Nashville News Blog

In an email to supporters (there must be someone out there somewhere), Kim McMillan has just taken a courageous stand against changing the law so Jim Kyle and Roy Herron can raise money for their gubernatorial campaigns during next year's legislative session. Her email:

The 2010 elections will cover many issues, but I want to start talking with Tennesseans about ethics in state government.

This year, lawmakers have taken a personal interest in loosening ethics laws covering elections in Tennessee. This is particulary disturbing given that these tough economic times have seen the worst job losses in a generation, growing deficits and declining wages and benefits.

In the 2006 Special Session of the Tennessee General Assembly, I sponsored a bill that, among other things, sought to lessen the appearance of impropriety by elected officials by tightening and expanding the scope of restrictions governing when elected officials were banned from raising money when the Legislature is in session.

The bill passed overwhelmingly and with good reason.

In the wake of scandals, we had to restore public confidence that our lawmakers were doing the work of the people who duly elected them.

Lawmakers should do their job during the legislative session without the distraction and potential impropriety of participating in campaign functions and fundraisers.

I am not currently serving in public office, so I don't have to choose between my public role as an elected official and my personal campaign activities. I believe other candidates should do the same.

As Governor, I will fight to make it better. I will fight to open records, make our government transparent and accountable and keep our lawmakers working for you.