Having just completed a 17 day, nearly 4000 mile, 27 city/town, 18 county tour of the Great State of Tennessee, I am amazed by the beauty of our state, the character of our people and the enthusiasm in our Republican party.

The “talk” in political circles all across the state is that I am the candidate with vision, proven results and the ability to get things done. And that I am the one candidate for Governor that has a clear 20/20 Vision for Tennessee!

My 20/20 plan is to have bold new initiatives that bring about real results in our state so that between now and the year 2020, Tennessee’s economy is setting the pace and we are creating the jobs of the future. We are rapidly moving from 3rd in auto manufacturing to 1st. We are the leading energy technology manufacturer in the south. We are creating better schools and better opportunities in every county of our state. Third graders are reading much more proficiently. Adolescents are much healthier and score much higher scholastically. The overall wellness of Tennesseans is improving, and our economy leads virtually every indicator among our peers. We will live in a state that Americans are talking about as the best place to invest, live and work. Leaders from across our land will be emulating what we do and following our example. We will be a Right to Work state with no State Income tax. State government will be more efficient. Taxes will be low, productivity high. Our infrastructure will be strong. Our public lands, rivers and mountains will be protected and cared for. Our culture of music, folk, agriculture and faith will be more popular than ever. We will strive to be all that God called on our state to be, to live up to our highest potential.

This vision requires strong leadership. But by working together, I know we can make it come true. Every generation a leader should come along to take our state to a level we have never been. That’s why I am running for Governor.

And that’s why I need your help. I ask for your support, your vote and your prayers because I want to be the Governor who makes Tennessee even better.

Yesterday, Tennesseans gathered across our great state to participate in the “Tax Day Tea Parties.” I want to applaud the organizers and activists involved for helping build support for permanent tax relief at the federal and state levels.

As I visited over 20 Tennessee cities last week, I continue to hear about the tough challenges facing families and small businesses during these difficult economic times.

It’s important that during this economic downturn that we hold the line of taxes, at both the state and federal levels, to give small business people, entrepreneurs and working families a fighting chance in this tough economy.

That’s why I’ve introduced new federal legislation that would make permanent certain tax relief changes including the deduction of Tennessee sales taxes from federal tax returns.

I call on all Tennesseans to rally together to help stop the massive growth in government spending – and to support common-sense tax relief for working Tennesseans.

We need good, efficient government and NO state income tax. I hope you’ll sign on today to join our efforts.