Republicans address issues during dinner

By DUANE SHERRILL / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

BUMPUS

A woman who has traveled the state for five years trying to have the Ten Commandments put in every courthouse, and a pilot who began his service to others by preaching on the streets of New York City were just two of the little-known, but dedicated, candidates who attended the annual Lincoln Day dinner here Friday night.

The annual function, sponsored by the Warren County Republican Party, gave a forum for Republican candidates in this year’s election. Some, like Congressman Van Hilleary, seeking the governor’s seat, were well known. Others were not. But each hopes to follow in Hilleary’s footsteps and make their mark in the political arena.

“I’m considered by some to be the meanest woman in Tennessee,” remarked a colorful June Griffith, candidate for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Fred Thompson. “I think I can harass Hillary Clinton and the rest of them out of there.”

Griffith pointed out she has dedicated the past five years of her life to traveling around to all 95 counties and requesting the Ten Commandments be posted in courthouses. She said she’s succeeded in 82 counties, but not in Warren County. She was also quick to point out she was the only senatorial candidate present at the function Friday evening.

“Our government has made some of the most idiotic and atheistic decisions over the past 50 years,” Griffith said. “Our judges are out of control and they need to be impeached.”

While not painting as bleak a picture of society as Griffith, political newcomer, Judd Matheny, candidate for the 47th District state house which includes Western Warren County, said there must be changes to ensure a great America in the future.

“I’m afraid if we don’t do something, 40 years from now, we won’t have a country fit to live in,” Matheny said.

On the state level, Matheny said the idea of an income tax is an example of how state government is looking to shirk its leadership responsibilities.

“There’s no budget crisis, it’s a spending crisis,” Matheny said. “I will fight against a state income tax.”

Matheny said state government must learn to manage its money instead of trying to have taxpayers bail them out for government’s mismanagement of state funds.

“The lights are on and the rats are exposed,” Matheny said, pointing out poor fiscal planning has left the state with the budget shortfall.

Making the biggest showing Friday evening were the candidates for the U.S. 4th District congressional seat being vacated by Van Hilleary as four Republican candidates were on hand.

Janice Bowling of Tullahoma, a former Van Hilleary aide now seeking her boss’ old job, said we face a new world following the events of Sept. 11.

“September 11th has become the December 7th of our generation,” Bowling said. “We rediscovered America on that day. There were a lot of hyphens, which used to proceed the word ‘American’ which dissolved on September 11, making us one people.”

Bowling said we must have strong leadership in these trying times, noting George W. Bush is the man to lead.

“We thank God every day that he (Bush) is in the White House,” Bowling said.

Mike Coffelt, a former pilot and advocate for pilots in Washington, recalled flying from New York to the West Coast the day before the Sept. 11 tragedy. Coffelt said the tragedy serves to solidify the importance of service to one’s community.

“I have a heart to serve,” Coffelt said. “Service isn’t who you are, it is what you can do for people.”

Former state safety commissioner Mike Greene said the core values like those of the people in the 4th District, are the values fundamental to America.

“All around this district there is a core value of God, family and community,” Greene said, noting it is important for those values to be carried to Washington, something he believes he can do. “President Bush needs to keep a Republican in this seat. It is important we have a candidate who can win in November.”

Jim Bumpus said he intends to go to Washington and earn tenure so he can have influence to help the district.

“This district is a very poor place,” Bumpus said. “I want to go to Washington, get seniority and help make the district better.”

Bumpus said he has concerns about the tax system, specifically the death tax which taxes inheritance and other things when a person dies.

“Dying should not be a taxable event,” Bumpus said, adding he is a conservative who supports a strong military, Second Amendment rights, local control of education and is against partial birth abortions and giving Social Security benefits to homosexual couples.