FORMER REPRESENTATIVE BEN WEST, JR. ENDORSES ROBERT DUVALL

Respected Democrat calls Duvall “uniquely qualified” to represent District 59

ANTIOCH, TN – Former State Representative Ben West, Jr. today endorsed District 33 Metro Councilman Robert Duvall in his campaign for State Representative in House District 59. A respected figure in the Nashville political community, West served areas of Donelson, Hermitage, and Southeastern Davidson County in the Tennessee House of Representatives as a Democrat from 1985 until 2011.

“It is my great pleasure to offer support to Robert Duvall in this campaign,” West said. “I have had the opportunity to work with both individuals seeking this seat in the Legislature and I know Robert Duvall has the background, understanding and commitment to the people of Antioch and southeast Davidson County needed to represent the community well. I know Robert Duvall is a man who cares deeply about this community and its future. His in-depth understanding of the particular challenges and opportunities here make him uniquely qualified to serve as a strong voice in the legislature. Robert doesn’t view service as a personal privilege. He views it as an opportunity to positively impact the people who call District 59 home. He will be a great advocate for everyone, regardless of their party or political background.”

Duvall thanked Representative West for his endorsement and noted West’s standing in Nashville’s political history. “Over the years, our city has been blessed with community leaders who have had a hand in leading Nashville forward. Ben West, Jr. and the entire West family rank at the top of that list of leaders. I am fortunate to have his support in this effort and thank him and his wife Phyllis for their personal endorsement. I have consistently said I want a positive campaign that allows us to express our contrasting views about the future of District 59. Having members of both parties come together behind my candidacy shows my desire to be a community representative is resonating across south and southeast Davidson County. Representative West’s endorsement is a sign to all that we can work together to make our home a better place to live.”

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Sen. Henry, Rep. Gotto and Rep. West (retired) endorse Josh Stites in District 13

Josh Stites

NASHVILLE – State Senator Doug Henry, State Representative Jim Gotto and State Rep. Ben West (retired) have formally announced their support for Metro Council Candidate Josh Stites in his race for the 13th District Council seat. Stites is in a runoff election to be held on September 15th.

"I am grateful for the support of Sen. Henry, Rep. Gotto and Rep. West,” Stites said. “These men have worked for more than 70 years collectively to improve the city of Nashville and the State of Tennessee. I am honored by their faith in my ability and my goals for our city.”

Senator Doug Henry

“Josh Stites is an intelligent, honest and hardworking young man,” said Sen. Henry. “He has impressed me with his ability to work with folks from all political parties and philosophies. He will rise above politics to get things done for Nashville. I am honored to offer my endorsement of his candidacy. His ability to gain support from people on both sides of the aisle proves his value to Nashville on this council.”

Ben West

"Josh is the kind of person who runs for the Council not for political reasons but for the opportunity to serve his community,” said Rep. West. “I am impressed at his knowledge of government finances and I know from my 30 years of public service that his experience will be called upon often over the next four years. He will be a trusted voice in Metro's financial matters. Josh is one of the hardest working people I know and this district will be well-served by his energy and enthusiasm. I'm excited to endorse someone who I truly believe is the future of Nashville's leadership."

Rep. Jim Gotto

"Josh has the education, experience, and character to lead Metro through the difficult financial years ahead,” said Rep. Gotto. “He is a natural leader and a hard worker who will champion the needs of the 13th district on the Council."


Early voting begins in five runoff elections across Davidson County starting August 26th running through September 10th. Election Day is September 15th.

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Rep. Ben West, Jr. endorses Sam Cole­man for state House

(Nashville) — State Representative Ben West, Jr. (D-Hermitage), who is retiring after serving the 60th House district for 26 years, endorsed Metro Councilman Sam Coleman Thursday as his replacement in the upcoming November election.

West was joined in the endorsement by Coleman’s four former opponents from the August Democratic Primary: Larry Crim, Tommy Bradley, Charles Hager and Chris Tobe.

“I am casting my total support behind Sam, because he understands the needs of Hermitage, Donelson and Antioch,” West said. “I plan to work tirelessly to ensure that his transition into the state house is a smooth one. I know that he will continue to serve the district in a fine manner.”

Republicans had been hopeful that the retiring West would endorse the Republican candidate Jim Gotto, or at least not endorse anyone. Ben West is a conservative Democrat and votes with Republicans more than Democrats. He is a fiscal and social conservative and is a strong advocate for the 2nd Amendment. In the last year he has been present at tea party events and at various Republican events. He and his wife Phyllis were enthusiastic supporters of Cece Heil in her quest to win the Republican nomination for the 5th Congressional District. They serving as sponsors of a fund-raising event for Cece and they worked the polls for her.

