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Some congressional campaigns adding religion to the mix

Published July 22nd, 2006 | 0 Comments

Should a candidate openly mix religion and politics, and use it as a marketing tool in running for Northeast Tennessee's 1st Congressional District seat?

State Rep. David Davis does just that in his first TV ad, where he is shown singing in church in one frame and afterward is named as the only candidate in the congressional race who opposed a proposed state income tax.

Davis, R-Johnson City, also appears to be the only candidate in the campaign branding himself as a "Christian conservative."

Congressional candidates were asked about the issue of faith in the 1st District campaign, and how their Christian beliefs have shaped them as human beings.

"I think that the values and heritage we have in Northeast Tennessee have been ignored largely over the last 50 to 60 years in America," Davis said of the reasons for his initial TV ad. "The people I talk to in the 1st Congressional District feel like they have a better America to go back to in what our founding fathers envisioned for America. ... My faith and my belief in God and what he says in the Bible gives me direction and gives me a foundation in decision making."

Republican Richard Roberts, a Greeneville attorney whose TV ads demonstrate his support for President George W. Bush, said the idea of "marketing" one's Christianity gets close to the line of using one's faith for personal or worldly gain, which he believes to be wrong.

"Personally, I believe that a person's Christianity should be �advertised' by his integrity and the conduct of his daily living," Roberts said. "I am proud to be a faith-based Christian and to share my faith with others. It is appropriate for voters to ask about my faith, because my faith is the core of my being and has shaped the values that are relevant to the way I live my life, and the way I can be expected to conduct my duties, cast votes and set priorities as a congressman. ... Many Americans, like myself, are troubled that in these times in which our Christian values and the Christian principles upon which our nation was founded are under attack, that there are some, calling themselves Christians, who seek to divide or pass judgment on other Christians with the mistaken belief that they are somehow empowered to make such judgments.

"The only judge of our hearts and the sincerity of our beliefs is the Lord. I do not recall that Billy Graham or Mother Teresa ever gave themselves the title of �good Christians.' They worked hard to lead godly lives, and their Christian beliefs were evident by the conduct of their daily lives."

Republican Larry Waters, Sevier County's mayor, also takes issue with openly using faith in one's political candidacy.

"From growing up listening to the sermons of my grandfather, Rex Waters, to serving as a deacon at my church for the past 20 years, my Christian faith has always been an important part of who I am," Waters said. "While religion influences the decisions we make in life and in public office, I do not believe that it should be used as a tool for personal gain or political expediency. Instead of praying for God to be on my side, I prefer to pray that God will bring me on his side."

Republican Richard Venable, Sullivan County's mayor, asks voters for prayers and support at the end of his first TV ad.

Venable wasn't judgmental of Davis' TV ad.

"I do strongly believe that our Christian faith and values should always be reflected in the way we conduct ourselves in public and private life," Venable said. "Indeed, in their wisdom, our founding fathers acknowledged the central importance of our Creator in the birth of this nation, and the necessity of His continuing guidance in the affairs of our country.

"Personally, as (Venable's wife) Phyllis and I have met the challenges life has put in front of us, our Christian faith has sustained us. Whether it was both of us losing our jobs at age 40 and having to start all over again, or Phyllis' battle with cancer 15 years ago, our faith in God has always helped to move us onward and upward."

Republican Vance Cheek Jr., Johnson City's former mayor, also wasn't judgmental about Davis' TV ad.

"I do not believe that anybody has a copyright or trademark on being a Christian or conservative," Cheek noted. "If a candidate is into labels and wants to use that, that is their business."

Cheek, who gets around on a motorized cart, stressed his faith has lifted him up in dealing with a bone condition called osteogenesis imperfecta.

"I have literally been written off many, many times healthwise, particularly as a child," Cheek related. "I think it's great that I have a larger purpose in life win, lose or draw (in the congressional campaign). I have believed in John 9, verses 1 through 3 when Christ has brought to him a blind man and they ask him �Who sinned to make this man blind - his father or mother?' Christ said �Neither sinned. He was this way.' And then of course he is healed by the mud Christ puts on his eyes and told to go forward. I've always felt I did know my purpose in life."

Another Republican, Johnson City Vice Mayor Phil Roe, indicated his Christian faith is a deeply personal matter.

"People in this district are concerned that they are electing someone of faith," said Roe, a physician. "The Christian faith I have had for many years and reaffirm on a daily basis is private with me, and I have tried to live that faith. People have looked at me and had a chance to evaluate what my faith is. ... This campaign has really made it stronger. People will say �Dr. Roe, I'm praying for you.' I can tell that. It's been an uplifting thing. It has brought me closer to my faith."

Democrat Alan Howell, a Johnson City restaurant owner, said he is marketing himself as someone who understands "the business of government" as opposed to being a Christian.

"I'm guided by ethics, not personal religious beliefs," Howell said. "I think honesty, integrity, truth and compassion for the poor are my guiding principles. If that fits the Christian mold, so be it."

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