News updates

Earlier this afternoon, the Election Commission concluded its recount of the ballots cast in the August 5 election, and it’s now official that Senator Henry has won the Democratic nomination for State Senate.

A few moments ago, I spoke with Senator Henry to congratulate him on his victory. I pledged my support and help in doing whatever I can to help bring progress to the state that we both love.

Senator Henry has devoted his life to the service of Tennessee and her people. Over the last several months, I have had the fortune of campaigning across the 21st district with him. More than most, I can attest to his energy, his intellect, and his genuine respect for his fellow citizens. I will do what I can to help him between now and November and over the next four years. And I know you will too.

Because this campaign was never about him or me. And certainly not about old or young, left or right, or any of the other outdated divisions that stop progress in its tracks. It was about breaking the logjam in the state legislature and moving beyond the small politics that have stood in the way of solving problems. And we need to work toward that tomorrow, just as we did yesterday.

In a political climate where fear and cynicism seem to dominate, we ran a campaign based on ideas. Even though we fell a few votes short, I wouldn’t have run this campaign any other way. The real issues we ran on are not going away – and neither are any of us. Together there’s much we can do to make our city and our state even better. Those ideas and principles are bigger than any one of us – bigger than any one election – and will continue to inspire us all.

Tyler and I feel blessed to have been on this journey with all of you. From the beginning, we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our family, friends, and people we have met along the way. When we started this campaign, very few thought we had a chance. This close election is the result of all of you who took part in this campaign. All of you who went door-to-door in rain and heat; all of you who made financial contributions, all of you who put up yard signs or persuaded someone to go vote – this campaign would not have been possible without you. I will be forever grateful for your help and am excited to have built so many friendships along the way.

Finally, this election reminded us that every single vote matters, and that each one of us has the capacity to make a real difference in the future of our community. I can think of no greater victory.

Sincerely yours,
Jeff Yarbro

It is hard to believe but Early Vote begins tomorrow, July 16th. You can vote tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Election Commission, which is located at 800 2nd Avenue South.

Almost half of the votes in this election will be cast early, so it is very important to show your support at the Election Commission as soon as possible.

Remember to Vote Jeff Yarbro and ask your friends to do the same. See you at the polls!

Early voting for the 2010 Democratic Primary begins in just 89 hours. Our momentum is building, and we’re about to take a critical step toward bringing new leadership to the State Senate.

With your vote, your time, and your financial support we will elect Jeff Yarbro.

VOTE:
Get out your calendar and schedule a time to vote THIS WEEK! Early Voting begins on Friday, July 16 at the Election Commission (800 2nd Ave. S.). On weekdays, like this Friday, you can vote from 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (*Thursday evening until 7 p.m.). On Saturdays, the polls will be open from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Click here for a full Early Vote schedule.

VOLUNTEER:
If you’ve been meaning to volunteer, now’s the time. We are having three important volunteer events this week.

Yarbro for Women Committee Postcard & Phonathon
Thursday, July 15 (3 p.m. – 8 p.m.)
Campaign Headquarters (2122 21st Ave. S.)
Reply if you can join us.

First Day of Voting
Friday, July 16
We need volunteers all day.
Reply to let us know when you’re available.

Get-Out-The-Vote Saturday
Saturday, July 17, 9 a.m.
Election Commission (800 2nd Ave. S.)
Come VOTE and then go door-to-door with Jeff.
Reply if you’ll be there.

We need you to join us for one, or more, of these days. Let us know what days you can help elect Jeff Yarbro.

We will be working hard every day to meet the voters who will decide this election. Any time you give is valuable. Come by tonight, tomorrow, or this afternoon. Yarbro 2010 headquarters are open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. We are conveniently located at 2122 21st Ave. S., near the intersection of 21st and Blair.

Yesterday—exactly one month before the August 5 election—we launched our first TV ad of the primary campaign. Voters across the 21st District are starting to pay attention because they know that we can’t wait any longer to move past the small politics that have dominated our legislature in recent years.

Early voting begins in just ten days, and voters face a real choice that will affect the direction of our state for the next four years. From my conversations with voters and as a father myself, I know that we cannot build the future our children deserve while consistently sitting at the bottom of national education rankings. Right now, we have an unparalleled opportunity to lead the nation in education reform, but it’s not going to happen without serious, forward-thinking leadership. It’s time to reach higher.

