S04 E09 The Loyal Opposition: Bad Bills, Housing Costs, and a Big Democratic Candidate Kickoff in Sumner County

Len Assante and Michele Harbin open with Tennessee political news, criticizing Rep. Johnny Garrett for using his state House campaign account to mail constituent flyers while running for Congress, and flagging multiple bills: SB1585 reducing voucher accountability, SB2445 ending teacher “collaborative conferencing,” and SB1741 (“Charlie Kirk” free speech bill) restricting campus protest activity. Michelle gives a real estate and legislative update, including a proposed landlord registry for large REITs, impact-fee debates, proposed rental-property registration with the Secretary of State, a bill limiting landlords from restricting tenants’ firearm rights, and a proposed guns/ammunition sales-tax holiday. Len notes the resignation of counterterrorism director Joe Kent over Iran policy.

Megan Lange joins to discuss a record number of Sumner County Democrats running, a “Pints for Progress”/campaign kickoff at Tailgate in Hendersonville, party staffing improvements, upcoming events, and fundraising for candidate support tools.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website.

To learn more or to support the Sumner County Democratic Party, please visit their website:

www.stillblue@sumnerdems.org

Mobilize: https://www.mobilize.us/

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

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S03 E08 The Loyal Opposition: Useless Trivia, Tennessee Legislature Updates, and an Interview with Independent Gubernatorial Candidate Dr. Lauren Pinkston

Hosts Len Assante and Michele Harbin open with personal updates and discuss Tennessee legislative actions including a proposed expansion of the private school voucher program from 20,000 to 40,000 slots (over $300 million), a bill giving state lawmakers appointment power over airport boards, Senate Bill 1880 expanding Homeland Security officers’ arrest powers beyond counterterrorism, and Senate Bill 162 to ban fluoride in public drinking water.

The episode features an interview with Dr. Lauren Pinkston, an independent candidate for Tennessee governor, who describes her background, argues Tennessee is a “non-voting state,” outlines priorities including a Digital Democracy Project tool to track citizen input, shifting focus from vouchers to early childhood and workplace childcare, and expanding energy strategy including underground data centers, and describes campaign fundraising, volunteers, and living-room organizing.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website.

Lauren Pinkston For Governor pinkstonfortn.com

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

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S04 E07 The Loyal Opposition: War Powers Debate, Tennessee Preemption, Library Book Policy, and Immigrant Advocacy in Sumner County

Host Len Assante opens The Loyal Opposition by discussing the latest news impacting Sumner County including Congress’s sole constitutional power to declare war versus presidents using military force without declarations, a state Senate vote on SB 1708 to effectively ban community bail funds by capping nonprofit bonds and imposing civil liability; state efforts to control Elon Musk’s Boring Company tunnel project in Nashville, including a proposed $5 million oversight division; and renewed state attempts to seize control of Nashville’s airport board.

Guests Lindsey Doss (Public School Strong) and Theta Murray (SOCM) discuss public-school advocacy and a contested library collections policy, including removing ALA guidance and banning transgender-related materials. Trey Primrose explains Sumner Advocates for Immigrant Dignity (Sumner AID) immigrant-rights work, ICE activity concerns, petitions to end a 287(g) contract, and HB 793 amendments shifting from tuition/records to counting undocumented students.

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Sumner Advocates for Immigrant Dignity (Sumner AID)

Instagram: @sumneraid_TN

Bluesky: SumnerAID

Statewide Organizing For Community eMpowerment (SOCM)

https://www.socm.org/

Sumner Indivisible

Instagram: @indivisiblesumnercounty

Facebook: Indivisible Sumner County

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the

current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

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S04 E06 Gun Safety, Sexual Violence Prevention at Vanderbilt, and a Flippable Tennessee Senate Race in District 17

Host Michele Harbin opens The Loyal Opposition with a discussion about a loaded gun brought to Station Camp Middle School and argues for stronger firearm storage accountability, notes increased Democratic candidate participation in Sumner and surrounding counties, and cites a Tennessee bill proposing murder charges for women who have abortions as an example of extremism. Former intern Carolina Kelly joins with Vanderbilt Student Government’s Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention (RSVP) co-chairs Manu and Jake to describe prevention work, including distributing drink-spike testers and condoms, pursuing funding for Nightcap drink covers, and hosting a sold-out campus talk by Epstein survivor and advocate Jess Michaels.

Michele then interviews Lindsey Patrick-Wright, a former librarian running for Tennessee State Senate District 17, who describes fighting book bans, opposing policies targeting trans students, organizing against a proposed ICE detention facility in Lebanon that was ultimately stopped, and outlines campaign needs, website, and upcoming events.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found on all the streaming and podcast platforms or on our website.

