Primary Results Send Message That Extremism on Immigration, Islam is not Good Politics
Tennesseans Demonstrate Priorities: Economy First, Comprehensive Immigration Reform Afterwards
Nashville, TN – Thursday’s gubernatorial primary results sent a strong message to politicians throughout the state that Tennesseans are by and large unswayed by anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim rhetoric. Proving pollsters correct, Tennesseans supported the most moderate, economy-focused candidates, while rejecting those candidates who pandered to extremist views on immigration and religious freedom.
To the dismay of most, this primary season in Tennessean has been replete with political theatre and anti-immigrant antics; from gubernatorial candidates claiming that Islam, the world’s second largest religion, is a cult perhaps undeserving of First Amendment protections, to campaign ads focused on securing “our border” with Mexico, while only 6% of votes indicate that immigration is the most important issue (56% say the economy). We even saw a legislative delegation visit Arizona to present a commendation to Governor Brewer for a harsh, new anti-immigrant law, delivered after a federal judge determined it to be unconstitutional (and un-American).
“It’s disturbing that any candidate, let alone one running for governor of our state, would consider disregarding the interests of a significant percentage of Tennesseans,” says Stephen Fotopulos, Executive Director of the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition. “These attempts to marginalize Tennessee's newest residents for political gain are particularly misguided considering the growing importance of the immigrant vote.”
Tennessee is home to over 250,000 thousands immigrants, one third of whom are naturalized U.S. citizens eligible to vote. This number is steadily increasing, as the foreign-born population in Tennessee is the fastest growing demographic in the state. Additionally, there are 60,000 Muslims who have made Tennessee their home – the majority of whom are U.S. born and also eligible to vote. As these numbers grow, Tennessee politicians will realize that lambasting these growing populations is an unsound long-term political strategy.









