My roots run deep in East Tennessee. I have seen so many changes over the years, and we sure have gone through some growing pains. My grandparents were in the first graduating class from Carter High School. In fact, as a child, I used to climb the trees and chase cows on their land where the Strawberry Plains exit off I-40 is located now. I learned to waterski barefoot and fish on Norris Lake where my Great Grandparents lived. 

My Grandaddy was a dyed-in-the-wool Republican, and my Grandmother a Yellow Dog Democrat. I grew up with a family that believed the right to vote was hard won and an obligation for any American.  

The political talk at my family's table growing up was full of passion, and often fierce disagreement -- but no one was ever asked to leave, called names, or told they were un-American. That dialogue taught me the importance of differing viewpoints. I hope to bring that back to Washington in Congress as your Representative. 

I went off to college and studied science, earning both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Biology. I also took advantage of the women's studies programs. Returning home to Knoxville, I started my small business and have always been engaged in the political process. 

I have learned a lot about the ways Tennessee has become a place that is driven by corporate powers, not constituents. While big profits for the wealthy company owners increase, the living wage hasn't changed since July of 2009 for the workers. The price of a home and raising a family has definitely gone up since then, and that wage is set by the Federal government for the state of Tennessee. That's one fight I will take to Washington!

My passion lies in my desire to work to create a safe political space in which the voice of the people is heard, acknowledged, and represented at the highest levels of government. I want to be known as someone who stands up for victims of domestic abuse, not votes to support domestic abusers. Someone who fights the extremes of party politics, not joins them. Someone who brings a strong female voice to the floor of the House of Representatives, not someone who supports the silence and subjugation of women. Someone who will work for and be with the people of East Tennessee, not make a permanent home in Washington, D.C. 

It's time for leaders who take the job seriously and do right for the people.