NEWS
SHERRELL TO VOTE ON ELECTION DAY,
URGES VOTERS TO CAST BALLOTS TO HAVE THEIR VOICES HEARD
For Immediate Release
Joined by her family, Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, will head to the polls to cast her ballot on Election Day at her polling station located at Plainview Community Center, 2345 SR 56, Tracy City.
Sherrell, of Monteagle, has voted in every election – all at polling locations in Tennessee, except in 2010 when she cast her ballot in another state.
“Much is at stake in this election so I am strongly encouraging people in the district to vote. Our Congressmen and women have incredible influence on policies that affect our daily lives and there are too many people in our district who feel left out and left behind. Everywhere I go, people have told me they want change. Voting is how you will have your voices heard and voting is how we will decide who best represents our district,” said Sherrell, a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions.
After casting her ballot, supporters and volunteers will join Sherrell outside busy poll locations to rally citizens to vote. Sherrell encourages voters to make sure they have the proper identification before heading to the polls.
The following forms of IDs are accepted even if expired:
College student IDs and photo IDs issued by the county or city such as library cards and photo IDs issued by other states will not be accepted. But, provisional ballots will be made available to eligible voters.
“Together we can vote to return this district to the hardworking men and women, seniors and youth of this district. Let’s show Congress how we can get things done based on principles of integrity, honesty and respect,” said Sherrell.
Joined by her family, Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, will head to the polls to cast her ballot on Election Day at her polling station located at Plainview Community Center, 2345 SR 56, Tracy City.
Sherrell, of Monteagle, has voted in every election – all at polling locations in Tennessee, except in 2010 when she cast her ballot in another state.
“Much is at stake in this election so I am strongly encouraging people in the district to vote. Our Congressmen and women have incredible influence on policies that affect our daily lives and there are too many people in our district who feel left out and left behind. Everywhere I go, people have told me they want change. Voting is how you will have your voices heard and voting is how we will decide who best represents our district,” said Sherrell, a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions.
After casting her ballot, supporters and volunteers will join Sherrell outside busy poll locations to rally citizens to vote. Sherrell encourages voters to make sure they have the proper identification before heading to the polls.
The following forms of IDs are accepted even if expired:
- Tennessee driver license with photo.
- United States Passport.
- Photo ID issued by the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security.
- Photo ID issued by the federal or Tennessee state government.
- United States Military photo ID.
- Tennessee handgun carry permit with your photo.
College student IDs and photo IDs issued by the county or city such as library cards and photo IDs issued by other states will not be accepted. But, provisional ballots will be made available to eligible voters.
“Together we can vote to return this district to the hardworking men and women, seniors and youth of this district. Let’s show Congress how we can get things done based on principles of integrity, honesty and respect,” said Sherrell.
SHERRELL TO RALLY SUPPORTERS, VOLUNTEERS AND VOTERS WITH
MASSIVE GET OUT THE VOTE (GOTV) EFFORT WEEKEND BEFORE ELECTION DAY
For Immediate Release
Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, along with teams of supporters and volunteers will urge voters to get out and vote. With 16 staging locations throughout the district, the “get out the vote” strategy is a part of Sherrell’s grassroots-focused campaign, which has energized people in the district to be active participants of the electoral process.
“The people in this district continue to inspire me with their hard work on this campaign. They understand there is much at stake and that we have to continue pushing in these last days of this general election. They knock on doors, phone every voter we can call and show their dedication and commitment to sharing the message that things have to change and that we have a choice this November,” said Sherrell. “They inspire me every day. This campaign is about them, their lives and their futures.”
Sherrell, a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions, began her campaign in February earlier this year.
“Our GOTV effort is a continuation of what started this year. We are engaging people so they know they can be an active part of the election process and that they can have representation in Congress that reflects their values, their voices,” said Sherrell, a lifelong Tennessean who grew up on the Cumberland Plateau.
Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, along with teams of supporters and volunteers will urge voters to get out and vote. With 16 staging locations throughout the district, the “get out the vote” strategy is a part of Sherrell’s grassroots-focused campaign, which has energized people in the district to be active participants of the electoral process.
“The people in this district continue to inspire me with their hard work on this campaign. They understand there is much at stake and that we have to continue pushing in these last days of this general election. They knock on doors, phone every voter we can call and show their dedication and commitment to sharing the message that things have to change and that we have a choice this November,” said Sherrell. “They inspire me every day. This campaign is about them, their lives and their futures.”
Sherrell, a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions, began her campaign in February earlier this year.
“Our GOTV effort is a continuation of what started this year. We are engaging people so they know they can be an active part of the election process and that they can have representation in Congress that reflects their values, their voices,” said Sherrell, a lifelong Tennessean who grew up on the Cumberland Plateau.
NEW YORK TIMES LISTS TENNESSEE'S 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
AS ONE OF THE BEST RACES TO WATCH ON ELECTION DAY
U.S. House
DISTRICT 4 Lawmaker seeks another chance
By MATT FLEGENHEIMER
Representative Scott DesJarlais, (pronounced DAY-zhar-lay) the Republican incumbent in the state’s Fourth Congressional District, survived a primary challenge that many expected him to lose. Mr. DesJarlais, a doctor, has faced withering criticism in recent years amid allegations that he pressured a girlfriend, who was his patient, to have an abortion. The Democratic nominee, Lenda Sherrell, seemed to allude to Mr. DesJarlais’s personal life in her first television ad, which aired in early October. Its title: “Worthy of your trust.”
DISTRICT 4 Lawmaker seeks another chance
By MATT FLEGENHEIMER
Representative Scott DesJarlais, (pronounced DAY-zhar-lay) the Republican incumbent in the state’s Fourth Congressional District, survived a primary challenge that many expected him to lose. Mr. DesJarlais, a doctor, has faced withering criticism in recent years amid allegations that he pressured a girlfriend, who was his patient, to have an abortion. The Democratic nominee, Lenda Sherrell, seemed to allude to Mr. DesJarlais’s personal life in her first television ad, which aired in early October. Its title: “Worthy of your trust.”
CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS ENDORSES LENDA SHERRELL FOR CONGRESS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 30, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, received an endorsement from American giant of the Civil Rights movement and longtime Congressman John Lewis. Representative Lewis, a stalwart of human rights and civil liberties is lending his support to Sherrell in a robocall set to begin tomorrow.
“Her grassroots-focused campaign, where Lenda, her volunteers and supporters are directly reaching out to voters serves as a blueprint to inspiring people to actively participate in the political process. That’s what many of us did in the 60s when we sat at segregated lunch counters, participated in Freedom Rides, took part in bus boycotts and registered people to vote,” said Congressman Lewis. “I am proud to endorse someone like Lenda who is bringing Tennesseans together and inspiring them to actively participate in being a part of the solution for a better future.”
Representative Lewis, the only survivor among the 10 speakers at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963, continues to be a highly-respected leader and is known in the nation’s Capitol for his ability to galvanize bipartisan support on bills such as voting rights legislation. Tennessee holds a special place in his heart as he graduated from Fisk University and the American Baptist Theological Seminary, both in Nashville.
His statement of support for Sherrell, a retired Monteagle accountant, shows her campaign in Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District is gathering national attention among respected Democrats.
“I am humbled and honored to have the support of Congressman John Lewis.,” said Sherrell. “He is someone I admire and whose wisdom I will seek on how we can work to improve the lives of all Americans. Often referred to as the conscience of Congress, Representative Lewis’ high moral character embodies the best in our elected officials and has successfully won the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. His endorsement is all the more meaningful because he has set the bar for all of us in making this world a better place than the one we were born into.”
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 30, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, received an endorsement from American giant of the Civil Rights movement and longtime Congressman John Lewis. Representative Lewis, a stalwart of human rights and civil liberties is lending his support to Sherrell in a robocall set to begin tomorrow.
“Her grassroots-focused campaign, where Lenda, her volunteers and supporters are directly reaching out to voters serves as a blueprint to inspiring people to actively participate in the political process. That’s what many of us did in the 60s when we sat at segregated lunch counters, participated in Freedom Rides, took part in bus boycotts and registered people to vote,” said Congressman Lewis. “I am proud to endorse someone like Lenda who is bringing Tennesseans together and inspiring them to actively participate in being a part of the solution for a better future.”
Representative Lewis, the only survivor among the 10 speakers at the March on Washington on August 28, 1963, continues to be a highly-respected leader and is known in the nation’s Capitol for his ability to galvanize bipartisan support on bills such as voting rights legislation. Tennessee holds a special place in his heart as he graduated from Fisk University and the American Baptist Theological Seminary, both in Nashville.
His statement of support for Sherrell, a retired Monteagle accountant, shows her campaign in Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District is gathering national attention among respected Democrats.
“I am humbled and honored to have the support of Congressman John Lewis.,” said Sherrell. “He is someone I admire and whose wisdom I will seek on how we can work to improve the lives of all Americans. Often referred to as the conscience of Congress, Representative Lewis’ high moral character embodies the best in our elected officials and has successfully won the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the aisle. His endorsement is all the more meaningful because he has set the bar for all of us in making this world a better place than the one we were born into.”
Free ride to the polls to vote for MTSU students
WGNS RADIO
In an effort to encourage voter turnout among eligible voters ages 18 to 24, Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District, is partnering with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) students today (October 29th) to hold a "MTSU Rock the Vote" day providing free transportation to the polls.
The pick up location will be at the student union where students can catch a ride between noon and 4 p.m. to cast their ballot on the day before the early vote period ends October 30. The non-partisan campus-wide event has been organized for all students who need a ride to and from the polls.
"Voting empowers people and it is one of the most important civic opportunities in our unique American democracy. With turnout rate among 18-to-24-year olds falling from 46 in 2008 to 41 percent in 2012, it is important to engage them so they have a voice in the issues that are important to them including college affordability, higher education funding, tuition costs, federal grants to attend college or university, student loan debt and funding for educational research institutions."
Student groups volunteering for the "MTSU Rock the Vote" event include: Kappa Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Eta Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Eta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Young and Educated, Iota Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, MTSU American Association of University Women, MTSU College Democrats, MTSU Generation of Praise Gospel Choir, No Red Light INC., The American Democracy Project, Collegiate 100 Black Men and Women of Middle Tennessee, Eta Phi Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, and MTSU NAACP.
"This event provides an opportunity for every eligible student voter to conveniently cast a ballot amid busy class schedules and assignments. By getting to the polls, students can have an impact on policies that affect campus life, a political pipeline to our elected officials and a say on higher education issues affecting the country. As students, we are always impressed when candidates reach out to our youth populations which is often overlooked," said Brandon Woodruff, a 21-year-old senior majoring in political science and president of the Kappa Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Sherrell's volunteers and supporters have actively registered students to vote for the upcoming general election.
"This 'MTSU Rock the Vote' event is an extension of our continued effort to engage voters of all ages so they can have a voice in shaping their futures," added Sherrell.
In an effort to encourage voter turnout among eligible voters ages 18 to 24, Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District, is partnering with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) students today (October 29th) to hold a "MTSU Rock the Vote" day providing free transportation to the polls.
The pick up location will be at the student union where students can catch a ride between noon and 4 p.m. to cast their ballot on the day before the early vote period ends October 30. The non-partisan campus-wide event has been organized for all students who need a ride to and from the polls.
"Voting empowers people and it is one of the most important civic opportunities in our unique American democracy. With turnout rate among 18-to-24-year olds falling from 46 in 2008 to 41 percent in 2012, it is important to engage them so they have a voice in the issues that are important to them including college affordability, higher education funding, tuition costs, federal grants to attend college or university, student loan debt and funding for educational research institutions."
Student groups volunteering for the "MTSU Rock the Vote" event include: Kappa Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Eta Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Eta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Young and Educated, Iota Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, MTSU American Association of University Women, MTSU College Democrats, MTSU Generation of Praise Gospel Choir, No Red Light INC., The American Democracy Project, Collegiate 100 Black Men and Women of Middle Tennessee, Eta Phi Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, and MTSU NAACP.
"This event provides an opportunity for every eligible student voter to conveniently cast a ballot amid busy class schedules and assignments. By getting to the polls, students can have an impact on policies that affect campus life, a political pipeline to our elected officials and a say on higher education issues affecting the country. As students, we are always impressed when candidates reach out to our youth populations which is often overlooked," said Brandon Woodruff, a 21-year-old senior majoring in political science and president of the Kappa Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Sherrell's volunteers and supporters have actively registered students to vote for the upcoming general election.
"This 'MTSU Rock the Vote' event is an extension of our continued effort to engage voters of all ages so they can have a voice in shaping their futures," added Sherrell.
SHERRELL AND MTSU STUDENTS ROCK THE VOTE; ENCOURAGE VOTER PARTICIPATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 29, 2014) – In an effort to encourage voter turnout among eligible voters ages 18 to 24, Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, is partnering with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) students on October 29 to hold a “MTSU Rock the Vote” day providing free transportation to the polls.
The pick up location will be at the student union where students can catch a ride between noon and 4 p.m. to cast their ballot on the day before the early vote period ends October 30. The non-partisan campus-wide event has been organized for all students who need a ride to and from the polls.
“Voting empowers people and it is one of the most important civic opportunities in our unique American democracy. With turnout rate among 18-to-24-year olds falling from 46 in 2008 to 41 percent in 2012, it is important to engage them so they have a voice in the issues that are important to them including college affordability, higher education funding, tuition costs, federal grants to attend college or university, student loan debt and funding for educational research institutions.”
Student groups volunteering for the “MTSU Rock the Vote” event include: Kappa Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Eta Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Eta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha SororityYoung and Educated, Iota Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, MTSU American Association of University Women, MTSU College Democrats, MTSU Generation of Praise Gospel Choir, No Red Light INC., The American Democracy Project, Collegiate 100 Black Men and Women of Middle Tennessee, Eta Phi Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, and MTSU NAACP.
“This event provides an opportunity for every eligible student voter to conveniently cast a ballot amid busy class schedules and assignments. By getting to the polls, students can have an impact on policies that affect campus life, a political pipeline to our elected officials and a say on higher education issues affecting the country. As students, we are always impressed when candidates reach out to our youth populations which is often overlooked,” said Brandon Woodruff, a 21-year-old senior majoring in political science and president of the Kappa Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Sherrell’s volunteers and supporters have actively registered students to vote for the upcoming general election.
“This ‘MTSU Rock the Vote’ event is an extension of our continued effort to engage voters of all ages so they can have a voice in shaping their futures,” added Sherrell.
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 29, 2014) – In an effort to encourage voter turnout among eligible voters ages 18 to 24, Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, is partnering with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) students on October 29 to hold a “MTSU Rock the Vote” day providing free transportation to the polls.
The pick up location will be at the student union where students can catch a ride between noon and 4 p.m. to cast their ballot on the day before the early vote period ends October 30. The non-partisan campus-wide event has been organized for all students who need a ride to and from the polls.
“Voting empowers people and it is one of the most important civic opportunities in our unique American democracy. With turnout rate among 18-to-24-year olds falling from 46 in 2008 to 41 percent in 2012, it is important to engage them so they have a voice in the issues that are important to them including college affordability, higher education funding, tuition costs, federal grants to attend college or university, student loan debt and funding for educational research institutions.”
Student groups volunteering for the “MTSU Rock the Vote” event include: Kappa Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Eta Gamma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Eta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha SororityYoung and Educated, Iota Tau Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Mu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, MTSU American Association of University Women, MTSU College Democrats, MTSU Generation of Praise Gospel Choir, No Red Light INC., The American Democracy Project, Collegiate 100 Black Men and Women of Middle Tennessee, Eta Phi Chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, and MTSU NAACP.
“This event provides an opportunity for every eligible student voter to conveniently cast a ballot amid busy class schedules and assignments. By getting to the polls, students can have an impact on policies that affect campus life, a political pipeline to our elected officials and a say on higher education issues affecting the country. As students, we are always impressed when candidates reach out to our youth populations which is often overlooked,” said Brandon Woodruff, a 21-year-old senior majoring in political science and president of the Kappa Xi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
Sherrell’s volunteers and supporters have actively registered students to vote for the upcoming general election.
“This ‘MTSU Rock the Vote’ event is an extension of our continued effort to engage voters of all ages so they can have a voice in shaping their futures,” added Sherrell.
Lenda Sherrell Will Bring Tennessee Values To Washington
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS
Your generation is the future.” Over the past few years, I’ve been told these words countless times. My millennial generation is full of social media fanatics, innovators and everything in between and we are being looked at to make big changes and lead the way. The world tells us we have everything we could ever need to be successful at our fingertips, but then it tell us we can’t do it without a college degree.
Growing up in my middle class family household, getting a college degree was never an option, but expected of me. After I graduated high school, I set off to pave my own way in the world of naïve, directionless young adults who think we have it figured out.
Four years later, I sit here about ready to walk across the stage and receive my degree within the next few months. I’ve accumulated a double major in Public Relation and Advertising, a few internships and what seems like an endless amount of students loans with no promise of a career. With the average four-year graduate accumulating $26,000 to $29,000 in student loans and 37 million owe more than $1 trillion in student debt, something has to change.
So how are we supposed to be the “future” if we can’t even acquire an entry-level position in this economy? And then, come six months from now, have the burden of thousands of dollars looming over our heads? I started to look for answers. I needed to begin looking at the bigger picture and focusing on the people that can change it, if I couldn’t. That’s where Lenda Sherrell comes in. Lenda Sherrell, the Democratic party candidate running for Congress in Tennessee's 4th District, can be the voice not only for me, but what many people have been looking for for a long time. Sherrell is focused on bringing Tennessee values to Washington. She believes in quality education, helping college students graduate without excessive student loan debt and equal opportunities for women. Lenda listens to the people of Tennessee and truly wants what is best for this nation.
So many people go through life with blinders on, and only focus on the next step in front of them. They can focus on what benefits them at the moment, not how the decisions we make today and things we devote our time to now can shape our future and make a world of difference later.
For the struggles my generation is about to face in this hurting economy, this is the only way to “be the future” the world keeps telling us we are, by investing in ideas that matter. Investing time into people who can be our voice when we are not able to. I choose to have a voice in this upcoming election and vote for the candidate who will be an asset to my future and the life I want for myself, now and later. A vote for Lenda Sherrell would be just that. A vote for Lenda is a step in the right direction for our economy, our future, and our lives.
Hannah Lethbridge
CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS
Your generation is the future.” Over the past few years, I’ve been told these words countless times. My millennial generation is full of social media fanatics, innovators and everything in between and we are being looked at to make big changes and lead the way. The world tells us we have everything we could ever need to be successful at our fingertips, but then it tell us we can’t do it without a college degree.
Growing up in my middle class family household, getting a college degree was never an option, but expected of me. After I graduated high school, I set off to pave my own way in the world of naïve, directionless young adults who think we have it figured out.
Four years later, I sit here about ready to walk across the stage and receive my degree within the next few months. I’ve accumulated a double major in Public Relation and Advertising, a few internships and what seems like an endless amount of students loans with no promise of a career. With the average four-year graduate accumulating $26,000 to $29,000 in student loans and 37 million owe more than $1 trillion in student debt, something has to change.
So how are we supposed to be the “future” if we can’t even acquire an entry-level position in this economy? And then, come six months from now, have the burden of thousands of dollars looming over our heads? I started to look for answers. I needed to begin looking at the bigger picture and focusing on the people that can change it, if I couldn’t. That’s where Lenda Sherrell comes in. Lenda Sherrell, the Democratic party candidate running for Congress in Tennessee's 4th District, can be the voice not only for me, but what many people have been looking for for a long time. Sherrell is focused on bringing Tennessee values to Washington. She believes in quality education, helping college students graduate without excessive student loan debt and equal opportunities for women. Lenda listens to the people of Tennessee and truly wants what is best for this nation.
So many people go through life with blinders on, and only focus on the next step in front of them. They can focus on what benefits them at the moment, not how the decisions we make today and things we devote our time to now can shape our future and make a world of difference later.
For the struggles my generation is about to face in this hurting economy, this is the only way to “be the future” the world keeps telling us we are, by investing in ideas that matter. Investing time into people who can be our voice when we are not able to. I choose to have a voice in this upcoming election and vote for the candidate who will be an asset to my future and the life I want for myself, now and later. A vote for Lenda Sherrell would be just that. A vote for Lenda is a step in the right direction for our economy, our future, and our lives.
Hannah Lethbridge
Lenda Sherrell challenges Scott DesJarlais to 'come clean' on voting record
Andy Sher
Chattanooga Times Free Press
NASHVILLE - Democrat Lenda Sherrell is up with a new television that seeks to counter Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais' efforts to link her to President Barack Obama and challenges the congressman to "come clean" about his voting record.
"Sorry to disappoint you Congressman DesJarlais, but I'm not Barack Obama," Sherrell, a retired accountant from Monteagle, says in 30-second spot that began running today. "Now that I've come clean, why won't you? Tell the truth."
Sherrell then takes the 4th Congressional District incumbent to task, charging, "you voted to turn Medicare into a voucher system and to raise the retirement age. Admit that you rejected a pay raise for soldiers but voted for retroactive pay for yourself and your Washington buddies."
"I've come clean, won't you Dr. DesJarlais? I'm running for Congress. Barack Obama isn't."
The congressman has hit Sherrell, calling her "Liberal Lenda" and criticizing her work as a district volunteer for Organizing for Action, which supports Obama's agenda.
Sherrell said in a statement that DesJarlais is trying to "deceive voters into thinking that I represent President Obama. But the truth is I am Lenda Sherrell, not a career politician. And I’m running for Congress because many in our district are struggling."
She said that "like many Tennesseans, I did and continue to do my civic duty on issues people are concerned about, such as protecting Medicare and Social Security, access to healthcare, minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, and veterans benefits."
Chattanooga Times Free Press
NASHVILLE - Democrat Lenda Sherrell is up with a new television that seeks to counter Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais' efforts to link her to President Barack Obama and challenges the congressman to "come clean" about his voting record.
"Sorry to disappoint you Congressman DesJarlais, but I'm not Barack Obama," Sherrell, a retired accountant from Monteagle, says in 30-second spot that began running today. "Now that I've come clean, why won't you? Tell the truth."
Sherrell then takes the 4th Congressional District incumbent to task, charging, "you voted to turn Medicare into a voucher system and to raise the retirement age. Admit that you rejected a pay raise for soldiers but voted for retroactive pay for yourself and your Washington buddies."
"I've come clean, won't you Dr. DesJarlais? I'm running for Congress. Barack Obama isn't."
The congressman has hit Sherrell, calling her "Liberal Lenda" and criticizing her work as a district volunteer for Organizing for Action, which supports Obama's agenda.
Sherrell said in a statement that DesJarlais is trying to "deceive voters into thinking that I represent President Obama. But the truth is I am Lenda Sherrell, not a career politician. And I’m running for Congress because many in our district are struggling."
She said that "like many Tennesseans, I did and continue to do my civic duty on issues people are concerned about, such as protecting Medicare and Social Security, access to healthcare, minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, and veterans benefits."
