Hilly Boy's Deception (as in the Lovely Tennessee Rep. Matthew Hill)

Phillips… pledged to run a positive campaign "on what I can do and what I can bring back to Washington County."

…"When a man or woman came for help, I never asked ‘Do you belong to the Democrat Party or do you belong to the Republican Party?'" Phillips told supporters. "It's not about party lines. It's what about Fred Phillips can do for this community."

Tennessee Democratic State Executive Committee member Tom Jessee, who will be running Phillips' campaign, said Hill is vulnerable.

"He is the epitome of a candidate who can't get any traction in Nashville to get things done," Jessee said of Hill.

Phillips' candidacy unfolded when a group of supporters picked up qualifying petitions without his knowledge on Monday. They gathered 200 names, according to Northeast Tennessee Democrat Chairman Marion Light.

"We were going to give him a chance to at least think about it," said Light. "We showed him the petitions to say ‘Now here is something for you to think about.' ... We wanted to see if there was bipartisan support, and there is based on these signatures and conversations."

"In November, the people of Washington County are going to have a very clear choice between a conservative Republican and a liberal Democrat."

…Phillips was lauded by Jonesborough Mayor Tobie Bledsoe for his 48 years of service to Washington County.

“Fred knows the importance of local government,” Bledsoe said. “And we need someone in Nashville who understands us and the small towns of Northeast Tennessee ... Someone who knows the importance of roads and schools.”

Phillips said he was aware of various nominating petitions supporting his candidacy that had been circulating around the county during the past week.

“There are many challenges and concerns facing Washington County, such as education, improved roads and highways, homeland security and providing affordable and adequate health care. I bring decades of experience in state and local government to these issues and if given the opportunity will use that experience to represent all of the citizens of Washington County, regardless of their political persuasion.”

Phillips said that for 42 years, when a man or woman has come asking for help or employment he never once asked them what (political) party they were affiliated with.
…Phillips said he couldn’t say no to the people of Washington County.

“And I want the people to know that I will vote my convictions in Nashville,” he said. “I will be in no one’s hip pocket. The issue is who can do the most for Washington County.”

Phillips will challenge freshman incumbent Matthew Hill, R-Jonesborough, for the seat. When asked about his thoughts on running against an incumbent, Phillips didn’t hesitate.

“In ’94 I beat an 18-year incumbent by a final vote count of 2-1,” said Phillips, referring to his victory over Washington County Sheriff Ron England.

Phillips admitted he was still a bit overwhelmed by the number of people who had signed petitions supporting his candidacy.

“When I found out these workers went door-to-door, I was astounded,” he said. “That told me that there is a need for some new direction from for Washington County.”

# posted by salida stage right @ 10:04 PM