Posted on 02/02/2006 10:33:30 AM PST by SmithL
Former Republican congressman Ed Bryant touted his conservative credentials today when he stopped at McGhee-Tyson Airport during a campaign swing to formally announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.
Bryant said he would work to stop illegal immigration, ban same-sex marriage and balance the federal budget.
Knoxville was one of eight cities on Bryant’s swing through the state. Speaking to some two dozen supporters in a meeting room at the TAC Air terminal, Bryant said only a conservative can win a statewide race against likely Democratic opponent U.S. Rep. Harold Ford Jr. of Memphis.
"I believe I am that person," Bryant said.
Other Republicans campaigning to replace retiring Majority Leader Bill Frist are former congressman Van Hilleary, former Chattanooga mayor Bob Corker and Memphis hospital executive Jeff Moder.
Bryant said he would secure the U.S. border with Mexico and sponsor a constitutional amendment limiting marriage to a union between one man and one woman.
Bryant also said he would go back to the formula used to balance the budget when he served in the House of Representatives during the 1990s — cutting taxes while curtailing growth in spending.
"We balanced the budget when I was up there for the first time in a generation," Bryant said, "and I want to restore that kind of fiscal responsibility."
I really hope that Van Hillery will drop out and run for Gov.
Of all senate members , Harold Ford, Jr has taken the MOST trips.
He should be embarassed for coming across the aisle after a 90 pound woman (Jeanne Schmidt).
I wish Van would take me off his mailing list. I have no confidence in him and would rather see Bryant. Hilleary cannot win.
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