Sherrell TV ad: I’m not Obama
HUMPHREY ON THE HILL
News release from Lenda Sherrell campaign:
Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, has released a television ad to counter incumbent Congressman Scott DesJarlais’ misleading ad claiming to link Sherrell to President Barack Obama.
“Representative Scott DesJarlais would like to deceive voters into thinking that I represent President Obama. But the truth is I am Lenda Sherrell, not a career politician. And I’m running for Congress because many in our district are struggling. Like many Tennesseans, I did and continue to do my civic duty on issues people are concerned about, such as protecting Medicare and Social Security, access to healthcare, minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, and veterans benefits,” said Sherrell. “Serving our community is neither liberal nor conservative. That’s what we do in Tennessee, when we see a need we come together and figure out how to help our neighbors.”
Years of community involvement shaped Sherrell’s grassroots campaign, which began in February. With the dedication of volunteers and supporters, Sherrell’s campaign focuses on direct outreach to voters to include their voices in coming up with solutions to address challenges facing the district.
“This is why Washington is broken, we have an incumbent Congressman claiming to be for the district when his voting record shows otherwise. He is attempting to distract voters with an ad to mask his lack of legislative support for the very people he supposedly represents.”
As a Congressman, DesJarlais voted:
Sherrell is a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions.
News release from Lenda Sherrell campaign:
Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, has released a television ad to counter incumbent Congressman Scott DesJarlais’ misleading ad claiming to link Sherrell to President Barack Obama.
“Representative Scott DesJarlais would like to deceive voters into thinking that I represent President Obama. But the truth is I am Lenda Sherrell, not a career politician. And I’m running for Congress because many in our district are struggling. Like many Tennesseans, I did and continue to do my civic duty on issues people are concerned about, such as protecting Medicare and Social Security, access to healthcare, minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, and veterans benefits,” said Sherrell. “Serving our community is neither liberal nor conservative. That’s what we do in Tennessee, when we see a need we come together and figure out how to help our neighbors.”
Years of community involvement shaped Sherrell’s grassroots campaign, which began in February. With the dedication of volunteers and supporters, Sherrell’s campaign focuses on direct outreach to voters to include their voices in coming up with solutions to address challenges facing the district.
“This is why Washington is broken, we have an incumbent Congressman claiming to be for the district when his voting record shows otherwise. He is attempting to distract voters with an ad to mask his lack of legislative support for the very people he supposedly represents.”
As a Congressman, DesJarlais voted:
- against the minimum wage.
- against measures to protect victims of domestic violence.
- to reform Medicare into a voucher system and raise the retirement age to 70.
- to block a 1.6 percent pay raise for our military in Afghanistan and then voted for retroactive pay for himself after failing to pass the budget on time.
- to support cuts to Pell Grants, a federal student aid program for low-income students.
- voted to protect the practice of outsourcing of American jobs.
Sherrell is a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions.
Time to come clean, Congressman Scott DesJarlais!
As a Congressman, DesJarlais voted:
· against the minimum wage.
· against measures to protect victims of domestic violence.
· to reform Medicare into a voucher system and raise the retirement age to 70.
· to block a 1.6 percent pay raise for our military in Afghanistan and then voted for retroactive pay for himself after failing to pass the budget on time.
· to support cuts to Pell Grants, a federal student aid program for low-income students.
· voted to protect the practice of outsourcing of American jobs.
· voted to cut the budget for U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Time to admit the truth!
· against the minimum wage.
· against measures to protect victims of domestic violence.
· to reform Medicare into a voucher system and raise the retirement age to 70.
· to block a 1.6 percent pay raise for our military in Afghanistan and then voted for retroactive pay for himself after failing to pass the budget on time.
· to support cuts to Pell Grants, a federal student aid program for low-income students.
· voted to protect the practice of outsourcing of American jobs.
· voted to cut the budget for U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Time to admit the truth!
LENDA SHERRELL CONDEMNS SCOTT DESJARLAIS’ MISLEADING AD
For Immediate Release
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 28, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, has released an ad to counter incumbent Congressman Scott DesJarlais’ misleading ad claiming to link Sherrell to President Barack Obama.
“Representative Scott DesJarlais would like to deceive voters into thinking that I represent President Obama. But the truth is I am Lenda Sherrell, not a career politician. And I’m running for Congress because many in our district are struggling. Like many Tennesseans, I did and continue to do my civic duty on issues people are concerned about, such as protecting Medicare and Social Security, access to healthcare, minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, and veterans benefits,” said Sherrell. “Serving our community is neither liberal nor conservative. That’s what we do in Tennessee, when we see a need we come together and figure out how to help our neighbors.”
Years of community involvement shaped Sherrell’s grassroots campaign, which began in February. With the dedication of volunteers and supporters, Sherrell’s campaign focuses on direct outreach to voters to include their voices in coming up with solutions to address challenges facing the district.
“This is why Washington is broken, we have an incumbent Congressman claiming to be for the district when his voting record shows otherwise. He is attempting to distract voters with an ad to mask his lack of legislative support for the very people he supposedly represents.”
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 28, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, has released an ad to counter incumbent Congressman Scott DesJarlais’ misleading ad claiming to link Sherrell to President Barack Obama.
“Representative Scott DesJarlais would like to deceive voters into thinking that I represent President Obama. But the truth is I am Lenda Sherrell, not a career politician. And I’m running for Congress because many in our district are struggling. Like many Tennesseans, I did and continue to do my civic duty on issues people are concerned about, such as protecting Medicare and Social Security, access to healthcare, minimum wage, equal pay for equal work, and veterans benefits,” said Sherrell. “Serving our community is neither liberal nor conservative. That’s what we do in Tennessee, when we see a need we come together and figure out how to help our neighbors.”
Years of community involvement shaped Sherrell’s grassroots campaign, which began in February. With the dedication of volunteers and supporters, Sherrell’s campaign focuses on direct outreach to voters to include their voices in coming up with solutions to address challenges facing the district.
“This is why Washington is broken, we have an incumbent Congressman claiming to be for the district when his voting record shows otherwise. He is attempting to distract voters with an ad to mask his lack of legislative support for the very people he supposedly represents.”
THE TENNESSEAN ENDORSES LENDA SHERRELL FOR CONGRESS
EDITORIAL BOARD
Whatever else you may think of U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, he is not a quitter. Even after leaders of his own party threw him over for Jim Tracy, he fought back and won the Republication nomination for his 4th Congressional District seat, despite Tracy outspending him.
As DesJarlais wrapped up the nomination, he was fighting another battle, against cancer. He received treatment and returned to campaigning less than two weeks ago. In terms of finances, he is again trailing, this time against Democratic nominee Lenda Sherrell.
Tenacity is a desirable quality in a member of Congress, but others are needed, as well, such as honesty, integrity and concern for others. We see all of those traits in Sherrell, a retired accountant from Monteagle, and none of them in DesJarlais, a physician from South Pittsburg.
Public opinion took a turn against DesJarlais a few years ago when he sought re-election for the first time and it was learned through a divorce filing that he had had affairs with patients. It also emerged that DesJarlais, who, as a lawmaker, was a vocal opponent of abortion rights, had urged at least one of those patients and his former wife to have abortions.
These issues undoubtedly led GOP leaders to try to replace him in 2014, and they were correct to do so, even if voters didn’t agree. We hope that having a clearly better alternative to DesJarlais in Sherrell will change 4th District voters’ minds.
Sherrell has worked as an auditor and controller managing multimillion-dollar budgets for educational and health-care institutions. Her financial acumen serves her well compared with DesJarlais, who voted for the government shutdown last fall that was so damaging to Tennessee and the U.S. economy.
Sherrell has avoided personal attacks on her opponent, but has rightly pointed out that his vote against reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act was wrong for the people of Tennessee, which is one of the worst states for domestic violence.
Tennessee’s members of Congress should be leading the charge for fiscal responsibility and for laws that protect women and families. Sadly, the incumbent’s tenure instead has been driven by political self-interest.
Fourth District voters should vote for a positive change and send Lenda Sherrell to Washington.
Whatever else you may think of U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, he is not a quitter. Even after leaders of his own party threw him over for Jim Tracy, he fought back and won the Republication nomination for his 4th Congressional District seat, despite Tracy outspending him.
As DesJarlais wrapped up the nomination, he was fighting another battle, against cancer. He received treatment and returned to campaigning less than two weeks ago. In terms of finances, he is again trailing, this time against Democratic nominee Lenda Sherrell.
Tenacity is a desirable quality in a member of Congress, but others are needed, as well, such as honesty, integrity and concern for others. We see all of those traits in Sherrell, a retired accountant from Monteagle, and none of them in DesJarlais, a physician from South Pittsburg.
Public opinion took a turn against DesJarlais a few years ago when he sought re-election for the first time and it was learned through a divorce filing that he had had affairs with patients. It also emerged that DesJarlais, who, as a lawmaker, was a vocal opponent of abortion rights, had urged at least one of those patients and his former wife to have abortions.
These issues undoubtedly led GOP leaders to try to replace him in 2014, and they were correct to do so, even if voters didn’t agree. We hope that having a clearly better alternative to DesJarlais in Sherrell will change 4th District voters’ minds.
Sherrell has worked as an auditor and controller managing multimillion-dollar budgets for educational and health-care institutions. Her financial acumen serves her well compared with DesJarlais, who voted for the government shutdown last fall that was so damaging to Tennessee and the U.S. economy.
Sherrell has avoided personal attacks on her opponent, but has rightly pointed out that his vote against reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act was wrong for the people of Tennessee, which is one of the worst states for domestic violence.
Tennessee’s members of Congress should be leading the charge for fiscal responsibility and for laws that protect women and families. Sadly, the incumbent’s tenure instead has been driven by political self-interest.
Fourth District voters should vote for a positive change and send Lenda Sherrell to Washington.
U.S. District 4 needs a new face
CHATTANOOGA TIMES FREE PRESS:
Lenda Sherrell is the best and only choice to fill Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District seat now shamed by the incumbent Scott DesJarlais, a tea party-leaning Republican who ran on a pro-life ticket but was found to have encouraged both his former wife and a mistress to have abortions.
Sherrell, a Democrat who believes party affiliation should never be a divider, is a retired certified public accountant who was born and raised on the Cumberland Plateau but spent much of her career in Chattanooga where her specialty was working with nonprofit health care and educational institutions such as McCallie School, hospitals and groups like the AIM Center.
After she retired, she and her physician-husband built a house in Monteagle, and she stayed involved in community — whether it was working with Girl Scouts or local schools.
That love of community and what she sees as the diminishing opportunity of today’s middle-class families motivated Sherrell to challenge DesJarlais for his seat in Congress.
Growing up in Pleasant Hill, Tenn., she had a father who was a rural letter carrier and a mother who was a school teacher. Her parents, on their modest salaries, were able to buy a house, raise two children, save for their college educations and for their own retirement.
“But over the last couple of decades I have begun to see middle-class families like that struggle more and more,” she says. “They can pay for food and rent and utilities, but there’s less and less left over at the end of the month for them to have money to set aside for their kids’ college, for their own retirement, let alone for a rainy day fund.”
She blames that on decisions that have been made in the public arena — “the legislation that has been passed or not passed in order to sustain those families.”
The inability of Congress to do anything frustrates her.
“It’s seems we’re just paralyzed by partisanship. I am running as a Democrat but I am one of those candidates who thinks we have to work together to find common ground and come up with solutions,” she said in a meeting with Times Free Press editorial writers.
She supports raising the minimum wage and tweaking the Affordable Care Act — especially to make enrollment simpler in a program that already has helped at least 10 million people get insurance for the first time.
On new issues, such as fighting Ebola and ISIS, she says she has confidence that the U.S. can appropriately respond and overcome the challenges. The U.S. needs to prioritize making sure the country has adequate health equipment and resources to be ready for Ebola. She is not a war hawk, and she is very reluctant to advocate for more boots on the ground in the Middle East except as “last resort.”
“Wars are fought differently now, if technology is used to its full potential,” she says.
DesJarlais, a South Pittsburg physician, is best known not for his votes, but for his scandal. First elected in 2010, his staunch pro-life stance was later rocked by revelations that he had encouraged a patient and mistress to seek an abortion in 2000. Then documents later released from his divorce showed he concurred with his then-wife’s decision to seek not one but two abortions. DesJarlais has said those decisions were made over a dozen years ago and that he has since changed his life, found God and remarried.
In August 2013, Politico labeled DesJarlais the incumbent most likely to lose his primary election. The prediction was wrong — though just barely. DesJarlais defeated state Sen. Jim Tracy by 38 votes in the Aug. 7 Republican primary.
But DesJarlais — with the exception of taking to the mike to talk of his “changed life” — has largely been a no-show for both the voters and the public. He has not attended most forums and debates. Neither he nor his office responded at all to requests from the Chattanooga Times Free Press to visit the editorial board, or even to have a conference telephone call with us.
He also has a spotty voting record in Congress, according to records compiled at www.govtrack.us.
In the past 16 voting sessions, he has made all votes in only eight sessions. In the other eight, he has scored in the 25th, 18th, 20th, 79th, 58th, 62nd, 74th and 100th percentile of Congress member-missed votes. From July through September of 2014, he missed 137 of the session’s 147 votes. On July 12, DesJarlais, 50, announced in a news release that he had been diagnosed with early stage cancer in his neck. He said he would undergo radiation and chemotherapy that should be mostly completed during the August congressional recess. He said he was expected to make a full recovery.
This is a crucial election for this region, as the 4th District represents a huge area of Southeast Tennessee. The district almost completely surrounds but does not include Hamilton County.
Now more than ever, the district’s residents need an engaged representative who will look out for their interests and who likes common-sense governing to find solutions that get things done.
Lenda Sherrell is that person. We urge your vote for her.
Lenda Sherrell is the best and only choice to fill Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District seat now shamed by the incumbent Scott DesJarlais, a tea party-leaning Republican who ran on a pro-life ticket but was found to have encouraged both his former wife and a mistress to have abortions.
Sherrell, a Democrat who believes party affiliation should never be a divider, is a retired certified public accountant who was born and raised on the Cumberland Plateau but spent much of her career in Chattanooga where her specialty was working with nonprofit health care and educational institutions such as McCallie School, hospitals and groups like the AIM Center.
After she retired, she and her physician-husband built a house in Monteagle, and she stayed involved in community — whether it was working with Girl Scouts or local schools.
That love of community and what she sees as the diminishing opportunity of today’s middle-class families motivated Sherrell to challenge DesJarlais for his seat in Congress.
Growing up in Pleasant Hill, Tenn., she had a father who was a rural letter carrier and a mother who was a school teacher. Her parents, on their modest salaries, were able to buy a house, raise two children, save for their college educations and for their own retirement.
“But over the last couple of decades I have begun to see middle-class families like that struggle more and more,” she says. “They can pay for food and rent and utilities, but there’s less and less left over at the end of the month for them to have money to set aside for their kids’ college, for their own retirement, let alone for a rainy day fund.”
She blames that on decisions that have been made in the public arena — “the legislation that has been passed or not passed in order to sustain those families.”
The inability of Congress to do anything frustrates her.
“It’s seems we’re just paralyzed by partisanship. I am running as a Democrat but I am one of those candidates who thinks we have to work together to find common ground and come up with solutions,” she said in a meeting with Times Free Press editorial writers.
She supports raising the minimum wage and tweaking the Affordable Care Act — especially to make enrollment simpler in a program that already has helped at least 10 million people get insurance for the first time.
On new issues, such as fighting Ebola and ISIS, she says she has confidence that the U.S. can appropriately respond and overcome the challenges. The U.S. needs to prioritize making sure the country has adequate health equipment and resources to be ready for Ebola. She is not a war hawk, and she is very reluctant to advocate for more boots on the ground in the Middle East except as “last resort.”
“Wars are fought differently now, if technology is used to its full potential,” she says.
DesJarlais, a South Pittsburg physician, is best known not for his votes, but for his scandal. First elected in 2010, his staunch pro-life stance was later rocked by revelations that he had encouraged a patient and mistress to seek an abortion in 2000. Then documents later released from his divorce showed he concurred with his then-wife’s decision to seek not one but two abortions. DesJarlais has said those decisions were made over a dozen years ago and that he has since changed his life, found God and remarried.
In August 2013, Politico labeled DesJarlais the incumbent most likely to lose his primary election. The prediction was wrong — though just barely. DesJarlais defeated state Sen. Jim Tracy by 38 votes in the Aug. 7 Republican primary.
But DesJarlais — with the exception of taking to the mike to talk of his “changed life” — has largely been a no-show for both the voters and the public. He has not attended most forums and debates. Neither he nor his office responded at all to requests from the Chattanooga Times Free Press to visit the editorial board, or even to have a conference telephone call with us.
He also has a spotty voting record in Congress, according to records compiled at www.govtrack.us.
In the past 16 voting sessions, he has made all votes in only eight sessions. In the other eight, he has scored in the 25th, 18th, 20th, 79th, 58th, 62nd, 74th and 100th percentile of Congress member-missed votes. From July through September of 2014, he missed 137 of the session’s 147 votes. On July 12, DesJarlais, 50, announced in a news release that he had been diagnosed with early stage cancer in his neck. He said he would undergo radiation and chemotherapy that should be mostly completed during the August congressional recess. He said he was expected to make a full recovery.
This is a crucial election for this region, as the 4th District represents a huge area of Southeast Tennessee. The district almost completely surrounds but does not include Hamilton County.
Now more than ever, the district’s residents need an engaged representative who will look out for their interests and who likes common-sense governing to find solutions that get things done.
Lenda Sherrell is that person. We urge your vote for her.
FORMER AMBASSADOR AND US SENATOR
JIM SASSER ENDORSES LENDA SHERRELL FOR CONGRESS
For Immediate Release
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 23, 2014) – Jim Sasser, former U.S. Senator from Tennessee and Ambassador of the United States to the People’s Republic of China, has endorsed Democrat Lenda Sherrell for the 4th Congressional District.
During his time as ambassador, he played a pivotal role in improving market access for U.S. companies and creating business opportunities for American investment. While serving as senator, Sasser chaired the powerful Senate Budget Committee from 1989 to 1995, pushing through fiscal reform legislation to erase the federal deficit.
“Lenda is the kind of leader we need in Washington. I know she will be able to bring people together, find common goals and work on a strategic plan to make Tennessee and America stronger,” said Sasser. “With her accounting experience in the private sector, she will be able to bring ideas to the table to make sure our budget is balanced on time and the United States remains in good financial standing.”
Sherrell, a lifelong Tennessean who grew up on the Cumberland Plateau is a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions.
“I am incredibly proud to accept former Senator and Ambassador Sasser’s endorsement. He has a long list of accomplishments in government affairs and international diplomacy. Mr. Sasser is highly respected in Tennessee, across the country and around the world,” said Sherrell. “It is truly a privilege to have his support and I know I will be looking to him for suggestions on budgetary matters and international issues.”
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 23, 2014) – Jim Sasser, former U.S. Senator from Tennessee and Ambassador of the United States to the People’s Republic of China, has endorsed Democrat Lenda Sherrell for the 4th Congressional District.
During his time as ambassador, he played a pivotal role in improving market access for U.S. companies and creating business opportunities for American investment. While serving as senator, Sasser chaired the powerful Senate Budget Committee from 1989 to 1995, pushing through fiscal reform legislation to erase the federal deficit.
“Lenda is the kind of leader we need in Washington. I know she will be able to bring people together, find common goals and work on a strategic plan to make Tennessee and America stronger,” said Sasser. “With her accounting experience in the private sector, she will be able to bring ideas to the table to make sure our budget is balanced on time and the United States remains in good financial standing.”
Sherrell, a lifelong Tennessean who grew up on the Cumberland Plateau is a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions.
“I am incredibly proud to accept former Senator and Ambassador Sasser’s endorsement. He has a long list of accomplishments in government affairs and international diplomacy. Mr. Sasser is highly respected in Tennessee, across the country and around the world,” said Sherrell. “It is truly a privilege to have his support and I know I will be looking to him for suggestions on budgetary matters and international issues.”
Lenda Sherrell identifies with voters
Left to right: At Mountain Goat Market in Monteagle, Lenda Sherrell poses for a photograph with Eric Duncan, Abby King, and Madison Keel.
By Mandy Phillips
Grundy County Herald
For what may be the first time in history, a local resident is the Democratic nominee for the Tennessee 4th Congressional District. Lenda Sherrell (D), of Monteagle, is seeking the seat currently held by Scott DesJarlais (R). Analysts forecasted an uphill battle for Sherrell in the traditionally Republican district that stretches from Rutherford County to Bradley County. However, Sherrell dug in, ran the numbers, and discovered that voters in the 16 county district base their choice on the candidate more than the political party, and 54 percent of the voters are women. In the August 7 primary, she proved any doubters wrong, coming in with big numbers across the district. In Grundy County alone, she topped DesJarlais by 595 votes.
“This district does not belong to one party. It does not belong to an elected official. It belongs to the people,” Sherrell stated when she sat down with the Herald earlier this month. “The people are interested in electing someone who is listening to them. Our district deserves someone of good moral character, someone who takes an oath and upholds it, someone you can trust and respect.”
Sherrell says she has no secrets when it comes to getting votes. She identifies with the people of her district. “I grew up in this area. My dad grew up on the Plateau. He was a rural letter carrier and delivered mail to people all over the mountain. My mom was a schoolteacher. Like people across the mountain, and across Middle Tennessee, they worked hard, saved money to build a home, send me to college, and have a secure retirement,” she says.
“Families today with similar jobs cannot do this. They come to the end of the month and there is not enough money to buy groceries and pay bills and still save for a child’s college education and retirement. These are families who are working hard.”
Sherrell says she supports a raise in the federal minimum wage to $10.10. “I think this would be a huge help to single parents, especially single moms. A single mother, working full-time, makes around $15,000 right now. That puts her below the poverty level. A raise in the minimum wage would lift her from barely surviving to surviving.”
Jobs and unemployment are factors across the 4th District, especially in Grundy County. Sherrell says that while Rutherford and Bradley, the buffering counties, are doing well in bring in industry, other counties are having to work harder. On a listening tour that covered the entire district, she heard from community members who are willing to step up and do whatever it takes to bring jobs to their counties. “People have a real spirit of stepping up. They want to step up and help each other. As for jobs, we need to bring robust job and skills training to areas like Grundy County. Improving these areas will attract employers. There are federal programs and grants that offer incentives to businesses to move into areas, but the skilled work force must be in place for a company to consider an area.”
Sherrell’s father served during World War II and veteran’s issues are close to her heart. She calls the current situation facing vets “inexcusable” and is deeply committed to our service men and women. “My opponent voted against a bill that would have provided $20 million to help veterans with health issues, particularly PTSD and suicide prevention. We have a duty to provide all of our veterans the benefits they have earned because they served our country.
