State Sen. Ron Ramsey Subscribes To “Birther” Conspiracy Philosophy

Tennessee Democratic Party Chairman Chip Forrester called the lieutenant governor’s remark today questioning the president’s citizenship further proof that the Republican leadership in the General Assembly is out of touch with real Tennesseans.

“Ron Ramsey would rather pander to a far-right wing group of conspiracy theorists than govern in a pragmatic approach that most Tennesseans expect from their political leaders,” Forrester said of the Blountville state senator. “Many families in Tennessee are struggling. They are concerned about paying their mortgages, their utility bills and their grocery bills.

“Why in the world would Mr. Ramsey even entertain such a ludicrous idea when our state is facing tough times? Shouldn’t he be more worried about how proposed budget cuts will affect vital services to our state? Shouldn’t he be more worried about creating jobs for our communities and better educational opportunities for our children?”

Ramsey questioned President Obama’s citizenship at the Nashville Republican’s First Tuesday Club during a question and answer session.

“I don’t know whether President Obama is a citizen of the United States or not,” Ramsey reportedly told the group after it was suggested that no one running for president be put on a Tennessee ballot unless proof of natural born citizenship is provided.

Ramsey’s comments suggest that he would support legislation sponsored by Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn, who represents Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District. She has sponsored legislation that would require future presidential candidates to show their birth certificates proving Constitutional requirements to serve.

Blackburn had been scheduled to speak at the upcoming Tea Party Convention, which begins Thursday here in Nashville, before bailing out after intense media scrutiny began questioning the for-profit motives of the event’s organizers.

“I cannot believe that Mr. Ramsey would stoop to the same level as Marsha Blackburn and the other ‘birthers’ out there on the lunatic fringe,” Forrester said. “This is an embarrassment to all Tennesseans. Our political leaders need to quit playing these divisive games.

“Instead they need to focus on good jobs for our people, good educations for our children and a good quality of life for everyone,” he added.