Tenn State Rep ‘Wouldn’t Say A Word’ In Proposed Session With Congress

State Rep. Joe Carr (R-Lascassas) is challenging Sen. Lamar Alexander, who is running for a third term. Credit: Carr for Senate via Facebook

Tennessee lawmakers are still trying to schedule a time for the state’s entire Congressional delegation to drop by for a chat about states’ rights and federal powers. One of the Republicans pushing for what’s being called a “bi-lateral session” is also running for congress, though he says he’d be happy to sit out.

It could be a perfect opportunity for state Rep. Joe Carr of Rutherford County to ask pointed questions to his primary opponent – Sen. Lamar Alexander. But Carr says he won’t.

“I wouldn’t say a word. It would be inappropriate for me to ask a question because of the political climate. This is too important of an issue.”

Carr says he would even leave the building if that would make Alexander more willing to join the discussion of what’s perceived as an overreach of federal powers.

Since floating the idea in August, leaders of the General Assembly have had trouble finding a convenient time for such a rare joint meeting early next year.

State Sen. Jim Tracy is also running for Congress, challenging Rep. Scott DesJarlais in the Republican primary. But unlike Joe Carr, Tracy says he would attend a joint session with the state’s Congressional delegation. He says the people of Bedford County elected him to represent their interests, and he plans to “do just that.”