“The Veteran’s Administration is underfunded,” says Sherrell. “It has not been properly budgeted in the past for the problems service men and women are facing today – the problems vets have when they come home. These problems include mental health issues, physical issues, and rehabilitation.”
Admitting that the Affordable Healthcare Act has problems it must overcome, Sherrell says it is now the law of the land, with over 20 million people enrolled. This number includes 10 million new enrollees who did not previously have health insurance. “Having good health care is a right every American deserves. One of the great things about the Affordable Healthcare Act is that it covers pre-existing conditions. It also covers children up to age 26, giving students just out of school a few more options when taking a first job.”
Sherrell, a graduate of MTSU, is a retired CPA. She has worked as an auditor and controller with multi-million dollar budgets. She says that working with these large amounts was sacred trust. “This is how I will represent the district. The partisanship you see today in Congress is frustrating. As a CPA, part of my job was to work with people and companies to find solutions. To do this successfully you must start with a goal – agree on a goal – and then discuss different solutions on how to reach that goal.
“Today’s Congress starts from a point of disagreement. They begin not with a goal, but with ‘my way is the only way.’ When you start from a point of disagreement you will never agree on what you are trying to solve.”
The Grundy County Democratic Party has played a big part in getting the word out about Sherrell’s campaign. “Gayle Vanhooser, Sue Parrott, and Roger Layne have been there for me every time I need something. Whether it is putting up yard signs or helping me prepare for the Democratic National Convention, I can count on them.”
Sherrell and her husband Jim, a retired physician, currently live in Monteagle. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.
Grundy County Herald
For what may be the first time in history, a local resident is the Democratic nominee for the Tennessee 4th Congressional District. Lenda Sherrell (D), of Monteagle, is seeking the seat currently held by Scott DesJarlais (R). Analysts forecasted an uphill battle for Sherrell in the traditionally Republican district that stretches from Rutherford County to Bradley County. However, Sherrell dug in, ran the numbers, and discovered that voters in the 16 county district base their choice on the candidate more than the political party, and 54 percent of the voters are women. In the August 7 primary, she proved any doubters wrong, coming in with big numbers across the district. In Grundy County alone, she topped DesJarlais by 595 votes.
“This district does not belong to one party. It does not belong to an elected official. It belongs to the people,” Sherrell stated when she sat down with the Herald earlier this month. “The people are interested in electing someone who is listening to them. Our district deserves someone of good moral character, someone who takes an oath and upholds it, someone you can trust and respect.”
Sherrell says she has no secrets when it comes to getting votes. She identifies with the people of her district. “I grew up in this area. My dad grew up on the Plateau. He was a rural letter carrier and delivered mail to people all over the mountain. My mom was a schoolteacher. Like people across the mountain, and across Middle Tennessee, they worked hard, saved money to build a home, send me to college, and have a secure retirement,” she says.
“Families today with similar jobs cannot do this. They come to the end of the month and there is not enough money to buy groceries and pay bills and still save for a child’s college education and retirement. These are families who are working hard.”
Sherrell says she supports a raise in the federal minimum wage to $10.10. “I think this would be a huge help to single parents, especially single moms. A single mother, working full-time, makes around $15,000 right now. That puts her below the poverty level. A raise in the minimum wage would lift her from barely surviving to surviving.”
Jobs and unemployment are factors across the 4th District, especially in Grundy County. Sherrell says that while Rutherford and Bradley, the buffering counties, are doing well in bring in industry, other counties are having to work harder. On a listening tour that covered the entire district, she heard from community members who are willing to step up and do whatever it takes to bring jobs to their counties. “People have a real spirit of stepping up. They want to step up and help each other. As for jobs, we need to bring robust job and skills training to areas like Grundy County. Improving these areas will attract employers. There are federal programs and grants that offer incentives to businesses to move into areas, but the skilled work force must be in place for a company to consider an area.”
Sherrell’s father served during World War II and veteran’s issues are close to her heart. She calls the current situation facing vets “inexcusable” and is deeply committed to our service men and women. “My opponent voted against a bill that would have provided $20 million to help veterans with health issues, particularly PTSD and suicide prevention. We have a duty to provide all of our veterans the benefits they have earned because they served our country.
“The Veteran’s Administration is underfunded,” says Sherrell. “It has not been properly budgeted in the past for the problems service men and women are facing today – the problems vets have when they come home. These problems include mental health issues, physical issues, and rehabilitation.”
Admitting that the Affordable Healthcare Act has problems it must overcome, Sherrell says it is now the law of the land, with over 20 million people enrolled. This number includes 10 million new enrollees who did not previously have health insurance. “Having good health care is a right every American deserves. One of the great things about the Affordable Healthcare Act is that it covers pre-existing conditions. It also covers children up to age 26, giving students just out of school a few more options when taking a first job.”
Sherrell, a graduate of MTSU, is a retired CPA. She has worked as an auditor and controller with multi-million dollar budgets. She says that working with these large amounts was sacred trust. “This is how I will represent the district. The partisanship you see today in Congress is frustrating. As a CPA, part of my job was to work with people and companies to find solutions. To do this successfully you must start with a goal – agree on a goal – and then discuss different solutions on how to reach that goal.
“Today’s Congress starts from a point of disagreement. They begin not with a goal, but with ‘my way is the only way.’ When you start from a point of disagreement you will never agree on what you are trying to solve.”
The Grundy County Democratic Party has played a big part in getting the word out about Sherrell’s campaign. “Gayle Vanhooser, Sue Parrott, and Roger Layne have been there for me every time I need something. Whether it is putting up yard signs or helping me prepare for the Democratic National Convention, I can count on them.”
Sherrell and her husband Jim, a retired physician, currently live in Monteagle. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.
Most congressional incumbents appear safe in Tenn.
By Adrian Sainz
Associated Press
After defeating his Republican primary opponent by a mere 38 votes, scandal-ridden U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais appears to be only one of Tennessee's nine incumbent House members to face a serious challenge in the general election.
DesJarlais won the right to defend his 4th District seat after narrowly winning the August primary against state Sen. Jim Tracy. DesJarlais, a Jasper physician who now opposes abortion rights, won despite a series of personal scandals that included affairs with patients, urging a mistress to seek an abortion and once holding a gun in his mouth for hours outside his ex-wife's room.
DesJarlais is being challenged by Democrat Lenda Sherrell of Monteagle, who has kept up with the incumbent in fundraising. She has criticized DesJarlais for skipping a candidate forum in McMinnville, and has characterized the voters' choice in the election as being "about judgment, character, and honesty."
Robert Jameson, a DesJarlais campaign spokesman, said the congressman's treatments for cancer stalled his fundraising efforts, but he is recovering and is getting back on the campaign trail. Jameson said the organizers of the candidate forum were notified in advance that he could not attend the forum because he had another event to attend.
During the primary, Tracy won the counties in the western part of the district near Nashville, but that wasn't enough to overcome DesJarlais' heavy margins in the rural counties toward Chattanooga. DesJarlais also faced a fundraising disadvantage against Tracy.
Jameson said the close margin of victory in the primary has not really changed how he approaches the general election.
"The congressman listens and he leads, and he votes in a manner that is consistent with the independent, conservative principles that are held in Tennessee's 4th congressional district," Jameson said.
In both of DesJarlais' previous elections, he tried to cast doubt on reports of violent behavior toward his ex-wife and about multiple extramarital affairs before his divorce was finalized. But court transcripts from divorce proceedings released the week after the November 2012 election confirmed many of those revelations.
Last year, DesJarlais was fined and reprimanded by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners for having sex with patients before he was elected.
Jameson said DesJarlais has acknowledged he went through a difficult divorce but he has kept his focus on providing the best possible representation.
Sherrell, a retired accountant who stressed she is not a "career politician," said she grew up in the district and was able to go to college because her parents were able to save enough money on their middle class salaries while also paying for a house and funding their retirement.
"Today, families just like the family that I grew up in can't afford to do what my parents did because policies made by out-of-touch politicians in Washington have caused these problems and we don't have an even playing field anymore because the rules have been made to benefit only a few," Sherrell said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday.
Sherrell said she wants to increase the federal minimum wage and opposes raising the Social Security retirement age. She said her campaign was reaching out to those who voted against DesJarlais in the primary.
Across the state, in the majority-black 9th Congressional District in Memphis, Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen, a white and Jewish Memphis native, takes on Republican Charlotte Bergmann, who is African-American. Cohen has represented the district since 2006 in a seat once held by Harold Ford Sr.
Associated Press
After defeating his Republican primary opponent by a mere 38 votes, scandal-ridden U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais appears to be only one of Tennessee's nine incumbent House members to face a serious challenge in the general election.
DesJarlais won the right to defend his 4th District seat after narrowly winning the August primary against state Sen. Jim Tracy. DesJarlais, a Jasper physician who now opposes abortion rights, won despite a series of personal scandals that included affairs with patients, urging a mistress to seek an abortion and once holding a gun in his mouth for hours outside his ex-wife's room.
DesJarlais is being challenged by Democrat Lenda Sherrell of Monteagle, who has kept up with the incumbent in fundraising. She has criticized DesJarlais for skipping a candidate forum in McMinnville, and has characterized the voters' choice in the election as being "about judgment, character, and honesty."
Robert Jameson, a DesJarlais campaign spokesman, said the congressman's treatments for cancer stalled his fundraising efforts, but he is recovering and is getting back on the campaign trail. Jameson said the organizers of the candidate forum were notified in advance that he could not attend the forum because he had another event to attend.
During the primary, Tracy won the counties in the western part of the district near Nashville, but that wasn't enough to overcome DesJarlais' heavy margins in the rural counties toward Chattanooga. DesJarlais also faced a fundraising disadvantage against Tracy.
Jameson said the close margin of victory in the primary has not really changed how he approaches the general election.
"The congressman listens and he leads, and he votes in a manner that is consistent with the independent, conservative principles that are held in Tennessee's 4th congressional district," Jameson said.
In both of DesJarlais' previous elections, he tried to cast doubt on reports of violent behavior toward his ex-wife and about multiple extramarital affairs before his divorce was finalized. But court transcripts from divorce proceedings released the week after the November 2012 election confirmed many of those revelations.
Last year, DesJarlais was fined and reprimanded by the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners for having sex with patients before he was elected.
Jameson said DesJarlais has acknowledged he went through a difficult divorce but he has kept his focus on providing the best possible representation.
Sherrell, a retired accountant who stressed she is not a "career politician," said she grew up in the district and was able to go to college because her parents were able to save enough money on their middle class salaries while also paying for a house and funding their retirement.
"Today, families just like the family that I grew up in can't afford to do what my parents did because policies made by out-of-touch politicians in Washington have caused these problems and we don't have an even playing field anymore because the rules have been made to benefit only a few," Sherrell said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday.
Sherrell said she wants to increase the federal minimum wage and opposes raising the Social Security retirement age. She said her campaign was reaching out to those who voted against DesJarlais in the primary.
Across the state, in the majority-black 9th Congressional District in Memphis, Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen, a white and Jewish Memphis native, takes on Republican Charlotte Bergmann, who is African-American. Cohen has represented the district since 2006 in a seat once held by Harold Ford Sr.
LENDA SHERRELL ON WKRN'S "THIS WEEK WITH BOB MUELLER"
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Sherrell faces 'very steep climb' in 4th District challenge to DesJarlais
By Andy Sher
Chattanooga Times Free Press
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — In a ramshackle campaign headquarters just off the town square here, Democrat Lenda Sherrell last week was firing up the troops in her bid to unseat the most controversial congressman in modern Tennessee history.
"We are ready," the 67-year-old retired accountant and grandmother declared to the 40 or so mostly youthful volunteers just before early voting began in the Nov. 4 election.
"You are here in Murfreesboro, but you're not alone. Your counterparts are in all 16 counties across this district. This is how we're going to win."
Easily said, and Sherrell does enjoy a nearly 2-to-1 advantage in cash on hand.
But she remains the decided underdog against Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais in the state's 4th Congressional District.
"I haven't seen a shred of data in the district that would indicate she has a chance," said David Wasserman, U.S. House editor for the Washington-based, nonpartisan The Cook Political Report. "People get wrapped up in who raises more money. We know that Scott DesJarlais isn't attracting a lot of donors this cycle and yet he still was able to win the [GOP] primary" against state Sen. Jim Tracy.
That was despite the well-documented controversies surrounding DesJarlais, 50, a South Pittsburg physician.
DesJarlais has been in the national limelight since he defeated Democratic incumbent Lincoln Davis four years ago. With tea party support, DesJarlais began in 2010 by blasting President Barack Obama, touting family values and his "pro-life" stance while appearing with his wife, Amy, in ads.
But scandals from his troubled first marriage, which ended in 2001, were rumored during the 2010 race and escaped full-blown after DesJarlais' 12-point victory in 2012 over Democrat Eric Stewart: DesJarlais sitting outside his wife's bedroom door with a gun, threatening suicide; supporting her two abortions; sleeping with at least two patients and urging one of them to get an abortion; prescribing pain pills to a patient he was dating.
However, despite being shunned and financially starved by most of the state's Republican political establishment, DesJarlais scraped out a 38-vote win over Tracy, who vastly outspent him and had hammered the congressman over his past troubles.
Now, DesJarlais, rated the fourth-most-conservative House member, faces Sherrell in the largely rural, mostly white district that stretches from Cleveland in the east to Murfreesboro in the west and has a decided Republican tilt.
Sherrell, a Cumberland County native who is the daughter of a rural letter carrier and a teacher, is a certified public accountant who worked for several large health care companies. She retired after a dozen years as comptroller for McCallie School in Chattanooga.
Sherrell says she's running to help ensure the continuance of the "American Dream," a world where 4th District residents support their family at good wages, educate their children and have a secure retirement.
"That's not happening today," said Sherrell, who now lives in Monteagle, and blames DesJarlais for not doing more to address real concerns. She said she supports raising the minimum wage and noted "people are worried about whether Medicare and Social Security are going to be there for them."
DesJarlais, she said, "has consistently voted against things that really help people in the district," citing his support of a plan that would "essentially turn Medicare into a voucher system."
Sherrell cut her political teeth the past few years by working as a volunteer district head of Organizing for America, a national grass-roots group with ties to Obama that has backed efforts like the Affordable Care Act.
As someone who has developed multimillion-dollar budgets, she said, she'd like to take a pen to the federal budget.
She said she got into the race in January, after taking a hard look at the 4th District's demographics. It's a winnable race, Sherrell said. A third of the voters are moderates who tend to vote for the candidate and not the party, Sherrell noted. Another figure she cites: 54 percent of adults are women, "sort of a natural constituency," said Sherrell.
She initially said she would not get into the messy details of DesJarlais' past. But in a recent television ad, she draws a direct line from abuse allegations made by DesJarlais' first wife to his recent votes against extending a federal domestic violence law.
DesJarlais said it contained provisions he couldn't support.
He was not available to be interviewed for this report. He recently has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatment. His campaign says his health outlook is "positive." DesJarlais appeared last week at a Tennessee Farm Bureau event in Murfreesboro.
DesJarlais' spokesman, Robert Jameson, charges that Sherrell "wants to make this race about anything and everything but her political ideology and her record."
"She never mentions the fact that she worked for a far-left group that was charged with furthering President Obama's liberal agenda," Jameson said, citing the federal health care law commonly known as Obamacare, as a case in point.
"Quite frankly, her views are out of touch with what the vast majority of people in the 4th District believe," Jameson said.
Sherrell has said she wants to work to improve Obamacare.
Last week, the DesJarlais campaign hit Sherrell in a direct-mail piece labeling her "Liberal Lenda" and citing her work in Organizing for America. Jameson said it's fair to link Sherrell with Obama, noting, "the president said while he's not on the ballot this time, his policies are, and many of his policies are embodied in Lenda Sherrell."
Wasserman said voters in the conservative district are "loath to send anyone with a 'D' next to their name to Washington as long as Obama is president."
Kent Syler, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University, said Sherrell has proven to be "a very good candidate who has raised an impressive amount of money."
"But it is still a very steep climb," Syler said.
Molly Mann, of Viola, Tenn., said she usually votes Republican and backed Tracy in the GOP primary. She's supporting Sherrell in the general election.
"I would say the main reason I was looking for another candidate was I just can't vote for Scott DesJarlais because I think he was a hypocrite," Mann said, citing the abortions. "Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely."
Tricia Stickel, president of the Maury County Tea Party, said she remains "definitely a fan of Congressman DesJarlais."
Those events, Stickel said, were more than 14 years ago and he "wasn't a congressman then."
"In the South ... I've found that they don't like people to be dragged through the mud and embarrassed. So I think all that negative campaigning really has helped him with his own constituents," Stickel said.
Chattanooga Times Free Press
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — In a ramshackle campaign headquarters just off the town square here, Democrat Lenda Sherrell last week was firing up the troops in her bid to unseat the most controversial congressman in modern Tennessee history.
"We are ready," the 67-year-old retired accountant and grandmother declared to the 40 or so mostly youthful volunteers just before early voting began in the Nov. 4 election.
"You are here in Murfreesboro, but you're not alone. Your counterparts are in all 16 counties across this district. This is how we're going to win."
Easily said, and Sherrell does enjoy a nearly 2-to-1 advantage in cash on hand.
But she remains the decided underdog against Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais in the state's 4th Congressional District.
"I haven't seen a shred of data in the district that would indicate she has a chance," said David Wasserman, U.S. House editor for the Washington-based, nonpartisan The Cook Political Report. "People get wrapped up in who raises more money. We know that Scott DesJarlais isn't attracting a lot of donors this cycle and yet he still was able to win the [GOP] primary" against state Sen. Jim Tracy.
That was despite the well-documented controversies surrounding DesJarlais, 50, a South Pittsburg physician.
DesJarlais has been in the national limelight since he defeated Democratic incumbent Lincoln Davis four years ago. With tea party support, DesJarlais began in 2010 by blasting President Barack Obama, touting family values and his "pro-life" stance while appearing with his wife, Amy, in ads.
But scandals from his troubled first marriage, which ended in 2001, were rumored during the 2010 race and escaped full-blown after DesJarlais' 12-point victory in 2012 over Democrat Eric Stewart: DesJarlais sitting outside his wife's bedroom door with a gun, threatening suicide; supporting her two abortions; sleeping with at least two patients and urging one of them to get an abortion; prescribing pain pills to a patient he was dating.
However, despite being shunned and financially starved by most of the state's Republican political establishment, DesJarlais scraped out a 38-vote win over Tracy, who vastly outspent him and had hammered the congressman over his past troubles.
Now, DesJarlais, rated the fourth-most-conservative House member, faces Sherrell in the largely rural, mostly white district that stretches from Cleveland in the east to Murfreesboro in the west and has a decided Republican tilt.
Sherrell, a Cumberland County native who is the daughter of a rural letter carrier and a teacher, is a certified public accountant who worked for several large health care companies. She retired after a dozen years as comptroller for McCallie School in Chattanooga.
Sherrell says she's running to help ensure the continuance of the "American Dream," a world where 4th District residents support their family at good wages, educate their children and have a secure retirement.
"That's not happening today," said Sherrell, who now lives in Monteagle, and blames DesJarlais for not doing more to address real concerns. She said she supports raising the minimum wage and noted "people are worried about whether Medicare and Social Security are going to be there for them."
DesJarlais, she said, "has consistently voted against things that really help people in the district," citing his support of a plan that would "essentially turn Medicare into a voucher system."
Sherrell cut her political teeth the past few years by working as a volunteer district head of Organizing for America, a national grass-roots group with ties to Obama that has backed efforts like the Affordable Care Act.
As someone who has developed multimillion-dollar budgets, she said, she'd like to take a pen to the federal budget.
She said she got into the race in January, after taking a hard look at the 4th District's demographics. It's a winnable race, Sherrell said. A third of the voters are moderates who tend to vote for the candidate and not the party, Sherrell noted. Another figure she cites: 54 percent of adults are women, "sort of a natural constituency," said Sherrell.
She initially said she would not get into the messy details of DesJarlais' past. But in a recent television ad, she draws a direct line from abuse allegations made by DesJarlais' first wife to his recent votes against extending a federal domestic violence law.
DesJarlais said it contained provisions he couldn't support.
He was not available to be interviewed for this report. He recently has undergone chemotherapy and radiation treatment. His campaign says his health outlook is "positive." DesJarlais appeared last week at a Tennessee Farm Bureau event in Murfreesboro.
DesJarlais' spokesman, Robert Jameson, charges that Sherrell "wants to make this race about anything and everything but her political ideology and her record."
"She never mentions the fact that she worked for a far-left group that was charged with furthering President Obama's liberal agenda," Jameson said, citing the federal health care law commonly known as Obamacare, as a case in point.
"Quite frankly, her views are out of touch with what the vast majority of people in the 4th District believe," Jameson said.
Sherrell has said she wants to work to improve Obamacare.
Last week, the DesJarlais campaign hit Sherrell in a direct-mail piece labeling her "Liberal Lenda" and citing her work in Organizing for America. Jameson said it's fair to link Sherrell with Obama, noting, "the president said while he's not on the ballot this time, his policies are, and many of his policies are embodied in Lenda Sherrell."
Wasserman said voters in the conservative district are "loath to send anyone with a 'D' next to their name to Washington as long as Obama is president."
Kent Syler, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University, said Sherrell has proven to be "a very good candidate who has raised an impressive amount of money."
"But it is still a very steep climb," Syler said.
Molly Mann, of Viola, Tenn., said she usually votes Republican and backed Tracy in the GOP primary. She's supporting Sherrell in the general election.
"I would say the main reason I was looking for another candidate was I just can't vote for Scott DesJarlais because I think he was a hypocrite," Mann said, citing the abortions. "Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely."
Tricia Stickel, president of the Maury County Tea Party, said she remains "definitely a fan of Congressman DesJarlais."
Those events, Stickel said, were more than 14 years ago and he "wasn't a congressman then."
"In the South ... I've found that they don't like people to be dragged through the mud and embarrassed. So I think all that negative campaigning really has helped him with his own constituents," Stickel said.
Negative tone fills 4th District contest
Scott Broden
The Daily News Journal
The 4th Congressional District race re-emerged as a negative campaign with one side delving into divorce records and the other linking the opponent with President Barack Obama.
Opponents of incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais of South Pittsburg have used his 2001 divorce records to campaign against him in the 2010 and 2012 elections and the 2014 GOP primary in which he won by 38 votes against state Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville.
DesJarlais now faces Democratic Party nominee Lenda Sherrell of Monteagle and independent Robert Rankin Doggart of Signal Mountain in the Nov. 4 election.
When it comes to the latest in negative campaigning that started prior to early voting this past Wednesday, Sherrell decided to air an attack through a television advertisement that's based on the incumbent's divorce records, as well as the way he voted on domestic-violence legislation.
"Domestic abuse is difficult to discuss," Sherrell said while talking to TV viewers in the commercial. "When Scott DesJarlais's wife said under oath he abused her, he asked for forgiveness. Like many, my husband and I prayed for them and forgave. But actions speak louder than words. When Congressman DesJarlais had the opportunity to protect victims of domestic violence, he voted 'no.' That we can't forget. Ask yourself if that was your daughter, would you still forgive and forget?"
