“One On One With Monty” – (Interview With Candidate For Tennessee Governor Monty Fritts)

Image Credit: Todd A. McKinley

Submitted by Todd A. McKinley –

To follow up my most recent op-ed titled A Real Debate, I decided to attend a Monty Fritts event on June 4^th, in Kingsport and had the following conversation with him. I call it a conversation because he didn’t have a staffer or handler trying to hurry me along, in fact he was willing to give me all the time I needed, but I only wanted to ask a few questions. In fact, I’ll happily interview every Republican candidate if they give me the opportunity.

Monty and I are fellow Veterans and active in the same Veterans Service Organization and regularly cross paths, so the tone was very friendly and open.

Monty, thanks for sitting down with me, I know there’s a lot of people who want to say hello, so I’ll be brief, and get the easy question out of the way first. 

Why are you running?

I feel called of God to run. I have a burden for the direction the state has traveled. Excessive budget growth, bureaucratic overreach, and often a trampling of our Creator endowed rights concerns me for the sake of younger generations. 

What makes you the best candidate?

I am not a career DC politician. I have an excellent constitutional and small government voting record. I have been successful as a State Rep in sponsoring legislation which addresses issues, I first campaigned in support of. My legislative office has led the nation in several areas (House Joint Resolution for a month of fasting and prayer, geoengineering, protecting firearms manufacturers, posted caution against impact of pornography, sentence enhancement for illegal alien additional crimes, and protecting wedding officiants). And I am the only veteran running as a Republican. 

Why would anyone avoid a real debate?

Those avoiding debate do not feel they answer to the people. They are concerned that their voting record on firearms, funding, fidelity to the Constitution will be exposed publicly. 

Do you think conservative groups across the state should band together and host a real debate?

Yes. I know WTN Supertalk in Nashville is offering to host a debate. I think our teachers, farmers, families, veterans, and small business owners, to mention a few, want a debate. 

Without giving any strategy away, what’s the pathway to victory look like?

The path to victory in August is hard work, a message focused on keeping more money on the citizens pockets, along with grassroots, and energetic engagement. 

What does the first 100 days of a Monty Fritts administration look like, what’s the priority?

First 100 days are closely examining the budget approved by General Assembly to be a better steward of tax dollars through eliminating corporate welfare; recalibrating state government to better align constitutionally, suspending school vouchers, initiating open door hours, on a monthly basis, in Nashville and restructuring direct reports to staff a governor hotline (mostly accomplished through removal of legislative liaison positions and reassignment to helpline ). It includes staffing a task force to begin development/ refining of policy in Dept of Education, along with issues of stopping geoengineering nationally and improved medical access to natural forms cannabis. We will also set up regular meetings with public, private, and homeschool educators to provide best practices to Department of Education. Finally, establishment of a draft schedule to hold town halls in counties. 

If you could have one thing fully workout in a Monty Fritts administration, what would it be?

My desired “workout” will be at the end of 4 years an increased confidence that government in Nashville is fighting for the average Tennessee citizen. 

How do you sway independent voters?

Straightforward unapologetic answers to questions. The average Tennessean is tired of the pandering career politicians. A demonstrated willingness to engage even with those we disagree is an important part of this. 

Any final thoughts?

Thank you to your readers. I think we need to aggressively pursue Liberty & Less Govt in TN.