COMMENTARY  

There is a nationwide struggle for the soul of the Republican party. It is authenticity versus elitism, representative government versus bureaucracy, America First versus the administrative state, grassroots citizens versus the establishment.

Living in the great state of Tennessee does not insulate us from this struggle. As we’ve seen across the country, some of the worst Republicans come from red states. Thus, the state of the Republican Party in Williamson County mirrors this broader scene across the country.

If you consider the perspective of establishment republicans, the grassroots is a major threat to their lifestyles, careers, social circles and finances. This is why they treat grassroots conservatives with such contempt. The establishment has been running things for a long time and they don’t take kindly to conservatives that are not part of their club.

A recent exchange between newly elected Williamson County GOP chairman Steve Hickey and long-time Republican State Senator Todd Gardenhire perfectly illustrates this (click to watch video).