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Cece Heil announces local endorsements

August 2, 2010, Press Release Cece for Congress.

CeCe Heil's campaign brings in top local endorsements to add to her already impressive slate of National endorsements by Sarah Palin, CWA, FRC, and CWF just to name a few.

"I am so proud to have the local support from State Rep. Ben West Jr.,and his wife Phyllis, The 912 Project, Professor Carol M. Swain Ph.D.,Buford Tune, and Ricky Skaggs." - CeCe Heil

"We proudly support our friend CeCe Heil, who is running in the Primary for 5th District Congressional Seat.

We are of the opinion that this country has been heading in the wrong direction and that our voices have not been heard by our current representation regarding Congressional legislation. After looking at all the candidates in this race, it became abundantly clear that CeCe has the leadership skills and the moral character needed today to be a leader in this country. She is a strong Constitutional Conservative and successful business owner, a devoted wife, mother and Christian. She believes in smaller government and lower taxes to boost this failing economy, so more people can be put on the payroll, rather than on unemployment rolls. She is opposed to ObamaCare and government take over of private industry, and so are we.

CeCe's most important attribute is that she wants input from her constituents. She believes firmly in the concept of "WE THE PEOPLE" running this country. Most importantly, we believe she has the ability to debate the issues with knowledge and intelligence, bring respect back to DC and garner the support to beat the incumbent."

TN State Rep. Ben West Jr. & Mrs. Phyllis West

"Following a forum with all 5th District conservative candidates ,912 Project Tennessee's judging committee gave its highest marks to CeCe Heil.

CeCe's recognition for receiving the 912's highest marks reflects our confidence in her understanding of the proper balance between the federal and state government's respective roles as described in our US Constitution. Coupled with her understanding was CeCe's skill to defend her position to citizens of every educational level. Her answers inspired great confidence that, like us, she also desires to vastly reduce the federal government and its over reaching power. We left the forum convinced that CeCe could and would defend our Constitution according to the 9 principles and 12 values for which we stand and we would feel proud to know that she is our representative."

9.12 Project Tennessee
Restoring True American Values

"I am endorsing CeCe Heil for the 5th Congressional district. CeCe has a unique skill set and a teachable spirit. She is an accomplished attorney and a strong Christian woman who is willing to take and apply the advice she is given. I believe she will attract cross-over support from Democratic voters. Let's get behind CeCe with votes & dollars

Professor Carol M. Swain Ph.D.
Vanderbilt Law Professor

"As a business owner, a former Metro Police Officer and an expert witness on law enforcement and security matters; I am proud to endorse CeCe Heil for US Congress to represent TN's 5th District. CeCe understands and supports our nation's highest law which is the Constitution of the United States of America and will defend our God-given right to own and bear arms.
CeCe is a successful business owner as well and runs her own law firm. As a good attorney she understands the proper roles of government and will tirelessly work to put them back in their place! We can't afford to put another 'politician' in Jim Cooper's seat, we NEED a Statesman that will uphold the Constitution and defend our freedoms! CeCe Heil believes in a strong military and will fight to defend the American dream with backbone and steady character. I am a no nonsense kind of guy and CeCe will bring her know-how and common sense to Washington to be a Conservative Voice for us and our children! I ask that you vote for CeCe Heil on August 5th and support her campaign as you are able."

Buford Tune
CEO APPS, Retired Metro Police Dept. & Metro Government

"I want to encourage you to go out and vote for CeCe Heil for congress in the 5th District. She is the candidate with the experience and courage to take on BIG government in Washington. CeCe is a woman led by her faith and convictions and has what it takes to get this country back on track. As a small business owner, attorney and constitutional scholar, she will fight tirelessly to protect our God-given freedoms. Please join me in supporting CeCe Heil for congress. Now more than ever we need CeCe to be our voice on Capitol Hill.

Ricky Skaggs
World Renowned Bluegrass Artist

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Ben West explains support for Cece Heil

Ben West at Hermitage event
State Rep. Ben West Jr., who has represented the Hermitage area for the past 26 years as a Democrat has been seen at a lot of Republican functions recently enthusiastically supporting Republican Cece Heil for Congress. Ben's wife Phyllis wears a Cece for Congress t-shirt at the events and is an enthusiastic supporter of Cece.


