BRIEFS: Fincher endorsed by pro-life group; Herron fundraising totals; Usama Ekpeye convention
Republican Stephen Fincher’s 8th Congressional District campaign was endorsed Tuesday by Tennessee Right to Life.
The pro-life group lauded the farmer and gospel singer from Frog Jump for having the most consistent pro-life stance of any candidate in the race based on the group’s review of candidate surveys, public statements and interviews.
Fincher faces a Republican field including Jackson Dr. Ron Kirkland, Memphis Dr. George Flinn and Mercer chef Randy Smith in Aug. 5’s primary.
“Our organization felt compelled to wade into the competitive Eighth District Republican Primary because Mr. Fincher stood head and shoulders above his opponents as a 100 percent pro-life leader,” said Brian Harris, president of Tennessee Right to Life.
Herron raises another $350K
State Sen. Roy Herron’s 8th Congressional District campaign announced Tuesday that he raised $350,000 in the second quarter, putting him at $1.5 million in total fundraising with $1.2 million available to spend.
“People are strongly on board with Roy’s ideas for growing jobs in Tennessee and cutting spending in Washington, and they are actively supporting the campaign,” said Brandon Puttbrese, Herron spokesman.
Herron is unopposed in the Democratic primary in the race to be the successor to U.S. Rep. John Tanner, D-Union City.
Herron lent his campaign $250,000 late last year.
None of the Republican candidates seeking the 8th District seat have made announcements yet about their second-quarter fundraising haul.
The federal deadline for submitting second-quarter campaign finance reports is July 15.
Brooks welcomes convention to city
Jackson City Councilman Ernest Brooks II welcomed members of Usama Ekpeye USA to Jackson last week for the group’s 8th annual convention, according to a news release.
Usama Ekpeye USA is a community organization whose members hail or have ancestral origin from the Ekpeye community of Rivers State of Nigeria, the release says.
Usama Ekpeye means the development of Ekpeye people and community in all ways and the promotion of unity amongst its members.
The convention took place Thursday through Sunday.
Events were held at the DoubleTree Hotel, Premier Place Catering and the home of the convention chairman, Dr. Gift Eze, the release says.
The mission of the group is to comprehend and combat the lack of unity, economic, political, social and cultural development of Ekpeyeland, the release says.
Brooks presented a proclamation and key to the city to Eze Robinson O. Robinson during the annual banquet.
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