02/05/10 - Madison County

GOP Hopefuls Meet for Reagan Day Dinner  
By: Jonquil Newland
jnewland@wbbjtv.com
10:25 p.m.
 
Republicans, including many state and national candidates from across the state, gathered at Union University Friday to honor and celebrate President Ronald Reagan's accomplishments.
 
"He was so great, just the whole message that he portrayed," said Steven Fincher, a candidate for the 8th district U.S. congressional race.  
 
However, with elections steadily approaching, there was one issue on every candidate's mind: "What we need here is more jobs," said 8th district U. S. congressional candidate George Flinn. "Creating a climate for more good paying jobs," said gubernatorial candidate Bill Gibbons. "We have to get small businesses back on track," Fincher said. "Tennesseans, right now, are concerned about jobs," said gubernatorial candidate Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslem.
 
"Its really important now more than ever that we have someone in charge who has been in charge before. Having been in business and as mayor, I think I am prepared to do that," Haslem said.
 
Gibbons, one of Haslem's opponents, said he wants to focus on three things: jobs, education and crime. "The Troy Mitchell murder is just one of many examples of too much violence we have in our state," Gibbons said.
 
George Flinn is running in the 8th district U.S. congressional race. The seat is currently held by Congressman John Tanner. Flinn said he plans on taking President Reagan's policies and views to the very top.
 
"I am going to take his values, his conservative values, his limiting government, his decreasing taxes, his boost in the economy. I am going to take that to Washington, D.C. and make changes, the right changes though," said Flinn.