Today is the last day for new voters to register to vote in the August 5 election. If you, your friends or neighbors have not yet registered to vote in the 21st District, please visit the Davidson County Election Commission Web site (www.nashville.gov/vote) and download a voter registration application. Return your application to the Election Commission (800 2nd Ave N) by 5 p.m. today.

Election day is fast approaching. Only with your help can we reach the voters who will decide this election. With each person you call, each door you knock, and each hour you volunteer, you will contact the voter who chooses our next State Senator. Visit yarbro2010.com to take action.

Thank you for your continued support. With your hard work we will Get Out The Vote between now and August 5!

Best,

Jeff Yarbro

P.S. We need your support to continue to spread the word! Help by forwarding this video to friends, or consider making a secure, online contribution to our campaign today. Every dollar we raise from now to August 5 will go straight to the airwaves!

Yesterday, The Tennessean reported that Senator Henry has declined my invitation to participate in debates about the challenges facing Tennessee over the next four years. I firmly believe that it is a disservice to the electorate to deprive them of any opportunity to hear directly from the candidates on the issues that matter most.

Sen. Henry has decided to run merely on the votes he has cast in the past. But, voters want to know not just what their elected officials have done, but what they will do if entrusted with a portion of their future. Our challenge in the coming weeks is to force a real conversation about the next four years.

There’s no time to waste, so I want to talk to you about my top priority and what I think must be Tennessee’s top priority for the next four years: education. Read my plan here.

Yesterday, I sent Sen. Douglas Henry a letter proposing a series of debates where we take questions from voters across the 21st District. On August 5, Nashvillians face a real choice about the future of our state, and I believe that you deserve to hear directly from us about why we are asking to serve as your representative.

From the outset, Sen. Henry and I agreed to refrain from the personal attacks that have become too common in our politics. From his first election to the legislature in 1954 to today, Sen. Henry has served Tennessee faithfully, and you won’t hear me question his dedication to this state. But all elections are about the future, and voters will consider our different visions when making their decision this August.

While we share some common values like providing a solid foundation for our children, and having a government that lives within its means, we also have some very real differences. I believe that for a voter to make an informed decision, he or she deserves to know the differences between the candidates, and not just through the lens of a television ad. That is why debates are essential — we should discuss those differences face to face.

* Sen. Henry sponsored SJR 127, which would amend Tennessee’s Constitution to restrict women’s reproductive rights even in instances of rape, incest, or when a woman’s health is at risk. I oppose SJR 127 because I believe there are better ways to reduce the number of abortions than putting obstacles between women and their doctors.

* On the last day of session, Sen. Henry was one of only two Democrats to oppose bringing the ban on mountaintop removal coal mining to the Senate floor for a vote. He stated his opposition was due to his respect for the tradition of only addressing bills that are passed by a Senate committee. I would have voted the other way. Republican leaders are abusing the committee system to block common sense legislation on behalf of the coal industry, which employs fewer than 400 people in Tennessee.

* Sen. Henry voted for one of the health reform nullification bills, which sought to block the implementation of health care reform in Tennessee and use taxpayer funds to sue the federal government. Our state needs to focus on results rather than such futile opposition. We have to get to work on implementing health care reform in a way that strengthens the quality of care while reducing costs.

Sen. Henry and I also have some real differences in how we would approach the job. At the beginning of this campaign, Sen. Henry described the Senate as a “body of review” that evaluates the wisdom of ideas originating elsewhere, as opposed to a “body of initiative,” like the State House. Tennessee’s Constitution does not make that type of distinction, and neither do I. We elect our legislators not just to review proposals, but to craft an agenda that helps the citizens of this state. If fortunate enough to serve, I would view it as my obligation to take initiative and help set a new direction for our legislature.

Tennesseans are disturbed by what’s happening in Legislative Plaza – just look at the hours our elected officials spent debating guns in bars instead of proposing laws to help ordinary citizens.

We must have leadership that focuses on the real challenges facing our state like education, public health, and economic development. I look forward to the opportunity for Sen. Henry and I to share our visions for the next four years. I ask for your vote on August 5. Join me in helping bring Nashville’s energy and ideas to the General Assembly.