Frank Eaton, candidate for House District 27, has challenged incumbent state representative Richard Floyd to three debates between now and the Nov. 6 election.
In his challenge, Mr. Eaton mentioned that a Chattanooga Free Press editorial page endorsement of Mr. Floyd’s primary candidacy used the words “hateful, deplorable, and reprehensible” to describe Mr. Floyd’s public comments threatening to “stomp a mud hole” in certain constituents. “Debates might give you the opportunity to explain or apologize for these statements, or explain why drafting a bill to check people’s gender at the door of public restrooms is more important to you than jobs or education,” said Mr. Eaton.
Mr. Eaton also mentioned Mr. Floyd’s vote to stall the Scenic Vistas Protection Act in committee, telling his opponent “People I’ve spoken with are disappointed with your votes against a bill that would protect Tennessee’s highest mountains from being blown up in the destructive process of mountaintop removal. Debates would allow you to explain why it’s taking years for you to form a position on this issue and whether mining industry campaign contributions have clouded your judgment as a legislator.”
Mr. Eaton said, “I believe it is important that the voters hear us debate the issues critical to our district and our state. I believe our election process works best when voters can become familiar with the candidates and contrast their positions on important issues.”
Tennessee House District 27 spans western Hamilton County including Lookout Mountain, Lookout Valley, St. Elmo, Signal Mountain, Fairmount, Walden, Mountain Creek, Red Bank, Hixson, Falling Water, Flat Top Mountain, Mowbray Mountain, Soddy-Daisy, and Bakewell.