DesJarlais spokesman Robert Jameson took issue with the commercial.
"That was probably the nastiest ad yet out of all of these elections," Jameson said during a phone interview. "Lenda Sherrell is running a campaign based on misinformation in a desperate attempt to distract voters from her record of helping to implement President Obama's radical liberal agenda here in Tennessee.
"It is unfortunate that Mrs. Sherrell chose not to distinguish the congressman's current wife of 13 years from his ex-wife," Jameson added. "As a mother and grandmother herself, one would think Mrs. Sherrell would recognize the importance of doing so. Additionally, as a mother and grandmother, Mrs. Sherrell should be ashamed that she would despicably attack Congressman DesJarlais' wife and children just to score a few political points."
DesJarlais also has tied Obama's name with Sherrell through a political mailer showing photos of both Democrats on the front page with the following message: "You wouldn't vote for Barack Obama. Then why would you vote for Liberal Lenda Sherrell for Congress?"
The same mailer on the second page goes onto to say that Sherrell is "a key activist for President Obama's re-election campaign and met with the White House to strategize on how to pass Obama's liberal agenda."
Sherrell responded by saying the campaign should be between her and DesJarlais.
"I just feel like if he wants to run against Barack Obama, that is up to him, but he needs to be running against me," Sherrell said. "I don't know what he thinks Barack Obama's agenda is, but my agenda is to represent the hard-working families, the hard-working men and women of this district, who are struggling to get by in low-wage jobs making barely $15,000 a year working full-time.
"And my agenda is to protect Social Security and Medicare for our seniors, and not supporting the (Wisconsin Republican U.S. Rep. Paul) Ryan budget that turns Medicare in to a voucher system and raises the retirement age to 70, and to stand up for our veterans and for the benefits that they deserve after protecting and defending our country and putting their lives on the line.
"I'm from this district," Sherrell added. "I grew up in a family just like families in the district. My agenda is the people's agenda. That has very little to do with whatever he (DesJarlais) thinks. Voters deserve to know where we stand."
Negative campaigning
It's common for candidates to go negative, said John Vile, a 25-year Middle Tennessee State University political science professor who has taught and studied the subject for 37 years, including 12 at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
"Negative campaigns work," said Vile, who is also the dean of the MTSU Honors College. "People say that they hate them, but they get attention and people tend to remember them. That's a pretty common strategy."
When it comes to the Sherrell TV commercial, Vile said she's using a strategy that President Obama and Democrats used in appealing to women voters by suggesting that they are more sensitive to women's issues than Republicans Mitt Romney in 2012 and John McCain in 2008.
"If you go beyond the personal criticism of DesJarlais, Democrats often seem to be successful when they can portray that they are fighting on behalf of women," Vile said. "I would say that is part of a wider strategy."
Vile said Sherrell appeared to be sincere as she talked on the TV commercial about DeJarlais' records.
"Don't be surprised if he has a negative ad on her," Vile added.
DesJarlais is also using a national Republican strategy to tie his opponent to the president because the Obama name has a negative connotation at this time, said Vile, adding that both candidates are using national political tactics.
"Sherrell is playing the women card if you will," Vile said. "He is playing the anti-Obama card."
The United States has a deep history with negative campaigning, Vile said. This included the 1800 presidential election when Thomas Jefferson's side accused John Adams and his Federalist Party of being monarchists, the Adams' side accusing Jefferson and the Democratic-Republican Party being like French Revolution radicals and both sides accusing each other of being atheist, Vile added.
President Grover Cleveland in 1884 also faced negative campaigning pertaining to whether he fathered a child out of wedlock.
"Ma, Ma, Where's my Pa, Gone to the White House, Ha, Ha, Ha," states the slogan against Cleveland from opponent James Blaine.
Rival messages
Sherrell stands by the point of her TV commercial, which she said is more about domestic violence as an issue.
"It seems to me we have an opportunity to talk about something that affects one in four women," said Sherrell, noting that some of her facts come from a recent Tennessee Bureau of Investigation report. "People know that this is an issue for our society. Tennessee had nearly 79,000 cases of domestic violence last year. Tennessee has the sixth highest rate in the nation of women murdered by men."
The TBI report also said that Columbia, which is part of the 4th Congressional District, had the highest rate of domestic violence in Tennessee, Sherrell added.
"It's certainly an issue for our state," Sherrell said. "It's an issue nationally."
The Violence Against Women Act in 1994 helped reduce domestic violence cases by 67 percent, Sherrell said. The law helped train more than 500,000 police officers on how to respond to domestic violence, interview those involved and counsel them, she said.
Sherrell questions why Desjarlais refused to vote in favor of the re-authorization of the act that was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed into law by President Obama.
The DesJarlais spokesman contends that the incumbent did support the original version of the law.
"The truth is Congressman DesJarlais has voted twice in favor of bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act," said Jameson, the spokesman for DesJarlais.
Jameson said that DesJarlais opposed adjustments to the original law, which could lead to tribal courts on an Indian reservations prosecuting non-Indians instead of a federal or state court.
Sherrell, however, said the modified law made sure that other groups are protected from domestic violence, including cases involving same-gender couples and undocumented immigrants.
"The one that passed was inclusive of everybody, all victims of domestic violence," Sherrell said.
Jameson contends that the expanded version of the law was about Democrats adding superfluous stipulations that are constitutionally suspect in order to score political points. Adding language to the original law that deals with illegal immigration in piecemeal, end-around fashion is part of that, the DesJarlais spokesman added.
"The congressman," Jameson said, "has been clear when it comes to the immigration laws: enforce the immigration laws already on the books and secure the border."
"Once that happens, we can start looking at different immigration reforms," Jameson said.
The Daily News Journal
The 4th Congressional District race re-emerged as a negative campaign with one side delving into divorce records and the other linking the opponent with President Barack Obama.
Opponents of incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais of South Pittsburg have used his 2001 divorce records to campaign against him in the 2010 and 2012 elections and the 2014 GOP primary in which he won by 38 votes against state Sen. Jim Tracy of Shelbyville.
DesJarlais now faces Democratic Party nominee Lenda Sherrell of Monteagle and independent Robert Rankin Doggart of Signal Mountain in the Nov. 4 election.
When it comes to the latest in negative campaigning that started prior to early voting this past Wednesday, Sherrell decided to air an attack through a television advertisement that's based on the incumbent's divorce records, as well as the way he voted on domestic-violence legislation.
"Domestic abuse is difficult to discuss," Sherrell said while talking to TV viewers in the commercial. "When Scott DesJarlais's wife said under oath he abused her, he asked for forgiveness. Like many, my husband and I prayed for them and forgave. But actions speak louder than words. When Congressman DesJarlais had the opportunity to protect victims of domestic violence, he voted 'no.' That we can't forget. Ask yourself if that was your daughter, would you still forgive and forget?"
DesJarlais spokesman Robert Jameson took issue with the commercial.
"That was probably the nastiest ad yet out of all of these elections," Jameson said during a phone interview. "Lenda Sherrell is running a campaign based on misinformation in a desperate attempt to distract voters from her record of helping to implement President Obama's radical liberal agenda here in Tennessee.
"It is unfortunate that Mrs. Sherrell chose not to distinguish the congressman's current wife of 13 years from his ex-wife," Jameson added. "As a mother and grandmother herself, one would think Mrs. Sherrell would recognize the importance of doing so. Additionally, as a mother and grandmother, Mrs. Sherrell should be ashamed that she would despicably attack Congressman DesJarlais' wife and children just to score a few political points."
DesJarlais also has tied Obama's name with Sherrell through a political mailer showing photos of both Democrats on the front page with the following message: "You wouldn't vote for Barack Obama. Then why would you vote for Liberal Lenda Sherrell for Congress?"
The same mailer on the second page goes onto to say that Sherrell is "a key activist for President Obama's re-election campaign and met with the White House to strategize on how to pass Obama's liberal agenda."
Sherrell responded by saying the campaign should be between her and DesJarlais.
"I just feel like if he wants to run against Barack Obama, that is up to him, but he needs to be running against me," Sherrell said. "I don't know what he thinks Barack Obama's agenda is, but my agenda is to represent the hard-working families, the hard-working men and women of this district, who are struggling to get by in low-wage jobs making barely $15,000 a year working full-time.
"And my agenda is to protect Social Security and Medicare for our seniors, and not supporting the (Wisconsin Republican U.S. Rep. Paul) Ryan budget that turns Medicare in to a voucher system and raises the retirement age to 70, and to stand up for our veterans and for the benefits that they deserve after protecting and defending our country and putting their lives on the line.
"I'm from this district," Sherrell added. "I grew up in a family just like families in the district. My agenda is the people's agenda. That has very little to do with whatever he (DesJarlais) thinks. Voters deserve to know where we stand."
Negative campaigning
It's common for candidates to go negative, said John Vile, a 25-year Middle Tennessee State University political science professor who has taught and studied the subject for 37 years, including 12 at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
"Negative campaigns work," said Vile, who is also the dean of the MTSU Honors College. "People say that they hate them, but they get attention and people tend to remember them. That's a pretty common strategy."
When it comes to the Sherrell TV commercial, Vile said she's using a strategy that President Obama and Democrats used in appealing to women voters by suggesting that they are more sensitive to women's issues than Republicans Mitt Romney in 2012 and John McCain in 2008.
"If you go beyond the personal criticism of DesJarlais, Democrats often seem to be successful when they can portray that they are fighting on behalf of women," Vile said. "I would say that is part of a wider strategy."
Vile said Sherrell appeared to be sincere as she talked on the TV commercial about DeJarlais' records.
"Don't be surprised if he has a negative ad on her," Vile added.
DesJarlais is also using a national Republican strategy to tie his opponent to the president because the Obama name has a negative connotation at this time, said Vile, adding that both candidates are using national political tactics.
"Sherrell is playing the women card if you will," Vile said. "He is playing the anti-Obama card."
The United States has a deep history with negative campaigning, Vile said. This included the 1800 presidential election when Thomas Jefferson's side accused John Adams and his Federalist Party of being monarchists, the Adams' side accusing Jefferson and the Democratic-Republican Party being like French Revolution radicals and both sides accusing each other of being atheist, Vile added.
President Grover Cleveland in 1884 also faced negative campaigning pertaining to whether he fathered a child out of wedlock.
"Ma, Ma, Where's my Pa, Gone to the White House, Ha, Ha, Ha," states the slogan against Cleveland from opponent James Blaine.
Rival messages
Sherrell stands by the point of her TV commercial, which she said is more about domestic violence as an issue.
"It seems to me we have an opportunity to talk about something that affects one in four women," said Sherrell, noting that some of her facts come from a recent Tennessee Bureau of Investigation report. "People know that this is an issue for our society. Tennessee had nearly 79,000 cases of domestic violence last year. Tennessee has the sixth highest rate in the nation of women murdered by men."
The TBI report also said that Columbia, which is part of the 4th Congressional District, had the highest rate of domestic violence in Tennessee, Sherrell added.
"It's certainly an issue for our state," Sherrell said. "It's an issue nationally."
The Violence Against Women Act in 1994 helped reduce domestic violence cases by 67 percent, Sherrell said. The law helped train more than 500,000 police officers on how to respond to domestic violence, interview those involved and counsel them, she said.
Sherrell questions why Desjarlais refused to vote in favor of the re-authorization of the act that was approved with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed into law by President Obama.
The DesJarlais spokesman contends that the incumbent did support the original version of the law.
"The truth is Congressman DesJarlais has voted twice in favor of bipartisan legislation reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act," said Jameson, the spokesman for DesJarlais.
Jameson said that DesJarlais opposed adjustments to the original law, which could lead to tribal courts on an Indian reservations prosecuting non-Indians instead of a federal or state court.
Sherrell, however, said the modified law made sure that other groups are protected from domestic violence, including cases involving same-gender couples and undocumented immigrants.
"The one that passed was inclusive of everybody, all victims of domestic violence," Sherrell said.
Jameson contends that the expanded version of the law was about Democrats adding superfluous stipulations that are constitutionally suspect in order to score political points. Adding language to the original law that deals with illegal immigration in piecemeal, end-around fashion is part of that, the DesJarlais spokesman added.
"The congressman," Jameson said, "has been clear when it comes to the immigration laws: enforce the immigration laws already on the books and secure the border."
"Once that happens, we can start looking at different immigration reforms," Jameson said.
Underdog Sherrell outraises DesJarlais in third quarter
By Mary Troyan, Tennessean Washington Bureau
October 16, 2014
WASHINGTON – Lenda Sherrell, the Democrat challenging GOP Rep. Scott DesJarlais in the 4th Congressional District, outraised him by about $253,000 in the third quarter, according to the latest campaign finance reports.
Sherrell, a retired accountant from Monteagle, raised about $325,000 since July, leaving her with a balance of $234,773 as of Sept. 30, reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) show. DesJarlais, R-South Pittsburg, raised about $72,000 during the quarter. He had a balance of $102,756 at the end of September.
The late fundraising surge by the underdog surprised election watchers, but there are doubts about whether it will help Sherrell overcome the 4th District’s preference for Republicans.
DesJarlais barely won the Republican primary in August, about two years after voters learned from an old divorce file that he had urged his former wife to end two pregnancies. DesJarlais, a physician who has publicly opposed abortion, also had affairs with patients and encouraged at least one to have an abortion.
“This is a case where the partisanship of a district really trumps money,” said David Wasserman, House editor for the Cook Political Report. “Voters here don't have any great love for DesJarlais, but they sure don't want to send a Democrat to Washington.”
The Cook Political Report rates the seat as solidly Republican. The district voted Republican in the last two presidential elections by 18 more percentage points than the country as a whole.
Kent Syler, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University, said Sherrell’s fundraising success was surprising.
“But her big problem is that we are in a mid-term election year and she has the liability of being a member of the same party as a president who is relatively unpopular in the 4th District of Tennessee,” said Syler, who was a longtime staffer for the district’s former Democratic congressman, Bart Gordon. “That is the big obstacle she must overcome, and it will be tough for her.”
DesJarlais, running for a third term, does not have the fundraising lead typical of most incumbents in safe congressional districts. He has been receiving treatment for cancer since July and only this week made his first public appearance since winning the primary.
Sherrell’s haul allowed her to spend $25,000 on a media buy in late September, and she is running a TV ad that mentions DesJarlais’ 2001 divorce.
Recent donations to Sherrell’s campaign include $10,000 from the Tennessee Democratic Party, $10,000 from the leadership political action committee affiliated with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and $4,000 from the campaign account of Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn.
Sherrell’s campaign has $185,000 in debts, including $100,000 she loaned the campaign in May. DesJarlais’ campaign is debt-free.
Sherrell’s strong third quarter also helped her eclipse DesJarlais’ two-year fundraising figure.
Including loans, Sherrell’s campaign has raised about $583,000. DesJarlais has raised $514,283 since winning his second term in 2012.
Recent contributions to DesJarlais’ campaign include $5,000 from the leadership PAC affiliated with Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., $5,000 from the PAC affiliated with Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., $1,000 from the PAC affiliated with Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., $1,000 from the PAC affiliated with Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and $2,000 from the PAC affiliated with Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.
Elsewhere in Middle Tennessee contests, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Brentwood, reported almost $1.9 million in campaign cash as of Sept. 30.
Her campaign also benefited from about $12,000 in independent expenditures by the Direct Selling Empowers Americans PAC, which is affiliated with the Direct Selling Association. The organization represents firms that make and distribute products directly to consumers through activities such as home parties. It paid for ads announcing its endorsement of Blackburn.
Blackburn’s opponent, Dan Cramer of Clarksville, reported about $15,000 on hand as of Sept. 30. He loaned his campaign $30,000 earlier this year.
Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, reported just over $1 million in her campaign account. She is being challenged by Amos Powers of Cookeville. The FEC did not have an October report on file from Powers’ campaign.
October 16, 2014
WASHINGTON – Lenda Sherrell, the Democrat challenging GOP Rep. Scott DesJarlais in the 4th Congressional District, outraised him by about $253,000 in the third quarter, according to the latest campaign finance reports.
Sherrell, a retired accountant from Monteagle, raised about $325,000 since July, leaving her with a balance of $234,773 as of Sept. 30, reports filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) show. DesJarlais, R-South Pittsburg, raised about $72,000 during the quarter. He had a balance of $102,756 at the end of September.
The late fundraising surge by the underdog surprised election watchers, but there are doubts about whether it will help Sherrell overcome the 4th District’s preference for Republicans.
DesJarlais barely won the Republican primary in August, about two years after voters learned from an old divorce file that he had urged his former wife to end two pregnancies. DesJarlais, a physician who has publicly opposed abortion, also had affairs with patients and encouraged at least one to have an abortion.
“This is a case where the partisanship of a district really trumps money,” said David Wasserman, House editor for the Cook Political Report. “Voters here don't have any great love for DesJarlais, but they sure don't want to send a Democrat to Washington.”
The Cook Political Report rates the seat as solidly Republican. The district voted Republican in the last two presidential elections by 18 more percentage points than the country as a whole.
Kent Syler, a political science professor at Middle Tennessee State University, said Sherrell’s fundraising success was surprising.
“But her big problem is that we are in a mid-term election year and she has the liability of being a member of the same party as a president who is relatively unpopular in the 4th District of Tennessee,” said Syler, who was a longtime staffer for the district’s former Democratic congressman, Bart Gordon. “That is the big obstacle she must overcome, and it will be tough for her.”
DesJarlais, running for a third term, does not have the fundraising lead typical of most incumbents in safe congressional districts. He has been receiving treatment for cancer since July and only this week made his first public appearance since winning the primary.
Sherrell’s haul allowed her to spend $25,000 on a media buy in late September, and she is running a TV ad that mentions DesJarlais’ 2001 divorce.
Recent donations to Sherrell’s campaign include $10,000 from the Tennessee Democratic Party, $10,000 from the leadership political action committee affiliated with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., and $4,000 from the campaign account of Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Tenn.
Sherrell’s campaign has $185,000 in debts, including $100,000 she loaned the campaign in May. DesJarlais’ campaign is debt-free.
Sherrell’s strong third quarter also helped her eclipse DesJarlais’ two-year fundraising figure.
Including loans, Sherrell’s campaign has raised about $583,000. DesJarlais has raised $514,283 since winning his second term in 2012.
Recent contributions to DesJarlais’ campaign include $5,000 from the leadership PAC affiliated with Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., $5,000 from the PAC affiliated with Rep. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., $1,000 from the PAC affiliated with Rep. Renee Ellmers, R-N.C., $1,000 from the PAC affiliated with Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, and $2,000 from the PAC affiliated with Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La.
Elsewhere in Middle Tennessee contests, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Brentwood, reported almost $1.9 million in campaign cash as of Sept. 30.
Her campaign also benefited from about $12,000 in independent expenditures by the Direct Selling Empowers Americans PAC, which is affiliated with the Direct Selling Association. The organization represents firms that make and distribute products directly to consumers through activities such as home parties. It paid for ads announcing its endorsement of Blackburn.
Blackburn’s opponent, Dan Cramer of Clarksville, reported about $15,000 on hand as of Sept. 30. He loaned his campaign $30,000 earlier this year.
Rep. Diane Black, R-Gallatin, reported just over $1 million in her campaign account. She is being challenged by Amos Powers of Cookeville. The FEC did not have an October report on file from Powers’ campaign.
Sherrell boasts fund-raising success against DesJarlais
The Daily News Journal
MURFREESBORO – Democratic Party nominee Lenda Sherrell touted how she raised more than double what Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais collected in the latest financial disclosure reports.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions, raised $169,880 between July 1 and Sept. 30, compared to DesJarlais’ $72,276, according to her press release.
In addition, Sherrell has more than double the cash-on-hand with $234,773 in the bank while incumbent DesJarlais has $102, 756.
“I am honored to have the support of so many in this vast 16-county district since we kicked off our grass-roots campaign in February,” said Sherrell, a lifelong Tennessean who grew up on the Cumberland Plateau. “The voters of the 4th Congressional District have made it clear they want representation that reflects Tennessee’s values and are looking forward for a change in leadership.”
The Sherrell press release states its information came from third-quarter reports from the Federal Election Commission.
This most recent FEC report along with a multitude of endorsements demonstrates widespread and continued support from a broad coalition of local and national groups and individuals, Sherrell’s press release states.
The endorsements include: American Nurses Association; Emily's List; Off The Sidelines PAC; Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women; Tri-State Maxed-Out Women; Women's Campaign Fund; National Women’s Political Caucus; former governor and first lady of Tennessee, Phil Bredesen and Andrea Conte; and Sue Parrott, former Grundy County Circuit Court Clerk, among others.
“Our message is resonating with voters, and they are responding to where I stand on the issues,” Sherrell said in her press release. “At every stop I have made, people are telling me our district needs someone in Congress who is of good moral character; someone who makes a promise and keeps it; someone who will listen to all sides and come up with the best solutions to help our families and communities.
“I know I can do this because for 25 years while building a career as an auditor and controller in the private sector, I worked with people who had competing priorities to develop solutions and find common ground in the best interest of the company,” Sherrell added in her press release. “I can and will do the same in Congress.”
Sherrell also has the endorsements of the professional groups such as United Autoworkers, AFL-CIO, SEIU local 205, IBEW local 175, United Food and Commercial Workers International, United Steele Workers, Tennessee State Electrical Workers Association, Tennessee Professional Firefighters Association and International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
MURFREESBORO – Democratic Party nominee Lenda Sherrell touted how she raised more than double what Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais collected in the latest financial disclosure reports.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant who built a 25-year career in the private sector as an auditor and controller balancing multi-million dollar budgets for educational and health care institutions, raised $169,880 between July 1 and Sept. 30, compared to DesJarlais’ $72,276, according to her press release.
In addition, Sherrell has more than double the cash-on-hand with $234,773 in the bank while incumbent DesJarlais has $102, 756.
“I am honored to have the support of so many in this vast 16-county district since we kicked off our grass-roots campaign in February,” said Sherrell, a lifelong Tennessean who grew up on the Cumberland Plateau. “The voters of the 4th Congressional District have made it clear they want representation that reflects Tennessee’s values and are looking forward for a change in leadership.”
The Sherrell press release states its information came from third-quarter reports from the Federal Election Commission.
This most recent FEC report along with a multitude of endorsements demonstrates widespread and continued support from a broad coalition of local and national groups and individuals, Sherrell’s press release states.
The endorsements include: American Nurses Association; Emily's List; Off The Sidelines PAC; Tennessee Federation of Democratic Women; Tri-State Maxed-Out Women; Women's Campaign Fund; National Women’s Political Caucus; former governor and first lady of Tennessee, Phil Bredesen and Andrea Conte; and Sue Parrott, former Grundy County Circuit Court Clerk, among others.
