George Ryan Love, a Democrat, has announced a campaign seeking Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District seat.
"I believe in comprehensive wage and insurance reform for all people and all non-salary workers," Love said in his announcement.
Not only does he believe in a $15-per-hour living wage, but he also believes in a $20 skilled labor wage, a $10 minimum hourly wage for table servers and $15 log hour pay for truckers, Love said.
The seat is held now by Republican Chuck Fleischmann, who is seeking re-election to a fourth term. He is facing opposition from Allan Levene and Geoffery Suhmer Smith in the Republican primary.
Love will face Michael Friedman and Melody Shekari in the Democratic primary. Independents Topher Kersting, Cassandra Mitchell and Rick Tyler are also seeking the Tennessee's 3rd Congressional District seat.
"I live in poverty and everyone I know is struggling to survive," said Love, who describes himself as a disabled American who works part time at a local Wal-Mart. He cites a background that includes a political science degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a master's degree in education from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, where his thesis focused on Hispanic acculturation.
If elected, Love said he also intends to address concerns about homelessness, education reform and an overhaul of the country's immigration policies.
He calls for justice for Hispanic immigrants and the closure of detention centers, which he considers unconstitutional.
Love said he also would like to see new 24-hour shelters for the homeless and programs to transition them to steady employment.
The 3rd Congressional District encompasses Anderson, Hamilton, McMinn, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott and Union counties, and parts of Bradley and Campbell counties.
Contact staff writer Paul Leach at 423-757-6481 or pleach@timesfreepress.com.