TNGOP Calls on Kyle, Herron, and McWherter to Condemn Comments

Nashville, TN – As Congressman John Tanner (D-Union City) continues to refuse to condemn the controversial comments of Madison County Democrat Party Chairman T. Robert Hill, West Tennessee gubernatorial candidates State Senator Jim Kyle (D-Memphis), State Senator Roy Herron (D-Dresden), and businessman Mike McWherter of Jackson are also noticeably silent.

“Mr. Hill’s unfortunate comments reflect the disconnect Democrats have with everyday Tennesseans on issues such as health care. John Tanner’s lack of leadership in condemning Hill is telling and what’s more interesting are the West Tennessee Democrats running for governor. Their silence on the issue is deafening,” said Chris Devaney, chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party.

Last week, Democrat Chairman Hill called a group of Young Republicans in Madison County “brownshirts” – a reference to Nazi Germany – because they dared to criticize the Obama led effort for government run health care and Congressman Tanner’s work on the health care issue.

“Folks in Tennessee are greatly concerned about the Democrats’ march to expand the size of the federal government. It is time the West Tennessee candidates for governor – Kyle, Herron, and McWherter ask Mr. Hill to apologize. His continued comments are not only insulting to the group he attacked, but to well meaning Tennesseans across the state,” said Devaney.

In today’s Jackson Sun, Mr. Hill continued to defend his comments and stood by his “brownshirts” statement.