“Our message is resonating with voters, and they are responding to where I stand on the issues,” Sherrell said in her press release. “At every stop I have made, people are telling me our district needs someone in Congress who is of good moral character; someone who makes a promise and keeps it; someone who will listen to all sides and come up with the best solutions to help our families and communities.
“I know I can do this because for 25 years while building a career as an auditor and controller in the private sector, I worked with people who had competing priorities to develop solutions and find common ground in the best interest of the company,” Sherrell added in her press release. “I can and will do the same in Congress.”
Sherrell also has the endorsements of the professional groups such as United Autoworkers, AFL-CIO, SEIU local 205, IBEW local 175, United Food and Commercial Workers International, United Steele Workers, Tennessee State Electrical Workers Association, Tennessee Professional Firefighters Association and International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
Lenda Sherrell beats Scott DesJarlais in 4th district race fundraising
By Louie Brogdon, Chattanooga Times Free Press
October 16th, 2014
With fewer than 20 days before the general election, U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais has been out-fundraised and out-spent by Lenda Sherrell, the Democrat challenging him for his 4th Congressional District seat.
Campaign finance reports filed late Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission show Sherrell started the 3rd quarter with about $20,000 less than DesJarlais, but by the end, she had picked up $246,000 more than the incumbent and spent $115,000 more.
And with Nov. 4 right around the corner, Sherrell has $132,000 more in spending power than the South Pittsburg physician.
From July 1 to Sept. 30, Sherrell raised $329,880 and spent $188,574 of that, reports show. That left her with $234,774 on hand.
DesJarlais, on the other hand, raised $72,276 and spent $82,413, bringing his balance to $102,756 ahead of the election.
October 16th, 2014
With fewer than 20 days before the general election, U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais has been out-fundraised and out-spent by Lenda Sherrell, the Democrat challenging him for his 4th Congressional District seat.
Campaign finance reports filed late Wednesday with the Federal Election Commission show Sherrell started the 3rd quarter with about $20,000 less than DesJarlais, but by the end, she had picked up $246,000 more than the incumbent and spent $115,000 more.
And with Nov. 4 right around the corner, Sherrell has $132,000 more in spending power than the South Pittsburg physician.
From July 1 to Sept. 30, Sherrell raised $329,880 and spent $188,574 of that, reports show. That left her with $234,774 on hand.
DesJarlais, on the other hand, raised $72,276 and spent $82,413, bringing his balance to $102,756 ahead of the election.
Sherrell Ahead Of DesJarlais In Fundraising
The Chattanoogan
October 16, 2014
Lenda Sherrell said she outraised incumbent Scott DesJarlais more than 2 to 1 in the third quarter in the 4th Congressional District race.
Ms. Sherrell, a certified public accountant, raised $169,880 between July 1 and Sept. 30, compared to Rep. DesJarlais’ $72,276.
Ms. Sherrell said she has more than double the cash-on-hand with $234,773 in the bank while incumbent DesJarlais has $102,756.
“I am honored to have the support of so many in this vast 16-county district since we kicked off our grass-roots campaign in February,” said Ms.
Sherrell. “The voters of the 4th Congressional District have made it clear they want representation that reflects Tennessee’s values and are looking forward for a change in leadership.”
October 16, 2014
Lenda Sherrell said she outraised incumbent Scott DesJarlais more than 2 to 1 in the third quarter in the 4th Congressional District race.
Ms. Sherrell, a certified public accountant, raised $169,880 between July 1 and Sept. 30, compared to Rep. DesJarlais’ $72,276.
Ms. Sherrell said she has more than double the cash-on-hand with $234,773 in the bank while incumbent DesJarlais has $102,756.
“I am honored to have the support of so many in this vast 16-county district since we kicked off our grass-roots campaign in February,” said Ms.
Sherrell. “The voters of the 4th Congressional District have made it clear they want representation that reflects Tennessee’s values and are looking forward for a change in leadership.”
Early voting for Nov. 4 ballot begins
By Scott Broden, The Daily News Journal
October 15, 2014
...Mills said she also wanted to cast her vote for Democrat Lenda Sherrell of Monteagle to replace U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, the Republican incumbent from South Pittsburg who worked as a physician before winning his seat in 2010.
"I have a problem with Mr. DesJarlais," Mills said. "He comes across to me as a massive hypocrite."
Read More....
October 15, 2014
...Mills said she also wanted to cast her vote for Democrat Lenda Sherrell of Monteagle to replace U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, the Republican incumbent from South Pittsburg who worked as a physician before winning his seat in 2010.
"I have a problem with Mr. DesJarlais," Mills said. "He comes across to me as a massive hypocrite."
Read More....
SHERRELL REMINDS VOTERS EARLY VOTING BEGINS
For Immediate Release
October 14, 2014
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 14, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, Democrat running Tenneessee’s 4th Congressional District 4, is reminding voters to vote early — early voting in the state begins October 15 and continues through October 30.
During the recent August primary, more than one million votes were cast and 50 percent were from early votes. Tennessee is one of 33 states where citizens can cast a ballot in person during a designated period before Election Day
Voters benefit from heading earlier to the polls, according to at study released by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. Early voting also reduces stress on the voting system.
“People who don’t want to wait in line as most voters would on Election Day benefit from the early voting period, poll workers are readily available and there is no last minute stress on the process for identification and correcting potential registration errors,” said Sherrell. “Early voting also provides greater access to voting and improved voter experience.”
The Brennan study was based on interviews with 21 state and local election officials around the country who oversaw early voting.
October 14, 2014
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 14, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, Democrat running Tenneessee’s 4th Congressional District 4, is reminding voters to vote early — early voting in the state begins October 15 and continues through October 30.
During the recent August primary, more than one million votes were cast and 50 percent were from early votes. Tennessee is one of 33 states where citizens can cast a ballot in person during a designated period before Election Day
Voters benefit from heading earlier to the polls, according to at study released by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law. Early voting also reduces stress on the voting system.
“People who don’t want to wait in line as most voters would on Election Day benefit from the early voting period, poll workers are readily available and there is no last minute stress on the process for identification and correcting potential registration errors,” said Sherrell. “Early voting also provides greater access to voting and improved voter experience.”
The Brennan study was based on interviews with 21 state and local election officials around the country who oversaw early voting.
SHERRELL: DESJARLAIS COULD HAVE VOTED TO PROTECT WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN HIS DISTRICT, WHICH INCLUDES SOME OF THE HIGHEST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RATES
For Immediate Release
October 10, 2014
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 10, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Congressional District 4, is calling into question Congressman Scott DesJarlais’ voting record and lack of support for victims of domestic violence. Sherrell discusses this difficult issue plaguing Tennessee in a commercial released today.
Last year, there were 78,495 incidents of domestic abuse reported in the state. According to a report by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the state had the sixth-highest rate of women murdered by men in the nation. In Congressional District 4, Columbia has the highest rate of domestic violence in the state.
“Representative DesJarlais could have helped women and children in his district, but an examination of his congressional record illustrates he has not made efforts to protect his constituents,” said Sherrell. “His voting record calls into question his priorities.”
He voted against:
· Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act
· Considering paycheck fairness
· Increasing the minimum wage which would help families
· Denying abortions to women to prevent death during emergency medical conditions
· Creating a committee to reduce child abuse and neglect – a bill by Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) that received bipartisan support.
“Dr. DesJarlais will always refer to his past as old news, but he has not done anything in Congress to show he has changed his pattern of behavior as it relates to women and children. Representative DesJarlais had opportunities to vote on legislation to protect victims of domestic violence, allow life-saving procedures to save mothers, help women breadwinners working in low-wage jobs, and lower the rates of child abuse in Tennessee and the rest of the country. We cannot forget his lapse in legislative judgement,” Sherrell added.
October 10, 2014
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 10, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, Democrat for Congressional District 4, is calling into question Congressman Scott DesJarlais’ voting record and lack of support for victims of domestic violence. Sherrell discusses this difficult issue plaguing Tennessee in a commercial released today.
Last year, there were 78,495 incidents of domestic abuse reported in the state. According to a report by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the state had the sixth-highest rate of women murdered by men in the nation. In Congressional District 4, Columbia has the highest rate of domestic violence in the state.
“Representative DesJarlais could have helped women and children in his district, but an examination of his congressional record illustrates he has not made efforts to protect his constituents,” said Sherrell. “His voting record calls into question his priorities.”
He voted against:
· Reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act
· Considering paycheck fairness
· Increasing the minimum wage which would help families
· Denying abortions to women to prevent death during emergency medical conditions
· Creating a committee to reduce child abuse and neglect – a bill by Representative Dave Camp (R-MI) that received bipartisan support.
“Dr. DesJarlais will always refer to his past as old news, but he has not done anything in Congress to show he has changed his pattern of behavior as it relates to women and children. Representative DesJarlais had opportunities to vote on legislation to protect victims of domestic violence, allow life-saving procedures to save mothers, help women breadwinners working in low-wage jobs, and lower the rates of child abuse in Tennessee and the rest of the country. We cannot forget his lapse in legislative judgement,” Sherrell added.
Lenda Talks About Domestic Violence and
links it to Rep. Scott DesJarlais' voting record
LSFC002H from RSH Campaigns on Vimeo.
Op-Ed by Lenda Sherrell in The Tennessean:
Robbing women, families: numbers behind the wage gap
Time to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act
by Lenda Sherrell
In 1979, Lilly Ledbetter began working as a supervisor at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Gadsden, Ala. She was later promoted to area manager, a position largely occupied by men. By the time she retired, Ledbetter was making $3,727 a month compared with the lowest-paid male area manager who made $4,286 a month, the highest $5,236.
You may know about her through the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, signed into law in 2009. The act restores the right to file an equal pay lawsuit within 180 days of the most recent paycheck showing discriminatory pay. In most cases, the victim can still only collect back pay for the past two years.
Pay parity has not improved much since Mrs. Ledbetter retired in 1998. Today, women can still count on making less than men — 78 cents for every dollar paid to men last year. The pay gap is a record low from 40 cents in 1960, but has remained unchanged since it plateaued in 2005.
The Paycheck Fairness Act would require employers to show that wage gaps between women and men are based on factors other than gender, prohibit retaliation against employees who share salary information with each other, and impose harsher penalties for pay discrimination. It does not, as opponents claim, set mandatory pay levels or a quota system. It simply lays the foundation to put pay levels for men and women who are doing the same work on equal financial footing.
Paycheck fairness is an employment practice that already exists. Federal contractors, who cover approximately 20 percent of the workforce or more than 30 million workers, are required to regularly audit their payrolls to ensure that women are paid equally to men. Institutions such as my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University, did the right thing in the 1990s by issuing pay equity adjustments to female faculty whose pay lagged behind male counterparts. In the corporate world, The Gap instituted equal pay for men and women.
In Tennessee, a woman with a full-time job is paid, on average, $32,398 a year while a man who holds a full-time job is paid $41,828 annually — that’s a yearly wage gap of $9,430. This gap exacerbates the proportion of female-headed households living in poverty in this state — 36 percent, or nearly 120,000 families.
Over the course of their careers, the U.S. Labor Department estimates working women and their families can expect to lose $250,000, while women with a college degree or higher can look forward to a loss of $713,000 in their lifetime.
In simple terms, these numbers tell a story of how the wage gap is robbing women and families.
I have two granddaughters, Malenda and Regan, ages 5 and 2. I would not want them to find out after decades of productive work and long hours at work, that they were being paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same job.
This is why one of my first priorities in Congress will be to work to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. It’s too late for the Lilly Ledbetters of America who have lost out on prime earning years. But, it’s not too late for Malenda, Regan and all the little girls who will someday grow up to contribute to the next generation of America’s workforce.
Lenda Sherrell is running as a Democrat for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District. She is a certified public accountant who has worked as an auditor and controller managing multimillion-dollar budgets for educational and health-care institutions.
by Lenda Sherrell
In 1979, Lilly Ledbetter began working as a supervisor at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Gadsden, Ala. She was later promoted to area manager, a position largely occupied by men. By the time she retired, Ledbetter was making $3,727 a month compared with the lowest-paid male area manager who made $4,286 a month, the highest $5,236.
You may know about her through the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, signed into law in 2009. The act restores the right to file an equal pay lawsuit within 180 days of the most recent paycheck showing discriminatory pay. In most cases, the victim can still only collect back pay for the past two years.
Pay parity has not improved much since Mrs. Ledbetter retired in 1998. Today, women can still count on making less than men — 78 cents for every dollar paid to men last year. The pay gap is a record low from 40 cents in 1960, but has remained unchanged since it plateaued in 2005.
The Paycheck Fairness Act would require employers to show that wage gaps between women and men are based on factors other than gender, prohibit retaliation against employees who share salary information with each other, and impose harsher penalties for pay discrimination. It does not, as opponents claim, set mandatory pay levels or a quota system. It simply lays the foundation to put pay levels for men and women who are doing the same work on equal financial footing.
Paycheck fairness is an employment practice that already exists. Federal contractors, who cover approximately 20 percent of the workforce or more than 30 million workers, are required to regularly audit their payrolls to ensure that women are paid equally to men. Institutions such as my alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University, did the right thing in the 1990s by issuing pay equity adjustments to female faculty whose pay lagged behind male counterparts. In the corporate world, The Gap instituted equal pay for men and women.
In Tennessee, a woman with a full-time job is paid, on average, $32,398 a year while a man who holds a full-time job is paid $41,828 annually — that’s a yearly wage gap of $9,430. This gap exacerbates the proportion of female-headed households living in poverty in this state — 36 percent, or nearly 120,000 families.
Over the course of their careers, the U.S. Labor Department estimates working women and their families can expect to lose $250,000, while women with a college degree or higher can look forward to a loss of $713,000 in their lifetime.
In simple terms, these numbers tell a story of how the wage gap is robbing women and families.
I have two granddaughters, Malenda and Regan, ages 5 and 2. I would not want them to find out after decades of productive work and long hours at work, that they were being paid less than their male counterparts for doing the same job.
This is why one of my first priorities in Congress will be to work to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act. It’s too late for the Lilly Ledbetters of America who have lost out on prime earning years. But, it’s not too late for Malenda, Regan and all the little girls who will someday grow up to contribute to the next generation of America’s workforce.
Lenda Sherrell is running as a Democrat for the U.S. House of Representatives in Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District. She is a certified public accountant who has worked as an auditor and controller managing multimillion-dollar budgets for educational and health-care institutions.
National Women’s Political Caucus Endorses
Lenda Sherrell for Tennessee's 4th Congressional District
For Immediate Release
October 8, 2014
Washington, DC - The National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) proudly endorses Lenda Sherrell as Representative for Tennessee’s fourth Congressional District. Sherrell has a strong passion for women’s advocacy and empowerment.
“With such a personal connection with the people of her district, we are so excited to see what Lenda Sherrell will drive in her Congressional agenda,” said NWPC President Linda Young. “She is a strong advocate for the equal treatment of all Americans, which exemplifies the very message NWPC hopes to illuminate to others,” said Vice President for Political Planning Donna Lent.
Lenda Sherrell grew up in Tennessee’s fourth district in Pleasant Hill, a small community located on the Cumberland Plateau. Sherrell, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a BS in Business Education understands the importance of a lucrative economic system. Her congressional agenda is comprised of many components to provide the American people with more earnings at the minimum wage level, investing more into the country and ultimately decreasing this country’s deficit.
Lenda Sherrell understands that the American Dream isn’t for the ones who can afford it, but it is to be extended to all. “Instead of just talking about the problems and proposing no solutions, or voting against every solution proposed by the other side, I want to work with people in our district to find solutions that help all of us and make us stronger,” said Sherrell.
The NWPC, founded in 1971, is a national, multi-partisan, grassroots membership organization dedicated to identifying, recruiting, training and supporting women candidates for elected and appointed offices at all levels of government.
www.nwpc.org
October 8, 2014
Washington, DC - The National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC) proudly endorses Lenda Sherrell as Representative for Tennessee’s fourth Congressional District. Sherrell has a strong passion for women’s advocacy and empowerment.
“With such a personal connection with the people of her district, we are so excited to see what Lenda Sherrell will drive in her Congressional agenda,” said NWPC President Linda Young. “She is a strong advocate for the equal treatment of all Americans, which exemplifies the very message NWPC hopes to illuminate to others,” said Vice President for Political Planning Donna Lent.
Lenda Sherrell grew up in Tennessee’s fourth district in Pleasant Hill, a small community located on the Cumberland Plateau. Sherrell, a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a BS in Business Education understands the importance of a lucrative economic system. Her congressional agenda is comprised of many components to provide the American people with more earnings at the minimum wage level, investing more into the country and ultimately decreasing this country’s deficit.
Lenda Sherrell understands that the American Dream isn’t for the ones who can afford it, but it is to be extended to all. “Instead of just talking about the problems and proposing no solutions, or voting against every solution proposed by the other side, I want to work with people in our district to find solutions that help all of us and make us stronger,” said Sherrell.
The NWPC, founded in 1971, is a national, multi-partisan, grassroots membership organization dedicated to identifying, recruiting, training and supporting women candidates for elected and appointed offices at all levels of government.
www.nwpc.org
LENDA SHERRELL - ALWAYS WORTHY OF YOUR TRUST.
“As an auditor and controller in the private sector, I worked with people who had competing priorities, to develop solutions and find common ground in the interest of the company. I will do the same in Congress." Lenda Sherrell - loyalty, integrity, principled.
Hypocrite GOPer gets comeuppance: “Our district deserves somebody who’s honest”
Lenda Sherrell tells Salon about facing Rep. Scott DesJarlais, the "pro-life" GOPer caught in a tawdry sex scandal
By ELIAS ISQUITH
By ELIAS ISQUITH
During the stretch run of the 2012 campaign season, former doctor and GOP congressman Scott DesJarlais, who up to that point had been in the beginning stages of what looked to be a ho-hum and undistinguished career as a GOP backbencher, suddenly found himself in front of a national audience. And it was for perhaps the worst reason imaginable, at least for a conservative Republican in the heart of Tennessee: A series of sex scandals, in which the married and anti-choice DesJarlais not only had relations with a patient, but was caught pressuring her to have an abortion.
In a remarkable testament to the overwhelming power of incumbency in American congressional politics, DesJarlais has yet to lose his job, despite the revelation. In 2012, the news was too fresh to make much of a dent on an easy reelection win; and in 2014, DesJarlais managed to fend off a primary challenge by a crazy-thin margin of just 38 votes. To most prognosticators, that means DesJarlais is essentially in the clear, running as he is in a conservative district. But first-time candidate and Democratic challenger Lenda Sherrell has other plans, hoping the third time’s the charm when it comes to ending the political career of Scott DesJarlais.
Salon recently spoke with Sherrell to discuss her opponent, her fear that the American dream is becoming a tragedy, and her motivations for entering the race. Our conversation is below, and has been edited for clarity and length.
You’re running in a district that pundits consider a near-lock for Republicans. Knowing how hard it is to run for Congress, even in a friendly environment, what made you want to do this despite the long odds?
This is my first time running for office, and I’ve lived in this district all of my life. I’m a numbers person. I’m a retired CPA, chief financial officer, so when I say that numbers tell a story, that is part of the reason why I’m getting into this race. Every year, Congress has problems balancing its budget, and last year the federal government even shut down the government. Our representative, Scott DesJarlais, was one of the ones who voted to do that. This would be unacceptable in any business.
Washington needs people with real budget experience. We certainly need to eliminate government waste and save taxpayer dollars, but we also need to find ways of doing business to make government work more efficiently, and we do that by investing toward a common future, like our children, our children’s education, our businesses, our farms, our communities; because each dollar invested returns multiple times into our local economy. I feel like our district needs someone representing them who has real-world experience working with different interests, managing a responsible budget, and investing wisely.
I’m also the daughter of parents who were solidly middle-class. My dad was a rural letter-carrier, my mom was a schoolteacher, and on their salaries they were able to save enough money to buy a house and pay for a college education for me and my brother, and they retired securely. And over the years, I would say over the last 30 years, I’ve watched that ability to realize what many would call the American dream begin to slip away. I look at that American dream now for my children and my grandchildren as becoming something of an American tragedy. We used to believe that our children and our grandchildren would do just a little bit better than we did, and many of our families here in middle Tennessee don’t believe that that American dream is really within their reach anymore.
Were you thinking of running before last year’s shutdown, or was that the catalyst?
It certainly had an impact. I can’t say that it was the one thing that made me decide to do that. I think that it was a combination of things, but it certainly hit me that there was a problem with the way our representative was voting on that issue — and just the idea that you would just shut down a government, shut down jobs, shut down programs that help people in our district, that would be irresponsible in my world. You work to find solutions that keep your business going while you find a solution; you don’t just shut it down.
How much are you running because of Rep. DesJarlais’ well-known personal indiscretions and how much are you running because of opposition to the Republican Party’s current policies?
Well, he and I are certainly different. He has voted on many measures that illustrate how different we are. I would say that’s 50 percent of the reason that I’m running; the other 50 percent is very much connected to the issues that I have worked on with the people in our district. What I’m trying to do is to change things for middle Tennessee. And Scott DesJarlais does not represent all of us. There are thousands in our district who feel unheard and unrepresented. I’m running to include all of us, our concerns, and I want to address the problems in our district.
One example that [shows] his priorities, and that really jumped out at me, is his [support] of a bill that would have prohibited members of Congress from receiving retroactive pay when Congress fails to pass a budget on time. And then he turned around, eight months later, and voted against giving a basic 1.6 percent pay raise to soldiers who are risking their lives every day in Afghanistan. I mean, that’s just one issue. Our district deserves somebody who’s honest, principled and has integrity.
What I’ve found out as I’ve been in this campaign is that there are again thousands of people out there who are a quiet majority, people who worry more about paychecks than they do partisanship, and who are fed up and frustrated with the way our representative seems to look out always for himself. I just believe that we need representatives who will vote, for instance, to give an extra hundred dollars a month to that soldier who subjects himself to hostile fire and protects our country, and not just look out for his own welfare.
You haven’t spent much time directly addressing the troubles in the congressman’s private life. Is that because you don’t think voters should judge him by his personal character? Or do you feel that bringing it up simply isn’t necessary, since voters know the story already?
Here in Tennessee, every time there is anything written about him in the media, they seem to focus on his personal record. And so that’s certainly something that voters are aware of. It’s not something that I have chosen to continue to talk about; what I have chosen to talk about his who I am and what I’m about and what I want to do for this district, and how I want to represent the people who live here.
Like I said earlier, my guiding principle has been to work for and with families and communities who see the American dream slipping away. And families like the family I grew up in are still the majority of people in this district. What’s happening to them is, they’re working more than ever and have less to show for it. They’re spending more time at work and they end up with less at the end of the month. Basics like food and transportation, gas money, rent or mortgage, are eating up a larger and larger chunk of the money that they make from their labor. And that American dream … is turning into a tragedy for our children and grandchildren. The same opportunities that my family had, and that my husband and I had, are becoming available to fewer and fewer people.
