Tinsley, Gaither Weave Tangled Web

A police report reveals trouble is brewing between Sumner County Commissioner Luke Tinsley and his former campaign manager, Travis Gaither. Here's more from SCOOP Nashville:

Lebanon Police say 21-year-old Travis Gaither called 911 and claimed Sumner County Commissioner & State Representative candidate Luke Tinsley forced him to withdraw cash from an ATM and give it to him. Gaither then chased the vehicle, providing updates to the dispatcher, asking police to meet him at Tinsley’s house. The investigation showed the money was a loan, and he didn’t think he had to pay it back. He was charged with misuse of 911 and possession of the marijuana in this glovebox. Gaither is Tinsley’s former campaign manager for his State Representative run.

 

Tinsley noted that Gaither put up a bit of an argument because he felt, due to their friendship, the debt should have been forgiven. When police spoke with Gaither he denied telling 911 that he was robbed or forced to do anything, rather that he wanted officers to meet him at Mr. Tinsley’s house. After reviewing the 911 recording the officer determined that to be untrue and that Gaither had, in fact, told 911 dispatch he was forced to hand over cash at an automated teller machine and that he was giving updates to dispatch while chasing the perpetrator. After this investigation and upon a tow search of Gaither’s vehicle, officers also discovered a “green leafy substance” in his glove compartment believed to be marijuana.

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Black Backs Challenger to Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver

The Nashville Post reports that former Congressman Diane Black is backing County Commissioner Luke Tinsley in his challenger to 40th district state representative Terri Lynn Weaver.

State Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver (R-Lancaster) has drawn a Republican primary challenger in Sumner County Commissioner Luke Tinsley, and one of the district’s most prominent Republicans is behind him.

Former U.S. Rep. Diane Black, who ran for governor in 2018 and lives in House District 40, has endorsed Tinsley, who worked for Black in the past. 

Tinsley voted against funding for a teacher pay raise as well as the funds that would support improving the Sumner County Jail, building a new courthouse, and working to improve roads. While every teacher in Sumner County will see an increase in their paychecks come January 15th of this year, they should also know Tinsley stood in opposition to the funds necessary to make that raise possible. 

Black has long been a supporter of candidates for local elected office who oppose school funding initiatives. 

Tinsley v. Weaver

Sumner County Commissioner Luke Tinsley has made no secret of his disdain for State Representative Terri Lynn Weaver. In fact, it seems likely that Tinsley will challenge Weaver in the Republican primary for the 40th district House seat Weaver represents. That race would be in 2020.

Here's more from Tennessee Holler on a key question for Weaver:


Despite Rep. David Byrd apologizing ON TAPE to 1 of 3 women who say he sexually abused them in high school, Weaver tells (rumored primary challenger) Luke Tinsley she won’t ask Byrd to resign, defends disgraced Rep. Jeremy Durham who was accused of inappropriate sexual conduct – including sexual harassment – by 22 women.

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Tinsley Talks Taxes

In response to this story about Sumner County's pending budget challenges, County Commissioner Luke Tinsley offered some tweets to explain where he stands: