November 20, 2007

OAKDALE -- Morgan County Executive Becky Ruppe announced today that she will run for the State Senate in the 12th District with the backing of a number of high-profile elected leaders from the region.

"All over this district people are concerned about the economy and concerned about affordable health care," Ruppe said. "Just as I have worked hard to solve problems as county executive, I will do the same in the State Senate."

The 12th District encompasses Campbell, Fentress, Morgan, Rhea, Roane and Scott counties. As county executive, Ruppe has already created working relationships in some manner with each county in the district.

"Not only do our counties share many of the same problems but we also share the beautiful surroundings God has given each of us," Ruppe said. "This is one of the most beautiful districts in the state. We need to build upon our strengths to improve the quality of life for families in this region."

As county executive, Ruppe took a leading role in creating Plateau Partnership Park, an industrial park of over 1100 acres located in Cumberland, Roane and Morgan Counties. This industrial park will spur economic development and create jobs in the region.

Ruppe has been endorsed by State Senator Tommy Kilby, Congressman Lincoln Davis, and State Representative Dennis Ferguson. "I am both honored and humbled by the leaders who are already supporting my campaign, and I hope my support will continue to grow as we move forward," Ruppe said. "I hope to work with them and other community leaders around the region to make a difference and to get things done for the hard-working people of the 12th District."

She noted that she will part with some in the Democratic Party on social issues. Ruppe said she is pro-life and a strong supporter of 2nd Amendment Rights. She opposes gay marriage and opposes an income tax. Ruppe said many of her values are principles taught to her by her father, a minister.

Ruppe served two terms on the Morgan County School Board from 1998 until 2004. In 2004, she became the first woman to be elected to the office of Morgan County Executive. She was reelected by a wide margin in 2006. As County Executive, she has worked tirelessly on economic development projects. She has also secured grants for infrastructure and to create an Elderly Watch program to protect senior citizens. Ruppe accomplished all this and more without raising property taxes.

Ruppe currently resides in the Pine Orchard community of Oakdale with her husband, Darrell. Ruppe and her husband have a total of four children and six grand children.

Ruppe concluded her announcement by saying, "In the coming months, I look forward to traveling around the district and meeting as many people and community leaders as possible. I plan to listen to the concerns of families in the district and then go to Nashville to work with Republicans, Democrats and Governor Phil Bredesen to get results for our region."