That is my value system, that’s what I am basing my campaign on — and in addition to that, I’m a professional, I’m a CPA, I’m a CFO, I represent honesty and integrity and principled decision-making. I think that is a contrast with Scott DesJarlais that people in this district need to understand. It has as much to do with what I’m about and who I am as who he is and the way he has voted.
You’ve noted a couple times now that people are struggling, unhappy with the direction of the country, losing faith in the American dream. What do you say when voters tell you this is all true, but ask why they should support a Democrat like yourself when it’s a Democratic president who’s been in the White House for more than five years?
Certainly when the president was inaugurated in 2009, he inherited a lot of problems, and we have come a long way since then. Do I agree with the way he has handled everything? I would say nobody agrees 100 percent with the way anybody has handled anything.
My responsibility in this race is to be an independent voice for the people in middle Tennessee, and to cast a vote based on what’s in the best interest of the people that I represent. I will say that I’m disappointed in the way the president and Congress have worked together to get things done. The partisanship and the gridlock is not something that I think any of us are happy about.
Many times, I think, what has happened with the president and with the Congress is that they start out saying, “We know what the problem is, we know what the solution is, and my way is the only way.” And that never gets anything accomplished.
Elias Isquith is staff writer at Salon, focusing on politics.
In a remarkable testament to the overwhelming power of incumbency in American congressional politics, DesJarlais has yet to lose his job, despite the revelation. In 2012, the news was too fresh to make much of a dent on an easy reelection win; and in 2014, DesJarlais managed to fend off a primary challenge by a crazy-thin margin of just 38 votes. To most prognosticators, that means DesJarlais is essentially in the clear, running as he is in a conservative district. But first-time candidate and Democratic challenger Lenda Sherrell has other plans, hoping the third time’s the charm when it comes to ending the political career of Scott DesJarlais.
Salon recently spoke with Sherrell to discuss her opponent, her fear that the American dream is becoming a tragedy, and her motivations for entering the race. Our conversation is below, and has been edited for clarity and length.
You’re running in a district that pundits consider a near-lock for Republicans. Knowing how hard it is to run for Congress, even in a friendly environment, what made you want to do this despite the long odds?
This is my first time running for office, and I’ve lived in this district all of my life. I’m a numbers person. I’m a retired CPA, chief financial officer, so when I say that numbers tell a story, that is part of the reason why I’m getting into this race. Every year, Congress has problems balancing its budget, and last year the federal government even shut down the government. Our representative, Scott DesJarlais, was one of the ones who voted to do that. This would be unacceptable in any business.
Washington needs people with real budget experience. We certainly need to eliminate government waste and save taxpayer dollars, but we also need to find ways of doing business to make government work more efficiently, and we do that by investing toward a common future, like our children, our children’s education, our businesses, our farms, our communities; because each dollar invested returns multiple times into our local economy. I feel like our district needs someone representing them who has real-world experience working with different interests, managing a responsible budget, and investing wisely.
I’m also the daughter of parents who were solidly middle-class. My dad was a rural letter-carrier, my mom was a schoolteacher, and on their salaries they were able to save enough money to buy a house and pay for a college education for me and my brother, and they retired securely. And over the years, I would say over the last 30 years, I’ve watched that ability to realize what many would call the American dream begin to slip away. I look at that American dream now for my children and my grandchildren as becoming something of an American tragedy. We used to believe that our children and our grandchildren would do just a little bit better than we did, and many of our families here in middle Tennessee don’t believe that that American dream is really within their reach anymore.
Were you thinking of running before last year’s shutdown, or was that the catalyst?
It certainly had an impact. I can’t say that it was the one thing that made me decide to do that. I think that it was a combination of things, but it certainly hit me that there was a problem with the way our representative was voting on that issue — and just the idea that you would just shut down a government, shut down jobs, shut down programs that help people in our district, that would be irresponsible in my world. You work to find solutions that keep your business going while you find a solution; you don’t just shut it down.
How much are you running because of Rep. DesJarlais’ well-known personal indiscretions and how much are you running because of opposition to the Republican Party’s current policies?
Well, he and I are certainly different. He has voted on many measures that illustrate how different we are. I would say that’s 50 percent of the reason that I’m running; the other 50 percent is very much connected to the issues that I have worked on with the people in our district. What I’m trying to do is to change things for middle Tennessee. And Scott DesJarlais does not represent all of us. There are thousands in our district who feel unheard and unrepresented. I’m running to include all of us, our concerns, and I want to address the problems in our district.
One example that [shows] his priorities, and that really jumped out at me, is his [support] of a bill that would have prohibited members of Congress from receiving retroactive pay when Congress fails to pass a budget on time. And then he turned around, eight months later, and voted against giving a basic 1.6 percent pay raise to soldiers who are risking their lives every day in Afghanistan. I mean, that’s just one issue. Our district deserves somebody who’s honest, principled and has integrity.
What I’ve found out as I’ve been in this campaign is that there are again thousands of people out there who are a quiet majority, people who worry more about paychecks than they do partisanship, and who are fed up and frustrated with the way our representative seems to look out always for himself. I just believe that we need representatives who will vote, for instance, to give an extra hundred dollars a month to that soldier who subjects himself to hostile fire and protects our country, and not just look out for his own welfare.
You haven’t spent much time directly addressing the troubles in the congressman’s private life. Is that because you don’t think voters should judge him by his personal character? Or do you feel that bringing it up simply isn’t necessary, since voters know the story already?
Here in Tennessee, every time there is anything written about him in the media, they seem to focus on his personal record. And so that’s certainly something that voters are aware of. It’s not something that I have chosen to continue to talk about; what I have chosen to talk about his who I am and what I’m about and what I want to do for this district, and how I want to represent the people who live here.
Like I said earlier, my guiding principle has been to work for and with families and communities who see the American dream slipping away. And families like the family I grew up in are still the majority of people in this district. What’s happening to them is, they’re working more than ever and have less to show for it. They’re spending more time at work and they end up with less at the end of the month. Basics like food and transportation, gas money, rent or mortgage, are eating up a larger and larger chunk of the money that they make from their labor. And that American dream … is turning into a tragedy for our children and grandchildren. The same opportunities that my family had, and that my husband and I had, are becoming available to fewer and fewer people.
That is my value system, that’s what I am basing my campaign on — and in addition to that, I’m a professional, I’m a CPA, I’m a CFO, I represent honesty and integrity and principled decision-making. I think that is a contrast with Scott DesJarlais that people in this district need to understand. It has as much to do with what I’m about and who I am as who he is and the way he has voted.
You’ve noted a couple times now that people are struggling, unhappy with the direction of the country, losing faith in the American dream. What do you say when voters tell you this is all true, but ask why they should support a Democrat like yourself when it’s a Democratic president who’s been in the White House for more than five years?
Certainly when the president was inaugurated in 2009, he inherited a lot of problems, and we have come a long way since then. Do I agree with the way he has handled everything? I would say nobody agrees 100 percent with the way anybody has handled anything.
My responsibility in this race is to be an independent voice for the people in middle Tennessee, and to cast a vote based on what’s in the best interest of the people that I represent. I will say that I’m disappointed in the way the president and Congress have worked together to get things done. The partisanship and the gridlock is not something that I think any of us are happy about.
Many times, I think, what has happened with the president and with the Congress is that they start out saying, “We know what the problem is, we know what the solution is, and my way is the only way.” And that never gets anything accomplished.
Elias Isquith is staff writer at Salon, focusing on politics.
AMERICAN NURSES ASSOCIATION
ENDORSES LENDA SHERRELL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 12, 2014
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., September 12, 2014) – The Political Action Committee (ANA-PAC) of the American Nurses Association in conjunction with the Tennessee State Nurses Association today endorsed Lenda Sherrell for the 4th Congressional District of Tennessee. After deliberate, careful consideration and analysis of factors such as candidate past record and positions on nursing and health care issues, the ANA-PAC endorses candidates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing costs, improving quality and ensuring affordable health care for all.
“I am honored to have earned the endorsement of such a respected and dedicated group of professionals. Having worked for health care institutions, I know firsthand how nurses put their hearts and souls into caring for people who are ill or in pain; many go above and beyond their call of duty. I look forward to continuing my conversation with nurses throughout Middle Tennessee to learn more about how to improve access to quality and affordable health care and how I can serve them in the nation’s Capitol,” said Sherrell, a certified public accountant, auditor and controller for educational and health care institutions who managed multi-million dollar budgets.
The ANA is a national professional association representing more than 3 million registered nurses.
“Through their advocacy, nurses have worked to meet the ever-changing needs of patients, communities, and the health system by addressing patient safety, appropriate staffing and workplace health, and safety.”
September 12, 2014
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., September 12, 2014) – The Political Action Committee (ANA-PAC) of the American Nurses Association in conjunction with the Tennessee State Nurses Association today endorsed Lenda Sherrell for the 4th Congressional District of Tennessee. After deliberate, careful consideration and analysis of factors such as candidate past record and positions on nursing and health care issues, the ANA-PAC endorses candidates who have demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing costs, improving quality and ensuring affordable health care for all.
“I am honored to have earned the endorsement of such a respected and dedicated group of professionals. Having worked for health care institutions, I know firsthand how nurses put their hearts and souls into caring for people who are ill or in pain; many go above and beyond their call of duty. I look forward to continuing my conversation with nurses throughout Middle Tennessee to learn more about how to improve access to quality and affordable health care and how I can serve them in the nation’s Capitol,” said Sherrell, a certified public accountant, auditor and controller for educational and health care institutions who managed multi-million dollar budgets.
The ANA is a national professional association representing more than 3 million registered nurses.
“Through their advocacy, nurses have worked to meet the ever-changing needs of patients, communities, and the health system by addressing patient safety, appropriate staffing and workplace health, and safety.”
LENDA LISTENS TOUR STOP IN WARREN COUNTY TO HIGHLIGHT CIVIC PARTICIPATION
For Immediate Release
September 3, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP AT WARREN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF ENGAGING STUDENTS IN GOVERNMENT
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., September 3, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell makes a stop at Warren County High School noon tomorrow, Thursday, September 4, 199 Pioneer Ln, McMinnville. Sherrell will address students enrolled in the Advanced Placement Government class in the auditorium followed by a question and answer session.
“An engaged student body is an engaged citizenry. Young people coming out of school need to be knowledgeable about the basics of American government and its history in order to be prepared for the duties and privileges of citizenship. With youth voting participation being as low as it is, our students need to be reminded through proper curriculum that our unique democracy, representative government and laws require elected officials working in a bipartisan manner to accomplish meaningful legislation that benefits people. High schools like Warren County provide the perfect political learning environment to reach youth in the early years when basic attitudes about government are formed,” said Sherrell.
Sherrell is visiting Warren County High School at the invitation of AP Government Teacher Tommy Davis, who has taught at the school for 16 years.
"I have had other candidates visit my room and school and it has greatly benefited my students by letting them out a face and a voice to the names they hear. Many young people do not understand politics and very few feel they can have an effect at their age. When they can see a person involved in government simply respond to their questions, they feel involved in that simple act. Also, the benefits of following the candidate in the actual election help me as a teacher get my students to pay attention, especially in a midterm election," said Davis.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
September 3, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP AT WARREN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF ENGAGING STUDENTS IN GOVERNMENT
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., September 3, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell makes a stop at Warren County High School noon tomorrow, Thursday, September 4, 199 Pioneer Ln, McMinnville. Sherrell will address students enrolled in the Advanced Placement Government class in the auditorium followed by a question and answer session.
“An engaged student body is an engaged citizenry. Young people coming out of school need to be knowledgeable about the basics of American government and its history in order to be prepared for the duties and privileges of citizenship. With youth voting participation being as low as it is, our students need to be reminded through proper curriculum that our unique democracy, representative government and laws require elected officials working in a bipartisan manner to accomplish meaningful legislation that benefits people. High schools like Warren County provide the perfect political learning environment to reach youth in the early years when basic attitudes about government are formed,” said Sherrell.
Sherrell is visiting Warren County High School at the invitation of AP Government Teacher Tommy Davis, who has taught at the school for 16 years.
"I have had other candidates visit my room and school and it has greatly benefited my students by letting them out a face and a voice to the names they hear. Many young people do not understand politics and very few feel they can have an effect at their age. When they can see a person involved in government simply respond to their questions, they feel involved in that simple act. Also, the benefits of following the candidate in the actual election help me as a teacher get my students to pay attention, especially in a midterm election," said Davis.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
LENDA AND JIM SHERRELL CELEBRATE THEIR 47th ANNIVERSARY TODAY!
September 2, 2014.
Here's a look through the years!
TAILGATE TODAY WITH LENDA
Tailgate with Lenda Sherrell, her family and friends, today as MTSU hosts Savannah State at Floyd Stadium. Kick-off is at 6pm. Look for Lenda signs near the parking lot and hang out with her before the game starts!
For Immediate Release
August 27, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP IN BRADLEY COUNTY TO VISIT THE REFUGE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 27, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell makes a stop at The Refuge Community Center tomorrow 12:30 p.m., Thursday, August 28, located at 1075 Blythe Ave Southeast, Suite 8, Cleveland. The Refuge is a nonprofit neighborhood resource center offering computer classes, job training, and work placement services to Bradley County residents. Program graduates and members of the community will join Sherrell in a discussion on economic and social stability.
“The Refuge Community Center works with people in need to achieve stability in their lives, whether through employment, education, health care and or housing. This one-stop shop resource center also provides referral services to other community partners and is another example of Middle Tennessee values. I have learned through this listening tour that when someone in the neighborhood goes through tough times, people in our communities step up — they always have. This organization provides a place for people to find solutions that are specific to their needs,” said Sherrell.
The Refuge is a partner of and located in the Blythe Family Support Center because of its proximity to East Cleveland, where the income of many of the community’s residents are among the lowest in the region. Staff at the center venture into area neighborhoods to promote awareness, provide family support and create solution-driven initiatives based on needs.
“These problems won’t be solved overnight but the dedication of the volunteers and supporters of The Refuge is to be commended,” added Sherrell.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
August 27, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP IN BRADLEY COUNTY TO VISIT THE REFUGE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 27, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell makes a stop at The Refuge Community Center tomorrow 12:30 p.m., Thursday, August 28, located at 1075 Blythe Ave Southeast, Suite 8, Cleveland. The Refuge is a nonprofit neighborhood resource center offering computer classes, job training, and work placement services to Bradley County residents. Program graduates and members of the community will join Sherrell in a discussion on economic and social stability.
“The Refuge Community Center works with people in need to achieve stability in their lives, whether through employment, education, health care and or housing. This one-stop shop resource center also provides referral services to other community partners and is another example of Middle Tennessee values. I have learned through this listening tour that when someone in the neighborhood goes through tough times, people in our communities step up — they always have. This organization provides a place for people to find solutions that are specific to their needs,” said Sherrell.
The Refuge is a partner of and located in the Blythe Family Support Center because of its proximity to East Cleveland, where the income of many of the community’s residents are among the lowest in the region. Staff at the center venture into area neighborhoods to promote awareness, provide family support and create solution-driven initiatives based on needs.
“These problems won’t be solved overnight but the dedication of the volunteers and supporters of The Refuge is to be commended,” added Sherrell.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
For Immediate Release
August 26, 2014
FORMER MAYOR TOMMY BRAGG ENDORSES LENDA SHERRELL DURING LENDA LISTENS TOUR STOP AT ALMA MATER MTSU
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 26, 2014) – Former Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg endorsed Lenda Sherrell as his choice for Congressional District 4 during a Lenda Listens tour stop at her alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
“I am delighted to have the endorsement of former Mayor Bragg. He offered his support and reached out to our campaign early on. I have always admired Mayor Bragg’s hard work on behalf of the citizens of Murfreesboro. During his three-terms, he oversaw job growth, economic development and strengthened our schools. His style of bridging relations between the city, businesses and educational institutions such as MTSU has served citizens well. I am honored to have the endorsement of someone who took on his family’s tradition to serve the public,” said Sherrell.
The popular mayor served 12 years at the helm of the government for Murfreesboro and in his last election won almost 67 percent of the vote. Bragg comes from a family with decades of public service in Cannon and Rutherford counties and in the state legislature.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
August 26, 2014
FORMER MAYOR TOMMY BRAGG ENDORSES LENDA SHERRELL DURING LENDA LISTENS TOUR STOP AT ALMA MATER MTSU
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 26, 2014) – Former Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg endorsed Lenda Sherrell as his choice for Congressional District 4 during a Lenda Listens tour stop at her alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).
“I am delighted to have the endorsement of former Mayor Bragg. He offered his support and reached out to our campaign early on. I have always admired Mayor Bragg’s hard work on behalf of the citizens of Murfreesboro. During his three-terms, he oversaw job growth, economic development and strengthened our schools. His style of bridging relations between the city, businesses and educational institutions such as MTSU has served citizens well. I am honored to have the endorsement of someone who took on his family’s tradition to serve the public,” said Sherrell.
The popular mayor served 12 years at the helm of the government for Murfreesboro and in his last election won almost 67 percent of the vote. Bragg comes from a family with decades of public service in Cannon and Rutherford counties and in the state legislature.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
For Immediate Release
August 25, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP AT ALMA MATER MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY FOR AN OPEN DISCUSSION ON ISSUES AFFECTING MIDDLE TENNESSEE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 25, 2014) – Back at the university from where she graduated, with a bachelor’s degree in business education, Lenda Sherrell continues her “Lenda Listens” tour with a stop at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to meet with students, supporters and volunteers for a discussion on issues affecting the community. The event takes place tomorrow at noon, August 26, at the James E. Walker Library, Room 446, 1161 Alumni Drive, in Murfreesboro.
Upon completing post-graduate courses at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, she went on to manage million-dollar budgets working for educational and non-profit health care institutions. Sherrell credits higher education at MTSU and UT with providing the necessary building blocks for her successful career as an auditor and controller.
“MTSU holds a special place in my heart. I remember the wonderful professors, classmates and people I met on campus – the many friends made and the classes that helped me become the person I am today. As MTSU welcomes its largest freshman class this week, you can imagine how many memories it brings back. MTSU brings out the best in us. Here, professors challenge us to think about who we are, what we want out of life and how we can make our communities better. Which is what brought me back to the campus – back to where it started. Because the skills and academic discipline taught here gave me the tools to live a successful life and achieve my goals in the world of accounting. This time I am back as an MTSU graduate running for Congress.”
Sherrell will have an open discussion forum during the MTSU listening tour stop to take questions from the audience. Even as higher education institutions received less funding for the 2014-2015 school year from the state due to lower-thank-expected sales-tax revenue, the university’s President, Sidney McPhee reassured faculty that standards at the school would remain high and urged faculty to make graduation rates a top priority.
“It is disturbing that our academic community is experiencing a drop in funding. I am here to listen to what’s on people’s minds, what their concerns are and the solutions we can create together to improve the higher education opportunities while preparing our youth for bright futures as we face educational funding challenges,” said Sherrell.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
August 25, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP AT ALMA MATER MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY FOR AN OPEN DISCUSSION ON ISSUES AFFECTING MIDDLE TENNESSEE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 25, 2014) – Back at the university from where she graduated, with a bachelor’s degree in business education, Lenda Sherrell continues her “Lenda Listens” tour with a stop at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to meet with students, supporters and volunteers for a discussion on issues affecting the community. The event takes place tomorrow at noon, August 26, at the James E. Walker Library, Room 446, 1161 Alumni Drive, in Murfreesboro.
Upon completing post-graduate courses at the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, she went on to manage million-dollar budgets working for educational and non-profit health care institutions. Sherrell credits higher education at MTSU and UT with providing the necessary building blocks for her successful career as an auditor and controller.
“MTSU holds a special place in my heart. I remember the wonderful professors, classmates and people I met on campus – the many friends made and the classes that helped me become the person I am today. As MTSU welcomes its largest freshman class this week, you can imagine how many memories it brings back. MTSU brings out the best in us. Here, professors challenge us to think about who we are, what we want out of life and how we can make our communities better. Which is what brought me back to the campus – back to where it started. Because the skills and academic discipline taught here gave me the tools to live a successful life and achieve my goals in the world of accounting. This time I am back as an MTSU graduate running for Congress.”
Sherrell will have an open discussion forum during the MTSU listening tour stop to take questions from the audience. Even as higher education institutions received less funding for the 2014-2015 school year from the state due to lower-thank-expected sales-tax revenue, the university’s President, Sidney McPhee reassured faculty that standards at the school would remain high and urged faculty to make graduation rates a top priority.
“It is disturbing that our academic community is experiencing a drop in funding. I am here to listen to what’s on people’s minds, what their concerns are and the solutions we can create together to improve the higher education opportunities while preparing our youth for bright futures as we face educational funding challenges,” said Sherrell.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
FOCUS ON TENNESSEE'S CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 4
August 25, 2014
UPDATE: LENDA SHERRELL FOCUSES ON DISTRICT NEEDS AS SCOTT DESJARLAIS CERTIFIED WINNER OF REPUBLICAN PRIMARY. Media Coverage of race on WZTV FOX 17 and WSMV NBC 4:
August 25, 2014
UPDATE: LENDA SHERRELL FOCUSES ON DISTRICT NEEDS AS SCOTT DESJARLAIS CERTIFIED WINNER OF REPUBLICAN PRIMARY. Media Coverage of race on WZTV FOX 17 and WSMV NBC 4:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2014
LENDA SHERRELL CONGRATULATES DESJARLAIS ON PRIMARY WIN
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 25, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, the Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, released the following statement after election results or Republican primary were certified by the Secretary of State more than 3 weeks after August 7.
“I wish to congratulate Scott DesJarlais and look forward to a robust general election season where my opponent and I can share our competing views with voters and the solutions needed to improve their lives,” said Sherrell, a certified public accountant who has been on a listening tour of the district, traveling from Lewisburg to Dunlap to South Pittsburg, from Smyrna to Shelbyville to Winchester.
“I also want to thank the election volunteers, workers and officials who work tirelessly to make sure every eligible vote is properly counted. Their dedication and commitment to the citizens of all 16 counties is to be commended. I am grateful to be living in a democracy where each vote is sacred and therefore protected,” added Sherrell., who has worked as an auditor and controller managing million-dollar budgets for education and non-profit health care institutions.
Sherrell continues her listening tour this week with tour stops in Fayetteville, Murfreesboro and Cleveland. To schedule interviews with Lenda Sherrell, contact Beryl Chong at 775-682-0152.
August 25, 2014
LENDA SHERRELL CONGRATULATES DESJARLAIS ON PRIMARY WIN
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 25, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, the Democratic nominee for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, released the following statement after election results or Republican primary were certified by the Secretary of State more than 3 weeks after August 7.
“I wish to congratulate Scott DesJarlais and look forward to a robust general election season where my opponent and I can share our competing views with voters and the solutions needed to improve their lives,” said Sherrell, a certified public accountant who has been on a listening tour of the district, traveling from Lewisburg to Dunlap to South Pittsburg, from Smyrna to Shelbyville to Winchester.
