Beavers voting for Hilleary

August 5, 2005
Wilson County's two Republican legislators said Thursday they intend to support the winner of the Republican U.S. Senate primary, regardless of his or her identity.
However, while State Rep. Susan Lynn declined to endorse any candidate in a field that includes former congressmen Ed Bryant and Van Hilleary as well as former Chattanooga mayor Bob Corker, State Sen. Mae Beavers said she plans to cast her vote for Hilleary.
Noting Hilleary had "very much supported" her candidacy in previous elections, Beavers described the former House member as a "close friend" and a "good conservative."
"I've run alongside Van in a lot of races since 1994. We won in the same year, and he is a close friend and a good family man," Beavers said.
Beavers added she and Hilleary share similar opinions on a majority of issues and said Hilleary's congressional record was key in gaining her support.
"I would say it was the way he voted in Congress … He has a good record of being a good conservative," she concluded.
Lynn, who said voters would ultimately determine which candidate garnered her backing, was non-committal Thursday when asked to comment on the race.
Earlier this week, Lynn joined Bryant at an event in Mt. Juliet by one of the country's most high-profile anti-tax groups.
"I am just letting the primary process take place, and … I think we have wonderful candidates running in the Republican Party," Lynn said. "Whoever wins the nomination, I will get behind that candidate 100 percent and support them through the end."
Once the primary process is complete and the GOP candidate has been determined, Lynn added she would strive to assist in campaign efforts as much as possible.
"If they come to the district, I will be very happy to be present with them at public events that they attend," she said. "I'd certainly be happy to introduce them to different people if they'd like me to do so. I'll just be at their disposal to support them in any way that I can."
Staff Writer Brian Harville can be reached at 444-3952 ext. 16 or by e-mail at brian.harville@lebanondemocrat.com.