What was billed as the first Republican State Senate Forum was only with two of the three candidates. The event was a Knox County Young Republicans Club Meet the Candidates Forum. When Knox YR a President Alex Roehl was asked where candidate Mike Alford was. He said that he was unaware that there was a third candidate. He intends to invite Alford to attend a future meeting.

Now to the forum between two-thirds of the field, Knox County Commissioner Richard Briggs and Incumbent State Senator Stacey Campfield.

During opening remarks Dr. Briggs said he got interested in politics after the 2007, Black Monday. (Editorial correction, it was Black Wednesday 2007. If it was a defining moment, how do you get it wrong?) Campfield stressed that during his 6 years in the State House it was controlled by heavy handed Democrat leadership. He and others were “bomb throwers”, over time they cut the membership to more a Republican leaning to Majority Republican to now a Super Majority Republican leadership.

The first question was about continuing to improve on reducing the unemployment rate in TN. Campfield said the legislature reduced the Hall Income tax, the food sales tax, TN has great business infrastructure, TN is #2 in roads (that is critical because of our geography to the masses of the U.S. Population. Of course, the passage of the Norris/Campfield bill also known as the TN Promise Bill. The passage of allowing two year of free tuition to boost our 30% plus to 55% higher education graduation.

Briggs said there are states better than us, In Knox County 50% of our students are on free and reduced lunch. He cited his service on the Knox County Industrial Development Board in recruiting businesses to this area.

Next question, how will Tennessee attract and retain college graduates? Briggs said we must attract the top professors to Tennessee to teach and the high school graduates need to be prepared.

Campfield cited that TN was 46-48th in education. In the 3 years he has served in the Senate, TN has become #1 in education growth in the country. He does not favor government restrictions like slope and hillside developments and billboard restrictions.

Why are trades like carpentry not taught in all schools?

Briggs said not every student needs to go to college. They (assume the Mrs and him) had a issue with Comcast. He called and got a lady with an Indian accent. She said her name was Sara. He then gave a sarcastic right.

Campfield said I have been fighting for trade expansion. There is currently a one year waiting period to get into the TN Technical & Technology School. We need trade schools. He said a job is better than no job. Too many people look down on some jobs and professions.

Appointed or Elected Superintendents

Campfield said leave it up to the local communities.

Briggs said officials that make policy should be elected. We elect school boards. He then went on a three minute rabbit chase about other states.

State Income Tax

Briggs no

Campfield I have voted no. He then went on to say you will never see me on a lefty website saying we need a more progressive tax system.

The Second Amendment

Briggs said it is a constitutional guarantee and talked around another rabbit trail.

Campfield, YES

In closing, Campfield said this race will be interesting, you have different views to decide from. I am very conservative. He cited the drug testing of public assistance recipients, accountability on parents to be involved and defunding of planned parenthood.

Briggs said that he believes you must tell the truth, he doesn’t plan to play lose and when he gives his word, he will honor it.

With that it concluded, in the next month we will hopefully have an opportunity to hear from other Republican candidate Mike Alford.