.

Leatherwood TV Ads

www.votetomleatherwood.com

Poll Shows Tom Leatherwood Gaining In Congressional Contest

ARLINGTON, TN – Tom Leatherwood is gaining rapidly in his campaign for the Republican nomination for Congress in Tennessee’s 7th District, cutting the incumbent’s lead to just 11 points, according to a survey conducted by Ethridge and Associates, LLC. Leatherwood is challenging Congressman Marsha Blackburn in the August 7 Primary. According to the results of a districtwide poll taken on June 28 and 29, Leatherwood trails 37% to 48% districtwide. This shows a net gain for Leatherwood of 16 points compared to a March survey in which he trailed by 30% to 57%. In Shelby County, where both candidates are well known, Leatherwood leads 55% to 30%, a positive swing of 29 points from the March poll that showed him trailing 40% to 44%.

“Tom Leatherwood has the potential to defeat Marsha Blackburn, and his campaign message of public service, not self-service, is resonating with voters,” according to Ethridge. “When an incumbent with name I.D. of more than 90% has locked up less than half the vote five weeks before the election, that incumbent clearly is in trouble,” Ethridge added.

“After talking to voters throughout the district, these numbers don’t surprise me,” said Leatherwood. “Republicans are ready for a change in Washington and that includes someone who will address high gas and grocery prices, the economy and illegal immigration. They are upset when they hear that special interests paid for her to take more than 20 trips to resort locations. They don’t like that she failed to report over $400,000 in campaign contributions and expenditures. And, they know it is wrong when they hear the incumbent has funneled more than $350,000 in campaign and PAC funds to her family."

“We still have a lot to do,” Leatherwood said. “The incumbent has a war chest filled with special interest money, and we already see she’s not hesitating to spend it. Fortunately, money isn’t everything. Last month, a Republican challenger in Utah, outspent by almost $500,000, defeated the incumbent 60% to 40%. I believe, and the numbers back me up, that we’re putting together the campaign we need to win.”

This article from Post Politics is also encouraging!

Incumbent Chris Cannon, first elected in 1996, was endorsed by President Bush and both of Utah’s Republican U.S. Senators. Cannon spent more than $760,000 compared to the victorious Jason Chaffetz, who spent just $175,000. Congressional Quarterly’s on-line report cited “the failure of Cannon to generate the kind of turnout typically enjoyed by House incumbents.” Cannon was criticized for his support of comprehensive immigration reform, an unpopular position in that district.

Here in Tennessee’s 7th District, Blackburn faces a similar challenge. The Leatherwood campaign finds that voters disapprove of incumbent Blackburn’s pattern of violating Federal Election law and her funneling more than $350,000 in campaign funds to family members. Tom told me that this election sends to Washington the same message he wants to send, “For Republicans to regain our majority, we have to reform the way we do business in Washington. That means holding our own accountable and replacing them when they lose their way.”

Geography also played a role in the Chaffetz victory. He carried Salt Lake County, his home county and the largest in the district, with 63% of the vote. In the 7th District, Leatherwood’s home of Shelby County accounts for more than 50% of the Republican Primary vote in on-gubernatorial years.

Vance Dennis Rally

This evening Vance Dennis, our candidate for TN State Representative (district 71), had a rally at the Selmer park. Here are a few pictures from the event.Vance spoke about his vision for the future of our state. One of the reasons we are supporting Vance is because of the stand he takes on the protection of life, marriage, and the 2nd amendment. We also support his goal of working to lower our taxes and prevent a state income tax. Our family with Vance and Ashley Dennis

Jonathan and David with Vance

Early voting begins tomorrow in Tennessee, and election day is August 7th. If you are in the 71st district, please take the time to visit Vance's website, http://www.vancedennis.com/, to learn more about him so you can make an informed decision when you go to the polls.

VANCE DENNIS for STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Will Your Voice Be Heard?

In May Rep. Paul Brown (GA), along with 28 cosponsors, introduced a bill in the House that would pave the way to amend the Constitution, recognizing marriage as being only between one man and one woman. In the past week-and-a-half H.J.Res.89 has received growing attention and the cosponsors have grown to 86. Seven Democrats, to date, have also cosponsored, giving a higher percentage of Democratic involvement in this year’s attempt than during 2006. This past week Senator Roger Wicker (MS) introduced a companion bill, S.J.Res.43, which has gained nine of the needed 30 cosponsors.

Traditional marriage has been under attack for many years, but this year the enemies of the family have greatly upped the ante, winning political and legal victories from coast-to-coast. The activist federal judges in California have thrown down the gauntlet, overriding the clear will of the people of that state, allowing homosexual couples the privilege reserved for qualifying heterosexual couples for thousands of years - marriage. God, by the right of being the Creator of marriage, has ordained marriage as being only between a man and a woman, yet the “gay rights” crowd is attempting to steal the acceptance that marriage brings to a relationship for their perverted substitute. It is embarrassing how much they have succeeded. Peter Barbera explained how they have “earned” the political clout they now enjoy this way: "The gays are all about political power. They know how to vote. They're very committed. They're not apathetic like many Christians." Apathetic. We who are to be the salt and light of the earth have chosen to keep the salt and light to ourselves, loosing the salt’s savor and smothering the candle under a bushel. Now the country which we were given, the country in which we have the freedom and ability to let our light shine on the government and on the laws of our land, is being snatched away from us by godless men and women. They are succeeding because we have become comfortable, lulled into sleep by materialism, and have relaxed our hold on what we should have protected with our lives - like our fore-fathers did.