“I also want to thank the election volunteers, workers and officials who work tirelessly to make sure every eligible vote is properly counted. Their dedication and commitment to the citizens of all 16 counties is to be commended. I am grateful to be living in a democracy where each vote is sacred and therefore protected,” added Sherrell., who has worked as an auditor and controller managing million-dollar budgets for education and non-profit health care institutions.
Sherrell continues her listening tour this week with tour stops in Fayetteville, Murfreesboro and Cleveland. To schedule interviews with Lenda Sherrell, contact Beryl Chong at 775-682-0152.
For Immediate Release
August 24, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP AT FAYETTEVILLE-LINCOLN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HIGHLIGHT THE ROLE OF PUBLIC SERVICES IN STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 24, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell continues her “Lenda Listens” tour with a stop at the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Public Library tomorrow. Sherrell will host a discussion on vital services provided by nonprofits at 10 a.m., in the library’s community room, 306 Elk Avenue North in Fayetteville. About two weeks ago, Lincoln County Budget committee members approved a budget that spared any cuts to the library after discussions earlier in the year to possibly reduce funding.
“Public libraries are an important resource in communities throughout Tennessee. Cutting services would be a penny-wise and pound-foolish decision. This is ground zero for learning and information gathering for youth to seniors and anyone in-between. Parents bring their children to do homework, residents use services such as eBooks and drop in to use computers to access to the Internet. In this economy, the unemployed log on to search for jobs, get tips on how to polish up that resume, write an outstanding cover letter and connect with professionals who can assist them. In addition, people still check out books, CDs and DVDs in this mostly digital age,” said Sherrell.
A national study by the Online Computer Library Center showed more 4.4 million Americans affected by the downturn in the economy used the library for job-related activities. Libraries also have seen an increase in services and materials used by small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop business plans for start-ups. For many rural families like those in Middle Tennessee, the library offers a way to stay in touch with relatives through social media.
“Even as libraries have demonstrated the ability to meet the needs of residents, they continue to be threatened with budget cuts. We need to ensure residents continue to have access to timely, accurate and relevant data and protect our public institutions and non-profits from facing these risks.”
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
August 24, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP AT FAYETTEVILLE-LINCOLN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HIGHLIGHT THE ROLE OF PUBLIC SERVICES IN STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 24, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell continues her “Lenda Listens” tour with a stop at the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Public Library tomorrow. Sherrell will host a discussion on vital services provided by nonprofits at 10 a.m., in the library’s community room, 306 Elk Avenue North in Fayetteville. About two weeks ago, Lincoln County Budget committee members approved a budget that spared any cuts to the library after discussions earlier in the year to possibly reduce funding.
“Public libraries are an important resource in communities throughout Tennessee. Cutting services would be a penny-wise and pound-foolish decision. This is ground zero for learning and information gathering for youth to seniors and anyone in-between. Parents bring their children to do homework, residents use services such as eBooks and drop in to use computers to access to the Internet. In this economy, the unemployed log on to search for jobs, get tips on how to polish up that resume, write an outstanding cover letter and connect with professionals who can assist them. In addition, people still check out books, CDs and DVDs in this mostly digital age,” said Sherrell.
A national study by the Online Computer Library Center showed more 4.4 million Americans affected by the downturn in the economy used the library for job-related activities. Libraries also have seen an increase in services and materials used by small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop business plans for start-ups. For many rural families like those in Middle Tennessee, the library offers a way to stay in touch with relatives through social media.
“Even as libraries have demonstrated the ability to meet the needs of residents, they continue to be threatened with budget cuts. We need to ensure residents continue to have access to timely, accurate and relevant data and protect our public institutions and non-profits from facing these risks.”
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
LENDA LISTENS: THE WEEK AHEAD AUGUST 25 TO AUGUST 29
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 24, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, a certified public accountant and candidate for Tennessee’s Congressional District 4, has launched a listening tour to hear the views of today’s youth, working class families and seniors. The listening tour will make stops in towns across the 4th District, which includes all or parts of 16 counties stretching from Murfreesboro in middle Tennessee to the eastern portion with Cleveland in Bradley County.
Monday, August 25, 10 a.m., Fayetteville-Lincoln County Public Library, Community Room, 306 Elk Ave North, Fayetteville. Lenda Sherrell discusses supporting dynamic communities and the importance of public services. Serving the needs of Lincoln County, the library offers Adult Computer courses, book clubs, children’s programs, and a love of reading with the motto: "Equality. Wisdom. Discovery."
Tuesday, August 26, 12 p.m. Middle Tennessee State University, James E Walker Library, Room 446, 1611 Alumni Dr, Murfreesboro. MTSU alumna Lenda Sherrell will join students, supporters, and members of the academic community at an open discussion of the issues and values most important to Middle Tennesseans.
Thursday, August 28, 12:30 p.m. The Refuge, 1075 Blythe Ave SE, Suite 8, Cleveland. Lenda Sherrell tours The Refuge, a neighborhood resource center offering computer classes, job training, and work placement services. She will be joined by successful program graduates, supporters, and community members for a discussion on economic and social stability.
For questions or more information, contact Beryl Chong at 775-682-1052.
For Immediate Release August 21, 2014
SHERRELL TO DISCUSS HIGHER EDUCATION AFFORDABILITY WITH COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING LENDA LISTENS TOUR STOP IN SMYRNA
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 21, 2014) – College affordability and accessibility are among education issues Democratic candidate for Congressional District 4 Lenda Sherrell will discuss following a tour of the Motlow State Community College. The event takes place 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 22, at Fat Mo’s Burgers, 298 Sam Ridley Parkway, Suite 100, in Smyrna.
“More and more, college students are finding themselves stuck in a vicious cycle. Many will have to take loans to attain a degree and pathway to the American Dream since college graduates tend to earn more those with a high school diploma or less. But the amount of debt can often be debilitating as food, transportation and the cost of renting or house payments add to an already stressed-budget with an economy that has shifted from middle-class jobs to ones that pay a minimum wage even for college graduates,” said Sherrell. “Community colleges such as Motlow State provide a way for students to keep down the costs of higher education but more needs to be done to address student tuition and loans for those seeking four-year degrees.”
Across the country, total student loan debt increased by $124 billion to $1.2 trillion this year. According to a report by The Project on Student Debt, the average 2014 graduate left school with $33,000 in debt — two times the amount from 20 years ago. Here in Tennessee, the average debt is $21,775.
“There was a time when young people didn’t have to pile on loans in order to obtain a college degree. Ask their parents and grandparents. I remember such a time because I was one of those who didn’t have to,” added Sherrell. “Debt should never be a deterrent to a better future, a better life and the American Dream.”
The cost of higher education has risen four times faster than the Consumer Price Index — 1,120 percent in the last 35 years. While most community college students don’t need to borrow money to pay for their education, 17 percent of students do take out loans for expenses that aren’t fully covered by federal Pell grants. Thirty-seven percent of community college associate degree graduates have federal loans.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com.
SHERRELL TO DISCUSS HIGHER EDUCATION AFFORDABILITY WITH COLLEGE STUDENTS DURING LENDA LISTENS TOUR STOP IN SMYRNA
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 21, 2014) – College affordability and accessibility are among education issues Democratic candidate for Congressional District 4 Lenda Sherrell will discuss following a tour of the Motlow State Community College. The event takes place 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 22, at Fat Mo’s Burgers, 298 Sam Ridley Parkway, Suite 100, in Smyrna.
“More and more, college students are finding themselves stuck in a vicious cycle. Many will have to take loans to attain a degree and pathway to the American Dream since college graduates tend to earn more those with a high school diploma or less. But the amount of debt can often be debilitating as food, transportation and the cost of renting or house payments add to an already stressed-budget with an economy that has shifted from middle-class jobs to ones that pay a minimum wage even for college graduates,” said Sherrell. “Community colleges such as Motlow State provide a way for students to keep down the costs of higher education but more needs to be done to address student tuition and loans for those seeking four-year degrees.”
Across the country, total student loan debt increased by $124 billion to $1.2 trillion this year. According to a report by The Project on Student Debt, the average 2014 graduate left school with $33,000 in debt — two times the amount from 20 years ago. Here in Tennessee, the average debt is $21,775.
“There was a time when young people didn’t have to pile on loans in order to obtain a college degree. Ask their parents and grandparents. I remember such a time because I was one of those who didn’t have to,” added Sherrell. “Debt should never be a deterrent to a better future, a better life and the American Dream.”
The cost of higher education has risen four times faster than the Consumer Price Index — 1,120 percent in the last 35 years. While most community college students don’t need to borrow money to pay for their education, 17 percent of students do take out loans for expenses that aren’t fully covered by federal Pell grants. Thirty-seven percent of community college associate degree graduates have federal loans.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com.
| college_affordability_press_release.pdf |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2014
EMILY’S LIST ENDORSES LENDA SHERRELL
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 21, 2014) – EMILY’s List, one of the nation’s largest political action committees and financial resources for women running for elected office, has endorsed Lenda Sherrell for the 4th Congressional District of Tennessee.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant, auditor and controller, released the following statement thanking the organization.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of such a respected force for change. The endorsement by EMILY’s List is a testament to the hard work of so many supporters and volunteers in our grass-roots focused campaign. Our dedication is being acknowledged and recognized and I am grateful that our campaign is gaining the backing of this national organization,” said Sherrell.
Sherrell announced at the beginning of the year she would run for congress after meeting with working families, seniors and youth in the district, which spans 16 counties stretching from Murfreesboro in middle Tennessee to the eastern portion with Cleveland in Bradley County. She is in the midst of a listening tour to find out the issues and challenges facing voters in Middle Tennessee.
To schedule interviews with Lenda Sherrell, contact Beryl Chong at 775-682-0152.
EMILY’S LIST ENDORSES LENDA SHERRELL
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 21, 2014) – EMILY’s List, one of the nation’s largest political action committees and financial resources for women running for elected office, has endorsed Lenda Sherrell for the 4th Congressional District of Tennessee.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant, auditor and controller, released the following statement thanking the organization.
“I am honored to have the endorsement of such a respected force for change. The endorsement by EMILY’s List is a testament to the hard work of so many supporters and volunteers in our grass-roots focused campaign. Our dedication is being acknowledged and recognized and I am grateful that our campaign is gaining the backing of this national organization,” said Sherrell.
Sherrell announced at the beginning of the year she would run for congress after meeting with working families, seniors and youth in the district, which spans 16 counties stretching from Murfreesboro in middle Tennessee to the eastern portion with Cleveland in Bradley County. She is in the midst of a listening tour to find out the issues and challenges facing voters in Middle Tennessee.
To schedule interviews with Lenda Sherrell, contact Beryl Chong at 775-682-0152.
For Immediate Release
August 21st, 2014
EMILY’s List Puts Lenda Sherrell “On The List”
Taking On Scandal-Plagued Scott DesJarlais To Be Only Democratic Woman In Tennessee Delegation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, announced that Lenda Sherrell, candidate for Congress to represent Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District, has been put “On The List.”
“Lenda Sherrell has a strong background in accounting and has what it takes to fight for the interests of hardworking Tennesseans who just want a fair shot at achieving the American Dream,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Scott DesJarlais has been called the ‘biggest hypocrite in Congress,’ and the women and families of the Fourth District deserve real leadership, not scandal and distraction. The EMILY’s List community – now more than 3 million members strong – is excited to support her strong campaign to become the only Democratic woman in the Tennessee delegation.”
Lenda Sherrell grew up in Pleasant Hill, TN, a small community on the Cumberland Plateau. She was raised by her mother, who worked as a schoolteacher and a bookmobile librarian, and her father, who was a rural letter carrier. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Business Education, she completing post graduate courses at UT Chattanooga and became a Certified Public Accountant. She has worked as an auditor with an international accounting firm specializing in nonprofit healthcare and educational institutions and as a controller for an independent school. Lenda is married to her childhood sweetheart, Jim. They have two adult children, Jimmy and Marci, and four grandchildren.
EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $400 million to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates – making it one of the most successful political organizations ever. We recruit and train candidates, support strong campaigns, research women's issues, and turn out women voters. We've trained over 9,000 women to run, and helped elect over 100 women to the House, 19 to the Senate, 10 governors, and over five hundred to state and local office. Since its founding in 1985, almost one-third of the candidates EMILY’s List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color - including every single Latina, African American, and Asian American Democratic woman currently serving. During the 2011-2012 cycle, EMILY’s List raised a record-breaking $52 million dollars. With the help of our growing community — now more than three million members strong — EMILY’s List helped elect an historic number of candidates in 2012 including 19 new women to the House, six Senate incumbents, three new Senators, and 186 state and local officials.
Press Contact:
Marcy Stech
202-326-1400
E-mail: [email protected]
EMILY’s List Puts Lenda Sherrell “On The List”
Taking On Scandal-Plagued Scott DesJarlais To Be Only Democratic Woman In Tennessee Delegation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, announced that Lenda Sherrell, candidate for Congress to represent Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District, has been put “On The List.”
“Lenda Sherrell has a strong background in accounting and has what it takes to fight for the interests of hardworking Tennesseans who just want a fair shot at achieving the American Dream,” said Stephanie Schriock, President of EMILY’s List. “Scott DesJarlais has been called the ‘biggest hypocrite in Congress,’ and the women and families of the Fourth District deserve real leadership, not scandal and distraction. The EMILY’s List community – now more than 3 million members strong – is excited to support her strong campaign to become the only Democratic woman in the Tennessee delegation.”
Lenda Sherrell grew up in Pleasant Hill, TN, a small community on the Cumberland Plateau. She was raised by her mother, who worked as a schoolteacher and a bookmobile librarian, and her father, who was a rural letter carrier. A graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a B.S. in Business Education, she completing post graduate courses at UT Chattanooga and became a Certified Public Accountant. She has worked as an auditor with an international accounting firm specializing in nonprofit healthcare and educational institutions and as a controller for an independent school. Lenda is married to her childhood sweetheart, Jim. They have two adult children, Jimmy and Marci, and four grandchildren.
EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest resource for women in politics, has raised over $400 million to support pro-choice Democratic women candidates – making it one of the most successful political organizations ever. We recruit and train candidates, support strong campaigns, research women's issues, and turn out women voters. We've trained over 9,000 women to run, and helped elect over 100 women to the House, 19 to the Senate, 10 governors, and over five hundred to state and local office. Since its founding in 1985, almost one-third of the candidates EMILY’s List has helped elect to Congress have been women of color - including every single Latina, African American, and Asian American Democratic woman currently serving. During the 2011-2012 cycle, EMILY’s List raised a record-breaking $52 million dollars. With the help of our growing community — now more than three million members strong — EMILY’s List helped elect an historic number of candidates in 2012 including 19 new women to the House, six Senate incumbents, three new Senators, and 186 state and local officials.
Press Contact:
Marcy Stech
202-326-1400
E-mail: [email protected]
For Immediate Release August 20, 2014
LENDA LISTENS MAKES STOP IN FRANKLIN COUNTY TO HIGHLIGHT SUCCESSES OF
MIDDLE TENNESSEE RURAL RE-ENTRY PROGRAM IN SOUTH PITTSBURG
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 20, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell will make a tour stop in Franklin County tomorrow, August 21, to discuss successes at the highly-acclaimed Middle Tennessee Rural Re-entry Program, which has dropped recidivism by 50% through job training and work placement services. After the tour, she joins supporters and community leaders to talk about becoming mentors, role models and civic engagement at 11:30 AM CST, at The Cook’s Market, 21 Chattin Boulevard, Decherd. The public is invited to the event at Cook’s Market.
“Thanks to dedicated rehabilitation counselors and Franklin County officials, inmates receive training, coaching and job placement services to prepare them for productive lives once they are released. As a result, the cost of housing inmates drops and they become engaged, taxpaying citizens,” said Sherrell. “This program, with its lowered recidivism rate now serves as a model to other counties including Coffee and Warren.”
Before re-entry into the community, inmates participate in free classes where they learn Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Windows and keyboard techniques to pick up or improve on typing skills, earning certificates from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in McMinnville, where they are accepted and enrolled as part of the program.
Inmates also learn how to write a cover letter, resume, apply for employment, prepare for a job interview and work on other job readiness skills. College-placement counselors also provide application information for those seeking higher education. In addition, Franklin County brings in human resources representatives from local businesses to serve as guest speakers so they can meet and establish relationships with potential employers before they are released.
“Job readiness skills and a support system are created so inmates have the necessary tools to go on to live a life markedly different from the one before jail. The Middle Tennessee Rural Re-entry program is truly a life-changing experience for many trying to build brighter futures,” said Sherrell. “There is definitely a need as inmates re-enter communities for mentors and role models.”
After an inmate leaves jail, caseworkers serve as a resource while staying in touch with and providing a support system to keep them on the path to becoming a productive citizen.
To schedule media interviews with Lenda Sherrell; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com.
LENDA LISTENS MAKES STOP IN FRANKLIN COUNTY TO HIGHLIGHT SUCCESSES OF
MIDDLE TENNESSEE RURAL RE-ENTRY PROGRAM IN SOUTH PITTSBURG
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 20, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell will make a tour stop in Franklin County tomorrow, August 21, to discuss successes at the highly-acclaimed Middle Tennessee Rural Re-entry Program, which has dropped recidivism by 50% through job training and work placement services. After the tour, she joins supporters and community leaders to talk about becoming mentors, role models and civic engagement at 11:30 AM CST, at The Cook’s Market, 21 Chattin Boulevard, Decherd. The public is invited to the event at Cook’s Market.
“Thanks to dedicated rehabilitation counselors and Franklin County officials, inmates receive training, coaching and job placement services to prepare them for productive lives once they are released. As a result, the cost of housing inmates drops and they become engaged, taxpaying citizens,” said Sherrell. “This program, with its lowered recidivism rate now serves as a model to other counties including Coffee and Warren.”
Before re-entry into the community, inmates participate in free classes where they learn Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Windows and keyboard techniques to pick up or improve on typing skills, earning certificates from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in McMinnville, where they are accepted and enrolled as part of the program.
Inmates also learn how to write a cover letter, resume, apply for employment, prepare for a job interview and work on other job readiness skills. College-placement counselors also provide application information for those seeking higher education. In addition, Franklin County brings in human resources representatives from local businesses to serve as guest speakers so they can meet and establish relationships with potential employers before they are released.
“Job readiness skills and a support system are created so inmates have the necessary tools to go on to live a life markedly different from the one before jail. The Middle Tennessee Rural Re-entry program is truly a life-changing experience for many trying to build brighter futures,” said Sherrell. “There is definitely a need as inmates re-enter communities for mentors and role models.”
After an inmate leaves jail, caseworkers serve as a resource while staying in touch with and providing a support system to keep them on the path to becoming a productive citizen.
To schedule media interviews with Lenda Sherrell; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com.
For Immediate Release August 18, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP AT SPRING HILL PHONE BANK
TO HIGHLIGHT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 18, 2014) – Civic engagement will be the focus of tomorrow’s Lenda Listens tour stop at 6 p.m., August 19, at United Auto Workers Local 1853, 125 Stephen P. Yokich Pkwy, Spring Hill, Maury County.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant who has managed million-dollar budgets working for educational and non-profit health care institutions, is running to represent voters of the 4th Congressional District. She has been hosting a series of Lenda Listens events across the district meeting with people while learning about challenges their communities face and the solutions residents have come up with to solve problems. Sherrell highlighted civic engagement yesterday when she met with Lorraine Powers, co-founder of an after-school program in South Pittsburg.
“Civic or citizen engagement means working to make a difference in our communities and promoting a better quality of life through the political and non-political process. No matter what stage we are in life, regardless of age or background, anyone can participate in being morally-minded citizens who recognize they are part of a larger society and have an obligation to learn about issues their communities face and take action when appropriate. Such action promotes a meaningful democracy that has benefitted and continues to benefit middle Tennesseans,” said Sherrell.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com.
LENDA LISTENS: TOUR STOP AT SPRING HILL PHONE BANK
TO HIGHLIGHT CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 18, 2014) – Civic engagement will be the focus of tomorrow’s Lenda Listens tour stop at 6 p.m., August 19, at United Auto Workers Local 1853, 125 Stephen P. Yokich Pkwy, Spring Hill, Maury County.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant who has managed million-dollar budgets working for educational and non-profit health care institutions, is running to represent voters of the 4th Congressional District. She has been hosting a series of Lenda Listens events across the district meeting with people while learning about challenges their communities face and the solutions residents have come up with to solve problems. Sherrell highlighted civic engagement yesterday when she met with Lorraine Powers, co-founder of an after-school program in South Pittsburg.
“Civic or citizen engagement means working to make a difference in our communities and promoting a better quality of life through the political and non-political process. No matter what stage we are in life, regardless of age or background, anyone can participate in being morally-minded citizens who recognize they are part of a larger society and have an obligation to learn about issues their communities face and take action when appropriate. Such action promotes a meaningful democracy that has benefitted and continues to benefit middle Tennesseans,” said Sherrell.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com.
| civic_engagement_lenda_listens.pdf |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 15, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: THE WEEK AHEAD
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 15, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, a certified public accountant and candidate for Tennessee’s Congressional District 4, has launched a listening tour to hear the views of today’s youth, working class families and seniors. The listening tour will make stops in towns across the 4th District, which includes all or parts of 16 counties stretching from Murfreesboro in middle Tennessee to the eastern portion with Cleveland in Bradley County.
Monday, August 18, 3:30-4:30p.m., EYES Program, Moore Park Enrichment Center, corner of corner of 1st Street and North Magnolia Ave, South Pittsburgh. Lenda Sherrell discusses education and school readiness with former State Senator and Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, and program founders Lorraine and Monroe Powers. Serving the needs of Marion County school children since 1999, Educating Youth Ensures Success (EYES) provides after-school tutoring.
Tuesday, August 19, 6-8 p.m. UAW Local 1853, 125 Stephen P. Yokich Pkwy, Spring Hill. Lenda Sherrell will join supporters and community members making outreach calls to fellow Maury County voters. Focused on civic engagement, the Sherrell campaign engages voters brought up in a state steeped in strong Tennessee volunteer traditions. Sherrell seeks to encourage community involvement while educating voters about the issues and values shared by Middle Tennesseans.
Thursday, August 21, 11:30 a.m. Lenda Listens makes a tour stop at the Middle Tennessee Rural Re-entry program to discuss successes at the highly-acclaimed Middle Tennessee Rural Reentry Program, which has dropped recidivism by 50% through job training and work placements services. Afterward, she joins supporters and community leaders at The Cook’s Market, 21 Chattin Boulevard, Decherd, Franklin County.
Friday, August 22, 11:30a.m. Access and affordability are the topics of discussion during the Lenda Listens tour stop with college students following a tour of Motlow State Community College in Smyrna. The Smyrna campus in Rutherford County is Motlow’s fastest growing center, containing technology enhanced classrooms and computer labs. Sherrell will meet with students at Fat Mo’s Burgers, 298 Sam Ridley Pkwy E #100, Smyrna.
