NASHVILLE, TN – Tennessee Republican Party Chairman Chris Devaney issued the following statement after State House Democrat Caucus Chairman Mike Turner launched misleading attacks against State House District 62 candidate Pat Marsh:

“Politics sometimes brings out the worst in people and that is what has happened with Representative Turner in his defense of his associate Ty Cobb,” said Devaney. “The fact that former union chief Mike Turner, who has supported a pro-choice Speaker of the House and voted for countless big government policies, is launching attacks on Pat Marsh is incredible. It’s clear that Rep. Turner is rattled by the broad support Pat’s campaign of pro-economic growth, lower taxes, and traditional values is getting across the board from Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. That is why Mike Turner is launching these misleading attacks on Pat Marsh’s strong pro-life stance and misrepresenting the truth about Pat’s business that has brought hundreds of jobs to the community.”

Rep. Mike Turner’s attacks came after statements were made regarding the recent endorsement of Democrat candidate Ty Cobb by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). SEIU has been closely linked with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), which has been the subject of voter registration fraud investigations in several states and have had many of their employees charged with various crimes relating to voter registration fraud. The organization remains the center of a media storm after ACORN employees were videotaped providing advice on prostitution and money laundering.

“Clearly, facts are stubborn things for Mike Turner,” continued Devaney. “The facts are Teamster Union member Ty Cobb is supported by the SEIU, which is closely associated with the controversial organization ACORN. SEIU has an office in Murfreesboro and is active in Rutherford County, parts of which are in the 62nd District. Just recently, SEIU was instrumental in disrupting a rally in Rutherford County against the Obama government-run health care plan and it wouldn’t surprise me, given SEIU’s endorsement of Ty Cobb, if they are actively involved in his campaign. The bottom-line is Ty Cobb is a nice guy who is being used by liberals like Turner, to further their big government agenda.”

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