Sen. Lamar Alexander speaks to reporters and editors Friday at the Chattanooga Times Free Press.Lamar Alexander opposes Iran deal
U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander said Friday he will vote against the Iran nuclear deal, arguing that it would not stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon and could even touch off a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.
The accord “does not sufficiently restrict Iran’s nuclear program and makes no effort to put a brake on its other conduct as the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism,” the Maryville Republican said in a statement.
“The agreement puts some limits on Iran’s nuclear program, but it also legitimizes it, thereby encouraging a nuclear arms race in the most unstable area of the world,” Alexander said. “The agreement takes the pressure off Iran at a time when pressure is likely to succeed.”
Alexander said he believes the United States should negotiate with Iran, “but should do so from a position of strength, as we did with the Soviet Union.”
“Disapproval of this deal would help make clear that Congress is willing to confront Iran’s non-nuclear illegal and inhumane activities,” he said.
Congress is in the middle of a 60-day review of the agreement, which was announced July 14 after two years of negotiations involving the United States and five other Western powers.
Lawmakers are expected to vote in September on the deal, which requires Iran to dismantle key elements of its nuclear program in exchange for the lifting of international sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy.
Republican presidential candidate, Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., speaks at the Defending the American Dream summit hosted by Americans for Prosperity at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Paul Vernon) Marco Rubio rally set for Thursday
Republican presidential hopeful Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., will visit Chattanooga on Thursday for a rally hosted by his Tennessee state chairman, Zach Wamp.
The event is set for 3:30-5 p.m. at the Lindsay Street Hall, 901 Lindsay St.
Admission is free but registration is required: tinyurl.com/qajwm7t.
For more information, email Lisa Eyster: lisaeyster4@gmail.com.
Hammond to speak to Pachyderms
Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond will be the guest speaker at the weekly Pachyderms luncheon Monday. His topic will be domestic terrorism.
The meeting starts at noon at GOP headquarters, 1428 Chestnut St., Suite E. Parking is in the adjacent Finley Stadium parking lot.
GOP moving to new headquarters
The Hamilton County Republican Party is moving its headquarters.
Chairman Tony Sanders said on the GOP’s website the organization will move Tuesday into new quarters at 701 Cherokee Blvd., Suite 227.
He said the mailing address will still be P.O. Box 4451, Chattanooga, 37405, and the phone number, 423-266-9351, won’t change either.
Democratic women will meet Sept. 8
Heather Cook, homeless programs coordinator for the city of Chattanooga, will speak to the Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women’s Club at its Sept. 8 meeting.
The event is set for 6 p.m. at IBEW Local 175, 3922 Volunteer Drive. Light refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, contact Brenda Nunn at Nunnbre@aol.com.
Campaign training set for Sept. 10
Tennessee Democratic Party senior political director Kris Murphy and county party liaison Maria Brewer will speak at the Hamilton County Democratic Party’s campaign training seminar at 6 p.m. Sept. 10 at IBEW Local 175.
Local Democrats who are working in 2016 presidential campaigns and those interested in helping elect Democrats to congressional, state and local offices in 2016 are invited. A complimentary light meal will be provided .
Reserve a spot by calling 423-313-7347 or emailing hcdp.tn@gmail.com.
For more information, contact Terry Lee at tleedemocrat@gmail.com.