On the Road
On the Road: Meeting With Governor Palin
February 7th, 2010 2:15 PM
Before her speech to the National Tea Party Convention in Nashville this week, I was honored to meet with Former Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska.
I was honored to spend time with another working mother who also has a special needs child, who is committed to conservative principles and hasn't needed a title to work for important causes. Governor Palin spent over an hour with a few folks offering encouragement to “those who’ve been fighting & haven’t given up” on making our government one that’s Constitutional and conservative. She also offered her thanks for the efforts of Tennesseans who worked very hard to carry our state during the November elections for McCain/Palin.
As Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party during our historic victories of 2008, I understand the impact of Governor Palin’s message that “Our government needs average folks with common sense, not elites. That’s what’s wrong now in DC.” Our success in 2008 was grounded in a consistent conservative message and I was honored to spend time with one of the best messengers our view has in America today.
Posted by Robin Smith | 3 Comment(s)
On the Road: Anderson and Grainger Counties
January 22nd, 2010 9:46 AM
Many thanks to the wonderful folks who came out to spend time with me this week in my travels across the Third District. In Anderson County, the Republican Party had a very well managed and smooth convention to select their candidates for county office. I wish all the nominees, including Mayor Rex Lynch, great success in the county elections.
I had an opportunity to speak to the group and my message was clear: I’m one of you. I know what it’s like to work and volunteer in local races that don’t often receive the attention they deserve. In my 20 years working in the trenches I have stood for conservative causes across Tennessee and that won’t change in Washington.
I was also honored to be invited to perform the installation of officers for the Grainger County Republican Women at the joint meeting with the Grainger County Republican Party. It’s an old cliché that Republican Women are the backbone of the party. The thing about old clichés is… they are usually true. The many friends I have made working with Republican Women over the years are some of my most treasured friendships.
We had a very informative and productive exchange at the meeting. I appreciate GOP Chairman David Bishop giving me the opportunity to address the group and I’m grateful for the expressions of support I received. Each of these events strengthens my belief that Tennesseans are looking for a representative who will go to Washington and fight for them instead of pursuing the perks of office. That’s the kind of representative I intend to be.
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
On the Road: Jefferson County GOP Meeting
January 16th, 2010 7:41 PM
I was pleased to join Republicans from across Jefferson County for their meeting on Saturday. Republicans in Jefferson County have been working to elect good men and women and increase our majorities for many years. I am proud to have so many friends in the area from my years of working for the conservative cause.
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On the Road: Speaking to the Bridger's Service
January 15th, 2010 3:59 PM
What a great Thursday evening in January! I was honored to share the stage with Tennessee Representative Vince Dean at Abba’s House (
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On the Road: Christmas Wishes
December 22nd, 2009 10:04 AM
Christmas means
traditions, family fellowship, and a time of reflection through the lens of the
Christian faith. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed the coming birth:
“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will
be upon His shoulder, And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Our family prays
for you, your family, our nation and our world to personally experience the
Gift of Christmas during this season. His love, joy and provision are
Gifts to us during this holiday season and a comfort and source of strength
daily.
Robin, Scott,
Callie & Caleb
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
On the Road: Republican Work Yields Results
December 15th, 2009 10:03 AM
It's been a big two weeks for Republicans in Tennessee. Both democrat candidates for Congress in the Third District decided to leave the race, Congressman John Tanner announced his retirement and Monday, Congressman Bart Gordon also announced he will not seek reelection. After the success we enjoyed as a party in 2008, these retirements show the work done by countless Republicans for many years was worth it. We still have much to do, but as a former Chairman of the Tennessee Republican Party, I am proud of the work we have done and thank each Republican for your dedication.
I have a new commentary on RedState.com about these events. I hope you will take a moment to read it.
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
On the Road: Remembering Sacrifices on Pearl Harbor Day
December 7th, 2009 8:30 AM
On December 7, 1941 forces of the Japanese Empire launched a surprise attack on the American Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor and spurred our entry into World War II. The generations that follow "the greatest" generation can never fully repay the debt we owe for their sacrifice in winning the war and returning home to build the nation we treasure today. We can honor them by never forgetting the lesson of Pearl Harbor: Never let down our guard or we can lose our freedom.
I ask all to commit to two things on this historic day:
1. Thank at least one veteran of service in some way through an act of respect and kindness.
2. Tell your children or young members of your family about the significance of this “Day of Infamy”.
When we celebrate those who sacrifice for our freedoms and we commit to the legacy of our history, our nation is strengthened by our thanks and knowledge.
The World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.
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On the Road: Remembering Thanksgiving in Difficult Times
November 25th, 2009 12:03 AM
In 1621 settlers living in the Plymouth Colony who came to this continent from their native Europe to escape religious persecution held a celebration of their autumn harvest. To their celebration, they invited members of the local Wampanoag tribe and the first observance of the holiday we call Thanksgiving took place in North America.
Little did those men and women of Plymouth know their desire for religious and other freedoms would be the first humble foundations of the nation that would grow to be an inspiration to mankind and a beacon of freedom to the world.
This week we renew this great tradition as families gather across Tennessee to give thanks for the blessings bestowed upon our nation and to us individually. As we live our daily lives, it can become easy to lose sight of the blessings we have. It can also be easy to forget how important it is to give thanks for the freedoms we have. As we enjoy the time with our families, the food and – of course – the football, it is our responsibility to remember the men and women who are defending our nation around the world on this holiday. At the Smith table, there will be a spirit of thanks for those who cannot be with their families because their duty calls them to stand between us and modern forms of tyranny.
Our nation faces great issues that threaten our freedom and will decide the legacy we pass on to our children. America is engaged in two wars against terror. Our economy continues to struggle with too many of us looking for answers as we look for jobs. Our representatives in Washington seem to ignore our voices but focus on a political agenda. While the challenges we face are great, let's choose to remember that the first official observance of Thanksgiving came from President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War, an historical time of division.
In his Thanksgiving Proclamation of 1863, President Lincoln stated, “The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added which are of so extraordinary a nature that they can not fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.”
As we recognize our blessings this year, be encouraged and strengthened in knowing we have always met the challenges of the day and emerged even stronger. My convictions are made more sure that we are able to do so, yet again.
I hope your family has a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
Posted by Robin Smith | 0 Comment(s)
On the Road: Honors for Oak Ridge
November 16th, 2009 9:59 AM
This week, the Top500 listing ranked the “Jaguar” computer at Oak Ridge as the fastest in the world. Also listed was the University of Tennessee’s “Kraken” computer at number 3 in the rankings.
Congratulations to both Oak Ridge National Laboratories (ORNL) and the University of Tennessee for their continued pursuit of excellence in technology and research. The computational sciences are the foundation for research in areas of energy, medicine, transportation and innovation in consumer products. In the global economy, the leadership at both ORNL and UT has positioned the Tennessee Technology Corridor to be the epicenter of world-class research and development.
We can all be proud that these achievements are happening here in Tennessee. Placing our state at the forefront of research and working closely with the talented scientists at Oak Ridge will be a priority of mine as a member of Congress.
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