Kyle's Ford Country Store in Hancock County
This week, I participated in two more gubernatorial forums – one before business leaders and the other before newspaper publishers from across the state. While candidates from the other party were attacking one another, I stayed focused on what I believe matters more to Tennessee’s working families – creating jobs and putting people back to work.
Time and again I drove home the point that our state’s working families are struggling to put food on their tables. I shared stories of places I’ve been and people I’ve met in the more than 70 counties I’ve now visited – stories that invoke a common theme of frustration and despair. I stressed that the key to turning our economy around is to put people back to work.
I made the distinction that I’m the only candidate who’s not a career politician, and I talked about the importance of putting Tennessee businesses and Tennessee jobs first. I applauded Governor Bredesen’s successes in recruiting new industries to our state, while stressing that our next Governor must follow through to recruit suppliers of these industries. I further challenged our four-year higher education institutions and community colleges to offer curriculum and resources that meet the skills demands of the workforce needed to sustain these industries. And I called on government to continue to cut red tape for small businesses and invest in what they need to get goods to market.
In other campaign news, I’ve continued my trek across the state, spending quality time with local Democratic friends and leaders in all four corners of our state. We’ve also added a feature on our web site that allows folks to add their name to our nominating petition.
I’m feeling confident about our message and encouraged by the continued outpouring of support and goodwill I am receiving as I travel the state.
Talk to you soon,
Mike McWherter
P.S. – You can also support our campaign by donating online today!
