Feature Photo Credit: Mark Pody / Facebook; Article Photo Credit: Richard Dramm
By Richard Dramm (founder and president of the Conservative Club of Tellico and contributor to The Tennessee Conservative) –
On Monday, October 11th, forty to fifty Republicans met for breakfast at the Bearden Event Center in Knoxville to commemorate the reelection campaign of Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon).
Among the many dignitaries in attendance were Congressman Tim Burchett (R-TN 2nd District), Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, State Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville), State Senator Ken Yager from Roane County, Representatives John Ragan (R-Oak Ridge), Representative Justin Lafferty (R-Knoxville), Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler, and of course, State Senator Pody.
After the invocation and brief remarks by Senator Becky Massey, Mayor Jacobs discussed why so many folks were leaving their state and coming to the conservative bastion of Tennessee.
Jacobs explained that people want their freedoms and have the desire to keep the government out of their lives – that’s why Tennessee is such a popular destination for those seeking freedom. The state’s massive growth is being attributed to low taxes, personal freedom, and conservative fiscal management.
Next up was Congressman Burchett, who expressed concern for his “mud stuck” tractor that needed attention back at the farm. He said that he came to support Pody.
A Knoxville broadsheet had attacked Senator Pody on Sunday, questioning why Senator Pody was having a fundraiser in Knox County.
In a stinging defense of the event, Burchett said that he was tired of “political correctness” and cancel culture. His presence and strong stand for conservativism brought applause and appreciation from the conservatives in attendance.
State Senator Ken Yager then introduced Senator Pody.
Senator Pody said that he seeks consensus constantly on the Senate floor, but only if that consensus doesn’t compromise his conservative and Biblical values.
Mark emphasized that he was a public servant, and a child of God, referencing Ezekiel 3:17 when explaining why he was running for reelection. Pody said that God wanted him to act as a watchman, protecting the values and freedoms of Christians, and all Tennesseans throughout the state.
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He continues to be a champion for lower taxes, personal freedom, and fiscal conservatism. And he is not about to back away from those pledges, nor the Biblical standards that guide his daily life.
The crowd erupted with applause and all in attendance were thankful that Senator Pody represents our conservative values in the Tennessee senate.
Randy Boyd, UT President, who had originally volunteered to sponsor the event, withdrew his sponsorship due to political pressure from liberal activists at the University of Tennessee, despite it being a personal donation. Mr. Boyd, who owns the Smokies, is seeking support for a new Tennessee Smokie stadium in Knoxville.
