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

McNairy County Reagan Dinner

Our county's Republican party had our Reagan Dinner last evening with about 300 people in attendance. The guest speaker was our U.S. Senator, Bob Corker.
The event was a success due to the hard work of our GOP county chairman, Charles Lee, and his wife, Carol Ann.

We spent the afternoon setting up for the event.

Daddy and David hang banners

Sarah folds napkins

Hanging up flags around the balcony

We set about 40 tables!
Senator Corker arrives Jonathan and Mr. Lee greet the Senator Deborah and David served the head table
County Mayor Jai Templeton recognizes the elected officials and candidates in attendance Senator Corker addresses the crowd
Senator Corker with Effie Carrie Woods and her grandson Senator Corker and Vance Dennis, candidate for State Representative from our district

Senator Corker with Sgt. and Mrs. Patrick Diener
David gets his picture taken with Senator Corker

Our friend, Pastor Jerry Woods and Senator Corker

The Senator autographs a program for Jonathan

County Mayor Jai Templeton and his wife Allison with Senator CorkerDaddy visits with Senator Corker

All 11 Smiths with the Senator!

Fellow Huckabee supporter Dan Hardin talks with Daddy and Charles Lee

Daddy and Tom Leatherwood, candidate for the U.S. Congress from our district Cleaning up after the dinner

Update From Governor Huckabee

Click here to read Gov. Huckabee's latest update.

Gov. Huckabee on CNN - 4/16/08

Part One: http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=07064b12-ddab-44e1-a619-87872debce74

Part Two: http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=13a5a0e3-0ad9-4c3e-a4ff-b3a4b9eae685

Huck PAC!!!!!!!!!!!

Visit www.huckpac.com to find out about Gov. Huckabee's new PAC!

Conference Call With Gov. Huckabee

The conference call was wonderful! Over 6000 people called to listen in! It was so good to hear Gov. Huckabee's voice and be inspired and encouraged again by his vision! Here is a brief overview of the conference call. None of it is word-for-word...it's just a condensed version of the questions and answers that I was able to hear. If you would like to listen to the entire conversation, here is the link to the recording: http://www.charismamag.com/replay/huckabee/

Greetings and introduction of host Steve Strang and guest Mike Huckabee.

Strang: What’s next on the agenda for you?

Huck: Talks about the people who supported him in his presidential run and how they need someone who will continue standing for their conservative values. Talks about how he'll continue pushing the FairTax...the economy is suffering. Mentions that we need strong families...a breakdown in the family necessitates more government.
To answer the question, what’s next is to make sure that we don’t lose the momentum we conservatives gained in the past few months. We need to use our momentum to elect other conservative candidates this year.

Strang: agrees…says that’s why he endorsed Huckabee -- because he was the one standing for and articulating conservative principles and values.

Strang reads questions from viewers:

Christy: Disheartened by bias toward Huckabee from GOP elite. What is Huckabee's advice to those who feel that the party has left them?

Huck: My advice is to remain active, don’t give up, don’t be weary in well doing. If we give up, who will stand up for life, stand against racism and on and on? Don’t reflect on what we didn’t do, but what we did do. We outlasted the ones who the pundits said would win and supporters should feel proud. Dust yourself off, get back on your feet, and fight for another day.

Gail: Who do you believe is God’s choice for President at this time?

Huck: Never claimed to be God’s choice...every believer should hear from God on this issue. Personally will support McCain over Dems. Talks about how Obama and Hillary would raise taxes...the government is already taking too much. It's very important for all of us to work for state and local candidates who share our principles.

Carly: Would you be McCain's VP and is McCain open to that idea?

Huck: Doesn’t know, wouldn’t turn it down, doesn’t know if he’s on the list, isn’t expecting it.
Has volunteered to help and campaign for McCain and is waiting for instructions. Can’t apply for the job and personally thinks it’s rather unbecoming to say “Yeah, I’d like to be VP.”

Evan: Your views on healthcare, economy (he mentioned others that I didn't catch) were fresh to conservatives and were an appealing part of your platform. What will you do to highlight these more before 2012?

Huck: Too many people thought it was hard to define him and his record was distorted. Wants people to know where he stands, and believes these issues are appealing to a new generation of Republican voters. On the environment: as Christians, it’s a matter of stewardship. We have no right to misuse or destroy the earth, because we don't own it. It is sin to put self above others.

Eric: What do you think about how people are trying to remove God and Christianity from the public forum?

Huck: America is supposed to champion individual rights and freedoms. Doesn’t want a society that doesn’t respect Christians. It's not just evangelicals being attacked, but Catholics and Jews too. Talks about Catholics championing the rights of unborn. Now Muslims are getting more respect and religious freedom than Christians. Not being able to say "Merry Christmas" is absurd. Those who don’t like it can work on Dec. 25 if they don't want to observe a Christian holiday.

Valerie: Illegal aliens are causing problems and draining resources. How can we deal with the issue of illegal immigration?

Huck: The government has a responsibility to secure the borders and it has failed us. All other countries have secured borders, physical barriers, checkpoints and searches. Talks about his experience crossing borders in other countries and all he had to go through to get from one country to another. He didn’t mind because he was a guest. Our open borders make us not respected and people who enter the country without being under the law will live here without obeying the law.
To fix the problem we close the border first. Secondly, we have a process where illegals return home, fill out paperwork and only come back legally, pay taxes and live by the law. Immigrants can’t just walk in. They have always had to go through the front door, even back when we were welcoming immigrants at Ellis Island.