Much has been made of the argument that the federal government has no right to involve itself in the daily affairs of its citizens. Truly, its role is to provide for the country’s defense, in order to provide a peaceful environment in which the people are free to “pursue happiness”. Unfortunately, our form of government can only function in a society which is governed by its conscience, a conscience which fears God. John Adams clearly stated this in 1798: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” I sadly submit that today we are not a “moral and religious people“. For the most part, the Constitution is the highest authority that people recognize, and there are many “Americans” who defy even that. The Church has failed in its highest calling, to point the lost to Christ, and to disciple them, “teaching them to observe all things” He has commanded. Now we must suffer the consequences of our disobedience, not only the charge of the blood of the lost on our hands, but also the loss of our freedoms. So now, when the proponents of “alternate lifestyles” demand official recognition of their counterfeit marriages, what are we to do? Roll over and play dead, again? Not only does recognition of their relationship devalue every true marriage just as counterfeit money’s acceptance devalues real money, it also harms the already fragile and unraveling moral fiber of society, encouraging destructive behaviors to proliferate. If the only prerequisite for marriage is “love”, how soon will be that we are forced to accept such relationships as polygamy, polyamory, bestiality? How many adoptions of children into homes with two dads or two moms are we going to have to allow? The judges in California have demonstrated the fragility of state constitutions and laws, and given a compelling argument for the adoption of a federal Constitutional Amendment to protect the sanctity of marriage from activist judges.

It is now up to Christians to champion the cause of marriage. While the majority of Christians are still wallowing in their beds of apathy, some even enjoying the moral decadence so freely offered by the world, some are waking up to the seriousness of the situation. What we need are trumpet blowers, sounding the alarm, sounding the battle cry for Christians to stand for the Right. In the upcoming election, it is expected that both Houses will be completely swept by liberal candidates. Our window of opportunity is narrowing by the day. Congressmen and Senators need to hear from the people, imploring them to bring morality back to the our laws and courtrooms, before it is too late. A recent call to the House Judiciary Committee confirmed that the only thing standing between these bills and their passing is public support. However, the majority of the public are both unaware of the existence of the bill and discouraged by the past failures. They need to hear that there has been good progress in both Houses and encouraged that they do have a voice - one that has been silent too long. Will your voice be heard?

Federal Marriage Amendment Blog

A blog has been set up to promote the Federal Marriage Amendment of 2008. It will serve as a one-stop reference site providing information about the current amendment that is being considered in Congress, as well as highlighting the efforts of organizations that are on the front-lines working to advance pro-marriage legislation. Visit traditionalwedlock.org to get the latest news and updates on the battle for traditional marriage.

Leatherwood For Congress!

We haven't gotten a yard sign for Tom Leatherwood, our candidate for Congress, so we decided to paint one yesterday!

For all of you who live in the 7th district...PLEASE VOTE FOR TOM LEATHERWOOD!!!!!
The Republican Primary is on August 7th.

New Federal Marriage Amendment Bill Needs Co-sponsors

A new federal marriage amendment bill has been introduced by Rep. Paul C. Broun (GA). H.J.Res.89 needs at least 100 representatives to sign on as co-sponsors in order to bring it to a vote. As of today, there are 66 bi-partisan co-sponsors.

Click here for more information about this bill and a list of the co-sponsers.

Please join us in defending traditional marriage by contacting your representative and requesting that he become a co-sponsor if he has not yet done so. To find out who your representative is and to send him an e-mail, click here and enter your location. Remember, he is representing you, and needs to hear how you want him to vote. Calls and emails to elected officials are very effective. The "government of the people, by the people, and for the people" needs to hear the people's voice!

11 Smiths for Huckabee endorses Tom Leatherwood for Congress

A few weeks ago we had the opportunity to meet Tom Leatherwood, candidate for Congress (TN-7). After meeting Mr. and Mrs. Leatherwood, hearing him speak, and talking with him on two different occasions, we think that he is the best candidate for the job.We are supporting Tom Leatherwood because we believe that he will take a stand for the issues that are important to us, such as the protection of life and traditional marriage, parental rights, reforming the tax code, protecting our second amendment rights, eliminating the national debt, and securing our borders.

Tom Leatherwood served in the Tennessee State Senate for 8 years and is currently serving as Register of Deeds in Shelby County. You can visit his website, http://www.votetomleatherwood.com/, to find out more about Tom Leatherwood, his stand on the issues, and how you can help him win the Republican Primary in August, and the general election this fall. Tom Leatherwood is running against Republican incumbent Marsha Blackburn.

Here is a map showing TN Congressional District 7, the area we need to help Tom Leatherwood win. If you live in the 7th district the Leatherwood campaign needs your help! Click here to sign up to join the campaign, or click here to make an online contribution to the campaign. You can also help by sharing this information and the campaign website with everyone you know in the 7th distict.

The Leatherwood family