Image Credit: John D. Ragan / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
The Tennessee Conservative has been diligently covering Representative John Ragan’s (R- Oak Ridge- District 33) primary election challenge from numerous angles, the latest consisting of a survey sent to every State Executive Committee (SEC) member containing questions regarding crossover voting, closing the primaries, and their insight on the challenge.
Very few members responded to the survey request, and all responses received are published below.
The questions from the survey were:
1. Why do you think GOP leadership in the legislature has killed all previous bills that would have closed the GOP primaries to Democrats?
2. Where do you stand on allowing crossover voting?
3. Given the information you have seen so far, do you see any evidence that democrats did indeed cross over to vote for either of the two candidates in Ragan’s primary challenge?
4. What are the definitions of crossover voting in the GOP primaries in the TNGOP bylaws?
5. If crossover votes are found, will you be deducting those from both candidates to determine the final outcome?
Responses Received:
Brian Hornback (District 6):
Thank you for your message. As the elected TN Republican Party Committeeman for District 6 (the better portion of Knox County, in my opinion) I will be present to represent my constituents on Saturday.
As a jurist or judge it would be inappropriate to answer your questions before hearing the case at 2:30 pm Central Time Saturday in Mt Juliet.
Terri Nicholson (District 17):
1. In my opinion, GOP leadership has not taken up closing the primaries this far because it has not been something that has adversely impacted the legislators at the state level until now.
2. I believe in strictly adhering to the law including enforcement of the law which is defined in Tennessee Code Annotated for all elections.
3. I have seen Representative John Ragan’s email where he provided the follow complaint:
“None of the 1,135 names from the recent election on the forwarded spreadsheet meet the Republican Party’s published criterion to be a bona fide Republican by having voted in at least two (2) of the four (4) most recent state and/or local Republican primary election. (By-laws of The Republican Party, Article IX, Section 1, Part B.)”
4. Our bylaws do not have that term “crossover voting”. We do, however, reference Tennessee Code Annotated in our Articles and Sections. Crossover voting is defined in TCA. We do recognize what TCA defines pertaining to all election laws.
5. I am going to give earnestness to the proper deliberation of the District 33 election that is in question.
Larry Hillis (District 23):
Thanks for your inquiry… I need to reply in more specifics after Saturday’s Primary Board.
My understanding of Tennessee’s Open Meetings law precludes me (as a member of the board) from discussing (other than in an open official board meeting) any potential discussion points that might arise in the, open to the public, in person meeting…
Meeting is open to public and public comments are allowed.
Angie McClanahan (District 28):
1. I believe that they think they (at least some in east and west Tennessee) cannot win without the votes of some democrats. They want to have their cake and eat it, too. Many of our elected Republicans are centrist, at best, and they believe they can appeal to Democrats in a primary when often there is not a contested Democrat primary.
2. Adamantly opposed.
3. From what I have seen, yes.
4. Crossover voting is not mentioned in the TNGOP bylaws to my recollection.
5. I need to see more evidence to make that determination.
Chris Morris (District 28): offered an in-depth interview, find it here.
This article will be updated if more responses are received. If you wish to contact any SEC members directly, find their information here.
The special SEC meeting where the challenge will be heard is open to the public, and set for Saturday, September 7th, 2:30 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel in Mount Juliet, TN (1975 Providence Parkway, 31722). Anyone wishing to make a public comment must email Ginger Morrow (ginger@tngop.com) by 2:30 PM today, September 5th.
Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroot organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
