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The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal] –
The most recent report published by Tennessee Stands contains several startling facts about Tennessee legislators, including their voting records on key conservative issues and who contributes to their campaigns.
“When it comes to the influence of special interest political action committees, consider that 1.4% of all contributors gave 53% of total contributions.” – Tennessee Stands Update
The cumulative sum of all Legislative campaign contributions totals $77,173,984.88.
Legislators are scored on two distinct evaluations, their voting record on key issues and their leadership grade.
The breakdown is as follows.
• Vote Score: This reflects how often a legislator voted in alignment with pro-freedom positions on key legislation. We assign points based on both floor and committee votes.
• 3 points for a floor vote in favor of our position.
• 1 point for a committee vote in favor.
• “Present not voting” is considered opposition.
• Absences are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Leadership Grade: Beyond voting, we assess how legislators lead. Points are awarded or deducted for.
• Sponsoring or co-sponsoring key legislation.
• Proposing significant amendments.
• Demonstrating notable actions or inactions in defense of liberty.
• Achieving high vote scores (e.g., +3 points for scores over 95%).
Overall, the Tennessee General Assembly 2025 Report Card assigns the following grades.
Just as the legislature is scored as a whole, legislators are scored individually. Tennessee Stands has the most complete, accurate, and comprehensive scoring system when it comes to the legislative records. A link to the report is provided here.
If you wish to check the record of your state senator and state representative, a space is provided for your address to locate their records.
Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) was the highest rated senate member while Representative Jody Barrett (R-Dickson) was the highest rated house member.
To support Tennessee Stands in their efforts to inform citizens about the performance of their legislators, a link is provided here.
A link to the Legislature’s Campaign Contribution Overview is provided here.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
2 Responses
APPRECIATE Gary Humble and crew. This is GREAT!!
Disappointed that David Seal didn’t mention that Jody Barrett not only got the top score for the House of Representatives, he received the first and only 100% score EVER! He also received the Conservative Club of Tellico’s Conservative Legislator of the Year the week before. He sticks by his guns and votes his constituents’ choices. He truly DOES represent them not his own preferences or the lobbyists. Very rare indeed. The Deep State/Rinos/Establishment have already been saber rattling to capture his seat. Any that value this clear of a Conservative voice in the TN legislature should consider supporting him, regardless of where you live. http://www.jodybarrett.com