For questions or more information, contact Beryl Chong at 775-682-1052. For upcoming tour locations, go to www.lendasherrell.com/LendaListens.
LENDA LISTENS: THE WEEK AHEAD
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 15, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, a certified public accountant and candidate for Tennessee’s Congressional District 4, has launched a listening tour to hear the views of today’s youth, working class families and seniors. The listening tour will make stops in towns across the 4th District, which includes all or parts of 16 counties stretching from Murfreesboro in middle Tennessee to the eastern portion with Cleveland in Bradley County.
Monday, August 18, 3:30-4:30p.m., EYES Program, Moore Park Enrichment Center, corner of corner of 1st Street and North Magnolia Ave, South Pittsburgh. Lenda Sherrell discusses education and school readiness with former State Senator and Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke, and program founders Lorraine and Monroe Powers. Serving the needs of Marion County school children since 1999, Educating Youth Ensures Success (EYES) provides after-school tutoring.
Tuesday, August 19, 6-8 p.m. UAW Local 1853, 125 Stephen P. Yokich Pkwy, Spring Hill. Lenda Sherrell will join supporters and community members making outreach calls to fellow Maury County voters. Focused on civic engagement, the Sherrell campaign engages voters brought up in a state steeped in strong Tennessee volunteer traditions. Sherrell seeks to encourage community involvement while educating voters about the issues and values shared by Middle Tennesseans.
Thursday, August 21, 11:30 a.m. Lenda Listens makes a tour stop at the Middle Tennessee Rural Re-entry program to discuss successes at the highly-acclaimed Middle Tennessee Rural Reentry Program, which has dropped recidivism by 50% through job training and work placements services. Afterward, she joins supporters and community leaders at The Cook’s Market, 21 Chattin Boulevard, Decherd, Franklin County.
Friday, August 22, 11:30a.m. Access and affordability are the topics of discussion during the Lenda Listens tour stop with college students following a tour of Motlow State Community College in Smyrna. The Smyrna campus in Rutherford County is Motlow’s fastest growing center, containing technology enhanced classrooms and computer labs. Sherrell will meet with students at Fat Mo’s Burgers, 298 Sam Ridley Pkwy E #100, Smyrna.
For questions or more information, contact Beryl Chong at 775-682-1052. For upcoming tour locations, go to www.lendasherrell.com/LendaListens.
| week_ahead_aug_18_to_22_lenda_listens.pdf |
For Immediate Release August 15, 2014
MAYOR ANDY BERKE TO ENDORSE LENDA SHERRELL DURING HER LENDA LISTENS TOUR STOP IN SOUTH PITTSBURG HIGHLIGHTING EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 15, 2014) – Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and former state senator who represented Marion and Hamilton counties, will endorse Lenda Sherrell as his choice for the 4th Congressional District when she pays a visit at to the after-school program, Educating Youth Ensures Success (EYES), founded by Lorraine and Monroe Powers. Berke will join Sherrell to make the announcement at 4 PM CST, Monday, August 18, at the Moore Park Enrichment Center on the corner of First Street and North Magnolia Ave, in South Pittsburg in Marion County.
“I am thrilled to accept Mayor Berke’s endorsement and support of my campaign. As I head to the general election, Andy’s official backing is an important boost to our grassroots-focused effort. Tennessee needs more people like Andy, he could have gone anywhere after graduating from Stanford University but he chose to come home to Marion County, practice law like his father did and become a public servant to give back to the community. I am proud to have his endorsement and even more proud to call him a friend,” said Sherrell.
MAYOR ANDY BERKE TO ENDORSE LENDA SHERRELL DURING HER LENDA LISTENS TOUR STOP IN SOUTH PITTSBURG HIGHLIGHTING EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 15, 2014) – Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and former state senator who represented Marion and Hamilton counties, will endorse Lenda Sherrell as his choice for the 4th Congressional District when she pays a visit at to the after-school program, Educating Youth Ensures Success (EYES), founded by Lorraine and Monroe Powers. Berke will join Sherrell to make the announcement at 4 PM CST, Monday, August 18, at the Moore Park Enrichment Center on the corner of First Street and North Magnolia Ave, in South Pittsburg in Marion County.
“I am thrilled to accept Mayor Berke’s endorsement and support of my campaign. As I head to the general election, Andy’s official backing is an important boost to our grassroots-focused effort. Tennessee needs more people like Andy, he could have gone anywhere after graduating from Stanford University but he chose to come home to Marion County, practice law like his father did and become a public servant to give back to the community. I am proud to have his endorsement and even more proud to call him a friend,” said Sherrell.
| andy_berke_endorsement.pdf |
For Immediate Release August 15, 2014
MAYOR ANDY BERKE TO ENDORSE LENDA SHERRELL DURING HER LENDA LISTENS TOUR STOP IN SOUTH PITTSBURG HIGHLIGHTING EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 15, 2014) – Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and former state senator who represented Marion and Hamilton counties, will endorse Lenda Sherrell as his choice for the 4th Congressional District when she pays a visit at to the after-school program, Educating Youth Ensures Success (EYES), founded by Lorraine and Monroe Powers. The event takes place 4 PM CST, Monday, August 18, at the Moore Park Enrichment Center on the corner of First Street and North Magnolia Ave, in South Pittsburg in Marion County.
The Powers, both 86, will discuss with Sherrell why they started the non-profit program in the 1999 and how the tutoring program assists elementary-age children needing help with homework in English, Math and History. Students from Sewanee—The University of the South serve as tutors to a diverse group of students. What began as an daycare program for busy parents looking for a safe place after school has blossomed into daily weekday tutoring sessions are offered free from 3:15 to 6 p.m. Some days the students are taken on field trips to add to their academic experience.
“Lorraine and Monroe are the heart of this community. Through this program, children have a place to go to receive tutoring whether it’s one-on-one or in small groups. The sessions provided are invaluable there are always students who need support outside the classroom to help close the learning and achievement gap, build good study habits and enhance academic skills,” said Sherrell. “The Powers have dedicated 15 years of their lives to enriching students’ lives. It’s their gift to the community, providing a place for kids to go while getting their homework done.”
According to researchers at the Arizona State University and University of Arkansas, volunteer-tutoring programs showed students who worked with tutors were more likely to earn higher scores on assessments targeting proficiency of words, oral fluency, and writing compared with not tutored.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com.
MAYOR ANDY BERKE TO ENDORSE LENDA SHERRELL DURING HER LENDA LISTENS TOUR STOP IN SOUTH PITTSBURG HIGHLIGHTING EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 15, 2014) – Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and former state senator who represented Marion and Hamilton counties, will endorse Lenda Sherrell as his choice for the 4th Congressional District when she pays a visit at to the after-school program, Educating Youth Ensures Success (EYES), founded by Lorraine and Monroe Powers. The event takes place 4 PM CST, Monday, August 18, at the Moore Park Enrichment Center on the corner of First Street and North Magnolia Ave, in South Pittsburg in Marion County.
The Powers, both 86, will discuss with Sherrell why they started the non-profit program in the 1999 and how the tutoring program assists elementary-age children needing help with homework in English, Math and History. Students from Sewanee—The University of the South serve as tutors to a diverse group of students. What began as an daycare program for busy parents looking for a safe place after school has blossomed into daily weekday tutoring sessions are offered free from 3:15 to 6 p.m. Some days the students are taken on field trips to add to their academic experience.
“Lorraine and Monroe are the heart of this community. Through this program, children have a place to go to receive tutoring whether it’s one-on-one or in small groups. The sessions provided are invaluable there are always students who need support outside the classroom to help close the learning and achievement gap, build good study habits and enhance academic skills,” said Sherrell. “The Powers have dedicated 15 years of their lives to enriching students’ lives. It’s their gift to the community, providing a place for kids to go while getting their homework done.”
According to researchers at the Arizona State University and University of Arkansas, volunteer-tutoring programs showed students who worked with tutors were more likely to earn higher scores on assessments targeting proficiency of words, oral fluency, and writing compared with not tutored.
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com.
| eyes_press_release.pdf |
WKRN's Reporter Nick Caloway talks to Lenda about her win and post-primary election plans.
WKRN News 2
For Immediate Release August 13, 2014
LENDA LISTENS TOUR: INVESTING IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S ECONOMIC SECURITY
BY PREPARING A WORKPLACE-READY WORKFORCE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 13, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell will discuss workforce readiness when she makes a “Lenda Listens” tour stop in Sequatchie County tomorrow. Sherrell, a certified public accountant who won last week’s Democratic Primary for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, will meet with Dunlap’s Mayor Dwain Land, County Executive Keith Cartwright and Executive Director of the Sequatchie-Dunlap Chamber of Commerce Marlene Basham at 2 p.m., August 14, at the Dunlap City Training Center, 15609 Rankin Avenue.
“Local economies are at risk because we do not have a highly-trained and skilled workforce to meet the needs of employers. We must invest in education that creates a viable pathway from pre-k to college to ensure graduates have the skills that attract businesses with well-paying jobs,” said Sherrell. “We also need to connect employers with educators so our students and youth are better prepared for careers of the 21st Century by emphasizing programs that infuse Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).”
Sequatchie County officials continue to work on recovering jobs lost during the economic downturn by reaching out to businesses to open up shop. Two years ago, when Auto supplier Mann+Hummel located to Dunlap, 925 people applied for 150 jobs. According to 2013 United States Census Bureau figures, 19.3% of the population remained below the poverty level compared with 17% around the state, about 12% had graduated from college compared with 24% in the state, and median household income was $33,181 compared with the rest of the state at $44,140.
“Sequatchie County has much to offer,” said Sherrell. “City leaders are working hard to bring companies here, but there also needs to be a STEM-literate workforce that makes it attractive for businesses with good-paying jobs to want to locate to this part of middle Tennessee.”
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com
LENDA LISTENS TOUR: INVESTING IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S ECONOMIC SECURITY
BY PREPARING A WORKPLACE-READY WORKFORCE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 13, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell will discuss workforce readiness when she makes a “Lenda Listens” tour stop in Sequatchie County tomorrow. Sherrell, a certified public accountant who won last week’s Democratic Primary for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District, will meet with Dunlap’s Mayor Dwain Land, County Executive Keith Cartwright and Executive Director of the Sequatchie-Dunlap Chamber of Commerce Marlene Basham at 2 p.m., August 14, at the Dunlap City Training Center, 15609 Rankin Avenue.
“Local economies are at risk because we do not have a highly-trained and skilled workforce to meet the needs of employers. We must invest in education that creates a viable pathway from pre-k to college to ensure graduates have the skills that attract businesses with well-paying jobs,” said Sherrell. “We also need to connect employers with educators so our students and youth are better prepared for careers of the 21st Century by emphasizing programs that infuse Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).”
Sequatchie County officials continue to work on recovering jobs lost during the economic downturn by reaching out to businesses to open up shop. Two years ago, when Auto supplier Mann+Hummel located to Dunlap, 925 people applied for 150 jobs. According to 2013 United States Census Bureau figures, 19.3% of the population remained below the poverty level compared with 17% around the state, about 12% had graduated from college compared with 24% in the state, and median household income was $33,181 compared with the rest of the state at $44,140.
“Sequatchie County has much to offer,” said Sherrell. “City leaders are working hard to bring companies here, but there also needs to be a STEM-literate workforce that makes it attractive for businesses with good-paying jobs to want to locate to this part of middle Tennessee.”
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com
| dunlap_sequatchie_workforce_preparedness.pdf |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 11, 2014
LENDA LISTENS: THE WEEK AHEAD
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 11, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, a certified public accountant and candidate for Tennessee’s Congressional District 4, has launched a listening tour to hear the views of today’s youth, working class families and seniors. The listening tour will make stops in towns across the 4th District, which includes all or parts of 16 counties stretching from Murfreesboro in middle Tennessee to the eastern portion with Cleveland in Bradley County.
Monday, August 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Biggers Market, 902 5th Avenue N, Lewisburg. Discussion on the economy and jobs featuring Barbara Woods, former Lewisburg mayor; Ronald Greer, retired supervisor of Heil Quaker Corporation — at one time Marshall County’s largest employer; Don Johnson, business owner; and Joe Brandon, economic advisor to former governors Ned McWherter and Phil Bredesen.
Tuesday, August 12, 3-4 p.m. Community Clinic of Shelbyville, 200 Dover Street, Shelbyville. Lenda Sherrell will tour the clinic and discuss the need for health care access with clinic workers in this part of rural Tennessee. The clinic is a nonprofit health care facility funded through donations, grants and fundraisers and serves the community’s working, uninsured and low-income populations without charging any fees.
Thursday, August 14, 2-3 p.m. Dunlap City Training Center, 15609 Rankin Avenue, Dunlap. Lenda Sherrell highlights education and preparing a well-trained workforce to meet employers’ needs during her visit with Mayor Dwain Land and County Executive Keith Cartright.
For questions or more information, contact Beryl Chong at 775-682-1052. For upcoming tour locations, go to www.lendasherrell.com/LendaListens.
LENDA LISTENS: THE WEEK AHEAD
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 11, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell, a certified public accountant and candidate for Tennessee’s Congressional District 4, has launched a listening tour to hear the views of today’s youth, working class families and seniors. The listening tour will make stops in towns across the 4th District, which includes all or parts of 16 counties stretching from Murfreesboro in middle Tennessee to the eastern portion with Cleveland in Bradley County.
Monday, August 11, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Biggers Market, 902 5th Avenue N, Lewisburg. Discussion on the economy and jobs featuring Barbara Woods, former Lewisburg mayor; Ronald Greer, retired supervisor of Heil Quaker Corporation — at one time Marshall County’s largest employer; Don Johnson, business owner; and Joe Brandon, economic advisor to former governors Ned McWherter and Phil Bredesen.
Tuesday, August 12, 3-4 p.m. Community Clinic of Shelbyville, 200 Dover Street, Shelbyville. Lenda Sherrell will tour the clinic and discuss the need for health care access with clinic workers in this part of rural Tennessee. The clinic is a nonprofit health care facility funded through donations, grants and fundraisers and serves the community’s working, uninsured and low-income populations without charging any fees.
Thursday, August 14, 2-3 p.m. Dunlap City Training Center, 15609 Rankin Avenue, Dunlap. Lenda Sherrell highlights education and preparing a well-trained workforce to meet employers’ needs during her visit with Mayor Dwain Land and County Executive Keith Cartright.
For questions or more information, contact Beryl Chong at 775-682-1052. For upcoming tour locations, go to www.lendasherrell.com/LendaListens.
For Immediate Release August 12, 2014
LENDA LISTENS TOUR: AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE HEALTH CARE IN RURAL MIDDLE TENNESSEE A CHALLENGE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 12, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell continues with her “Lenda Listens” tour with a visit to the Community Clinic of Shelbyville to discuss access to health care in rural Middle Tennessee. Sherrell will meet with health care workers and volunteers at 3 p.m. at the clinic located at 200 Dover Street, Shelbyville.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant won Thursday’s Democratic Primary for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District with almost 23,000 votes, is on a listening tour to find out how communities in Middle Tennessee are working to improve the lives of residents.
“This nonprofit clinic is an example of what happens when people come together to help others. It does not charge patients and is funded through donations grants and fundraisers. For low-income and uninsured populations, this clinic is a lifesaver,” said Sherrell.
According to the 2014 state health scorecard released by the Commonwealth Fund, Tennessee ranked 40th out of 50 states. The rankings were based on categories such as access, prevention and treatment, avoidable hospital use and cost and availability of services. Some flags raised by the study: Tennessee has a high infant mortality rate at 8 per 1,000 births compared to the national rate of 6.3; one in five adults went without care because of costs; the state ranks low for dental care as 18 percent of adults 18 to 64 have lost 6 or more teeth; it has a high death rate from complications that are treatable such as diabetes; and is 43rd in “avoidable hospital use and cost.”
“This study should serve as a wake-up call to our elected officials; people are suffering because people do not have access to care or they cannot afford care. And programs such as TennCare are failing the most vulnerable,” said Sherrell.
The study also found Tennessee received low marks because of the high number of Medicare patients who could have been treated in community clinics such as the one in Shelbyville’s which provides adult preventative care and programs.
“Hospitals often see patients when they have become quite ill; community-centered care is generally less costly and often addresses a problem before it becomes a medical complication,” said Sherrell, who worked as an auditor for non-profit health care institutions. “But in rural areas, community clinics can be the lifeline so many need.”
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (755) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com
LENDA LISTENS TOUR: AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE HEALTH CARE IN RURAL MIDDLE TENNESSEE A CHALLENGE
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 12, 2014) – Lenda Sherrell continues with her “Lenda Listens” tour with a visit to the Community Clinic of Shelbyville to discuss access to health care in rural Middle Tennessee. Sherrell will meet with health care workers and volunteers at 3 p.m. at the clinic located at 200 Dover Street, Shelbyville.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant won Thursday’s Democratic Primary for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District with almost 23,000 votes, is on a listening tour to find out how communities in Middle Tennessee are working to improve the lives of residents.
“This nonprofit clinic is an example of what happens when people come together to help others. It does not charge patients and is funded through donations grants and fundraisers. For low-income and uninsured populations, this clinic is a lifesaver,” said Sherrell.
According to the 2014 state health scorecard released by the Commonwealth Fund, Tennessee ranked 40th out of 50 states. The rankings were based on categories such as access, prevention and treatment, avoidable hospital use and cost and availability of services. Some flags raised by the study: Tennessee has a high infant mortality rate at 8 per 1,000 births compared to the national rate of 6.3; one in five adults went without care because of costs; the state ranks low for dental care as 18 percent of adults 18 to 64 have lost 6 or more teeth; it has a high death rate from complications that are treatable such as diabetes; and is 43rd in “avoidable hospital use and cost.”
“This study should serve as a wake-up call to our elected officials; people are suffering because people do not have access to care or they cannot afford care. And programs such as TennCare are failing the most vulnerable,” said Sherrell.
The study also found Tennessee received low marks because of the high number of Medicare patients who could have been treated in community clinics such as the one in Shelbyville’s which provides adult preventative care and programs.
“Hospitals often see patients when they have become quite ill; community-centered care is generally less costly and often addresses a problem before it becomes a medical complication,” said Sherrell, who worked as an auditor for non-profit health care institutions. “But in rural areas, community clinics can be the lifeline so many need.”
To schedule media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (755) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com
| lenda_listens_community_clinic.pdf |
For Immediate Release August 10, 2014
LENDA LISTENS TOUR: ECONOMY AND JOBS IN FOCUS FOR SHERRELL AS SHE
HEADS TO FORMER SITE OF BIGGERS MARKET TO LAUNCH LISTENING TOUR
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 10, 2014) – The state of the economy and lack of jobs in Middle Tennessee will be the focus of Lenda Sherrell’s first “Lenda Listens Tour” tomorrow at 5 PM EST, August 11, at the Biggers Market, 902 5th Avenue N, in Lewisburg.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant won Thursday’s Democratic Primary for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District with almost 23,000 votes. While a winner for the Republic primary has not yet been made official, Sherrell continues her grass-roots campaign by meeting with Marshall County local businesses representatives and officials to discuss how to best improve the economy and create jobs. They include: Barbara Woods, former Lewisburg mayor; Ronald Greer, retired supervisor of Heil Quaker Corporation — at one time Marshall County’s largest employer; Don Johnson, business owner; and Joe Brandon, economic advisor to former governors Ned McWherter and Phil Bredesen.
Biggers Market, a family-owned sandwich and gas store, closed its doors in 2011. It had served customers for 29 years but Owner Robert Biggers closed down the store due to the downturn in the economy.
“For many in the community, Biggers Market served as gathering place for people to share meals, listen and visit with friends and neighbors, it was how each found out what was going on. This family-owned business was forced to close its doors after almost 30 years because of the downturn in the economy after Heil Quaker left. I have chosen this site for my listening tour because I want to listen to the people who call Marshall County home, they are the people who hold the key to turning Lewisburg’s economy around,” said Sherrell.
Lenda Sherrell is available for media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (755) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com
LENDA LISTENS TOUR: ECONOMY AND JOBS IN FOCUS FOR SHERRELL AS SHE
HEADS TO FORMER SITE OF BIGGERS MARKET TO LAUNCH LISTENING TOUR
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 10, 2014) – The state of the economy and lack of jobs in Middle Tennessee will be the focus of Lenda Sherrell’s first “Lenda Listens Tour” tomorrow at 5 PM EST, August 11, at the Biggers Market, 902 5th Avenue N, in Lewisburg.
Sherrell, a certified public accountant won Thursday’s Democratic Primary for Tennessee’s 4th Congressional District with almost 23,000 votes. While a winner for the Republic primary has not yet been made official, Sherrell continues her grass-roots campaign by meeting with Marshall County local businesses representatives and officials to discuss how to best improve the economy and create jobs. They include: Barbara Woods, former Lewisburg mayor; Ronald Greer, retired supervisor of Heil Quaker Corporation — at one time Marshall County’s largest employer; Don Johnson, business owner; and Joe Brandon, economic advisor to former governors Ned McWherter and Phil Bredesen.
Biggers Market, a family-owned sandwich and gas store, closed its doors in 2011. It had served customers for 29 years but Owner Robert Biggers closed down the store due to the downturn in the economy.
“For many in the community, Biggers Market served as gathering place for people to share meals, listen and visit with friends and neighbors, it was how each found out what was going on. This family-owned business was forced to close its doors after almost 30 years because of the downturn in the economy after Heil Quaker left. I have chosen this site for my listening tour because I want to listen to the people who call Marshall County home, they are the people who hold the key to turning Lewisburg’s economy around,” said Sherrell.
Lenda Sherrell is available for media interviews; contact Beryl Chong at (755) 682-0152. www.lendasherrell.com
LENDA SHERRELL LAUNCHES LISTENING TOUR UPON WINNING THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 8, 2014) – Monteagle Certified Public Accountant Lenda Sherrell kicks off a listening tour after capturing almost 23,000 votes in the Democratic Primary Thursday.
While the Republican primary remains too close to call, Sherrell will engage with voters in a series of meetings in the 16 counties across the district.
“I look forward to listening to voters across Middle Tennessee. Meeting people will help determine the needs of the district and what solutions are needed to address the diverse challenges each county faces,” Sherrell said.
To schedule media interviews, contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
(Murfreesboro, Tenn., August 8, 2014) – Monteagle Certified Public Accountant Lenda Sherrell kicks off a listening tour after capturing almost 23,000 votes in the Democratic Primary Thursday.
While the Republican primary remains too close to call, Sherrell will engage with voters in a series of meetings in the 16 counties across the district.
“I look forward to listening to voters across Middle Tennessee. Meeting people will help determine the needs of the district and what solutions are needed to address the diverse challenges each county faces,” Sherrell said.
To schedule media interviews, contact Beryl Chong at (775) 682-0152.