To learn more or to support the Sumner County Democratic Party, please visit their website:

www.stillblue@sumnerdems.org

Lindsey Patrick-Wright for State Senate District 17

https://www.lindseyfortn.com/

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the

current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

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S04 E04 The Loyal Opposition: An Incredible Rundown of Governor Lee’s Broken Promises Then Meet Joni Cochrane, Candidate for TN Senate District 17

Great show this week! This episode features an engaging interview with Joni Cochran, candidate for State Senate District 17, who talks about her motivations and plans for change. Additionally, hosts Len and Michele focus on Governor Lee’s unfulfilled promises from his previous state address. They highlight key issues facing Tennesseans, including the lack of new daycare spots, failed initiatives like the $60 million starter home fund, and soaring costs in housing, healthcare, and childcare. They also discuss the alarming statistics on violent crime and gunshot fatalities among children in Tennessee, underfunded public schools, and the struggle of families to meet basic needs due to high living costs. Additionally, Michele shares her journey into real estate, offering new insights and plans for future updates.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

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S04 E04 The Loyal Opposition: An Incredible Rundown of Governor Lee’s Broken Promises Then Meet Joni Cochrane, Candidate for TN Senate District 17

Great show this week! This episode features an engaging interview with Joni Cochran, candidate for State Senate District 17, who talks about her motivations and plans for change. Additionally, hosts Len and Michele focus on Governor Lee’s unfulfilled promises from his previous state address. They highlight key issues facing Tennesseans, including the lack of new daycare spots, failed initiatives like the $60 million starter home fund, and soaring costs in housing, healthcare, and childcare. They also discuss the alarming statistics on violent crime and gunshot fatalities among children in Tennessee, underfunded public schools, and the struggle of families to meet basic needs due to high living costs. Additionally, Michele shares her journey into real estate, offering new insights and plans for future updates.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPAhttps://artemis.cpa/

The Loyal Opposition

S04 E03 Interview with Mike Croley: Congressional Candidate for the Tennessee 6th District - Affordability, Accountability, and Accessibility

In this episode of The Loyal Opposition, host Len Assante welcomes Mike Croley, a candidate for Congress from the 6th District of Tennessee. The discussion begins with Mike’s background, including his military and public service career, and his motivations for running for office. Mike discusses gerrymandering issues in Tennessee, the need for campaign finance reform, and Mike’s primary campaign platform: affordability, accountability, and accessibility. Mike shares his plans to engage with constituents through a series of town halls and his innovative “Your Voice, Tennessee” initiative aimed at making legislative decisions more participatory. Len and Mike also address pressing concerns like the minimum wage and immigration enforcement policies. Mike emphasizes the importance of listening to voters and representing their true interests in Congress. Listeners are encouraged to visit his campaign website and participate in upcoming events.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts

To learn more or to support Mike, please visit his website: CroleyforCongress.com

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

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The Loyal Opposition S04 E02

Conversation with Journalist Ren Brabenec - Addressing State Concerns on Gun Control to the Impact of AI on Electricity Bills

In this episode of The Loyal Opposition, host Len Assante provides a critical look at a range of pressing issues facing Sumner County and beyond. The show opens by addressing a significant rise in children spending nights in Department of Children’s Services offices and a controversial Republican bill concerning public hearings for energy company acquisitions. Len discusses Governor Lee’s private school voucher scheme, highlighting its inequities and inefficiencies.

Special guest freelance journalist Ren Brabenec joins the conversation, sharing insights on gun rights and control and discussing his latest works. Brabenec delves into corporate influence over gun policies and stresses the importance of community actions in tackling gun violence. The episode also touches on rising electricity bills due to AI and data centers, emphasizing the need for local community awareness and holistic assessments of new projects. Tune in for in- depth discussions, breaking news, and engaging commentary on these critical topics.

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

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The Loyal Opposition S04 E01

Welcome to Season Four of TLO!

In this episode, Len and Michele welcome Sumner County Democratic Party Chair Megan Lange as we discuss political issues both local and national.

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

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The Loyal Opposition S03 E41

The Loyal Opposition: Wanna Be a Movie Star? The Film Industry in Middle Tennessee

Plus An Update On The New Political Landscape.

In this episode of The Loyal Opposition, host Len Assante talks with screen writer Mark Brown and educator Allan Babiarz-Lira. They discuss middle Tennessee politics and then have an in-depth conversation on the film industry in Tennessee.

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

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The Loyal Opposition: Len and Michele Have An In-depth Discussion With The Amazing Courtenay Rogers Along With The News And A Special Report On School Bus Safety in Portland.

