On Sunday, I shared with a group of folks that when we began this campaign, I knew that it was going to require me to work harder than I’d ever worked, to build a movement unlike anything else we’ve ever seen in East Tennessee, and bring in thousands of volunteers and supporters . . . and on top of that, we’d need a...

As I’ve been traveling the district, talking to voters, holding events, sending out volunteers, putting up billboards, and so much more, I’ve had the feeling that something doesn’t quite add up. Where’s Tim? I’m not talking about him refusing to hold town halls, debate, or show up at forums or joint interviews....

Driving home from a packed town hall in Claiborne county last night, my deputy campaign manager said, “These are the stories told by campaigns that win unwinnable races. About the moment they knew it was possible. An evening when nearly a hundred people showed up in a rural part of the district, on a church night,...

On a strategy call with my deputy campaign manager, he abruptly paused. “I think Tim Burchett’s campaign manager just subscribed to our communications. Let me make sure.” He sure has. We’ve known for a while that Tim’s getting nervous. This is a race he shouldn’t have to break a sweat to win. This district has been...

I wrote and submitted this op-ed last week. Since it was not published, I’m sharing it here as you all deserve the chance to read it. Representative Burchett, you and I are political opponents, not grade school children engaged in a battle of who can come up with the most creative taunt to shout across the school...

Towards the end of last night’s KCDP Election Night watch party, I was chatting with one of Knox County’s most dedicated canvassers. He, like I, had been door knocking until the last minute, trying to get every possible voter to the polls. KCDP Watch Party. Photo credit: Emery Ball He told me that at one door, the...

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Back when I first launched this campaign, I received a message on social media offering to take me to see parts of the district I’ve never been to before. A former UPS driver in northern Campbell and Claiborne counties, Bob told me that since I was running to represent the people of East Tennessee, he wanted to...

What does it mean to love our country? It’s certainly not a new question, but one I’ve been thinking about as we prepared to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. Americans have much to be proud of – and much that brings us shame. Acknowledging that latter part makes some people very angry....

Most of you know that my team and I are working incredibly hard. It’s important work that we do gladly, and we know that sometimes, the seeds we are working so diligently to plant and tend won’t emerge and bear fruit for many months (if not longer). But last week, I needed a little fruit in this season. You probably...

What a week it has been. If you are tired – angry – wondering how to keep going – I’m here with you. The warning bells of fascism are ringing louder, closer, and more urgently every day. Earlier this week, I saw the news that Tennessee House Speaker Sexton stripped Democratic lawmakers of all committee assignments...