Eaton and Alexander respond to Knoxville Church shooting (updated)

Since the original post, Senator Alexander has responded via Lee Pitts, his press secretary. This statement is to be attributed to Mr. Pitts:

“Senator Alexander was deeply saddened by last Sunday’s events. His thoughts and prayers are with the families, children and community affected by this tragedy."

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Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Kenneth Eaton has responded to my questions about the attack on the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church and the Matthew Shepard Act. The last part of his answer may be similar to the feelings of Bob Tuke, whose campaign has not returned my email asking him if he has a statement. But, like I said, the campaign hasn't returned my email, so it's impossible to know. Here is Mr. Eaton's email response in full, which he gave permission to be posted:

I do support the Matthew Shepard Act.

No matter your ideology, what happened in Knoxville is disheartening, and inexplicable. This is such a tragedy, our hearts and prayers go out to everyone involved, but my campaign is not going to use it for political gain.

Sincerely,

Kenneth Eaton

The Senatorials on the Knoxville Church Shooting

I've been looking around for what our U.S. Senators and candidates for Senate have had to say about the tragic attack on the members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Since it's this week's biggest story out of Tennessee and since the Senate voted in September on the Matthew Shepard Act, which would have added sexual orientation and gender identity to federal hate crimes laws, I think it's important to know what they have to say. While statements may not seem like much, at times like this, it helps the community heal when leaders reach out, whatever their positions may be on the specifics of policy.

Senator Bob Corker: As far as I can tell, Senator Corker was the first to issue a statement. He says that he has reached out to Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam. Although Senator Corker did not vote for the Matthew Shepard Act, he deserves praise for making his support of the Knoxville community and for local officials known so quickly. It's the right example.

Mike Padgett: I looked on the campaign site and at first didn't find anything. I also didn't recall the shooting being mentioned in any emails. So I contacted Terry Quillen, who pointed out the Knoxville Democrat's blog post dated July 28. His own First Baptist Church hosted a service of prayer for the community. Highlighting the bridge building between two very different congregations is also the right response.

Chris Lugo: Chris Lugo reacted to the news Monday by calling Tennessee Valley UU a "beacon of joy and hope in East Tennessee" and by urging comprehensive gun control.

Bob Tuke: I haven't found a statement yet, so I've asked the campaign for comment.

Kenneth Eaton: I didn't see anything on the main campaign site or on his blog. I've requested comment.

Senator Lamar Alexander: I couldn't find a statement at the Senate or campaign site and I've asked for comment from his campaign, too.

Again, I want to point out that a statement in itself isn't everything. The candidates may have reached out in other ways. I also want to be sure to add that I could have missed their statements. I hope to have updates on all the campaigns whose information I'm lacking.