Election Day proved once again that every vote counts. Voter turnout was tremendous throughout District 40, and our race for the State House of Representatives was extremely close.
We have been waiting for final certifications; and it appears that with over 6500 votes cast, our campaign came within 57 votes of victory – less than 1%. Mr. James Hale will be the Democratic Party’s candidate in the November election. I extend congratulations and good wishes to him and his supporters.
Our campaign was, in the truest sense, a grassroots effort. To my friends, family, supporters, and the many volunteers who worked so tirelessly, my family and I will be forever grateful. Your energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement made our campaign possible. I am honored and humbled by the faith and confidence you have shown in me, and I will never forget it.
Thank you again for your support.
Tomorrow, August 5, is Primary Election Day in Tennessee. I want to encourage you to take time and exercise your civic duty by heading to the polls. Since childhood, I can remember being fascinated by Election Day and seeing the democratic process in action. There are numerous elections being held, from county officials to statewide offices, and everyone’s voice needs to be heard. If you need any information on precinct location please visit the Secretary of State’s website.
These past months have been a true pleasure for me as I’ve met individuals from all over District 40. I’ve had the opportunity to discuss the issues that matter most— from jobs and our local economy, to our bridges and children’s education. However, every voter I spoke with had one concern in common: our citizens are tired of inaction and political infighting at the State Capitol.
From Day One, my campaign has been about bringing focused leadership back to the State House and truly working for the citizens of District 40. Tomorrow, we can come one step closer to bringing the right kind of leadership to Nashville.
I hope to see you at the polls.
-Jamie
Early Voting begins statewide tomorrow. I encourage everyone to get out vote, and don’t forget to tell your family and friends. Details about dates and times for Early Voting in all three counties of the 40th District can be found below. Hope to see you all at the polls.
Macon County
Macon County Election Commission, 111 East Locust Street
(across from the City of Lafayette Police Department)
July 16 – July 31
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Late nights are 29th and 30th until 7:00 p.m.
DeKalb County
July 16 – July 31, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Thursday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Smith County
Turner Building, Election Commission Office
July 16 – July 23, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
July 26-30, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
July 17, 24, 31, Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lessons learned on the Campaign Trail
Summers in middle Tennessee have always been chocked full of festivals, ball games, and local fundraisers. These events provide communities with a chance to band together for those in need and the opportunity to simply come together.
Read more.
Short video of me thanking supporters.
I have filed my qualifying papers in DeKalb, Macon, and Smith counties to become your next District 40 State Representative.
It’s time somebody started working for you.
Our representation in Nashville has lost sight of what the people of our district need and that means it’s time we had stronger leadership at the capitol. I promise to take on the real problems and find solutions, rather than play political games when so many in the district are hurting.
My top priorities as your State Representative will be jobs, education, and infrastructure.
Jobs are leaving our communities at a pace we’ve never seen before. Students and teachers aren’t receiving our utmost support in the classroom. Bridges, roads, and public utilities continue to deteriorate, without any sign of assistance from our current representation. I will tackle all these complex issues with a responsible, common sense approach that won’t put additional strain on our already struggling, working families. The families and businesses that are the strength of our communities have my utmost commitment.
Continue reading »
I began the weekend in Lafayette with remarks and a great question and answer session with a group of concerned citizens on Friday night. On Saturday, I started out the morning at the Brush Creek Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, then joined the Smith County Democratic Women at Robbie’s in Carthage later in the morning.
There is nothing quite like connecting with people one-on-one and seeing old friends and supporters. I spent the majority of the afternoon going door-to-door in Macon County and finished the day with the DeKalb County High School baseball team at its chili supper fundraiser and the DeKalb County Relay for Life Dinner on the Square. It is apparent that the people of the 40th District are ready for its representative to take on the real problems and challenges facing us all. It’s time somebody started working for you.
On February 6th, I had the great honor of speaking to the Dekalb County Democratic Party at their mass meeting. Audio from my speech is available, and I invite you to listen.
The link below is hosted by radio station WJLE in Smithville, Tennessee. Once you go to the website, you will find the link to my remarks located about two-thirds of the way down the page.
Jobs, Education, Economy are Key Priorities
CARTHAGE — Calling for action to create jobs, improve education and strengthen the economy, Jamie Winkler, a Carthage native, today announced he is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the State House of Representatives District 40 serving Dekalb, Macon, and Smith counties.
“It’s time our representatives paid attention to what the people of our District need and that means it’s time we had stronger leadership and better representation in Nashville. I’ll take on the real problems facing our families and find solutions to create jobs, improve education, and grow our economy, starting with improvements to the critical lifeline that serves our economy, our roads and bridges,” said Winkler. “The state budget is tightening and it must be managed without placing more burdens on already struggling working families.” The District 40 seat is presently held by Terri Lynn Weaver.
“Issues critical to our families are not getting the attention or action they need. Jobs are leaving our communities at a pace we’ve never seen before. Bankruptcies are rising dramatically, hurting lenders and ruining personal credit. Job losses are splitting families apart. Students and teachers, who are key to our future, need our utmost support. Bridges providing essential links between our communities are closed or on the verge of closing,” said Winkler, who was born and raised in Smith County, where he and his wife, Amber, are raising their son, Jack. Winkler grew up working on his family’s cattle and tobacco farm, and graduated from Smith County High School, the University of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee College of Law.
“These are problems we see and we struggle with every day but there’s no sign our leaders see these problems or understand the struggle. Solutions are ignored for pure politics or unrealistic ideals,” Winkler said. “The hard-working people of this district deserve better. I’m committed to the families and businesses who are the strength of our communities. We need a common sense approach to the complex problems we face. During this campaign, I look forward to talking with you and hearing more from you as we work together to make a difference and deal with these challenges.”
Winkler is an attorney with Bellar & Winkler in Carthage, engaging in a general civil and business legal practice and represents various governmental entities. Winkler serves as Sunday school superintendent and teaches the adult Sunday school class at Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Pleasant Shade, Tenn., where he has been a member for 22 years. He sits on the board of the Smith County Help Center and is a Rotary member.
