I’ve spent the last several months knocking doors and putting out signs across Hamilton, Bradley, Polk, McMinn, Meigs, and Rhea counties. It was hard work, it was fun and it was real.

One afternoon while door-knocking I got the opportunity to help a young man chase his baby goat that had gotten loose from its pen. Late one night at a Waffle House a stranger stood with us and told us how they’d lost their home. They asked for cards so they could hand them out and help get Monty elected.

Tennessee’s real strength isn’t in Nashville. It’s in regular people who still show up for their neighbors and their state. I have watched strangers become friends while making calls, knocking doors, and we all encourage each other through long days. This is bigger than just a campaign. It is a movement of everyday Tennesseans who want leaders who remember they work for us.

Monty Fritts is that kind of leader. He’s a proud Army veteran, a Cavalry Scout, who served in Iraq and has represented District 32 in the Tennessee House. He’s running on a straightforward platform of Liberty & Less Government. He wants to cut wasteful spending and get government back to its core functions. He stands firm that our Second Amendment rights are absolute. He believes parents should lead when it comes to education, not bureaucrats. He’s pro-life and puts citizens ahead of overreach from bigger government or outside interests.

These positions line up with what I’ve heard from the people I’ve met, folks tired of costs going up while government gets bigger.

Early voting is open right now through Aug. 1. Election Day is Aug. 6. Go to your local early voting site this week if you can, it’s usually quicker and easy. 

Check GoVoteTN.gov for times and locations near you. Bring your photo ID and make your voice count.

After all these personal moments across SE Tennessee, I’m more convinced than ever that our state’s future belongs to its people. Let’s choose a governor who gets that.

Vote Monty Fritts on Aug. 6.

Rebecca Day