Greg: What can be done about the gas prices?

Huck: Gas prices are sky-rocketing, now averaging $3.28 a gallon. This is hurting all of us, but especially those who make their living driving or using gasoline. Their paychecks aren't changing to match high fuel costs. Air industry is really struggling.
To deal with this problem we have to become energy independent in ten years with renewable sources of energy. If we want to do it, we can! It can become reality if we will see it as a priority. Our gas dollars are going to pay both sides of war… it's absurd. Middle East countries like Saudi Arabia are not paying what they promised to help in the war against terrorism.

Halfway through call: advertisements for Charisma Magazine and some discussion about Gov. Huckabee's books.

Strang: Huckabee didn't have much money, and the key was his grassroots support. Why didn’t grassroots support turn into fundraising? Why is it hard for voters to part with funds?

Huck: His supporters were not the traditional establishment supporters who write checks for $2300. His supporters were the janitor who gave $20 and the lady in Michigan who couldn't give money but gave him her ring. He wouldn’t trade those small contributions because they’re more powerful than the $2300. His supporters sacrificed to give. Finds it interesting that when pundits started saying "This guy could actually win!" more money started coming in. It’s distressing to him that the political process (fundraising) has become more important than the principles. Many just wanted to support the winner. We should learn to help the candidate who stands for our values instead of the one who has the money. Talks about how the Christian leaders who speak about faith and miracles and Gideon, David and Elijah wouldn't have faith themselves. They worship at the altar of electability instead of supporting who they know they should support...their thinking is more secular than many in the world.

Strang: Mentions that the conservative leaders who failed to stand up and endorse a conservative candidate may not be considered leaders anymore.
How can we change the process so next time we have more money? How can we win local and state elections?

Huck: Positive thing was that people saw that their voices matters and that their efforts really had an impact. For example, homeschoolers from other states came to Iowa for 2 weeks and volunteered at the campaign headquarters. He doesn't have to convince them that they made a difference.
We didn't lose, the game ended before we got finished playing. It won’t have to be the same next time. Two important lessons for us: #1 - Every person and every dollar makes a difference. #2 - If you’re going to make a difference, do it EARLY. The Democrats have an organization called EMILY - Early Money Is Like Yeast. We need to get involved as soon as possible. He longs for the day when conservatives don’t wait for the trends and the polls to tell who’s doing well, but will make their decision early and base it on principles. A lot of people said they weren’t sure he could win, but if he could get some traction they’d help him because they really wanted him to be President. He says those people who think he'd be a good President ARE his traction! Those who believe a candidate is the right one need to step forward now and make their convictions valid!

Tom: (didn't get the question, but it was something about Huckabee being the only candidate to have a plan to change the tax code.)

Huck: One of the most troubling things in our society is the tax code. Congress and lobbyists have too much power because they get to manipulate the tax code and create winners and loser. What you penalize you get less of and what you reward you get more of. We need those who are productive. We are rewarding criminals and illegals by our present tax system and hurting our own businesses. The fairtax is structured, will bring jobs back, will encourage people to work, will help small business, and will have everyone paying taxes.

Lamario: African-Americans are normally conservative and family-oriented. Why isn’t the GOP getting more of the African-American vote?

Huck: This is one of the things that makes him frustrated with the GOP. They aren’t building relationships. He got 49 % of the African-American vote in AR, not because he stopped by in October to ask for their vote in November, but because he showed that he cared. We have to earn the votes instead of just getting them. Talks about working with African-Americans in Arkansas in areas like healthcare. He also showed equality in the criminal justice system. Says that GOP could be getting the majority of the black vote if they would care about them and reach out now.

Kendall: Will you run in 2012?

Huck: Flattered that someone wants to vote for him again, but not making premature announcement now. The immediate goal is the 2008 elections, but he will not rule out a run in 2012. Who knows? He noticed several times that he was the youngest guy in the Republican field.
Next Tuesday he will be launching new website and encourages everyone to check it out on April 15th. He is writing a new book and will be campaigning and speaking. You’ll find out more on April 15th.
He's realized that his supporters are not a campaign, but a community. A great lesson he learned from his campaign was that this is an amazingly wonderful country with some of the greatest people on earth. Was heartened by it and wants to see it continue.

Strang: Huckabee energized voters and restored our confidence.

Huck: Thanks to all. Encourages people, especially believers, to subscribe to Charisma Magazine.
To supporters: "God bless you all. I appreciate you more than I can say."

Huckabee Update

What has Gov. Huckabee been up to lately? If you haven't looked at the mikehuckabee.com website recently, you should!

According to CNN, Gov. Huckabee has signed a contract with Creative Artists Agency. You can read the article here.

You can hear Gov. Huckabee for yourself tonight! Steve Strang will be hosting a tele-conference call with Gov. Huckabee as the guest at 7:00 CT. Click here to sign up for the call.

Sign The FairTax Petition!

We are only a few thousand signatures away from the goal of 100,000 names on the FairTax Petition that will be presented to Congress later this month. If you have not signed the petition yet, go to www.changedc.org and sign it. Please encourage friends and family members to sign it also!

Baptist Press Article

The Baptist Press posted an article about Gov. Huckabee yesterday. Click here to read it.

Vote for Huckabee in TIME Magazine Poll

TIME Magazine is taking a poll of the 100 most influential people of the year. Click here to go to Huckabee's page. Be sure to drag the rating at the top left to 100 to give him the highest rating. Right now he is in 23rd place.