With early voting right around the corner, a quintet of Tennessee Republicans announced their hearty endorsement of their fellow Republican and colleague, Rep. Diane Black (R-TN-06), for governor at a meet-and-greet event in Johnson City Thursday.
Reps. Matthew Hill (R-Jonesborough), Micah Van Huss (R-Jonesborough) and Timothy Hill (R-Blountville), former Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey and U.S. Rep. Phil Roe (R-Johnson City) all voiced their strong support for Black in a statement released by the campaign:
“Nobody—and I mean nobody—has the qualifications and believes right on the issues of pro-life, second amendment or even budgetary issues that really make a difference in this state but Diane Black,” former LT Governor Ron Ramsey said.
“When I was first elected, I kept hearing the name of a state senator who was tough as nails and took care of her constituents, and it was the name of Diane Black,” Rep. Matthew Hill said. “I’ve been in the legislature and been very blessed to be able to pass some significant pro-life legislation, but I would not have been able to do that with out the legislative and leadership foundation that was laid by Diane Black. With Governor Diane Black, I know we will be able to continue to pass pro-life legislation.”
“I want to thank Diane for her conservative stance in Washington and standing with President Trump,” Rep. Timothy Hill said. “I carried the heartbeat bill this year, and it was amazing to me to see all the groups that came out against saving babies’ lives. I’ve spoken with Diane about this issue, and I very much look forward to calling her governor and working on saving babies’ lives in Tennessee.”
“From a social and fiscal conservative perspective, Diane Black is the choice. We must elect the most conservative individual that can win. That’s where our vote needs to go. That’s Diane Black. Period,” State Rep MicahVan Huss said. “Diane Black—and I can promise you this—is not going to forget Northeast Tennessee.”
“Diane is my friend,” US Rep Phil Roe said. “You can’t find a better quality person. That’s why I’m here today, and I think she would make a great governor.”
Black responded, “What a day for me! I’m going to praise the Lord that I have friends who are willing to stand up in front of the public, in front of the camera and say they endorse me. I think it shows that experience really does count, and I have the experience of sponsoring and being a part of conservative legislation with the great legislators we have standing here.”
Recent polls have shown the long-time Tennessee politician is in a tight race with businessmen Randy Boyd and Bill Lee for the Republican nomination for governor, replacing Bill Haslam, who is termed out.
The primary election is August 2, and Early Voting begins a week from today on July 13.
