CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Montgomery County Democrats gathered for the second annual Blue South Banquet on Thursday night at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center. Those in attendance heard from U.S Senate candidates Marquita Bradshaw, Gloria Johnson and Civil Miller Watkins. Several other politicians also spoke, including Congressional candidate Megan Barry.

The banquet kicked off with acknowledgements from Clarksville-Montgomery County School Board candidates Bernard Carter Jr., District 6, and Ritchie Patton, District 2. Patton directed his attention toward enhancing programs within public schools, allocating resources for mental health initiatives and bolstering efforts for teacher retention.

Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Sen. Charlene Oliver at Blue South Banquet, Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024.(Lily Russell)
Democratic nominee for U.S Congree, Megan Barry at Blue South Banquet, Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
School Board candidate Ritchie Patton at Blue South Banquet Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024.. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Allie Phillips, Democratic nominee for House District 75 at Blue South Banquet, Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024.. (Lily Russell)
Councilmember Karen Reynolds at Blue South Banquet, Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024.. (Lily Russell)
Councilmember Karen Reynolds at Blue South Banquet Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)
Montgomery County Democrats host 2nd annual Blue South Banquet at Wilma Rudolph Event Center, April 25, 2024. (Lily Russell)

Democratic nominee for state House District 67 incumbent Rep. Ronnie Glynn also spoke, addressing the recent failure of Gov. Bill Lee’s school voucher legislation. “We won a battle, a battle that was about vouchers,” Glynn said. “Those vouchers will be back; our governor made it clear he will bring it back again, and we have to make sure that doesn’t happen.” Glynn emphasized the importance of coming together as a whole and spreading the word to others.

Montgomery County Democratic Chairman Charles Uffelman addressed the room saying this is what it means to build the blue South. “We are not going to win until we learn to be a team and love each other,” Uffelman said. “That is what these events do.”

One of those last to speak was Gloria Johnson, candidate for U.S Senate. Johnson explained she is excited to start her 95-county tour in the coming weeks. “We have to talk to everyone,” Johnson said. “Not only Democrats, but independents and Republicans.”

Proceeds from last night’s event go directly to support Democratic nominees in Montgomery County. For more, go to the Montgomery County Democratic party website.

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