Five challengers for Middle Tennessee’s four congressional seats — and none of the Republican incumbents — talked policy and plans in a Nashville church Sunday night.
Held in Greater Bethel AME Church, the “candidate showdown” was hosted by faith-based social justice organization Nashville Organized for Action and Hope, commonly called NOAH.
The four Democrats and one independent candidate answered questions about health care, voting rights, gun violence, education and the environment during the event, often garnering applause from the more than 130 people in attendance. Near the altar below the stage where candidates were seated, NOAH left four empty chairs and pasted to them slips of paper with the names of the candidates who did not attend.
The Rev. Kelli X, pastor of The Village Church, said NOAH sent invitations to all candidates, including the Republican incumbents, by mail, email, phone and web form. A NOAH spokesperson said the organization sent all candidates the questions in advance.