Bill Taylor, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 3rd District, spoke to a supportive crowd at the JFK Club Monday. Mr. Taylor began by saying, “We need to remember what we are about as Democrats,” and then reiterated that his campaign is focused on “jobs, healthcare and taxes.”
“I believe that job creation is a key issue in the race,” he said, noting that, “I am talking about the issues that I hear about from people all over the district.” He spoke of a visit to Oak Ridge, during which it was calculated that for every $1 invested in Oak Ridge industry and projects, $4-$5 return into the 3rd District’s economy. He also reiterated his position on funding for the Chickamauga Lock: “If the lock is not funded, companies upriver in may have to move. We are trying to create jobs, not drive them out of the district. But the funding for this will not come under the current incumbent, because under current guidelines, it can only be funded through an earmark, and he is against earmarks of any kind.”
Concerning healthcare, Mr. Taylor noted that if elected he would be “the most knowledgeable Congressman in Washington” about the dynamics of the healthcare industry because of his 30 years experience in that industry. The candidate went on to reemphasize one of his key points to voters: Polarization and rigid ideologies are causing gridlock in Congress, and the election of a “New Southern Democrat” will help the legislature find middle ground.