Phyllis speaks for Cece at Hermitage event



The Wests were at the Hermitage Egg and Bacon summit earlier this month for a debate between Cece Heil and Jeff Hartline. Ben spoke and was warmly received at the Republican gathering. Both Ben and Phyllis spoke endorsing Cece. After the meeting, I spoke to Ben and told him it was good to see him and he made a point of telling me, "Now, I'm still a Democrat."

I also saw Ben and Phyllis at the Apollo School debate where I again spoke to Ben and told him he ought to just go ahead and switch parties and declare himself a Republican.

Ben West is the last of a dying breed of conservative Democrats. Ben has always been fiscally responsible and conservative on social issues and has been an outspoken supporter of Second Amendment rights. I suspect that like a lot of conservative Democrats, he votes for Republicans at the national level but supports Democrats locally. The party lines have been quite blurred in Nashville. I am sure that many people who think of themselves as Republican always supported Ben West.

Ben is greatly admired and respected. Now that he is not running for reelection, I wish he would come out and also support Jim Gotto who is running as Republican for the seat West now occupies. When a conservative votes for a Democrat that advances the liberal agenda even if the individual they vote for is a conservative Democrat. In redistricting and in committee assignments in the legislature and various other ways, a conservative Democrat is still part of the liberal machine and is advancing the cause of liberalism.

I wish Ben would say, "I did not leave the Democrat Party, it left me and I can no longer be a Democrat." If he can't take that next step, he is nevertheless helping the Republican cause. A lot of Democrats will vote in the Republican primary thanks to the leadership of Ben and Phyllis West.

Below is Ben West's press release explaining his sponsorship of an event for Cece Heil.

BEN WEST JR.RESPONSE TO MEDIA
REGARDING HIS SUPPORT FOR CECE HEIL FOR CONGRESS

“Phyllis and I are proud to be co-hosts of the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social at the Historic Buchanan Log House in Donelson on Sunday, July 25, 2010, 2-6 PM in honor of our friend CeCe Heil, who is running in the Primary for 5th District Congressional Seat.

We are of the opinion that this country has been heading in the wrong direction; and that our voices have not been heard by our current representation regarding Congressional legislation. After looking at all the candidates in this race, it became abundantly clear t6hat CeCe has the leadership skills and the moral character needed today to be a leader in this country. She is a strong Constitution Conservative and successful business owner, a devoted wife and mother, and Christian. She believes in smaller government and lower taxes to boost this failing economy, so more people can be put on the payroll, rather than on unemployment rolls. She is opposed to ObamaCare and Government take over of Private industry; and so are we.

CeCe’s most important attribute is that she wants input from her constituents. She believes firmly in the concept of “WE THE PEOPLE” running this country. Most importantly, we believe she has the ability to debate the issues with knowledge and intelligence, bring respect back to DC and garner the support to beat the incumbent.

We would like for as many people as possible in the Davidson, Wilson and Cheatham Counties to come out, enjoy the fellowship and have the opportunity to meet CeCe and speak with her face to face.” – Ben West, Jr.

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Ben West Resigns; Jim Gotto Could Take District 60!

Jim Gotto

State Rep. Ben West Jr., D-Hermitage, announced today that he will retire in November and will not seek reelection. Representative West, the son of former Nashville Mayor Ben West, served in the state legislature for 26 years. Representative West is 68 years old and last year suffered a heart attack.

Two Democrats have picked up qualifying petitions to run for that seat and Metro Councilman Jim Gotto has announced his intention to run as a Republican.

Not running against an historic family name nor an incumbent and in today’s much more Republican-friendly climate, Jim has a good chance of taking this seat. Jim Gotto’s Metro Council District lies within House District 60. According to political pundit Bill Hobbs who crunched the numbers, Obama carried the district last time, but only by a slim 52-48 margin.

It is worth noting also, that Ben West was a fairly conservative Democrat having opposed the state income tax and supported second amendment rights. Neither of the Democrats running for the seat has any more name recognition than Gotto. They probably have less. Tommy Bradley is a former Metro Councilman who resigned his council position to take a position as Chief Administrative Officer for the Office of the Criminal Court Clerk. The other announced candidate is Larry Crim, a real estate developer. The filing deadline for the race is not until April 1 however, so other candidates could emerge.

This seat is winnable! Jim Gotto is an attractive candidate. He is smart, principled and has a reputation as a hard working councilman. We Republicans need to help Jim Gotto all we can. It would be a real upset if a Republican won this seat which has been held by a Democrat for the last 26 years. It could happen!

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