2018 Tennessee US Senate Voters Guide
Marsha Blackburn (R) vs Phil Bredesen (D)
The Candidates
No. “The science around it is not a settled science.” Applauded withdrawal from Paris Climate agreement.
Yes. “It’s a serious issue.“ Supported US moving toward 25% renewable energy by 2025, although thought Obama’s Clean Energy Plan should have been passed by Congress, not regulation.
Yes. “Will make a fine Supreme Court Justice … a strong constitutionalist.”
Undecided. “Deserves a fair and timely confirmation hearing.”
Likely no. Has supported across-the-board federal spending cuts.
Yes. Empower TVA to help bring rural broadband internet access “just as they did with electricity.“
Still considering but “increasingly concerned these tariffs are a bad deal for Tennesseans.”
Promote “balanced budget…cut bureaucracy,” and “across-the-board spending cuts.”
Yes, has voted for vouchers.
No. Supports charter schools but “not wild about vouchers.“
Yes. Has voted to cut budget. Also proposed merging with Dept of Energy and cutting budget.
No specific stand, but enacted major environmental regulations as governor.
Yes. “People of faith should be free to practice their beliefs.”
No. Has opposed most gun regulations. But wants background check system to work properly and record appropriate red flags.
Some. Against banning semi-automatic weapons, but close gun show loophole, ban bump stocks and tighten background checks.
Repeal. Support health savings accounts, Association Health Plans and purchases across state lines. Also ban Planned Parenthood receiving public funds for non-abortion health services.
Initially critical, but now supports with fixes: “Stabilize what we have.” On Medicare for Al, might support some initial baseline coverage, then add or adjust from there.
No stand found.
No. Deal with compassionately but DACA “offered the false hope of amnesty that led to a surge of illegal immigration.”
Maybe. “A more complicated problem,” “need to control borders,” but if “willing to learn English and pay their taxes and not have convictions for serious crimes… some sort of a path to become permanent residents and possibly citizens.”
Unclear on legalization but “federal government should give states the rights to make those decisions.”
No. “Tennesseans do not want government-controlled internet.“
92% as of Sept 1.
N/A. Will work with Trump on areas good for TN, oppose areas that aren’t.
No. Has voted no on related bills. Considers it inappropriate intervention in the economy.
Yes. Early advocate of developing this sector. “It seems beyond dispute that ‘green energy’ will be an area of vast importance and growth.”
No. Voted against earlier proposal to refinance student loans.
Some level of support. “I’m someone who went to school with student loans, but they were much lower interest than these student loans and (had) longer pay-out times.”
Yes. “People can keep more of the money they earn throughout their lives.”
Other Senate candidates include Trudy Austin (I), John Carico (I), Dean Hill, (I) Kevin Lee McCants (I), Breton Phillips (I), and Chris Todd (I). Due to limited space, we can only include candidates polling 15% or more, but encourage you to check them out.