Alicia Mitchell, one of four Democrats running in Tennessee’s 3rd District Congressional primary, says she’s a conservative Democrat focused on job creation.
Ms. Mitchell spoke about her candidacy with the Chattanooga Times Free Press editorial board Tuesday.
“I want to see how the banks are going to let go of the money for small businesses,” she said, without outlining a specific policy to do so.
“Maybe (small businesses) need tax cuts,” she said.
She is not in favor of repealing health care reform, she said, but is sympathetic toward the controversial immigration law passed in Arizona.
“I can see how it’s a popular law,” she said. “Illegal immigrants have been a problem in the U.S. for a long time.”
The Arizona law requires police to question people they suspect are here illegally and take them into custody if they are unable to prove they are in the United States legally. The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit challenging the law.
Alicia MitchellAge: 51Occupation: Teacher at Roane State Community CollegeFundraising: $100
Ms. Mitchell said she was against the U.S. government’s bailout of the banks, saying money should instead have gone to consumers who needed help paying their mortgages.
She said she’s pro-gun rights but also favors laws that “make a home safe.” She said abortion needs to be safe for women who want to have it.
Richard Wilson, a professor of political science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga who votes in the Democratic primary, said Ms. Mitchell is positioning herself to be a credible challenger to whoever becomes the Republican nominee.
Avoiding the crowds instead? Click here to DIY your own NYE party at home
As the countdown to the countdown kicks into overdrive, one thing is clear: You’re going to need to plan. If you’re staying in with friends, go for more than just a bowl of chips and last year’s Spotify playlist. These local businesses can steer you down the path to New Year’s Eve party nirvana.
He said it’s likely the Republican nominee will win, but that an upset is possible in a race for an open seat.
“I don’t think she’s one of the better known of the candidates, but were she to be the nominee, she would probably be positioned to be a challenger in the general election,” he said.
3RD DISTRICT CANDIDATES
Republicans
Tommy Crangle, Chuck Fleischmann, Tim Gobble, Harvey Howard, Jean Howard-Hill, Van Irion, Rick Kernea, Basil Marceaux Sr., Art Rhodes, Robin Smith, Grover Travillian
Democrats
Alicia Mitchell, Brenda Freeman Short, Brent Davis Staton, John Wolfe
Independents
Don Barkman, Mark DeVol, Gregory C. Goodwin, Robert Humphries, Mo Kiah, Savas T. Kyriakidis
The state primary is Aug. 5.
Source: Tennessee Department of State