HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn. — Tennessee Conservative News Publisher Brandon Lewis has publicly endorsed Derek Greene in the race for Republican State Executive Committeeman representing Tennessee Senate District 11, citing what he describes as significant differences between Greene and incumbent David Queen on key Republican Party issues and participation in party affairs.
Lewis announced his endorsement while defending campaign signs that ask the question, “David Queen Votes Liberal?” According to Lewis, criticism surrounding the signs has focused attention on the campaign’s messaging rather than Queen’s record.
Lewis argued that Republican primary voters deserve to know where candidates stand on issues affecting the party.
Among the concerns Lewis raised was Queen’s decision not to support a resolution favoring legislation that would prevent Democrats from voting in Republican primary elections. Lewis characterized Queen’s position as effectively opposing the measure and said the two had previously discussed the issue at length following a Chattanooga Republican Women event.
According to Lewis, Queen defended allowing Democrats to participate in Republican primaries, arguing that the practice had benefited Republicans by helping the party gain legislative majorities. Lewis said while Queen is entitled to hold that view, Republican voters should be informed of it before casting their ballots.
Lewis also criticized Queen for declining to support a Hamilton County Republican Party resolution backing State Sen. Bo Watson’s efforts to end taxpayer-funded education for illegal immigrants. Lewis described the issue as one that aligns with the priorities of many Republican primary voters and questioned whether Queen’s positions accurately reflect the voters he represents.
In addition to policy disagreements, Lewis raised concerns about Queen’s attendance record as a State Executive Committeeman. Lewis claimed Queen attended only about half of the meetings he was expected to attend and argued that regular participation is a fundamental responsibility of the office because SEC members serve as liaisons between local Republican organizations and the state party.
“You cannot represent people when you do not show up,” Lewis said, adding that absenteeism is as concerning as disagreements over policy positions.
Lewis rejected criticism that the campaign signs constitute “dirty politics,” arguing that discussing a candidate’s voting record and attendance is a legitimate part of informing Republican voters.
Lewis stated that he personally paid for the signs as an in-kind contribution supporting Greene’s campaign.
While acknowledging that he has known Greene for years and attends church with him, Lewis said his endorsement is based on Greene’s leadership qualities rather than personal friendship.
According to Lewis, Greene possesses the “courage and backbone” needed to hold Republican elected officials accountable, defend the party platform, and challenge lawmakers when they depart from conservative principles.
Lewis concluded by encouraging Republican voters throughout Senate District 11 to support Greene in the State Executive Committeeman race, arguing that the office plays an important role in maintaining accountability within the Republican Party.
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