Courtenay is a former Naval Officer and political candidate, and current owner of CoRo Consulting. Courtenay a keen observer of Tennessee politics and offers her insights into the current state of Tennessee and local politics. And as a bonus the show kicks off with a story you won’t want to miss about school bus safety in Portland.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

CoRo Consulting: https://www.coroconsulting.co/

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPAhttps://artemis.cpa/

The Loyal Opposition S03 E39

The Loyal Opposition: Unity and Democracy with Dr. Samar Ali

In this episode of The Loyal Opposition, hosts Len Assante and Michele Harbin interview Dr. Samar Ali from Vanderbilt University’s Project on Unity and American Democracy. The conversation delves into the role of trust in political institutions, the impact of Citizens United, the Unity Index, and steps towards achieving peace and unity in a fragmented society. Dr. Ali also shares insights from her research on peacemaking and mediation, stressing the need for community building and nonviolence. The show also provides a overview local political events and provides commentary on Tennessee’s state policies and national election results.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

The Vanderbilt University Project on Unity and American Democracy: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/unity/

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPAhttps://artemis.cpa/

The Loyal Opposition S03 E39

The Loyal Opposition: Unity and Democracy with Dr. Samar Ali

In this episode of The Loyal Opposition, hosts Len Assante and Michele Harbin interview Dr. Samar Ali from Vanderbilt University’s Project on Unity and American Democracy. The conversation delves into the role of trust in political institutions, the impact of Citizens United, the Unity Index, and steps towards achieving peace and unity in a fragmented society. Dr. Ali also shares insights from her research on peacemaking and mediation, stressing the need for community building and nonviolence. The show also provides a overview local political events and provides commentary on Tennessee’s state policies and national election results.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

The Vanderbilt University Project on Unity and American Democracy: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/unity/

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find: - Easy link to email your Representatives, - Upcoming take action events, - A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things, - Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers. We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

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This week Len interviews Tyler Bell from A Vision For You Recovery and Jean Myers from Public Schools Strong.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts!

www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

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This week Len & Michele review the news, highlight the damage Trump policies are doing to Tennessee, review the No Kings rallys in Nashville and Gallatin and host a discussion of the school dress code policy in Sumner County. Candidate for School Board Holly Cruz and Portland mom Kristi Cornett join.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts!

www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

Community Matters: Local Politics, Voting Rights, Funding Local Elections, and Banning Books in Our Library.

Host Len Assante kicks off with the issues of voting rights and local governance with guests Hunter Wheeler and Megan Lange. Hunter, the Sixth District Chair for the Tennessee Democratic County Chairs Association, emphasizes the importance of building networks across county parties to ensure effective governance. Megan Lange, chair of the Sumner County Democratic Party, provides a detailed update on the issue of convenience voting in Sumner County. She criticizes the County Commission for delaying the budget approval necessary for implementing this system, effectively resulting in intentional voter suppression. The conversation also touches on broader implications of gerrymandering and its impact on representative democracy. Both guests stress the importance of community engagement and active participation in local politics to combat these challenges. The episode concludes with a lively discussion on local library controversies, notably current Sumner County Library Board Chairwoman, Joanna Daniels’, problematic actions on the library board, and the legalities surrounding recent meetings. Megan encourages listeners to focus on broader pressing issues like the election commission and volunteer fire departments. Listeners are reminded of upcoming events, including the No Kings Rally and the importance of showing up at the next County Commission meeting to defend our libraries and our right to vote. The show closes with a glimpse of the guest’s favorite movies.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts!

www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

The Loyal Opposition S03 E35

In this episode of The Loyal Opposition, host Len Assante interviews the Hendersonville Fire Chief and provides details on the impact of Washington’s policies on Sumner County residents, updates on the proposed controversial Library polices restricting access to materials on our public libraries and, highlighting the importance of diversity in government.

The show begins with the announcement of the special election results for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, where Republican Matt Van Epps and Democrat Aftyn Behn emerged as primary winners. The discussion then shifts to local issues, including contentious policies from the Sumner County Library Trustee Board and the ongoing struggles of families affected by new federal SNAP regulations.

In this week’s interview, Len has an in-depth discussion with Chief Scotty Bush of the Hendersonville Fire Department, exploring topics such as the challenges faced by firefighters, their crucial role in the community, and the recent salary disparities between firefighters and police officers. The show concludes with a discussion on the future of fire services in Sumner County and Chief Bush’s personal reflections on his tenure and future plans.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts!

www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show. https://www.theloyalopposition.online/

Please support our advertisers and sponsors:

Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPA https://artemis.cpa/

The Loyal Opposition S03 E34

TNDP Vice Chair Dr. Nathan Higdon

In this week’s episode of The Loyal Opposition, Len offers news commentary and then dives into an interview with Dr. Nathan Higdon, Vice Chair of the TN Democratic Party. We disuss the current political climate in TN, the importance of the upcoming special election in TN 07 and talk about what it takes to run for office.

SUBSCRIBE!! Don’t miss an episode of The Loyal Opposition. We can be found wherever you get your podcasts.

Visit our website: www.theloyalopposition.online A one-stop-shop for navigating the current political environment. You will find:

- Easy link to email your Representatives,

- Upcoming take action events,

- A list of Sumner County organizations doing great things,

- Links mentioned in the show, and to our supporters and advertisers.

We make it easy to write your representative or get involved. You can also stream our show.

TN Democratic Party: www.tndp.org

Please support our advertisers and sponsors: Law Office of Amanda J. Gentry AmandaJGentry.com

Artemis CPA, https://artemis.cpa/