September 15, 2006

Bredesen's Refusal to Get Tough on Child Molesters Makes National News

Jay Bush wants to know why Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen consistently fights efforts to toughen Tennessee's laws punishing child molesters, even as many other states are doing so - an embarrassing fact that has garnered national media attention. The good news: Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Bryson would be tougher on child molesters than Bredesen if Bryson is elected in November.

"One of the reasons I am running for Governor is that I support laws that are tougher than Jessica's Law and Phil Bredesen has refused to fund them," said Sen. Bryson. "We have a multi-million dollar surplus yet we are a national joke because our Governor won't fund prison time for child molesters. When I am Governor, Tennessee will be a model for how to punish those who violate the innocence of our most vulnerable citizens."

Earlier this year, state Senators, including Senator Bryson, tried to make a capital offense of killing a child during an attempted rape or rape. In budget talks, Governor Bredesen refused to fund it.

Out on the campaign trail, you can bet Gov. Bredesen will be touting his Cover Tennessee and Pre-K programs as good for the children of Tennessee. If you happen to be at one of his campaign stops, do something for the children of Tennessee: Ask Gov. Bredesen why he fought efforts to strengthen Tennessee's laws protecting children against child molesters.