Clarksville, TN – Dr. Mark Green hosted a campaign event Friday night at the Hilton Garden Inn, attended by some of the most influential Republicans in the state. Green, who is challenging democrat Tim Barnes for state senator, welcomed Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, Congressman Marsha Blackburn, speaker of the house Beth Harwell, and others, to officially kick off his campaign for state senate.
After recounting stories of his service in the military, Green got down to thanking those who had made it possible for him to have the opportunity to serve his community. He thanked his wife and his God for the opportunity to serve, and to the veterans who came before him.

Saying in his speech that his top three priorities are “jobs! jobs! and jobs!” Green said “we have the best workers in the nation, right here. We have to get rid of the taxes that are keeping businesses out of this state.”
Green also spoke of the inheritance tax, which drives businesses out of Tennessee. “If you build a successful business, you won’t want to die in the state of Tennessee. The inheritance tax drives those businessmen and their companies somewhere else. It’s a job killer.”

Green thanked those who organized the event including finance chairman J. R Hand “for doing yeoman’s work in a down economy” and “to all the veterans who served.”
Green also made some pointed comments about the incumbent senator when he said, ” as your next senator, I promise I will not ride the coat tails of (state representative) Joe Pitts. Senator Barnes is a nice fellow, but he is outside his strength zone. I am pro life, pro gun, pro family and pro marriage, and to me that means between a man and a woman.”
Senator Barnes has not made any official announcements concerning his re-election. Follow Clarksville Online for all the latest news on the candidates.
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